يَسمح en 30 secondes
- The verb 'Yasmah' means to allow or permit in Arabic.
- It is derived from the root S-M-H, which relates to generosity.
- Commonly used with the preposition 'bi' (بـ) for the action.
- The polite phrase 'Law Samaht' means 'Please' or 'Excuse me'.
The Arabic verb يَسمح (yasmaḥu) is a foundational Form I verb derived from the root س-م-ح (S-M-H). At its core, the word encapsulates the act of granting permission, allowing an action to occur, or facilitating a process without hindrance. In the context of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), it is the primary way to express 'to permit' or 'to allow.' However, the linguistic depth of this root extends far beyond simple administrative permission. The root S-M-H is intrinsically linked to concepts of generosity, magnanimity, and ease. When you 'allow' someone to do something in Arabic, you are etymologically 'being generous' with your consent. This cultural nuance is vital for learners to understand; it isn't just a cold, legalistic 'permit,' but often carries a tone of social grace.
- Literal Meaning
- To permit or to give leave for an action.
- Root Connotation
- Generosity, forgiveness, and smoothness of character.
- Grammatical Category
- Triliteral Form I Verb (فعل ثلاثي مجرد).
In daily life, you will encounter this word in almost every social interaction. From a teacher allowing a student to speak, to a government official permitting a visa, yasmah is the bridge between intention and action. It is important to note that the verb usually requires the preposition بـ (bi) to connect to the action being permitted, and often لـ (li) to indicate the person receiving permission.
هل يَسمح القانون بهذا الفعل؟ (Does the law allow this act?)
الأب لا يَسمح بالخروج متأخراً. (The father does not allow going out late.)
المعلم يَسمح للطلاب بالنقاش. (The teacher allows the students to discuss.)
الإسلام يَسمح بالتعدد في شروط معينة. (Islam permits polygamy under certain conditions.)
الوقت لا يَسمح بمزيد من الشرح. (Time does not allow for more explanation.)
- Social Register
- Used in both formal and informal settings.
- Frequency
- Extremely high; top 500 essential Arabic verbs.
Using يَسمح correctly involves mastering its prepositional structure. Unlike the English 'allow' which takes a direct object ('allow me'), the Arabic verb typically follows the pattern: يسمح + لـ (Person) + بـ (Action). For example, 'He allows me to enter' becomes yasmahu li bi-al-dukhul. If you omit the person, you still keep the bi before the action. This structure is non-negotiable in formal writing. In spoken dialects, the bi might be dropped or replaced, but for SubLearn purposes, focusing on the standard 'bi' is essential for A2 and B1 proficiency.
- Pattern 1
- Verb + Preposition 'Bi' + Masdar (Verbal Noun).
- Pattern 2
- Verb + Preposition 'Li' + Pronoun/Noun + 'Bi' + Masdar.
Conjugation is also straightforward as it is a regular sound verb. In the present tense (Mudari'), it follows the standard prefixes: Asmahu (I allow), Tasmahu (You allow/She allows), Yasmahu (He allows). In the imperative form, it becomes Ismah! (Allow!). This is frequently heard in the polite phrase Law Samaht (If you please/If you allow), which is the Arabic equivalent of 'Excuse me' or 'Please'.
لو سمحت، أريد كوباً من الماء. (If you allow [Please], I want a glass of water.)
هل تسمح لي بالجلوس هنا؟ (Do you allow me to sit here?)
الإدارة لا تسمح بالتدخين. (The management does not allow smoking.)
أرجو أن تسمحوا لنا بالانصراف. (I hope you [plural] allow us to leave.)
ظروفي لا تسمح بالسفر الآن. (My circumstances do not allow for travel now.)
- Negation
- Use 'La' (لا) for present and 'Lam' (لم) for past (with jussive).
- Imperative
- Ismah (masc), Ismahi (fem), Ismahu (plural).
The versatility of يَسمح means you will hear it in diverse environments. In a legal or administrative context, it appears on signs, in contracts, and during police interactions. 'Mamnu' (Forbidden) is the opposite you'll see on signs, but 'Masmuh' (Allowed) is the passive participle derived from this verb. At airports, security will use it to ask for permission to check bags. In academic settings, professors use it to set boundaries for classroom behavior. In family life, it is the word children hear most when asking for treats or outings.
غير مسموح بالدخول بدون تصريح. (Entry is not allowed without a permit.)
هل تسمح لي بجواز سفرك؟ (Will you allow me [to see] your passport?)
النظام لا يسمح بتعديل البيانات. (The system does not allow modifying the data.)
إذا سمحت الظروف، سنلتقي غداً. (If circumstances allow, we will meet tomorrow.)
من فضلك، اسمح لي بكلمة. (Please, allow me a word.)
- Common Signage
- Masmuh (Allowed) / Ghayr Masmuh (Not Allowed).
- Polite Request
- Law Samaht (Excuse me / Please).
The most frequent error for English speakers is treating يَسمح as a transitive verb that takes a direct object without a preposition. In English, we say 'He allowed me.' In Arabic, saying Samahani is technically possible but often sounds like 'He forgave me' rather than 'He permitted me.' To be safe and clear, always use Samaha li. Another mistake is forgetting the bi before the noun or verb that follows. For example, 'He allowed smoking' should be Samaha bi-al-tadkhin, not Samaha al-tadkhin.
- Mistake 1
- Omitting the preposition 'bi' (بـ) before the permitted action.
- Mistake 2
- Confusing 'Samaha' (to allow) with 'Saamaha' (to forgive) - though they share a root.
- Mistake 3
- Using 'Yada'' (to let) in formal contexts where 'Yasmah' is required.
❌ لا تسمح التدخين. (Incorrect: Missing 'bi')
✅ لا تسمح بالتدخين. (Correct: With 'bi')
❌ اسمحني أدخل. (Incorrect: Sounds like 'forgive me')
✅ اسمح لي بالدخول. (Correct: Allow me to enter)
❌ الوقت لا يسمحني. (Incorrect: Time doesn't 'allow me')
Arabic has a rich vocabulary for 'permission,' each with a slightly different flavor. While يَسمح is the most common, you might encounter يأذن (ya'dhan), which implies a more formal or authoritative 'granting of leave' (think of 'Adhan' for prayer). Then there is يجيز (yujiz), often used in legal or religious contexts to mean 'to authorize' or 'to make permissible.' يرخص (yurakhis) specifically refers to licensing, like a driver's license. Understanding these nuances helps you move from A2 to B1 and beyond.
- Ya'dhan (يأذن)
- To give leave; often used in religious or highly formal contexts.
- Yujiz (يجيز)
- To authorize or deem acceptable (legal/scholarly).
- Yada' (يدع)
- To let or leave; more common in dialects for 'let me go'.
المدير أذن للموظف بالانصراف. (The manager gave the employee leave to go.)
القانون يجيز هذا التصرف. (The law authorizes/permits this behavior.)
الدولة ترخص للمصانع بالعمل. (The state licenses/permits factories to operate.)
دعني أذهب (Let me go - using 'Daa' instead of 'Samaha').
هل تسمح لي؟ (The most versatile and polite option for general use.)
How Formal Is It?
Niveau de difficulté
Grammaire à connaître
The use of 'bi' with Masdar
Negation of present tense verbs
Imperative mood formation
Passive participle (Maf'ul) pattern
Subject-verb agreement
Exemples par niveau
لو سمحت، أين الحمام؟
Excuse me, where is the bathroom?
Polite phrase 'Law Samaht'.
هل تسمح لي بالدخول؟
Do you allow me to enter?
Present tense with 'li' and 'bi'.
أبي لا يسمح باللعب الآن.
My father does not allow playing now.
Negation with 'la'.
هذا مسموح هنا.
This is allowed here.
Passive participle 'Masmuh'.
اسمح لي من فضلك.
Allow me, please.
Imperative 'Ismah'.
هي تسمح لنا بالكلام.
She allows us to speak.
Subject-verb agreement (feminine).
الوقت يسمح بدرس واحد.
Time allows for one lesson.
Abstract subject 'Time'.
هل يسمح القانون بهذا؟
Does the law allow this?
Question form.
المستشفى لا يسمح بالزيارة ليلاً.
The hospital does not allow visiting at night.
Formal rule description.
هل تسمح لي باستخدام هاتفك؟
Will you allow me to use your phone?
Polite request for permission.
سمح لي المعلم بالخروج مبكراً.
The teacher allowed me to leave early.
Past tense 'Samaha'.
نحن لا نسمح بالأكل في المكتبة.
We do not allow eating in the library.
Plural 'Nahnu'.
هل تسمحين لي بمساعدتكِ؟
Do you (fem.) allow me to help you?
Feminine address 'Tasmaheen'.
المدير سمح لنا بيوم إجازة.
The manager allowed us a day off.
Past tense with plural object.
غير مسموح بالتدخين في الطائرة.
Smoking is not allowed on the plane.
Passive construction 'Ghayr Masmuh'.
اسمحوا لي أن أقدم نفسي.
Allow me (plural) to introduce myself.
Plural imperative.
لا يسمح النظام بإدخال كلمات مرور ضعيفة.
The system does not allow entering weak passwords.
Technical context.
هل تسمح لك ظروفك بالسفر في الصيف؟
Do your circumstances allow you to travel in the summer?
Abstract usage.
سمحت الحكومة بفتح محلات جديدة.
The government allowed the opening of new shops.
Administrative context.
يجب أن تسمح لنفسك بالراحة قليلاً.
You must allow yourself to rest a little.
Reflexive-like usage.
لم يسمح لي الوقت بإنهاء التقرير.
Time did not allow me to finish the report.
Negation with 'Lam'.
هل يسمح الدين بهذا النوع من المعاملات؟
Does religion permit this type of transaction?
Theological/Legal context.
سأسمح لك بالذهاب إذا أنهيت عملك.
I will allow you to go if you finish your work.
Future tense with 'Sa'.
من المسموح به استخدام الآلة الحاسبة.
It is permitted to use a calculator.
Impersonal passive phrase.
الحرية لا تسمح بالتعدي على حقوق الآخرين.
Freedom does not allow infringing on the rights of others.
Philosophical context.
سمحت له الفرصة بأن يثبت مهاراته.
The opportunity allowed him to prove his skills.
Metaphorical subject.
هل تسمح لنا الميزانية بشراء معدات جديدة؟
Does the budget allow us to buy new equipment?
Economic context.
لم يكن مسموحاً لنا بمناقشة السياسة.
We were not allowed to discuss politics.
Past passive 'Lam yakun masmuhan'.
تسمح هذه التقنية بتقليل استهلاك الطاقة.
This technology allows for reducing energy consumption.
Scientific context.
عليك أن تسمح للآخرين بالتعبير عن آرائهم.
You must allow others to express their opinions.
Social ethics.
القاضي لم يسمح بتقديم أدلة جديدة.
The judge did not allow the submission of new evidence.
Legal context.
هل تسمح لي بمقاطعتك للحظة؟
Will you allow me to interrupt you for a moment?
Professional etiquette.
لا تسمح المعايير الأخلاقية بمثل هذا السلوك.
Ethical standards do not permit such behavior.
Abstract moral subject.
سمحت الإصلاحات الاقتصادية بنمو سريع.
Economic reforms allowed for rapid growth.
Macroeconomic context.
يسمح هذا الإطار القانوني بمرونة أكبر.
This legal framework allows for greater flexibility.
Legal terminology.
لم تسمح الظروف الجوية بإقلاع الطائرة.
Weather conditions did not allow the plane to take off.
Technical/Environmental context.
هل تسمح الفلسفة الوجودية بفكرة القدر؟
Does existential philosophy allow for the idea of fate?
Academic inquiry.
سمحت له مكانته الاجتماعية بتجاوز العقبات.
His social status allowed him to bypass obstacles.
Sociological context.
تسمح المعاهدة الدولية بتبادل الأسرى.
The international treaty permits the exchange of prisoners.
Diplomatic context.
لا يسمح النص بأي تأويل آخر.
The text does not allow for any other interpretation.
Literary/Hermeneutic context.
إن سماحة الإسلام تسمح بالتعايش السلمي.
The tolerance of Islam allows for peaceful coexistence.
Root-related wordplay (Samaha/Tasamuh).
لم تسمح قريحته الشعرية بوصف هذا الجمال.
His poetic genius did not allow for describing this beauty (it was beyond words).
High literary style.
تسمح البنية التحتية الرقمية بتحول جذري.
The digital infrastructure allows for a radical transformation.
Modern technical discourse.
هل تسمح السيادة الوطنية بتدخل خارجي؟
Does national sovereignty permit foreign intervention?
Political science context.
سمحت له بصيرته بتوقع الأزمة قبل وقوعها.
His insight allowed him to anticipate the crisis before it happened.
Metaphorical usage.
لا تسمح طبيعة المادة بأي تمدد حراري.
The nature of the material does not allow for any thermal expansion.
Physics context.
سمحت الأقدار بلقاء لم يكن في الحسبان.
Fate allowed for a meeting that was not expected.
Classical/Romantic style.
يسمح هذا المنهج النقدي بتفكيك الخطاب.
This critical approach allows for the deconstruction of discourse.
Post-structuralist terminology.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
Souvent confondu avec
Expressions idiomatiques
Facile à confondre
Structures de phrases
Comment l'utiliser
The passive 'yusmah' is very common in formal notices.
In Maghrebi Arabic, 'Smahli' is the standard for 'Sorry/Excuse me'.
Using 'yasmah' without 'bi' is a common A2 error.
- Saying 'Samaha al-tadkhin' instead of 'Samaha bi-al-tadkhin'.
- Confusing 'yasmah' (allow) with 'yasma' (hear).
- Using 'Samahani' to mean 'He permitted me' (it usually means 'He forgave me').
- Forgetting to conjugate for the feminine subject (e.g., 'al-hukuma yasmah' instead of 'al-hukuma tasmah').
- Using 'yasmah' for 'let's' (as in 'let's eat').
Astuces
The 'Bi' Rule
Always follow 'yasmah' with the preposition 'bi' when specifying the action. This makes your Arabic sound natural and correct.
Magic Phrase
Use 'Law Samaht' constantly. It is the key to polite interaction in any Arabic-speaking country.
Root Link
Connect 'yasmah' (allow) with 'tasamuh' (tolerance). It helps you remember that allowing is a form of being tolerant.
Clear 'H'
Make sure the final 'h' is the deep 'ح' sound. If you say it like a soft 'h', it might be confused with 'to hear'.
Signage
Look for the word 'مسموح' (Masmuh) on doors and signs. It tells you where you can go.
Formal Requests
In emails, start with 'Arju an tasmahu li...' (I hope you allow me...) for a professional tone.
Generosity
Understand that 'Samah' is a virtue. When someone allows you something, they are showing you 'Samaha' (grace).
Preposition Catch
Train your ear to catch the 'li' (for me/you) and 'bi' (the thing) sounds after the verb.
Permission Slip
Imagine a 'Samah' permission slip that you need to get 'bi' (by) the door.
Time and Space
Use 'yasmah' when talking about whether your schedule or the physical space allows for an activity.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of 'S-M-H' as 'Smooth Move, Habibi'—when you allow something, you let it move smoothly.
Origine du mot
Ancient Semitic root S-M-H.
Contexte culturel
Islamic law uses 'Masmuh' to define what is permissible.
Using 'Law Samaht' is essential for being considered polite (Mu'addab).
Allowing guests to feel at home is a form of Samah.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Amorces de conversation
"هل تسمح لي بسؤال؟ (Will you allow me a question?)"
"لو سمحت، كيف أصل إلى المحطة؟ (Please, how do I get to the station?)"
"هل تسمح بالتدخين هنا؟ (Do you allow smoking here?)"
"هل تسمح لي الظروف بزيارتك؟ (Do circumstances allow me to visit you?)"
"هل تسمح لنا الإدارة بالبقاء؟ (Does the management allow us to stay?)"
Sujets d'écriture
Write about a time you were not allowed to do something you wanted.
Describe the rules in your house using 'yasmah' and 'la yasmah'.
Is it important for a society to be 'masmuh' (tolerant)? Why?
What does your schedule allow you to do this weekend?
Write a polite letter to a boss asking for permission.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is better to say 'Samaha li'. 'Samahani' often means 'He forgave me'.
'Samaha' is general and polite; 'Adhina' is more formal or authoritative.
It also means 'Excuse me' when trying to get someone's attention.
You say 'Ghayr masmuh' or 'Mamnu'.
It takes a Masdar (verbal noun) preceded by 'bi'.
The Form III 'Saamaha' means to forgive, but Form I 'Samaha' can occasionally mean 'to be generous with/forgive' in classical contexts.
No, for 'let's go' use 'hayya bina' or 'khallina'.
For 'you (masc) allow' or 'she allows', use 'tasmah'. For 'you (fem) allow', use 'tasmaheen'.
Yes, it is the standard term for system permissions.
The root is S-M-H (س-م-ح).
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Summary
To use 'Yasmah' correctly, always remember the 'bi' preposition before the action you are allowing. It is the most versatile word for permission in Arabic, ranging from polite daily requests to formal legal rules.
- The verb 'Yasmah' means to allow or permit in Arabic.
- It is derived from the root S-M-H, which relates to generosity.
- Commonly used with the preposition 'bi' (بـ) for the action.
- The polite phrase 'Law Samaht' means 'Please' or 'Excuse me'.
The 'Bi' Rule
Always follow 'yasmah' with the preposition 'bi' when specifying the action. This makes your Arabic sound natural and correct.
Magic Phrase
Use 'Law Samaht' constantly. It is the key to polite interaction in any Arabic-speaking country.
Root Link
Connect 'yasmah' (allow) with 'tasamuh' (tolerance). It helps you remember that allowing is a form of being tolerant.
Clear 'H'
Make sure the final 'h' is the deep 'ح' sound. If you say it like a soft 'h', it might be confused with 'to hear'.
Contenu associé
Plus de mots sur general
عادةً
A1Habituellement, normalement; dans des conditions normales.
عادةً ما
B2Cet adverbe signifie généralement que quelque chose se produit la plupart du temps.
إعداد
B2C'est le processus de préparation de quelque chose, comme cuisiner un plat ou un projet.
عاضد
B2Ce verbe signifie aider ou soutenir quelqu'un, surtout quand il en a besoin.
عادي
A1C'est un jour ordinaire.
عاقبة
B1Le résultat ou l'effet d'une action, souvent désagréable. Il faut assumer la conséquence de ses choix.
أعلى
A1Plus haut, supérieur, ou le plus haut.
عال
B1Ce mot signifie 'haut' en termes de niveau ou de volume, comme un son aigu ou un prix élevé.
عالٍ
A2Signifie 'haut' pour la hauteur physique ou 'fort' pour le volume sonore.
عَالَمِيّ
B1Relatif à l'ensemble du monde; mondial ou global.
