At the A1 level, learners are introduced to basic vocabulary for daily life. The verb يُشَغِّل is essential here because it allows beginners to talk about common electronics. You learn to say simple sentences like 'I turn on the TV' (أنا أُشَغِّل التلفاز) or 'He turns on the light' (هو يُشَغِّل النور). It is taught alongside basic household items. The focus is purely on the physical action of pressing a button to make a machine work. Teachers emphasize the present tense conjugation for 'I', 'You', and 'He/She'. It is a practical word that helps beginners navigate their immediate environment, such as asking someone to turn on the air conditioning in a hot room. The concept of the root word is usually not introduced yet; the focus is entirely on memorizing the verb as a chunk of vocabulary associated with technology and appliances.
At the A2 level, the understanding of يُشَغِّل expands significantly. Learners begin to use it in more complex sentences and with a wider variety of objects, such as cars, computers, and specific software programs. The imperative form (شَغِّل - turn on!) becomes very important for giving instructions or making requests. Learners also start to recognize the difference between 'turning on' (يُشَغِّل) and 'opening' (يفتح), which is a common point of confusion for beginners. Furthermore, the introduction of past tense (شَغَّلَ - he turned on) and future tense (سَيُشَغِّل - he will turn on) allows for storytelling and planning. At this stage, the verb is firmly established as the go-to word for any mechanical or electronic activation, moving beyond simple household items to include workplace tools and personal devices.
By the B1 level, students are expected to handle a broader range of contexts. The verb يُشَغِّل is now understood not just for electronics, but also in the context of employment and business. Learners encounter sentences like 'The company employs many workers' (الشركة تُشَغِّل عمالاً كثيرين). This introduces the causative nature of the Form II verb structure, linking the idea of 'making a machine work' to 'making a person work'. Students practice using the verbal noun (مَصْدَر), which is تَشْغِيل (tashgheel - operation/running), in phrases like 'operating costs' or 'operating system' (نظام التشغيل). The passive voice is also introduced, allowing learners to say 'The machine is operated by electricity' (الآلة تُشَغَّل بالكهرباء). This level bridges the gap between concrete, physical actions and more abstract, organizational concepts.
At the B2 level, learners refine their use of يُشَغِّل, incorporating it into complex, compound sentences and professional discourse. The verb is used fluently in discussions about economics, technology, and industry. For example, discussing how a new policy will 'stimulate and run the economy' or how a specific algorithm 'runs the application'. Learners are comfortable with idiomatic expressions, such as 'شَغِّل مُخَّك' (turn on your brain/think). They also understand the nuances between يُشَغِّل and similar verbs like يُدِير (to manage) or يُوَظِّف (to recruit/employ), knowing exactly when to use which. The focus is on precision and using the word in a way that sounds natural to native speakers, particularly in formal writing and professional presentations where the verbal noun 'تَشْغِيل' is heavily utilized.
At the C1 level, the usage of يُشَغِّل is sophisticated and nuanced. Learners can easily navigate highly technical or abstract texts where the word appears. They understand its implications in legal, technical, and economic documents. For instance, the legal distinction of 'operating a vehicle' under certain conditions, or the macroeconomic concept of 'employing capital' (تشغيل الأموال). The verb is used effortlessly in passive constructions, conditional sentences, and complex rhetorical structures. At this level, the learner appreciates the etymological depth of the root ش-غ-ل and how the Form II structure manipulates this root to create causative meaning across various domains, from the literal starting of an engine to the metaphorical activation of a social movement or economic engine.
At the C2 level, mastery of يُشَغِّل is indistinguishable from an educated native speaker. The learner can play with the word, using it in creative writing, poetry, or advanced academic discourse. They understand regional variations and colloquial shifts in pronunciation and usage across different Arab countries. They can engage in deep literary or philosophical discussions where the concept of 'activation' or 'employment' (both of people and abstract concepts like time or resources) is explored. The word is integrated flawlessly into a vast, interconnected web of vocabulary, allowing the speaker to express the most subtle shades of meaning regarding operation, causation, and functionality in any conceivable context, whether it be a highly specialized technical manual or a complex piece of modern Arabic literature.

يُشَغِّل en 30 secondes

  • Turns on electronics and devices.
  • Starts mechanical engines like cars.
  • Runs or executes software programs.
  • Employs workers or utilizes capital.
The Arabic verb يُشَغِّل (yushaghghil) is a highly versatile and frequently used Form II verb that primarily means 'to turn on', 'to operate', or 'to run' a machine, device, or system. It is derived from the root letters ش-غ-ل (sh-gh-l), which broadly relate to work, occupation, and busyness. When placed into the Form II structure (فَعَّلَ - yufa''il), the verb acquires a causative meaning. Therefore, while the base form means 'to work' or 'to be busy', the Form II يُشَغِّل literally translates to 'to make something work' or 'to cause something to be busy'. In modern everyday Arabic, this translates seamlessly to turning on electronics, starting engines, or operating machinery.

Sentence يُشَغِّل التلفاز كل مساء.

Understanding the breadth of this word is essential for any Arabic learner, especially at the A2 level, because it bridges the gap between basic vocabulary and practical, daily communication regarding technology and mechanics.
Root Meaning
The root sh-gh-l is the foundation for words like shughl (work) and mashghool (busy).
When you want to say that someone is starting a car, you use this verb. When you want to say someone is playing a video or an audio file, you also use this verb.

Sentence يُشَغِّل الموسيقى بصوت عالٍ.

It is important to note that this verb is transitive, meaning it requires a direct object. You cannot simply say 'he turns on' without specifying what is being turned on. Beyond physical devices, يُشَغِّل can also be used in an employment context, meaning 'to employ' or 'to put someone to work'. For instance, a company might 'yushaghghil' hundreds of workers. This connects back to the root meaning of causing someone to be busy with work.
Employment Context
In business, it means to hire or employ staff to keep operations running.

Sentence المصنع يُشَغِّل ألف عامل.

Furthermore, in the digital age, this verb has adapted to software. You 'yushaghghil' an application, a program, or a script. The versatility of this word makes it a cornerstone of modern Arabic vocabulary.

Sentence يُشَغِّل البرنامج الجديد.

To fully grasp its meaning, one must appreciate the causative nature of Form II verbs in Arabic grammar. By doubling the middle root letter (the shadda on the ghayn), the action is forced upon an external object.
Grammar Note
Form II verbs often make an intransitive action transitive, or intensify the action.

Sentence هو يُشَغِّل محرك السيارة بمهارة.

In summary, whether you are talking about turning on the lights, starting a car, playing a video, running a business, or executing a computer program, يُشَغِّل is the precise and natural verb to use in the Arabic language.
Using the verb يُشَغِّل correctly involves understanding its conjugation, its syntax within a sentence, and the types of objects it typically takes. As a Form II present tense verb, it follows a highly regular conjugation pattern.
Conjugation Basics
Ana ushaghghil (I turn on), Anta tushaghghil (You turn on), Huwa yushaghghil (He turns on).
The standard sentence structure in Arabic is Verb-Subject-Object (VSO), though Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) is also common in modern contexts.

Sentence يُشَغِّل الأب المكيف.

In this example, 'yushaghghil' is the verb, 'al-ab' (the father) is the subject, and 'al-mukayyif' (the air conditioner) is the object. When giving a command, you use the imperative form, which is شَغِّل (shaghghil). This is extremely common in daily life.

Sentence يا أحمد، شَغِّل الضوء من فضلك.

It is also important to know how to negate this verb. In the present tense, you simply place 'la' (لا) before the verb.
Negation
Use 'la yushaghghil' to mean 'he does not turn on' or 'he is not turning on'.

Sentence هو لا يُشَغِّل التدفئة في الصيف.

In spoken dialects, the pronunciation might shift slightly. For example, in Levantine or Egyptian Arabic, the initial 'yu' might be simplified to 'bi' (bishaghghil). However, the core root and structure remain instantly recognizable. Another critical aspect of using this verb is understanding its passive form, يُشَغَّل (yushaghghal), meaning 'it is turned on' or 'it is operated'.
Passive Voice
Change the internal vowels to u-a-a to form the passive voice in the present tense.

Sentence الجهاز يُشَغَّل تلقائياً.

When using يُشَغِّل in the context of employment, it is often followed by the preposition 'fi' (in) or 'bi' (with) to specify the location or capacity of employment.

Sentence المدير يُشَغِّل الموظفين الجدد في قسم المبيعات.

Mastering the various contexts and grammatical structures surrounding this verb will significantly enhance your ability to navigate daily tasks and professional environments in Arabic.
The verb يُشَغِّل is ubiquitous in both formal and informal Arabic environments, making it a critical vocabulary word for any learner. You will hear it constantly in the home, the workplace, in media, and in technological contexts.
Domestic Life
Used daily when referring to household appliances like TVs, ovens, and washing machines.
For example, a mother might ask her son to turn on the washing machine.

Sentence هل يمكنك أن تُشَغِّل الغسالة؟

In the workplace, especially in industrial or corporate settings, the verb takes on meanings related to operating machinery or employing staff. A news anchor might report on a new factory opening.

Sentence المصنع الجديد يُشَغِّل المئات من الشباب.

In the realm of technology and computing, يُشَغِّل is the standard term for running software, playing media files, or booting up devices.
Tech Context
Essential for discussing apps, videos, audio, and computer systems.
You will frequently see the verbal noun form, تشغيل (tashgheel), on buttons for 'Play' or 'Power On' on Arabic interfaces.

Sentence اضغط هنا لكي تُشَغِّل الفيديو.

In automotive contexts, it is the specific verb used for starting an engine. A mechanic or a driving instructor will use this term.

Sentence السائق يُشَغِّل محرك السيارة.

Furthermore, in colloquial conversations, you might hear it used metaphorically. For instance, someone might say 'shaghghil mokhak' (turn on your brain), meaning 'think about it' or 'use your head'.
Idiomatic Use
Used figuratively to mean activating one's mind or attention.

Sentence شَغِّل عقلك قبل أن تتحدث.

Because of its wide applicability, from the most mundane household tasks to complex industrial and technological operations, يُشَغِّل is a word you will encounter daily when interacting with Arabic speakers or consuming Arabic media.
While يُشَغِّل is a common verb, learners frequently make mistakes regarding its conjugation, its exact meaning compared to similar verbs, and its transitivity. One of the most common errors is confusing the Form II verb يُشَغِّل (to turn on/operate) with the Form I verb يَشْتَغِل (yashtaghil), which means 'to work' or 'to function'.
Form Confusion
Form II is causative (making something work), while Form VIII is reflexive/intransitive (the thing itself is working).
For example, a learner might incorrectly say 'al-tilfaz yushaghghil' to mean 'the TV is working', but this actually means 'the TV is turning (something else) on'. The correct phrase is 'al-tilfaz yashtaghil'.

Sentence هو يُشَغِّل التلفاز، والتلفاز يشتغل.

Another frequent mistake involves pronunciation, specifically neglecting the shadda (the doubling of the consonant) on the letter ghayn (غ). Learners also sometimes use يُشَغِّل when they should use verbs related to opening physical objects. For instance, you 'open' (yaftah) a door or a book, you do not 'yushaghghil' them.
Collocation Errors
Do not use this verb for non-mechanical or non-electronic items.

Sentence لا تقل يُشَغِّل الباب، بل يفتح الباب.

Additionally, in the context of lighting a fire, a different verb is typically used (yush'il - يُشْعِل), though يُشَغِّل is used for turning on electric lights.

Sentence هو يُشَغِّل النور الكهربائي.

Finally, learners sometimes forget that يُشَغِّل requires a direct object. You cannot leave the sentence hanging.
Missing Object
Incorrect: 'Huwa yushaghghil' (He turns on). Correct: 'Huwa yushaghghil al-jihaz' (He turns on the device).

Sentence تأكد من أنك تُشَغِّل شيئاً محدداً في الجملة.

By paying attention to the causative nature of the verb, its specific collocations with electronics and machinery, and ensuring the presence of a direct object, learners can avoid these common pitfalls and use the verb with native-like accuracy.
To fully appreciate the nuances of يُشَغِّل, it is helpful to compare it with similar verbs in Arabic. The Arabic language is rich in specific verbs for different types of activation or opening.
يفتح (Yaftah) - To Open
Used for physical barriers like doors, windows, or books. In some dialects, it is also used for turning on lights, but in MSA, يُشَغِّل is more precise for electronics.

Sentence هو يفتح الباب ثم يُشَغِّل النور.

Another related verb is يُدِير (yudeer), which means 'to manage' or 'to turn/spin'. While you can 'yudeer' a company (manage it), you 'yushaghghil' the workers (employ them). You can also 'yudeer' an engine (crank it), but 'yushaghghil' is the more common term for starting it.
يُشْعِل (Yush'il) - To Ignite
This verb is specifically used for lighting fires, candles, or matches. It shares a similar sound but has a different root (sh-ayn-l).

Sentence هو يُشْعِل النار ولا يُشَغِّل النار.

For the opposite action, 'to turn off', the verb is يُطْفِئ (yutfi'). This is the direct antonym you will use when you are done operating a device.

Sentence هو يُشَغِّل الحاسوب في الصباح ويُطْفِئُهُ في المساء.

Additionally, the verb يَسْتَخْدِم (yastakhdim) means 'to use'. While you 'use' a phone, you must first 'turn it on'.
يستخدم (Yastakhdim) - To Use
Refers to the general application or utilization of an object, rather than the specific act of powering it up.

Sentence يجب أن تُشَغِّل البرنامج قبل أن تستخدمه.

Understanding these distinctions helps build a more precise and native-sounding vocabulary, allowing you to choose the exact verb for the specific type of action you are describing.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Form II Verb Conjugation

Transitive Verbs and Direct Objects

Imperative Mood Formation

Negation of Present Tense Verbs

Verbal Nouns (Masdar) of Form II

Exemples par niveau

1

هو يُشَغِّل التلفاز.

He turns on the TV.

Present tense, third person singular masculine.

2

أنا أُشَغِّل النور.

I turn on the light.

Present tense, first person singular.

3

هي تُشَغِّل الحاسوب.

She turns on the computer.

Present tense, third person singular feminine.

4

نحن نُشَغِّل الراديو.

We turn on the radio.

Present tense, first person plural.

5

هل تُشَغِّل المكيف؟

Do you turn on the AC?

Question form, second person singular masculine.

6

الولد يُشَغِّل اللعبة.

The boy turns on the toy.

Noun as subject with present tense verb.

7

أريد أن أُشَغِّل الهاتف.

I want to turn on the phone.

Verb following 'an' (to) takes subjunctive form (fatha).

8

لا أُشَغِّل التلفاز الآن.

I am not turning on the TV now.

Negation using 'la' with present tense.

1

هو يُشَغِّل سيارته كل صباح.

He starts his car every morning.

Used for starting engines.

2

شَغِّل الغسالة من فضلك.

Turn on the washing machine, please.

Imperative form (command).

3

هي تُشَغِّل الموسيقى بصوت عالٍ.

She plays the music loudly.

Used for playing media.

4

متى سَتُشَغِّل الفرن؟

When will you turn on the oven?

Future tense using the prefix 'sa-'.

5

أبي يُشَغِّل التدفئة في الشتاء.

My father turns on the heating in winter.

Contextual use for seasonal appliances.

6

لا تُشَغِّل هذا الجهاز، إنه مكسور.

Don't turn on this device, it is broken.

Negative imperative (prohibition).

7

المعلم يُشَغِّل الفيديو للطلاب.

The teacher plays the video for the students.

Used in educational contexts.

8

يجب أن تُشَغِّل المصباح لتقرأ.

You must turn on the lamp to read.

Modal verb 'yajib an' followed by subjunctive.

1

المصنع يُشَغِّل مئات العمال.

The factory employs hundreds of workers.

Meaning shifts to 'employ' in business contexts.

2

هذا البرنامج يُشَغِّل ملفات الصوت.

This program runs audio files.

Used for software running files.

3

تكلفة تشغيل هذا المحرك عالية جداً.

The cost of operating this engine is very high.

Use of the verbal noun (masdar) 'tashgheel'.

4

الشركة تُشَغِّل أموالها في مشاريع جديدة.

The company invests (puts to work) its money in new projects.

Metaphorical use meaning to invest or utilize capital.

5

نظام التشغيل يحتاج إلى تحديث.

The operating system needs an update.

Compound noun 'nitham al-tashgheel' (operating system).

6

المهندس يُشَغِّل الآلات الثقيلة بمهارة.

The engineer operates the heavy machinery skillfully.

Adverbial phrase 'bi-mahara' (skillfully) modifying the verb.

7

تم تشغيل الإنذار عن طريق الخطأ.

The alarm was triggered (turned on) by mistake.

Passive construction using 'tamma' + verbal noun.

8

شَغِّل عقلك وفكر في حل للمشكلة.

Use your brain and think of a solution to the problem.

Idiomatic expression meaning 'think'.

1

الحكومة تسعى لتشغيل الشباب العاطلين عن العمل.

The government seeks to employ unemployed youth.

Formal socio-economic context using the verbal noun.

2

يُشَغِّل هذا المولد الكهربائي المستشفى بأكمله في حالات الطوارئ.

This generator powers the entire hospital in emergencies.

Complex sentence structure with specific conditions.

3

تعتمد كفاءة المصنع على كيفية تشغيل خطوط الإنتاج.

The factory's efficiency depends on how the production lines are operated.

Abstract concept linked to the action of operating.

4

الخوارزمية الجديدة تُشَغِّل التطبيق بسرعة فائقة.

The new algorithm runs the application at extreme speed.

Advanced technological vocabulary.

5

تمت إعادة تشغيل النظام بعد العطل الفني.

The system was restarted after the technical failure.

Prefix 'i'adat' (re-) combined with the verbal noun.

6

لا يمكن تشغيل هذه اللعبة على الأجهزة القديمة.

This game cannot be run on older devices.

Passive capability structure 'la yumkin' + verbal noun.

7

المدير يُشَغِّل الموظفين لساعات إضافية دون أجر.

The manager makes the employees work overtime without pay.

Causative meaning highlighting forced or directed labor.

8

دليل التشغيل يوضح خطوات الصيانة بالتفصيل.

The operating manual explains the maintenance steps in detail.

Noun phrase 'daleel al-tashgheel' (operating manual).

1

إن سياسة التشغيل المتبعة تهدف إلى تقليص الفجوة الاقتصادية.

The adopted employment policy aims to reduce the economic gap.

Highly formal academic/political register.

2

يُشَغِّل المخرج طاقم العمل بانسجام تام لإنتاج تحفة فنية.

The director orchestrates (runs) the crew in perfect harmony to produce a masterpiece.

Nuanced meaning of coordinating and directing people.

3

تتطلب المفاعلات النووية بروتوكولات صارمة عند بدء تشغيلها.

Nuclear reactors require strict protocols upon startup.

Technical terminology with complex prepositional phrases.

4

الرواية تُشَغِّل خيال القارئ وتأخذه إلى عوالم مجهولة.

The novel activates the reader's imagination and takes them to unknown worlds.

Metaphorical and literary use of the verb.

5

تم تعليق رخصة تشغيل المنشأة بسبب مخالفات بيئية.

The facility's operating license was suspended due to environmental violations.

Legal terminology 'rukhasat tashgheel' (operating license).

6

يُشَغِّل هذا الاستثمار رؤوس الأموال المجمدة في السوق.

This investment mobilizes frozen capital in the market.

Advanced economic metaphor.

7

آلية تشغيل الدماغ البشري لا تزال تحير العلماء.

The operating mechanism of the human brain still baffles scientists.

Scientific context using abstract nouns.

8

قاموا بتشغيل حملة إعلامية ضخمة لتغيير الرأي العام.

They launched (ran) a massive media campaign to change public opinion.

Used for initiating large-scale abstract processes.

1

إن ديناميكية تشغيل الموارد البشرية في هذه المؤسسة تُعد نموذجاً يُحتذى به.

The dynamics of human resource utilization in this institution are considered a role model.

Complex academic syntax with sophisticated vocabulary.

2

لا يقتصر دور الفن على الإمتاع، بل يُشَغِّل ملكات النقد والتفكيك لدى المتلقي.

The role of art is not limited to entertainment; rather, it activates the faculties of critique and deconstruction in the recipient.

Philosophical and critical theory discourse.

3

تتداخل صلاحيات التشغيل والصيانة في العقود الهندسية المعقدة.

Operation and maintenance jurisdictions overlap in complex engineering contracts.

Highly specialized legal-engineering register.

4

الخطاب السياسي يُشَغِّل العواطف الدفينة لتحقيق مآرب انتخابية.

Political discourse manipulates (activates) hidden emotions to achieve electoral goals.

Nuanced critical analysis of rhetoric.

5

إن إعادة تشغيل عجلة الاقتصاد تتطلب إصلاحات هيكلية جذرية.

Restarting the wheel of the economy requires radical structural reforms.

Macroeconomic metaphorical language.

6

يُشَغِّل الكاتب تقنية تيار الوعي لسبر أغوار شخصياته.

The author employs the stream-of-consciousness technique to plumb the depths of his characters.

Literary criticism terminology.

7

تكلفة الفرصة البديلة لتشغيل هذه الأصول تفوق العوائد المتوقعة.

The opportunity cost of deploying these assets exceeds the expected returns.

Advanced financial and accounting terminology.

8

المنظومة الفلسفية تُشَغِّل مفاهيم الوجود والعدم في نسق جدلي.

The philosophical system operationalizes the concepts of existence and nothingness in a dialectical framework.

Deep philosophical and academic register.

Synonymes

يُدِير يَفْتَح يُفَعِّل يُطْلِق يُوَظِّف يَسْتَخْدِم يُحَرِّك يَبْدَأ

Antonymes

يُطْفِئ يُوقِف يُعَطِّل يُغْلِق

Collocations courantes

يُشَغِّل التلفاز
يُشَغِّل السيارة
يُشَغِّل الحاسوب
يُشَغِّل الموسيقى
يُشَغِّل البرنامج
يُشَغِّل العمال
يُشَغِّل المحرك
يُشَغِّل المكيف
يُشَغِّل الجهاز
إعادة تشغيل

Souvent confondu avec

يُشَغِّل vs يَفْتَح (to open)

يُشَغِّل vs يَشْتَغِل (to work/function)

يُشَغِّل vs يُشْعِل (to ignite)

Facile à confondre

يُشَغِّل vs

يُشَغِّل vs

يُشَغِّل vs

يُشَغِّل vs

يُشَغِّل vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

nuances

Implies a mechanical or electronic activation, not just opening a physical barrier.

formality

Appropriate for all levels of formality.

Erreurs courantes
  • Confusing يُشَغِّل (to turn on) with يَشْتَغِل (to be working/functioning).
  • Using يُشَغِّل to mean 'opening' a door or a book (should use يفتح).
  • Forgetting to include the direct object after the verb.
  • Pronouncing the verb without the shadda on the ghayn.
  • Using يُشَغِّل for lighting a fire or a match (should use يُشْعِل).

Astuces

Transitive Verb

Always remember that يُشَغِّل needs an object. Don't just say 'أنا أُشَغِّل' (I turn on). Say 'أنا أُشَغِّل التلفاز' (I turn on the TV).

The Shadda is Key

Make sure to emphasize the double 'gh' sound (شَغِّل). If you drop the shadda, it sounds like a different word and can confuse native speakers.

Pair with Antonyms

Learn يُشَغِّل (turn on) and يُطْفِئ (turn off) together. Practice them by walking around your house and saying the Arabic word as you flip switches.

Tech Vocabulary

Change your phone or computer language to Arabic for a day. You will see the word 'تشغيل' (the noun form) everywhere, reinforcing your memory.

Use the Brain Idiom

Impress your Arabic-speaking friends by playfully using the idiom 'شَغِّل مخك' (shaghghil mokhak) when they are trying to solve a puzzle.

Form II Causative

Understand the logic of Form II verbs. Since 'shughl' means work, making it Form II (yushaghghil) means 'to make something work'. This logic applies to many Arabic verbs.

Car Rentals

If you rent a car in an Arab country, listen for this word when the agent shows you how to start the vehicle, especially if it's a push-to-start.

Look for the Masdar

When reading news, look for the word 'تشغيل' (tashgheel). It will usually be in the business section referring to employment rates.

Polite Requests

When asking someone to turn something on, use the imperative 'شَغِّل' followed by 'لو سمحت' (law samaht - if you please) to sound polite.

Spelling the Ghayn

Remember that the root uses the letter غ (ghayn), not ق (qaf) or خ (khaa). Spelling it correctly is crucial for written communication.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'shaghghil' as 'shaking' a machine awake to make it work.

Origine du mot

Arabic root ش-غ-ل

Contexte culturel

No specific taboos, but avoid using it for humans unless in a strict employment context, as it can sound dehumanizing otherwise.

When asking someone to turn something on, always add 'min fadlak' (please).

In Egypt, you might hear 'ewla' (ignite) for lights, but 'shaghghal' is universally understood for electronics.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"هل يمكنك أن تُشَغِّل المكيف؟"

"كيف أُشَغِّل هذا الجهاز؟"

"لماذا لا تُشَغِّل الموسيقى؟"

"متى سَتُشَغِّل سيارتك؟"

"هل تعرف كيف تُشَغِّل هذا البرنامج؟"

Sujets d'écriture

اكتب عن أول شيء تُشَغِّله في الصباح.

صف كيف تُشَغِّل جهازك المفضل.

ما هي الآلات التي تُشَغِّلها في عملك؟

اكتب قصة قصيرة تبدأ بـ 'شَغَّلَ محرك سيارته وانطلق...'

كيف يمكن للحكومة تشغيل المزيد من الشباب؟

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, it is perfectly correct and very common to use يُشَغِّل for turning on electric lights. For example, 'يُشَغِّل النور' (He turns on the light). While some dialects might use 'يفتح' (opens), يُشَغِّل is the standard and most accurate term for electronics. Do not use it for lighting a candle, though; use يُشْعِل for fire.

This is a crucial distinction. يُشَغِّل (Form II) means 'to turn something on' or 'to make something work' (causative). يَشْتَغِل (Form VIII) means 'it is working' or 'it is functioning' (intransitive). You يُشَغِّل the TV, and then the TV يَشْتَغِل.

The direct opposite of يُشَغِّل is يُطْفِئ (yutfi'). For example, 'يُطْفِئ التلفاز' means 'He turns off the TV'. Memorizing these two verbs together as an antonym pair is highly recommended for beginners.

Yes, but only in the context of employment. 'يُشَغِّل العمال' means 'He employs the workers' or 'He puts the workers to work'. Using it outside of an employment or task-assignment context can sound strange or degrading.

Absolutely. In modern Arabic, يُشَغِّل is the standard verb for running a program, launching an app, or playing a digital media file. You will often see the noun form 'تشغيل' on 'Play' buttons.

The imperative form is شَغِّل (shaghghil) for a male, شَغِّلِي (shaghghili) for a female, and شَغِّلُوا (shaghghilu) for a group. For example, 'شَغِّل المكيف' (Turn on the AC!).

It is a very common idiom that literally translates to 'turn on your brain'. It means 'think about it', 'use your head', or 'be smart'. It is often used informally to encourage someone to figure something out.

The verbal noun is تَشْغِيل (tashgheel). It translates to 'operation', 'running', 'playback', or 'employment' depending on the context. You will see it in terms like 'نظام التشغيل' (operating system).

Yes. In many Levantine and Egyptian dialects, the initial 'yu' is replaced with a 'bi' for the continuous present, making it 'bishaghghil'. The imperative 'shaghghil' or 'shaghghal' remains very similar across regions.

Yes, it is the exact verb used for starting a car engine. 'يُشَغِّل السيارة' or 'يُشَغِّل المحرك' means 'He starts the car' or 'He starts the engine'.

Teste-toi 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence saying 'I turn on the TV'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a command telling a male to turn on the AC.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence saying 'The factory employs workers'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'He starts the car'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence using the verbal noun 'تشغيل'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'Don't turn on the radio'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence saying 'She plays the music'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'Operating system'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence using the idiom 'شَغِّل مخك'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'Restart the computer'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence in the past tense using شَغَّلَ.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence in the future tense using سَيُشَغِّل.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'The machine is operated by electricity' (passive).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence saying 'We turn on the lights'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'Operating manual'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence using 'يُشَغِّل' with a software program.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'Operating costs'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a question asking 'When will you turn on the oven?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'Power button'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence saying 'The manager employs new staff'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

C'tait utile ?
Pas encore de commentaires. Soyez le premier à partager vos idées !