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A2 verb #6,500 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

يخطب

yakhtub Top 6,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces يخطب en 30 secondes

Explication يخطب in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'yakhtubu' as a simple vocabulary word related to 'family' and 'marriage.' Think of it as the step before 'yatazawwaj' (marries). You might use it in very simple sentences like 'The man proposes' (Al-rajul yakhtub). You don't need to worry about the complex cultural rituals or the alternative meaning of 'giving a speech' yet. Just focus on the fact that this is how a man starts the process of getting married in Arabic. You will likely see it in pictures of rings or families sitting together. Remember: 'Yakhtub' = Engagement/Proposing.

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At A2, you begin to use 'yakhtubu' in more complete sentences with prepositions. You should know that we say 'yakhtub min' (propose to/from). You can describe family events: 'My brother wants to propose to his colleague' (Akhi yureed an yakhtub zamilatahu). You should also recognize the related word 'Khatib' (fiancé) and 'Makhtouba' (engaged woman). This is the level where you start to distinguish between the act of proposing and the state of being engaged. You might also encounter the past tense 'Khataba' in stories about couples.

At the B1 level, you should be aware of the dual meaning of the root Kh-T-B. You need to distinguish between 'Yakhtubu al-Imam' (The Imam gives a sermon) and 'Yakhtubu al-shabb' (The young man proposes). You can now use the word in the context of social traditions. You might discuss 'Al-khitbah' as a social period and use the verb to describe the negotiations between families. You should be comfortable using different tenses and understanding the cultural weight of the word in TV shows and daily news about celebrities getting engaged.

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At B2, you use 'yakhtubu' to discuss more nuanced social issues, such as 'early engagement' or the 'costs of engagement.' You understand the legal implications of 'yakhtubu' in Islamic or civil law in Arab countries. You can use the verb in more complex grammatical structures, such as passive forms ('tukhtabu al-fatat' - the girl is being proposed to) or nominalized forms ('khutubatuha' - her engagement). You also begin to recognize the oratorical 'yakhtubu' in political speeches, analyzing how a leader 'addresses' (yakhtubu fi) the nation.

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At the C1 level, you explore the literary and historical uses of 'yakhtubu.' You can analyze classical texts where the root refers to 'seeking' or 'requesting' in a broader sense. You understand the rhetorical power of the 'khutbah' (speech) and how the verb 'yakhtubu' is used to describe persuasive oratory. You are also sensitive to regional variations in how engagement is described and can use the verb 'yakhtubu' in sophisticated debates about modern vs. traditional marriage practices in the Middle East. You might use it in metaphors about 'proposing' ideas or deals.

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At C2, you have a masterly grasp of the root Kh-T-B. You can differentiate between subtle shades of meaning in classical poetry where 'yakhtubu' might describe a suitor's poetic plea. You understand the deep etymological connection between 'speech' and 'marriage proposal'—both being formal requests made in public. You can use the verb in any register, from the most formal legal document to the most casual street slang, and you can explain the cultural evolution of the term to others. You are essentially a native-level user of the word's full semantic range.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

يخطب en 30 secondes

The verb 'yakhtubu' primarily means to formally propose marriage or get engaged within a family context.
It is also used to mean giving a speech or sermon, such as a Friday prayer sermon.
Culturally, it represents a formal agreement between two families, not just two individuals.
Grammatically, it is a Form I verb often used with the preposition 'min' for the person being proposed to.

The Arabic verb يخطب (yakhtubu) is a cornerstone of social and familial vocabulary in the Arab world. At its most fundamental level, it refers to the formal act of a man seeking a woman's hand in marriage. Unlike the Western concept of 'dating' or a casual 'engagement,' al-khitbah is a recognized social contract and a public declaration of intent. It is the bridge between being strangers (or acquaintances) and becoming a married couple. In many Middle Eastern cultures, this process involves the man's family visiting the woman's family to make a formal request. Therefore, when someone says 'Huwa yakhtubu' (He is proposing/getting engaged), they are describing a significant life milestone that involves not just two individuals, but two families and often an entire community.

The Social Context: In traditional settings, the act of 'yakhtubu' is the first official step. It is the moment the relationship moves from the private or introductory phase into the formal sphere. During this period, the couple is considered 'makh-toubeen' (engaged).
The Dual Meaning: It is crucial for learners to note that the root خ-ط-ب also relates to public speaking. While 'yakhtubu' in a marriage context means to propose, 'yakhtubu' in a religious or political context means to deliver a sermon or a speech (like the Friday Khutbah). Context is the only way to distinguish between a man getting engaged and a man giving a speech.
Grammatical Nuance: The verb is typically followed by the preposition 'min' (from) when referring to the person whose hand is being sought. For example: 'Yakhtubu min a’ilatiha' (He is proposing from/to her family).

قرر الشاب أن يخطب ابنة جاره بعد أن تخرج من الجامعة.
Translation: The young man decided to propose to his neighbor's daughter after he graduated from university.

In modern urban settings, the usage of 'yakhtubu' has evolved slightly to include more contemporary engagement styles, but the weight of the word remains. It implies seriousness, honor, and a commitment to building a future. You will hear this word frequently in family discussions, wedding planning, and even in romantic dramas where the 'proposal' is the climax of the story. Understanding this word gives you a window into the values of commitment and family hierarchy in Arabic-speaking societies.

هل تنوي أن تخطبها رسمياً هذا الشهر؟
Translation: Do you intend to propose to her formally this month?

Furthermore, the verb carries a sense of 'requesting' or 'seeking.' In ancient Arabic literature, the root was used for any significant matter being discussed or requested, but over centuries, it became specialized for marriage and oratory. For a learner, mastering this verb means being able to navigate conversations about relationships, family expectations, and social milestones with precision.

Using the verb يخطب correctly requires an understanding of its conjugation and the prepositions that usually accompany it. As a Form I verb (Fatha-Damma pattern in the present tense: ya-kh-tu-bu), it follows standard conjugation rules for triliteral roots. However, the syntax surrounding it is what provides the necessary context to distinguish it from its homonym 'to give a speech.'

The 'Min' Construction: To say 'propose to [someone],' you almost always use the preposition من (min). Example: 'Khataba Ahmad min Fatima' (Ahmad proposed to Fatima). This literally translates to 'Ahmad requested engagement from Fatima.'
Direct Object Usage: In some dialects and modern contexts, you might see the verb used with a direct object suffix. 'Khatabaha' (He proposed to her). This is common in storytelling and informal speech.
Tense Shifts: The past tense خطب (khataba) is used to announce that the engagement has already occurred. The present tense يخطب (yakhtubu) can indicate a current state of being engaged or the act of proposing right now.

ذهب والدي لـ يخطب لي ابنة عمه.
Translation: My father went to propose to his cousin's daughter on my behalf.

When constructing sentences, think about the subject. In traditional Arabic culture, the subject is almost always the male. While a woman is 'being engaged' (tukhtab), the active verb 'yakhtubu' is traditionally attributed to the man. If you want to say 'They got engaged,' you might use the reciprocal Form VIII verb خطبا (khataba - they both) or the passive-like structure 'tamma khatbu-huma.'

متى ينوي أخوك أن يخطب؟
Translation: When does your brother intend to get engaged?

In more complex sentences, 'yakhtubu' can be used to describe the process of searching for a spouse. 'Huwa yakhtubu fi kull makan' (He is looking to get engaged everywhere/asking around). This highlights the 'seeking' aspect of the root.

If you are living in an Arabic-speaking country or consuming Arabic media, يخطب is unavoidable. It is a word that sits at the intersection of family life and social gossip. You will hear it in the following contexts:

Family Gatherings: Aunts and grandmothers are notorious for asking young men, 'Mata takhtub?' (When will you get engaged?). It is a standard question at every holiday and wedding.
Soap Operas (Musalsalat): The 'proposal scene' is a staple of Arabic drama. The dialogue often revolves around the man asking for permission to 'yakhtub' the leading lady, focusing on the tension between families.
Legal and Religious Contexts: When applying for marriage licenses or discussing family law, the 'khitbah' period is legally defined in many jurisdictions. You will hear officials use this verb to define the status of the couple.

سمعت أن ابنهم يخطب فتاة من خارج العائلة.
Translation: I heard that their son is proposing to a girl from outside the family.

In the digital age, you will also see this verb on social media. When a young man posts a picture of two rings or a formal gathering at a home, the comments will be flooded with 'Mubarak! Mata khatabt?' (Congratulations! When did you get engaged?). It is a word that carries an aura of celebration and community approval.

جاء ليطلب يدها، هو الآن يخطبها من والدها.
Translation: He came to ask for her hand; he is now proposing to her from her father.

Interestingly, you might also hear it in news reports when a politician or a religious leader is 'yakhtub' (giving a speech). As a learner, you must rely on the lack of a 'bride' or 'family' in the sentence to realize the speaker is talking about an oration rather than an engagement. For example, 'Yakhtub al-Imam fi al-masjid' (The Imam is giving a sermon in the mosque) vs 'Yakhtub al-shabb fi al-bayt' (The young man is proposing in the house).

Because Arabic is a language of roots and patterns, words that look similar can have vastly different meanings. For learners of Arabic, يخطب presents a few specific pitfalls that can lead to confusion or awkward social situations.

Confusing Engagement with Marriage: A common mistake is using 'yakhtubu' (to engage) when you mean 'yatazawwaju' (to marry). The 'khitbah' is only the promise to marry. Saying someone 'khataba' when they actually had a wedding is factually incorrect and socially confusing.
The Speech/Marriage Homonym: As mentioned, 'yakhtubu' also means to give a speech. Beginners often get confused when they hear 'Al-ra’ees yakhtub' (The president is giving a speech) and wonder who the president is getting engaged to. Always look for the preposition 'min' (from/to someone) to identify the marriage context.
Incorrect Prepositions: English speakers often want to say 'yakhtubu ma’a' (engage with). In Arabic, you engage 'from' (min) the family or the person. Using 'ma’a' sounds like you are both performing the act of proposing to a third party.

خطأ: هو يخطب مع مريم.
صح: هو يخطب مريم.
Correction: Don't use 'with' (ma'a); use the verb directly or with 'min'.

Another mistake involves the gender of the verb. Because 'yakhtubu' is the active form (the one doing the proposing), a woman does not 'takhtubu' a man in traditional linguistic usage. She is 'tukhtabu' (passive - being proposed to) or 'makhtouba' (adjective - engaged). Using the active verb for a woman might imply she is the one initiating the formal family visit, which is culturally rare and linguistically non-standard in this context.

لا تقل: هي تخطب أحمد.
قل: هي مخطوبة لأحمد.
Translation: Don't say 'She is proposing to Ahmad' (active); say 'She is engaged to Ahmad' (state).

Finally, avoid confusing 'yakhtubu' with 'yukhbitu' (to frustrate/fail) or other similar-sounding roots. The emphasis on the 'T' (ط) is heavy and distinct (emphatic T), and failing to pronounce it correctly can change the root's meaning entirely.

While يخطب is the standard formal term for engagement, Arabic offers several synonyms and related terms depending on the stage of the relationship and the level of formality.

طلب يد (Talaba Yada): Literally 'to ask for the hand.' This is a very common idiomatic alternative to 'yakhtubu.' It emphasizes the act of asking the father or family for permission. Example: 'Talaba yada-ha min abi-ha' (He asked for her hand from her father).
ارتبط (Irtabata): To become linked or associated. This is a more modern, slightly less formal way to say someone is 'in a relationship' or 'engaged.' It is often used by younger generations to describe a serious commitment that might not have reached the formal 'khitbah' stage yet.
قرأ الفاتحة (Qara’a al-Fatiha): Literally 'to read the Fatiha' (the opening chapter of the Quran). In many Muslim cultures, this is the ritual act that seals the engagement. People will say 'Qara’u al-Fatiha' to mean they are now officially engaged.

بدلاً من 'يخطب'، يمكنك قول: 'ينوي طلب يدها'.
Translation: Instead of 'propose,' you can say: 'He intends to ask for her hand.'

Comparing 'yakhtubu' to 'yushariku' (to partner) or 'yuzawwiju' (to marry off) helps clarify its specific niche. 'Yakhtubu' is about the *intent* and the *formal announcement*. It is the most respectful way to describe a man's pursuit of a wife in a traditional framework.

هو لا يريد فقط أن يرتبط بها، بل يريد أن يخطبها رسمياً.
Translation: He doesn't just want to be 'linked' to her; he wants to propose to her formally.

Understanding these alternatives allows you to choose the right level of formality. If you are talking to a friend about a crush, 'irtabata' might be fine. If you are discussing a cousin's upcoming wedding arrangements with elders, 'yakhtubu' is the appropriate, respectful choice.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The reason 'speech' and 'engagement' share a word is that in olden times, a proposal was a formal public speech made by the suitor or his representative to the tribe of the bride.

Guide de prononciation

UK /jaχ.tˤu.bu/

US /jæk.tʊ.bu/

Stress is on the first syllable 'Yakh'.

Rime avec

Yaktubu (he writes) Yashrubu (he drinks) Yahrubu (he flees) Yaskunu (he dwells) Yarkubu (he rides) Yansuru (he supports) Yadh-habu (he goes - partial rhyme) Yaskutu (he remains silent)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'kh' as 'k' (making it sound like 'yak-tu-bu').
Pronouncing 't' as a soft English 't' instead of the emphatic 'T'.
Confusing it with 'yakh-tabu' (to test).
Using 'i' instead of 'u' in the middle syllable.
Dropping the final 'u' in casual speech.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize but requires context to distinguish the two meanings.

Écriture 3/5

The 'kh' and 'T' sounds require correct spelling with 'kha' and 'Ta'.

Expression orale 4/5

Challenging pronunciation of the emphatic 'T' and the guttural 'Kh'.

Écoute 3/5

Must listen for prepositions like 'min' or 'fi' to understand the meaning.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

يتزوج (marries) رجل (man) امرأة (woman) بيت (house) قال (said)

Apprends ensuite

عقد (contract) موافقة (approval) عائلة (family) خاتم (ring) احتفال (celebration)

Avancé

بلاغة (eloquence) فصاحة (fluency) اقتران (pairing/union) قران (marriage link) خطابة (oratory)

Grammaire à connaître

Form I Verb Conjugation

أنا أخطب، أنت تخطب، هو يخطب.

Prepositional Usage (Min)

يخطب من (Propose to).

Prepositional Usage (Fi)

يخطب في (Give a speech in/to).

Passive Voice (Tukhtabu)

تُخطب الفتاة (The girl is proposed to).

Verbal Noun (Khitbah)

الخِطبة مرحلة جميلة.

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Exemples par niveau

الرجل يخطب الآن.

The man is proposing now.

Simple subject + verb.

هو يريد أن يخطب.

He wants to get engaged.

Verb after 'an' stays in present.

أخي يخطب فتاة جميلة.

My brother is proposing to a beautiful girl.

Subject + verb + object.

متى يخطب علي؟

When will Ali get engaged?

Question word + verb + subject.

هو يخطب مريم.

He is proposing to Maryam.

Direct object usage.

يخطب الشاب في البيت.

The young man proposes in the house.

Verb-Subject-Object order.

هل يخطب اليوم؟

Is he proposing today?

Yes/No question with 'hal'.

أنا أخطب غداً.

I am getting engaged tomorrow.

First person conjugation.

يخطب أحمد من عائلة طيبة.

Ahmad is proposing to (from) a good family.

Use of 'min' for family.

ذهب ليخطب ابنة عمه.

He went to propose to his cousin.

Purpose 'li' + present verb.

سوف يخطب في الشهر القادم.

He will get engaged next month.

Future particle 'sawfa'.

هل خطبتَ مريم فعلاً؟

Did you actually propose to Maryam?

Past tense second person.

يخطب الرجل الفتاة بخاتم ذهب.

The man proposes to the girl with a gold ring.

Instrumental 'bi' (with).

لا يخطب الشاب بدون عمل.

The young man doesn't propose without a job.

Negative 'la' + present.

أريد أن أخطبها رسمياً.

I want to propose to her formally.

Verb + object suffix 'ha'.

يخطب والدي لي فتاة.

My father is finding a girl for me to propose to.

Preposition 'li' (for me).

يخطب الإمام في المسجد كل جمعة.

The Imam gives a sermon in the mosque every Friday.

Note the change in meaning (speech).

من الصعب أن يخطب الشاب في هذه الظروف.

It is difficult for a young man to get engaged in these circumstances.

Impersonal expression 'min al-sa'b'.

يخطب الرجل ابنة جاره بعد موافقة الأهل.

The man proposes to his neighbor's daughter after the parents' approval.

Complex sentence with 'ba'da'.

كان يخطب في الناس عن الأخلاق.

He was giving a speech to the people about ethics.

Past continuous 'kana yakhtubu'.

لماذا لم يخطب حتى الآن؟

Why hasn't he proposed until now?

Negative past 'lam' + jussive.

يخطب الخاطب الفتاة ويقدم لها الهدايا.

The suitor proposes to the girl and gives her gifts.

Subject 'khatib' and verb 'yakhtubu' share the root.

يخطب بلسان فصيح أمام الجمهور.

He speaks with an eloquent tongue before the audience.

Adverbial phrase 'bi-lisan fasih'.

قالت الأم: ابني يخطب الشهر القادم.

The mother said: My son is getting engaged next month.

Direct speech.

يخطب السياسي في الجماهير ليقنعهم ببرنامجه.

The politician addresses the masses to convince them of his program.

Transitive usage for 'addressing'.

اعتاد الشباب أن يخطبوا بعد التخرج مباشرة.

Young men used to get engaged immediately after graduation.

Verb 'i'tada' + 'an' + plural verb.

يخطب الرجل المرأة لجمالها وأخلاقها.

A man proposes to a woman for her beauty and her character.

Reasoning 'li' + noun.

لا يصح أن يخطب الرجل على خطبة أخيه.

It is not permissible for a man to propose to someone already engaged to another.

Legal/Religious proverb.

يخطب المدير في الموظفين حول الأهداف الجديدة.

The manager addresses the employees about the new goals.

Professional context.

يخطب الشاب الفتاة من ولي أمرها.

The young man proposes to the girl through her legal guardian.

Technical term 'wali amr'.

كان يخطب ودها بكل الوسائل.

He was seeking her affection by all means.

Metaphorical use 'yakhtubu wadda' (seek love).

يخطب في الحفل بكلمات مؤثرة.

He gives a speech at the party with touching words.

Circumstantial context.

يخطب الكاتب في مقاله قضية العدالة الاجتماعية.

The writer addresses the issue of social justice in his article.

Abstract 'addressing' of an issue.

يخطب الرجل في المحافل الدولية مدافعاً عن حقوق الإنسان.

The man speaks in international forums defending human rights.

Formal oratorical usage.

يخطب الخاطب في المرأة لرجاحة عقلها.

The suitor seeks the woman for the soundness of her mind.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'rajahat 'aql'.

يخطب الود بالهدايا والكلمات اللطيفة.

One courts affection with gifts and kind words.

Passive-like general statement.

يخطب فيهم خطبة الوداع.

He delivers to them the farewell sermon.

Reference to 'Khutbat al-Wada'.

يخطب الشاب من بيت كرم وجود.

The young man proposes to a house of generosity and nobility.

Metonymy 'bayt' for 'family'.

يخطب المرء ما يشتهي من الدنيا بالعمل.

One seeks what he desires of the world through work.

Philosophical usage.

يخطب في الناس بلسان حاله لا بلسان مقاله.

He addresses people through his actions, not his words.

Idiomatic 'lisan hal' vs 'lisan maqal'.

يخطب في القوم ببيان يسحر الألباب.

He addresses the people with an eloquence that captivates the minds.

High literary style.

يخطب في ملكوت الله متأملاً في عظمته.

He addresses (communes with) the kingdom of God, contemplating His greatness.

Mystical/Sufi usage.

يخطب الفارس ود المنون في ساحة الوغى.

The knight seeks the 'affection' of death (courts death) on the battlefield.

Archaic poetic metaphor.

يخطب في المحكمة بلسان الدفاع.

He speaks in court as the voice of the defense.

Legal professional usage.

يخطب في أعماق النفس تساؤلات وجودية.

Existential questions address the depths of the soul.

Personification.

يخطب الشاب من منبت حسن.

The young man proposes to one from a good origin/upbringing.

Metaphorical 'manbat'.

يخطب فيهم بروح العصر وتحدياته.

He addresses them with the spirit of the age and its challenges.

Abstract sociopolitical usage.

يخطب في صمت الليل مناجياً ربه.

He speaks in the silence of the night, whispering to his Lord.

Spiritual 'munajat'.

Collocations courantes

يخطب ود

يخطب في الناس

يخطب رسمياً

يخطب ابنة

يخطب من

يخطب بلسان

يخطب لفترة

يخطب مجدداً

يخطب في الحفل

يخطب لغيره

Phrases Courantes

جاء يخطب

— He came to propose. Used when a man visits the house.

جاء يخطب ابنتنا.

متى ستخطب؟

— When will you get engaged? A very common social question.

يسأله أبوه: متى ستخطب؟

يخطب في المسجد

— He is giving a sermon in the mosque.

الشيخ يخطب في المسجد.

خطب مريم من أحمد

— He proposed to Maryam through (her guardian) Ahmad.

خطب مريم من أخيها.

يخطب بالخاتم

— He is proposing with the ring.

يخطبها بخاتم ماسي.

لا يخطب إلا جميلة

— He only proposes to beautiful women.

إنه مغرور، لا يخطب إلا جميلة.

يخطب ود الجماهير

— He is courting the public's favor.

السياسي يخطب ود الجماهير.

يخطب في حشد

— He is addressing a crowd.

يخطب في حشد كبير.

يخطب ببراعة

— He speaks skillfully.

يخطب ببراعة في المؤتمرات.

يخطب ليلة العيد

— He is getting engaged on Eid night.

سيخطب في ليلة العيد.

Souvent confondu avec

يخطب vs يكتب (yaktubu)

Means 'to write'. Only one letter difference (k vs kh), but very different meaning.

يخطب vs يخطئ (yukhti')

Means 'to make a mistake'. Similar root but different pattern and meaning.

يخطب vs يخطف (yakhtafu)

Means 'to kidnap' or 'to snatch'. Be careful with the last letter (f vs b)!

Expressions idiomatiques

"يخطب ود فلان"

— To court someone's favor or try to please them for a benefit.

الموظف يخطب ود المدير ليحصل على ترقية.

Neutral

"خطب على خطبة أخيه"

— To propose to someone who is already engaged (highly discouraged in Islam).

نهى النبي عن أن يخطب الرجل على خطبة أخيه.

Religious/Legal

"لسان حاله يخطب"

— His situation or actions speak louder than words.

لسان حاله يخطب بالنجاح.

Literary

"يخطب في وادٍ آخر"

— To speak about something completely irrelevant to the situation (like 'talking to a wall').

نحن نتحدث عن المال وهو يخطب في وادٍ آخر.

Informal

"خاطب الألباب"

— To address the intellect or minds.

هذا الكتاب يخاطب الألباب.

High Literary

"يخطب النجوم"

— To aim for something nearly impossible (courting the stars).

طموحه يخطب النجوم.

Poetic

"يخطب في الصم"

— To speak to those who won't listen.

كأنه يخطب في الصم.

Informal

"يخطب برأس مرفوع"

— To propose or speak with great pride.

يخطب برأس مرفوع أمام الجميع.

Neutral

"يخطب في غيابهم"

— To speak about people in their absence (often negatively).

لا يخطب في غيابهم إلا الجبان.

Neutral

"يخطب القلوب"

— To win people's hearts with speech.

كلامه يخطب القلوب.

Poetic

Facile à confondre

يخطب vs خُطبة (khutbah)

Same spelling as 'khitbah' in some scripts.

Khutbah (with damma) is a sermon; Khitbah (with kasra) is an engagement.

ألقى الإمام خُطبة (sermon). حضرنا حفل خِطبة (engagement).

يخطب vs خاطب (khataba)

Form III verb from the same root.

Khataba means to address or speak to someone directly; Yakhtubu is to propose or give a formal speech.

خاطبني بلطف (He addressed me kindly).

يخطب vs خَطَب (khataba)

Past tense of yakhtubu.

Khataba is the past (he proposed); Yakhtubu is the present (he proposes).

خَطَب مريم العام الماضي.

يخطب vs حطب (hatab)

Sounds similar.

Hatab means firewood. No relation to speaking or marriage.

نحتاج إلى حطب للنار.

يخطب vs خط (khatt)

Same root letters start.

Khatt means a line or calligraphy.

خطه جميل جداً.

Structures de phrases

[Subject] [Verb]

أحمد يخطب.

[Subject] [Verb] [min] [Family/Person]

يخطب من عائلتها.

[Subject] [Verb] [fi] [Place/Audience]

يخطب في المسجد.

[Subject] [Verb] [Object]

يخطب مريم.

[Subject] [Verb] [wadda] [Person]

يخطب ود المدير.

[Subject] [Verb] [li-] [Someone else]

يخطب لابنه فتاة.

[Subject] [Verb] [bi-lisan] [Description]

يخطب بلسان فصيح.

[Passive Subject] [Tukhtabu]

تُخطب الفتيات الصالحات.

Famille de mots

Noms

خطبة (khitbah - engagement)

خطبة (khutbah - sermon)

خطيب (khatib - fiancé/orator)

خطيبة (khatiba - fiancée)

مخاطبة (mukhataba - addressing)

Verbes

خاطب (khataba - to address someone)

تخاطب (takhataba - to converse)

اختطب (ikhtataba - to propose - archaic)

Adjectifs

مخطوب (makhtoub - engaged)

خطابي (khitabi - rhetorical)

Apparenté

زواج (marriage)

نكاح (marriage contract)

عرس (wedding)

مهر (dowry)

دبلة (engagement ring)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in social and religious contexts.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'yakhtubu' to mean 'marry'. → يتزوج (yatazawwaju)
Engagement is just a promise; marriage is the legal union. Don't mix them up.
Saying 'هو يخطب مع مريم'. → هو يخطب مريم.
In Arabic, you don't 'propose with' someone, you propose TO them (direct object or 'min').
Confusing 'khutbah' and 'khitbah'. → خِطبة (khitbah) for engagement.
The vowel change (i vs u) changes the meaning from engagement to sermon.
Pronouncing it like 'yaktubu'. → يخطب (yakhtubu)
This makes people think you are saying 'he is writing' instead of 'he is proposing'.
Using 'yakhtubu' for a woman initiating. → تُخطب (tukhtabu - passive)
In traditional phrasing, a woman is the one being proposed to.

Astuces

Preposition Power

Remember: 'Min' for marriage, 'Fi' for speech. This is the fastest way to understand the sentence.

Tea and Proposals

When a man goes to 'yakhtubu', he usually drinks tea with the girl's father. If the father drinks, it's a good sign!

Related Words

Learn 'Khatim' (ring) alongside 'yakhtubu'. They often appear in the same sentence.

The Aunt Question

If an older woman asks 'Mata takhtub?', she is politely (or not so politely) asking when you will get married.

The Emphatic T

Make sure to pronounce the 'ط' (Ta) deeply. It's different from the 'ت' (ta) in 'yaktubu' (he writes).

Public vs Private

Even though it's a proposal, 'yakhtubu' often happens in a room full of people (the families).

Drama Watch

Watch the first few episodes of any Arabic soap opera; you are guaranteed to hear this word within 20 minutes.

Spelling Check

Don't forget the dot on the 'Kha' (خ). Without it, it becomes 'Hattaba' (to collect wood).

The Orator Suitor

Imagine a suitor who is so nervous he starts giving a political speech instead of proposing. This links both meanings.

Root Kh-T-B

Think of it as 'The Root of Communication'. Whether it's a sermon or a proposal, you are communicating a big message.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Yakh!' (like 'Yuck') + 'Tubu' (like a tube). But it's not 'yuck'—it's a 'tube' of connection between two families. Or: The 'Khatib' (speaker) 'Khataba' (proposed) with a 'Khutbah' (speech).

Association visuelle

Imagine a man standing with a microphone (speech) in one hand and a ring box (engagement) in the other. Both are 'yakhtubu'.

Word Web

Sermon Engagement Fiancé Speech Proposal Friday Prayer Ring Family Visit

Défi

Try to use 'yakhtubu' in a sentence where it could mean either a speech or a proposal, and see if your friend can guess which one you mean based on the context.

Origine du mot

From the Semitic root Kh-T-B, which relates to speaking, requesting, or addressing. In ancient Semitic languages, it involved the act of making a formal petition.

Sens originel : To speak formally or to make a request in a public or official capacity.

Afroasiatic -> Semitic -> Central Semitic -> Arabic.

Contexte culturel

Be careful when asking 'Mata takhtub?' (When will you engage?). In some contexts, it can be seen as pressure on young people who are struggling financially.

In English, 'propose' is often a private moment between two people. In Arabic, 'yakhtubu' is almost always a collective family action.

The Prophet Muhammad's 'Khutbat al-Wada' (Farewell Sermon). Famous Egyptian movie 'Al-Khatiba' (The Matchmaker). The song 'Ya Khatib al-Banat' (O Suitor of Girls).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Family Dinner

هل يخطب أحد قريباً؟
نريد أن نخطب له.
من سيخطب؟
خطبها من والدها.

Friday Mosque

من يخطب اليوم؟
خطبة الشيخ كانت رائعة.
يخطب عن الصبر.
استمع للذي يخطب.

Soap Opera

لن أسمح لك أن تخطبها!
جاء ليخطبني.
لماذا خطبتها هي؟
سأخطبها رغم الجميع.

News Report

يخطب الملك في الشعب.
كلمة يخطب بها الزعيم.
يخطب في المؤتمر.
سيخطب في الجلسة.

Jewelry Shop

أريد خاتماً لأخطب به.
هذا مناسب لمن يخطب.
خواتم للذين يخطبون.
بكم هذا الخاتم؟

Amorces de conversation

"هل سمعت أن جارنا يخطب ابنة المدير؟"

"في أي عمر يخطب الشباب في بلدك عادة؟"

"هل تفضل أن يخطب الشاب عن طريق الأهل أم بنفسه؟"

"ماذا تقول للرجل الذي يخطب في المسجد إذا أعجبتك كلمته؟"

"هل من السهل أن يخطب الشخص في هذه الأيام؟"

Sujets d'écriture

اكتب عن يوم قرر فيه صديقك أن يخطب. كيف كانت مشاعره؟

هل تعتقد أن فترة 'الخُطبة' مهمة قبل الزواج؟ لماذا؟

صف مشهداً لرجل يخطب في جمهور كبير. عماذا يتحدث؟

تخيل أنك تخطب فتاة من ثقافة مختلفة. ما هي التحديات؟

اكتب رسالة لشخص يخطب ودك للعمل في شركته.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Linguistically, the active verb 'yakhtubu' is used for the person initiating the proposal, which is traditionally the man. A woman would be 'makhtouba' (engaged) or 'tukhtabu' (being proposed to). Using 'takhtubu' for a woman is very rare and usually refers to her 'seeking' a husband through her family in a non-traditional way.

Yakhtubu is to propose or get engaged (the first step). Yuzawwiju is to marry someone off (usually a father marrying off his daughter). Example: 'The father marries off (yuzawwiju) his daughter to the man who proposed (khataba).'

Look for the context. If there is a mosque, a politician, or a crowd, it's a speech. If there is a girl, a family visit, or a ring, it's an engagement. Also, 'yakhtubu fi' (in) usually means a speech, while 'yakhtubu min' (from) means a proposal.

Yes, the root is universal across the Arab world, although the pronunciation of the 'kh' and 't' might vary slightly, and some dialects might prefer 'biyukh-tub' (Egyptian) or 'yukh-tub' (Gulf).

No. 'Yakhtubu' is much more formal than dating. It implies a serious commitment with family involvement. For dating, words like 'yuta'araf' (getting to know) or 'yatawa'ad' (making appointments) are used.

A 'Khatib' is a fiancé (the man). It is also the word for the person who gives the Friday sermon. Context is key!

In many cultures, Thursday or Friday evenings are preferred for the formal 'khitbah' visit because they precede the weekend.

It is a poetic way to say 'he is trying to win her heart' or 'he is courting her affection.' It's not necessarily a formal proposal yet.

Usually, 'yakhtubu' is the period *before* the legal contract (Katb al-Kitab). However, in some regions, the terms are used interchangeably.

It is 'yakhtubu' (ya-kh-tu-bu) with a damma on the 't'. 'Yakhatibu' is not a standard Form I conjugation.

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