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A2 verb #7,000 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

يُطفئ

yutfi'
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces يُطفئ en 30 secondes
Explication يُطفئ in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should learn 'yutfi' (يُطفئ) as a simple action word. Think of it as the opposite of 'turning on'. You will mostly use it for the lights in your house or a candle. It is a 'doing' word. For example: 'I turn off the light' (أنا أُطفئ النور). At this stage, don't worry too much about the complex grammar. Just remember that it starts with a 'u' sound (yutfi) and it means 'to stop the light or fire'. You might hear your teacher say 'Atfi' al-jawwal' (Turn off the phone) in class. This is a very useful word for following instructions and basic daily routines. It helps you talk about what you do before you go to sleep or when you leave a room. Always remember to put the object (the thing you are turning off) right after the verb. Simple phrases like 'Atfi' an-nar' (Put out the fire) are good to practice. Even at this basic level, knowing this word makes you sound more helpful and aware of your surroundings.
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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'yutfi' in more varied sentences and understand its past tense 'atfa'a' (أطفأ). You can now describe a sequence of events: 'I came home, then I turned off the car engine' (وصلتُ إلى البيت، ثم أطفأتُ محرك السيارة). You should also learn the word for firefighter, 'rajul al-itfa' (رجل الإطفاء), which uses the noun form of this verb. At this level, you are expected to know that 'yutfi' is used for electrical devices like the TV (talfaz) and the computer (hasoob). You are also learning to use it in the negative: 'La tutfi' al-misyah' (Don't turn off the radio). This level is about expanding the 'objects' you can extinguish. You might also encounter it in short stories where a character puts out a candle before going to bed. The key at A2 is consistency—using 'yutfi' for lights instead of the incorrect 'yugliq' (to close). You are building the habit of using the correct Arabic category for deactivating things.
At the B1 level, you start to see 'yutfi' used in metaphorical contexts. You are no longer just turning off lamps; you are 'extinguishing' emotions or abstract concepts. For instance, you might read a sentence like 'He extinguished his anger with a deep breath' (أطفأ غضبه بنفس عميق). You should also be comfortable with the passive form 'yutfa' (is extinguished) and the reflexive form 'intafa'a' (went out). Understanding the difference between 'atfa'a' (someone put it out) and 'intafa'a' (it went out on its own) is a key B1 milestone. You will encounter this verb in news reports about forest fires or civil defense operations. You should be able to discuss environmental issues, like why we should turn off lights to save energy, using more complex sentence structures. Your vocabulary is growing to include related nouns like 'mitfa'a' (fire extinguisher). This level requires you to understand the verb in different tenses and moods, including the subjunctive (e.g., 'li-yutfi' - in order to extinguish).
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At the B2 level, you use 'yutfi' with precision in both formal writing and fluent conversation. You can distinguish between 'yutfi' and its more formal synonym 'akhmada' (to quell/suppress). You might use 'yutfi' in a debate about energy conservation or in a detailed description of an emergency. You are also familiar with common idioms and collocations, such as 'yutfi' al-atash' (to quench thirst). At this stage, you should be able to handle the complex spelling of the hamza in all its forms (أطفأ، يطفئ، إطفاء) without errors. You can use the verb in the conditional: 'If you had turned off the stove, the fire wouldn't have started' (لو أطفأت الموقد، لما نشب الحريق). You are also likely to encounter the word in more sophisticated literature, where 'extinguishing a light' might symbolize death or the end of an era. Your understanding is now deep enough to appreciate the poetic weight the word can carry in a well-constructed Arabic sentence.
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At the C1 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'yutfi'. you can use it to express subtle nuances in literary analysis or high-level political discourse. You understand its role in classical Arabic texts where it might describe the 'extinguishing' of a tribe's power or the 'extinguishing' of a light of guidance. You can use the verbal noun 'itfa' (إطفاء) in complex nominal sentences and understand its application in legal or technical contexts (e.g., fire safety regulations). You are also aware of the various dialectal variations but choose the Fusha 'yutfi' for its clarity and authority. You can write essays about historical events, describing how a leader 'extinguished the flames of war' (أطفأ نيران الحرب) between two nations. Your command of the root and its derivations allows you to play with the language, perhaps using the active participle 'mutfi' (one who extinguishes) in a creative way. At this level, the word is a flexible tool in your rhetorical arsenal.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'yutfi' is complete. You can appreciate the most delicate uses of the word in pre-Islamic poetry or the Quran. You understand how the word interacts with Arabic's vast system of imagery—how 'extinguishing' is contrasted with 'kindling' (ish'al) to represent the eternal struggle between opposing forces. You can engage in high-level academic discussions about the linguistics of Form IV verbs and why this specific root was chosen over others. You are capable of translating complex English texts that use 'turn off', 'extinguish', 'quench', and 'dampen', choosing the exact Arabic equivalent—whether it's 'yutfi', 'akhmada', or 'rawaa'—based on the stylistic requirements of the target text. For you, 'yutfi' is not just a verb; it is a conceptual anchor that connects physical reality with the deepest layers of Arabic metaphor and history. You use it with the effortless grace of a master stylist.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

يُطفئ en 30 secondes

  • A versatile Arabic verb meaning to extinguish fire or turn off lights and electronic devices.
  • Form IV verb (yutfi') derived from the root ط-ف-أ, requiring a direct object.
  • Used literally for fires and lamps, and metaphorically for emotions like anger and physical needs like thirst.
  • Essential for daily household commands and emergency safety contexts in the Arabic-speaking world.

The Arabic verb يُطفئ (yutfi') is a fundamental Form IV verb derived from the root ط - ف - أ. At its core, it describes the act of causing something that is burning, glowing, or active to cease its activity or state of being lit. While in English we might use different verbs for 'extinguishing' a fire and 'turning off' a light, Arabic frequently employs this single, versatile verb for both scenarios. This makes it an essential word for daily life, safety, and metaphorical expression. When you walk out of a room, you yutfi' the lights. When a firefighter arrives at a scene, his primary goal is to yutfi' the blaze. This verb carries a sense of intentionality; it is an action performed by an agent to bring about a state of darkness, coolness, or quietude.

Physical Extinguishing
This is the primary usage. It refers to putting out a fire (نار), a candle (شمعة), or a cigarette (سيجارة). It implies the removal of the flame entirely.
Electronic Deactivation
In modern contexts, it is used for electrical devices. You use it for the lamp (مصباح), the television (تلفاز), or even a car engine (محرك). It is the opposite of 'to light' or 'to turn on' (يُشعل or يُشغل).
Metaphorical Use
Arabic literature and daily speech use this verb to describe calming down intense emotions. One might 'extinguish' their anger (يُطفئ غضبه) or 'quench' their thirst (يُطفئ عطشه), suggesting that these feelings are like a burning fire within the soul.

يجب أن تُطفئ الأنوار قبل أن تنام لتوفير الكهرباء.

— Common household advice

In a social context, using this word correctly shows a level of command over the language's specificities. For instance, while 'يغلق' (to close) might be understood for a light switch, 'يُطفئ' is more precise and native-sounding. It evokes the transition from presence to absence, from heat to cold. Historically, before electricity, this word was tied to the ritual of ending the day by putting out oil lamps or hearth fires. Today, it remains just as relevant in our high-tech world, where 'extinguishing' a screen is a necessary part of digital hygiene. Whether you are discussing fire safety with a child or writing a poetic verse about the cooling of a heated argument, yutfi' is your go-to verb for ending the 'burn'.

البطل الشجاع يُطفئ الحريق وينقذ الجميع.

لا تنسَ أن تُطفئ محرك السيارة عند التوقف الطويل.

Using يُطفئ effectively requires understanding its transitivity—it always needs an object. You don't just 'extinguish'; you extinguish *something*. The sentence structure usually follows the Verb-Subject-Object (VSO) or Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) pattern common in Modern Standard Arabic. Because it is a Form IV verb, its conjugation is very regular, which is a blessing for learners. Let's look at how the verb adapts across different subjects and objects to see its flexibility in action.

With Concrete Objects
When the object is a fire or a light, the meaning is literal. Example: 'The wind extinguished the candle' (أطفأت الرياح الشمعة). Notice the feminine suffix 'at' because 'the wind' (الرياح) is treated as feminine in Arabic.
With Abstract Objects
When the object is a feeling or a conflict. Example: 'He extinguished the fire of sedition' (أطفأ نار الفتنة). This is a very common rhetorical device in Arabic political and social discourse.
Imperative Forms
The imperative is 'أَطْفِئْ' (atfi') for male, 'أَطْفِئِي' (atfi'ee) for female, and 'أَطْفِئُوا' (atfi'oo) for plural. These are common commands in daily life.

من فضلك، أطفئ السيجارة هنا؛ التدخين ممنوع.

— A polite request in a public space

One interesting grammatical nuance is the spelling of the hamza. In the present tense 'يُطفئ', the hamza is written on a 'ya' (without dots) because it is preceded by a 'kasra' (i sound). In the past tense 'أطفأ', it is written on an 'alif' because it is preceded by a 'fatha' (a sound). Mastering these spelling variations is a sign of an advanced student. Furthermore, the verb is often paired with 'رجل الإطفاء' (the firefighter, literally 'the man of extinguishing'), which is a high-frequency compound noun you will see in news reports and children's books.

المطر الغزير يُطفئ حرائق الغابات.

Finally, consider the negative form. To say 'Do not turn off', you use 'لا تُطفئ' (la tutfi'). This is essential when you want someone to keep the light on or keep an engine running. It follows the standard jussive (majzoom) rules, though for this specific verb, the visible change is minimal in pronunciation but important in script. As you practice, try to pair the verb with as many different 'burning' or 'electric' objects as possible to build your mental associations.

The word يُطفئ is ubiquitous in the Arabic-speaking world, appearing in diverse contexts ranging from the mundane to the heroic. In the domestic sphere, it is one of the first verbs a child learns as parents teach them to save energy or prepare for sleep. In the public sphere, it is a word associated with safety and emergency services. If you are watching the news on Al Jazeera or Al Arabiya, you will frequently hear this verb in reports about firefighting efforts or environmental crises. It has a formal, serious tone in these contexts, often accompanied by technical terms related to civil defense.

In the Home
'أطفئ التلفاز واذهب للدراسة' (Turn off the TV and go study). This is a classic phrase heard in almost every household.
In Public Transportation
Signs in gas stations or on airplanes: 'يرجى إطفاء الهواتف المحمولة' (Please turn off mobile phones). Here, the verbal noun 'إطفاء' (itfa') is used.
In Literature and Poetry
Poets use it to describe the end of passion or the cooling of a lover's heart. 'أطفأتُ نيران شوقي' (I extinguished the fires of my longing).

سأقوم بـ إطفاء الشموع في حفلة عيد ميلادي.

— A celebration context

Another common place to encounter this word is in safety manuals and emergency exits. The 'Fire Extinguisher' is called 'مِطْفَأَة حَرِيق' (mitfa'at hareeq), a noun of instrument derived from the same root. Seeing this word on red canisters in buildings throughout the Middle East reinforces the verb's meaning. Furthermore, in religious texts or sermons, the verb is used to describe the 'extinguishing' of the light of truth by those who oppose it, or the 'extinguishing' of the fires of Hell through good deeds. This range from the physical fire extinguisher to the spiritual realm shows just how deeply embedded the concept of 'extinguishing' is in the Arabic consciousness.

For English speakers learning Arabic, the most frequent mistake when using يُطفئ is choosing the wrong verb for 'turning off' devices. In English, we 'turn off' a light, 'close' a tap, and 'shut' a door. In Arabic, these are distinct. Using 'يغلق' (to close) for a light is a common 'Anglicism' that, while often understood, sounds unnatural. You 'close' (يغلق) a door or a book, but you 'extinguish' (يُطفئ) a light. Understanding this categorical difference is key to sounding like a native speaker.

Confusion with 'To Close' (يغلق)
Mistake: 'أغلق النور' (I closed the light). Correct: 'أطفأ النور' (I extinguished/turned off the light). Use 'يغلق' for physical barriers like doors or windows.
Spelling the Hamza
Learners often struggle with where to place the hamza at the end of the word. Remember: if the letter before it has a kasra (like in the present tense), it sits on a dotless 'ya'. If it has a fatha (past tense), it sits on an 'alif'.
Transitivity Errors
Since 'yutfi' is transitive (Form IV), it cannot mean 'the fire went out' by itself. For that, you need the passive or a different verb like 'انطفأ' (intafa'a - Form VII). Mistake: 'النار تُطفئ' (The fire extinguishes [something]). Correct: 'النار تنطفئ' (The fire goes out).

خطأ: هو يغلق الشمعة.
صح: هو يُطفئ الشمعة.

Another nuance is the use of this verb with computers or smartphones. While 'يُطفئ' is correct for 'shutting down', many modern users might use 'يغلق' (close) for 'closing an app' or 'locking the screen'. However, for a full power-off, 'يُطفئ' remains the standard. Also, avoid using 'يقتل' (to kill) for turning off a light, which is a slang term in some other languages but not standard or common in Arabic. Stick to the 'extinguishing' metaphor—it is both safe and sophisticated.

While يُطفئ is the most common verb for extinguishing, Arabic is a rich language with several synonyms and related terms that offer different shades of meaning. Depending on whether you are talking about a small candle, a massive forest fire, or a metaphorical thirst, you might choose a different word. Understanding these alternatives will help you move from a basic level to a more nuanced, expressive command of the language.

أخمد (Akhmada)
This verb is very close to 'yutfi' but carries a stronger sense of 'suppressing' or 'quelling'. It is often used for large fires (أخمد الحريق) or for suppressing a rebellion or an uprising (أخمد الثورة). It implies a forceful ending.
انطفأ (Intafa'a)
This is the Form VII (reflexive) version of the root. Use this when the fire or light goes out *on its own*. Example: 'The light went out' (انطفأ النور). You don't need a subject for this verb.
روى (Rawaa)
Specifically for 'extinguishing' thirst. While you can say 'yutfi' al-atash', 'rawaa' (to quench/water) is more common and idiomatic for drinking until no longer thirsty.

المقارنة:
1. يُطفئ الولد الشمعة (The boy puts out the candle).
2. انطفأت الشمعة بسبب الريح (The candle went out because of the wind).

In modern technology contexts, you might also hear 'أوقف التشغيل' (awqafa al-tashgheel), which literally means 'to stop the operation'. This is the formal phrase you see on Windows or Mac interfaces for 'Shut Down'. While 'yutfi' is the verb you'd use in conversation, 'أوقف التشغيل' is what you'd see in a technical manual. Additionally, 'قطع' (qata'a - to cut) is often used for 'cutting the power' (قطع الكهرباء). If the electricity goes out in the whole neighborhood, you wouldn't say someone 'extinguished' it; you'd say it was 'cut'. Knowing these distinctions prevents confusion during power outages or technical troubleshooting.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The Form IV 'yutfi' is causative, meaning 'to make it go out', while Form VII 'yantafi' is what the fire does to itself.

Guide de prononciation

UK /jʊtˈfiː/
US /jʊtˈfi/
The stress is on the second syllable 'fi'.
Rime avec
يختبئ (yakhtabi') يدفئ (yudfi') ينشئ (yunshi') يبرئ (yubri') يهدئ (yuhaddi') يبدئ (yubdi') يخطئ (yukhti') يطأ (yata')
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing the first letter with an 'a' (yatfi) instead of 'u' (yutfi).
  • Ignoring the final glottal stop (hamza) making it sound like 'yutfi' without the sharp end.
  • Confusing it with the reflexive 'yantafi' (goes out).
  • Over-emphasizing the 't' so it sounds like an emphatic 'T' (ط).
  • Pronouncing the 'f' too softly.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to read but requires attention to the final hamza's seat.

Écriture 3/5

Spelling the hamza correctly in different tenses is the main challenge.

Expression orale 2/5

Simple pronunciation once the initial 'u' sound is mastered.

Écoute 2/5

Clear sound, but watch out for dialectal variations like 'taffi'.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

نار (Fire) نور (Light) شمعة (Candle) أنا (I) لا (No/Don't)

Apprends ensuite

يُشعل (To light/ignite) يُشغل (To operate/turn on) يغلق (To close) يفتح (To open) يحترق (To burn)

Avancé

إخماد (Suppression) لهب (Flame) رماد (Ash) محرقة (Incinerator) تلاشى (To fade away)

Grammaire à connaître

Form IV Verbs (Af'ala - Yuf'ilu)

أطفأ (Past) -> يُطفئ (Present). The prefix always has a damma.

Final Hamza Spelling

In يُطفئ, the hamza is on 'ya' because of the preceding kasra.

Transitivity

يُطفئ requires a direct object (Maf'ul Bihi).

Imperative of Form IV

The command is 'أَطْفِئْ' with a mandatory initial hamza (Hamzat Qat').

The Verbal Noun (Masdar)

The Masdar is 'إطفاء', following the pattern 'If'aal'.

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Exemples par niveau

1

أنا أُطفئ النور.

I turn off the light.

Subject 'أنا' (I) + Verb 'أُطفئ' (turn off).

2

أطفئ التلفاز من فضلك.

Turn off the TV please.

Imperative 'أطفئ' (turn off) for a male.

3

هي تُطفئ الشمعة.

She blows out the candle.

Present tense for 'she' starts with 'ta'.

4

هل تُطفئ الهاتف؟

Do you turn off the phone?

Question particle 'هل' + present tense.

5

أطفئ النار بسرعة!

Put out the fire quickly!

Imperative command with an adverb.

6

نحن نُطفئ الأنوار في الليل.

We turn off the lights at night.

Present tense for 'we' starts with 'na'.

7

أطفئ المصباح.

Turn off the lamp.

Simple verb-object structure.

8

لا تُطفئ النور.

Don't turn off the light.

Negative command with 'لا'.

1

أطفأ السائق محرك السيارة.

The driver turned off the car engine.

Past tense 'أطفأ' (he extinguished).

2

يجب أن تُطفئ الحاسوب بعد العمل.

You must turn off the computer after work.

Modal phrase 'يجب أن' + subjunctive verb.

3

رجل الإطفاء يُطفئ الحريق.

The firefighter is putting out the fire.

Compound noun 'رجل الإطفاء'.

4

أطفأتُ السيجارة في المنفضة.

I extinguished the cigarette in the ashtray.

Past tense first person 'أطفأتُ'.

5

لماذا أطفأتَ المذياع؟

Why did you turn off the radio?

Question word 'لماذا' + past tense.

6

أمي تُطفئ الفرن بعد الطبخ.

My mother turns off the oven after cooking.

Present tense for feminine subject.

7

أريد أن أُطفئ هذه الشمعة.

I want to blow out this candle.

Verb 'أريد أن' followed by present tense.

8

أطفئوا الأنوار قبل الخروج.

Turn off the lights before leaving (plural).

Plural imperative 'أطفئوا'.

1

شربتُ الماء لأُطفئ عطشي الشديد.

I drank water to quench my extreme thirst.

Metaphorical use for thirst.

2

حاول الجيران إطفاء الحريق قبل وصول الإسعاف.

The neighbors tried to extinguish the fire before the ambulance arrived.

Verbal noun 'إطفاء' used as an object.

3

أطفأ كلامُها الجميل غضبي.

Her beautiful words extinguished my anger.

Metaphorical use for emotion.

4

لا تترك الشمعة مشتعلة، أطفئها الآن.

Don't leave the candle burning, extinguish it now.

Imperative with object pronoun 'ها'.

5

يُطفئ المطرُ نيران الغابة.

The rain extinguishes the forest fires.

Natural agent as subject.

6

استخدم المِطفأة لإطفاء الزيت المشتعل.

Use the extinguisher to put out the burning oil.

Noun of instrument 'المِطفأة'.

7

هل يمكنك أن تُطفئ صوت الموسيقى؟

Can you turn off the sound of the music?

Polite request using 'هل يمكنك'.

8

أطفأ التلميذ المصباح وبدأ ينام.

The student turned off the lamp and began to sleep.

Sequence of past tense verbs.

1

نجح الدفاع المدني في إطفاء الحريق الهائل.

The civil defense succeeded in extinguishing the massive fire.

Formal phrase 'الدفاع المدني'.

2

أطفأت الحكومة نيران الفتنة بحكمة.

The government extinguished the fires of sedition with wisdom.

Political metaphor.

3

كان عليه أن يُطفئ المحرك لتجنب الانفجار.

He had to turn off the engine to avoid the explosion.

Past necessity 'كان عليه أن'.

4

الدموع لا تُطفئ الحزن، لكنها تريحه.

Tears do not extinguish sadness, but they relieve it.

Philosophical/Emotional use.

5

أطفأ النور في غرفته ليركز في تفكيره.

He turned off the light in his room to focus on his thoughts.

Purpose clause with 'li-'.

6

يرجى إطفاء السجائر قبل دخول المبنى.

Please extinguish cigarettes before entering the building.

Formal request using verbal noun.

7

أطفأ اللاعب حماس الخصم بهدف سريع.

The player extinguished the opponent's enthusiasm with a quick goal.

Sports metaphor.

8

لم يستطع أحد إطفاء فضوله لمعرفة الحقيقة.

No one could extinguish his curiosity to know the truth.

Metaphorical use for curiosity.

1

أطفأت الأزمة الاقتصادية بريق المدينة.

The economic crisis extinguished the city's luster.

Abstract literary subject.

2

يسعى الحكماء دوماً لإطفاء فتيل الحروب.

Wise men always seek to extinguish the fuse of wars.

Idiomatic expression 'فتيل الحرب'.

3

أطفأ الكاتب سراج الأمل في نهاية روايته.

The writer extinguished the lamp of hope at the end of his novel.

Literary symbolism.

4

لا يمكن لظلام الجهل أن يُطفئ نور العلم.

The darkness of ignorance cannot extinguish the light of knowledge.

Classic Arabic rhetorical contrast.

5

أطفأت رياح التغيير تقاليد قديمة بالية.

The winds of change extinguished worn-out old traditions.

Sociological metaphor.

6

إطفاء الشوق لا يكون إلا باللقاء.

Extinguishing longing only happens through meeting.

Nominal sentence using the verbal noun.

7

أطفأ القائد التمرد قبل أن يستفحل.

The leader extinguished the rebellion before it grew out of control.

Military/Political context.

8

تُطفئ القوانين الجديدة ثغرات النظام القديم.

The new laws extinguish the loopholes of the old system.

Legal metaphor.

1

أطفأ الموتُ شعلة عبقريته في سن مبكرة.

Death extinguished the flame of his genius at an early age.

High literary style.

2

إن محاولة إطفاء شمس الحقيقة هي عبث محض.

Trying to extinguish the sun of truth is pure futility.

Philosophical assertion.

3

أطفأ برودةُ المنطق حرارةَ العاطفة في قلبه.

The coldness of logic extinguished the heat of emotion in his heart.

Complex psychological metaphor.

4

لقد أطفأ الدهرُ معالم تلك الحضارة العريقة.

Time has extinguished the landmarks of that ancient civilization.

Use of 'الدهر' (time/fate).

5

أطفأت تلك الحادثة الأليمة كل رغبة لديه في الحياة.

That painful accident extinguished every desire he had for life.

Intense emotional description.

6

لا تُطفئوا جذوة الإبداع في نفوس الشباب.

Do not extinguish the spark of creativity in the souls of the youth.

Metaphorical imperative.

7

أطفأ الصمتُ المطبقُ ضجيجَ المدينة المزدحمة.

The absolute silence extinguished the noise of the crowded city.

Sensory contrast.

8

أطفأ نداءُ الواجب كلَّ ترددٍ كان يشعر به.

The call of duty extinguished every hesitation he was feeling.

Abstract moral subject.

Collocations courantes

أطفأ النور
أطفأ الحريق
أطفأ المحرك
أطفأ غضبه
أطفأ عطشه
أطفأ السجائر
أطفأ الشموع
أطفأ التلفاز
أطفأ الفتنة
أطفأ المصباح

Phrases Courantes

أطفئ النور وراك

— Turn off the light behind you. A common household command.

يا محمد، أطفئ النور وراك.

رجل الإطفاء

— Firefighter. Literally 'the man of extinguishing'.

رجل الإطفاء بطل شجاع.

جهاز إطفاء

— Extinguishing device. Often refers to fire systems.

المبنى مزود بجهاز إطفاء آلي.

إطفاء ذاتي

— Self-extinguishing or auto-off feature.

هذا الجهاز فيه خاصية الإطفاء الذاتي.

عملية إطفاء

— An extinguishing operation. Used in news reports.

استمرت عملية الإطفاء لساعات.

أطفأ نيران الحرب

— To extinguish the fires of war. Used in diplomacy.

المعاهدة أطفأت نيران الحرب.

إطفاء الأنوار

— Lights out. Can refer to a curfew or bedtime.

حان وقت إطفاء الأنوار.

أطفأ السراج

— To put out the lamp. Often used in classical stories.

أطفأ السراج ونام على الحصير.

أطفأ الظمأ

— To quench the thirst. A slightly more formal version of quenching.

هذا العصير يطفئ الظمأ.

لا تطفئ الأمل

— Don't extinguish the hope. A common motivational phrase.

مهما حدث، لا تطفئ الأمل في قلبك.

Souvent confondu avec

يُطفئ vs يغلق (To close)

English speakers use 'close' for lights; Arabic speakers use 'extinguish' (yutfi).

يُطفئ vs ينطفئ (To go out)

Yantafi is reflexive (no agent); Yutfi is transitive (needs an agent).

يُطفئ vs يقفل (To lock/shut)

Yuqfil is for locking a door or shutting a program, not for extinguishing a flame.

Expressions idiomatiques

"أطفأ ناره"

— To calm someone down or satisfy their revenge. Literally 'to extinguish his fire'.

بعد أن اعتذر له، أطفأ ناره.

Informal/Metaphorical
"أطفأ السراج بالنفخ"

— To try to do something impossible or futile. Literally 'to put out the lamp by blowing'.

محاولتك لإخفاء الحقيقة كمن يطفئ السراج بالنفخ.

Literary
"أطفي الضو"

— Dialectal version of 'turn off the light', used to mean 'shut up' or 'stop talking' in very specific slang contexts.

خلاص أطفي الضو واسكت.

Slang
"يُطفئ النار بالزيت"

— To make a situation worse. Literally 'extinguishing fire with oil' (opposite of the English 'add fuel to the fire', but used ironically).

كلامك هذا يطفئ النار بالزيت!

Metaphorical
"أطفأ جمرة الحزن"

— To soothe the pain of loss. Literally 'extinguish the ember of sadness'.

الوقت وحده يطفئ جمرة الحزن.

Poetic
"أطفأ بريقه"

— To outshine someone or make them lose their fame. Literally 'extinguish his luster'.

اللاعب الجديد أطفأ بريق النجوم القدامى.

Journalistic
"إطفاء الحرائق"

— Management style focusing only on urgent problems. 'Firefighting'.

المدير يقضي يومه في إطفاء الحرائق الإدارية.

Business
"أطفأ غليل"

— To satisfy a deep longing or thirst for revenge.

أطفأ نجاحه غليل الحاقدين.

Literary
"نور لا ينطفئ"

— An eternal light/truth. Uses the reflexive form.

الحق نور لا ينطفئ.

Religious/Philosophical
"أطفأ الفتنة في مهدها"

— To nip sedition in the bud. Literally 'extinguish the discord in its cradle'.

تحرك الشرطة أطفأ الفتنة في مهدها.

Political

Facile à confondre

يُطفئ vs أخمد

Both mean to put out a fire.

Akhmada is more forceful and formal, often used for large-scale suppression.

أخمدت الإطفائية الحريق الكبير.

يُطفئ vs قطع

Both can mean the light goes away.

Qata'a refers to cutting the source (electricity), Yutfi refers to the action of turning the switch.

انقطع التيار الكهربائي فجأة.

يُطفئ vs أمات

Poetically, both can mean ending a life/light.

Amata is 'to kill'; Yutfi is 'to extinguish'.

أطفأ الشمعة (Put out candle) vs أمات الشعور (Killed the feeling).

يُطفئ vs سكّن

Both can mean calming anger.

Sakkana is 'to quieten/still'; Yutfi is specifically 'to extinguish' the heat of it.

سكّن روعه (Calmed his fear).

يُطفئ vs غطى

You can put out a fire by covering it.

Ghattaa is 'to cover'; the result might be Yutfi (extinguishing).

غطى النار بالرمل ليطفئها.

Structures de phrases

A1

[Subject] [Verb] [Object].

أنا أُطفئ النور.

A2

[Verb-Past] [Subject] [Object].

أطفأ الولد الشمعة.

B1

يجب أن [Verb-Subjunctive] [Object].

يجب أن تُطفئ الحاسوب.

B2

[Verb] [Subject] [Metaphorical Object].

أطفأ المطر عطش الأرض.

C1

[Verbal Noun] [Object] [Predicate].

إطفاء الأنوار ضروري للتوفير.

C2

[Negative] [Verb] [Abstract Subject] [Abstract Object].

لا تُطفئ الأيامُ ذكرى الراحلين.

B1

استخدم [Tool] لـ[Verbal Noun] [Object].

استخدم الماء لإطفاء النار.

A2

لا [Verb-Jussive] [Object].

لا تُطفئ المذياع.

Famille de mots

Noms

إطفاء (Extinguishing/Firefighting)
مِطْفَأَة (Fire extinguisher)
مُطْفِئ (Extinguisher - person/agent)

Verbes

أطفأ (Extinguished - Past)
انطفأ (Went out - Reflexive)
طَفِئَ (To be extinguished - Form I, rare)

Adjectifs

مُطْفَأ (Extinguished/Off)
مُنطَفِئ (Faded/Extinguished - reflexive state)

Apparenté

حريق (Fire)
نور (Light)
دخان (Smoke)
ماء (Water)
حرارة (Heat)
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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in daily life and news reporting.

Erreurs courantes
  • أنا يطفي النور → أنا أُطفئ النور

    Using the wrong person marker and ignoring the 'u' sound (damma).

  • أغلق الشمعة → أطفأ الشمعة

    Using 'close' (yugliq) instead of 'extinguish' (yutfi) for a flame.

  • النار أطفأت → النار انطفأت

    Using the transitive verb (yutfi) for a reflexive action (the fire went out).

  • Spelling 'إتفاء' instead of 'إطفاء' → إطفاء

    Confusing the 'Ta' (ت) with the emphatic 'Ta' (ط).

  • أطفي التلفون → أطفئ الهاتف

    While 'atfi' is okay in dialect, in Fusha (MSA), the hamza must be pronounced clearly.

Astuces

Master the Hamza

The final hamza in 'yutfi' is tricky. In the present tense, it sits on a dotless 'ya' (ئ). In the past, it sits on an 'alif' (أ). Practice writing both.

Don't say 'Close the Light'

Avoid saying 'yugliq an-nur'. Even if people understand you, 'yutfi an-nur' is the correct and natural way to say 'turn off the light'.

Firefighter Respect

The term 'rajul al-itfa' is very respectful. In many Arab countries, firefighters are highly regarded for their bravery.

Emergency Signs

Look for the word 'إطفاء' on red signs in buildings. It will help you remember the root meaning in a real-world context.

Quench your Thirst

Use 'yutfi' metaphorically for thirst or anger to sound more like a native speaker.

The 'U' Rule

Remember that all Form IV present tense verbs start with 'U'. So it's always 'yutfi', never 'yatfi'.

The Verbal Noun

Learn 'itfa' (إطفاء). It's used in many official names of government departments and safety equipment.

The Glottal Stop

Don't forget the sharp stop at the end of the word. It's not just 'yutfi', it's 'yutfi-''.

News Context

When you hear 'itfa' in the news, it's almost always about civil defense or firefighting.

Poetic Use

In poetry, use 'yutfi' to describe the end of an era or the fading of a star's light.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Youth-Fee'. If the 'Youth' doesn't pay the 'Fee' for electricity, the company will 'Yutfi' (turn off) the lights.

Association visuelle

Imagine a giant hand coming from the sky and pinching a candle flame to put it out. The hand is labeled 'Yutfi'.

Word Web

نار (Fire) مصباح (Lamp) كهرباء (Electricity) رجل إطفاء (Firefighter) ماء (Water) ظلام (Darkness) هدوء (Quiet) نوم (Sleep)

Défi

Try to use 'yutfi' in three different contexts today: once for a light, once for a phone, and once metaphorically for your hunger or thirst.

Origine du mot

From the Semitic root T-F-A, which relates to the cessation of fire or light.

Sens originel : To be extinguished or to go out (of a fire).

Afroasiatic, Semitic, Central Semitic, Arabic.

Contexte culturel

No major sensitivities, but be aware that in some political contexts, 'extinguishing' voices can imply censorship.

English speakers often say 'turn off' for electronics and 'extinguish' for fire; Arabic uses 'yutfi' for both, which is a simplification to remember.

The Quranic verse: 'They want to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths' (يُرِيدُونَ أَن يُطْفِئُوا نُورَ اللَّهِ بِأَفْوَاهِهِمْ). The Arabic proverb: 'The fire of the neighbor is extinguished with the water of the neighbor.' Modern Arabic songs often use 'yutfi' to describe the cooling of passion.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At Home

  • أطفئ النور.
  • أطفئ التلفاز.
  • أطفئ الفرن.
  • أطفئ المكيف.

In the Car

  • أطفأ المحرك.
  • أطفئ الراديو.
  • أطفئ المصابيح الأمامية.
  • أطفئ إشارة الانعطاف.

Safety/Emergency

  • أطفئ الحريق.
  • استخدم المطفأة.
  • اتصل بالإطفاء.
  • أطفئ السيجارة فوراً.

Office/Work

  • أطفئ الحاسوب.
  • أطفئ الطابعة.
  • أطفئ الأنوار قبل المغادرة.
  • أطفئ صوت الهاتف.

Social/Celebration

  • أطفئ الشموع.
  • أطفئ الأضواء للمفاجأة.
  • أطفئ الموسيقى قليلاً.
  • أطفأ حماسهم بكلامه.

Amorces de conversation

"هل تُطفئ الأنوار دائماً قبل أن تغادر الغرفة؟"

"متى كانت آخر مرة رأيت فيها رجال الإطفاء يُطفئون حريقاً؟"

"هل تفضل أن تُطفئ هاتفك تماماً أثناء النوم؟"

"كيف تُطفئ غضبك عندما تشعر بالانزعاج الشديد؟"

"هل تعرف أين توجد مِطفأة الحريق في هذا المبنى؟"

Sujets d'écriture

اكتب عن موقف اضطررت فيه لإطفاء حريق صغير في منزلك.

صف شعورك عندما تُطفئ جميع الأجهزة الإلكترونية وتبتعد عن التكنولوجيا ليوم كامل.

لماذا من المهم أن نُطفئ الأنوار غير الضرورية في مدننا؟

تحدث عن شخص استطاع أن يُطفئ خلافاً كبيراً بين صديقين.

اكتب قصة قصيرة تنتهي بجملة: 'ثم أطفأ السراج ونام'.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, absolutely. It is the standard verb for 'shutting down' or 'turning off' a computer in Arabic.

Yes, though the pronunciation often changes to 'taffi' or 'itfi' depending on the region (e.g., Levantine or Gulf).

'Yutfi' is when you do the action (e.g., I turn off the light). 'Yantafi' is when it happens on its own (e.g., the light went out because of a storm).

You say 'rajul al-itfa' (رجل الإطفاء), which literally means 'the man of extinguishing'.

It is 'yutfi' with a 'u' sound at the beginning because it is a Form IV verb.

Yes, 'yutfi al-atash' (to extinguish thirst) is a common and poetic way to say you quenched your thirst.

It is spelled 'أطفأ' (atfa'a) with the hamza on an alif at the end.

No, for a door you must use 'yugliq' (يغلق) or 'yuqfil' (يقفل).

It is 'mitfa'a' (مطفأة).

Metaphorically, it can mean silencing someone or taking away their enthusiasm, but it is not used for 'attraction' like in English slang.

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Teste-toi 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'أطفأ' in the past tense about a fire.

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writing

Write a command to a group of people to turn off the lights.

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writing

Translate: 'I turn off the computer after finishing work.'

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writing

Use 'يُطفئ' metaphorically in a sentence about anger.

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writing

Write a sentence using the verbal noun 'إطفاء'.

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writing

Translate: 'The rain extinguished the campfire.'

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writing

Describe what you do before you sleep using the verb 'يُطفئ'.

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writing

Write a sentence about a firefighter using 'يُطفئ'.

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writing

Translate: 'Do not turn off the radio, I am listening.'

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writing

Use 'يُطفئ' in a sentence about a candle.

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writing

Translate: 'The government extinguished the rebellion.'

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writing

Write a question asking someone if they turned off the oven.

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writing

Translate: 'He quenched his thirst with cold water.'

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writing

Write a short paragraph about energy saving using 'يُطفئ'.

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writing

Translate: 'The sun of truth cannot be extinguished.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'مِطفأة'.

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writing

Translate: 'The light went out suddenly (use reflexive).'

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writing

Write a sentence about turning off a phone in a cinema.

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writing

Translate: 'She turned off the music to study.'

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writing

Write a sentence about a car engine.

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speaking

Tell your roommate to turn off the light before they leave.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain to a child why we turn off the TV.

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speaking

Describe the job of a firefighter in one sentence.

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speaking

Ask a waiter to turn off the loud music.

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speaking

Tell someone you are going to turn off your phone now.

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speaking

Say: 'I forgot to turn off the oven.'

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speaking

Describe how you feel after drinking water when you are very thirsty.

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speaking

Tell a smoker that they must put out their cigarette here.

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speaking

Ask: 'Who turned off the computer?'

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speaking

Say: 'We should turn off the lights to save money.'

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speaking

Give a command to your children to turn off the tablets.

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speaking

Say: 'The rain put out the fire.'

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speaking

Explain that the engine must be off during the repair.

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speaking

Say: 'Don't extinguish the flame of creativity.'

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speaking

Ask: 'Did you turn off the water heater?'

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speaking

Say: 'I will turn off the lights in five minutes.'

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speaking

Tell someone to turn off the engine while waiting.

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speaking

Say: 'He extinguished his anger with a smile.'

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speaking

Say: 'The firefighters arrived to put out the blaze.'

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speaking

Say: 'Turn off the AC before you go out.'

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen to the phrase: 'أطفئ النور'. What should you do?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'سيارة الإطفاء قادمة'. What is coming?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'لا تُطفئ التلفاز'. Should you turn off the TV?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'أطفأ السائق المحرك'. What did the driver do?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'يجب إطفاء السجائر'. What is the instruction?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'أطفأ المطر النار'. What put out the fire?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'هل أطفأتَ الفرن؟'. What is the person asking?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'أطفأ غضبه بالصبر'. How did he calm his anger?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'إطفاء الأنوار ضروري'. Is turning off the lights necessary?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'أطفئوا الهواتف'. Who is the speaker talking to?

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listening

Listen: 'مِطفأة الحريق هناك'. Where is the fire extinguisher?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'أطفأتُ الشمعة'. Who put out the candle?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'عملية الإطفاء مستمرة'. Is the fire out yet?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'لا تطفئ شعلة الأمل'. What shouldn't be extinguished?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen: 'أطفئ المذياع من فضلك'. What should be turned off?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

/ 200 correct

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