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A1 verb #1,500 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

يَتكلم

yatakallam Top 1,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces يَتكلم en 30 secondes

Explication يَتكلم in your Level:

At the A1 level, the verb يَتكلم (yatakallam) is introduced as one of the most essential verbs for basic survival and communication. It simply means 'he speaks'. Beginners learn this word primarily to state which languages they or others can speak. For example, 'He speaks English' (هو يتكلم الإنجليزية). It is taught alongside basic pronouns (I, you, he, she) so learners can form simple, highly useful sentences. At this stage, the focus is purely on the present tense and recognizing the sound of the word in simple questions like 'Do you speak Arabic?' (هل تتكلم العربية؟). Grammar explanations are kept minimal, focusing on rote memorization of the phrase structure rather than the complex root system.

Moving into the A2 level, learners begin to expand their use of يَتكلم beyond just listing languages. They start using it to describe everyday actions and routines. They learn to combine the verb with prepositions, specifically 'with' (مع) and 'about' (عن). This allows them to form more descriptive sentences such as 'He speaks with his friend' (هو يتكلم مع صديقه) or 'He speaks about the weather' (هو يتكلم عن الطقس). At this stage, learners also practice conjugating the verb for all pronouns in the present tense, recognizing the patterns (أتكلم، تتكلم، يتكلمون). They also learn how to negate the verb using 'لا' (la) to say 'he does not speak'.

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At the B1 intermediate level, the understanding of يَتكلم deepens significantly. Learners are introduced to the past tense (تكلم - takallama) and the future tense (سيتكلم - sayatakallamu). They begin to use the verb in more complex sentence structures, including subordinate clauses. The distinction between يَتكلم (to speak) and synonyms like يتحدث (to talk/discuss) and يقول (to say) is explicitly taught to refine their vocabulary choice. Learners at this level can understand the verb in various contexts, such as news reports or simple stories, and can use it to express opinions, describe past conversations, and participate actively in discussions about familiar topics.

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In the B2 upper-intermediate level, learners are expected to use يَتكلم with a high degree of fluency and accuracy. They encounter the verb in diverse media, including literature, formal broadcasts, and debates. They learn to use adverbs and descriptive phrases to modify the verb, such as 'he speaks fluently' (يتكلم بطلاقة) or 'he speaks confidently' (يتكلم بثقة). The morphological structure of the verb as a Form V derived from the root ك-ل-م is analyzed, helping learners understand how the pattern implies a deliberate or ongoing action. They also navigate the differences between Modern Standard Arabic usage and regional dialect variations of the verb.

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At the C1 advanced level, the usage of يَتكلم becomes highly nuanced. Learners can comprehend and produce complex rhetorical structures using the verb. They understand idiomatic expressions and collocations associated with it. The focus shifts to the sociolinguistic aspects, such as when to use يَتكلم versus highly formal alternatives in professional or academic writing. They can easily switch between registers, using the appropriate form of the verb whether they are delivering a formal presentation or engaging in a casual, rapid-fire conversation with native speakers. The verb is used effortlessly to express abstract concepts and hypothetical scenarios.

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At the C2 mastery level, the learner's grasp of يَتكلم is near-native. They understand the deep etymological roots of the word and its historical evolution in classical Arabic literature. They can appreciate the subtle stylistic choices an author makes when selecting this verb over others in poetry or prose. They are fully aware of all dialectal variations and can adapt their own speech seamlessly depending on the geographic and social context. At this level, the verb is not just a tool for communication, but an instrument for precise, elegant, and culturally resonant expression, reflecting a profound mastery of the Arabic language's intricacies.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

يَتكلم en 30 secondes

Present tense verb
Means 'he speaks'
Root is ك-ل-م
Used for languages

Core Meaning: The Arabic verb يَتكلم translates directly to 'he speaks' or 'he is speaking' in English. It is a Form V verb derived from the root letters Kaf-Lam-Meem (ك-ل-م), which fundamentally relate to words, speech, and communication. This specific form indicates the ongoing action of producing speech or engaging in a conversation.

هو يَتكلم اللغة العربية بطلاقة.

Contextual Usage: People use this word in various contexts, ranging from describing someone's ability to speak a specific language, to indicating that someone is currently holding the floor in a conversation, or even to express that someone is giving a speech or talking about a particular subject. It is highly versatile and forms the backbone of communicative vocabulary in Arabic.

الرجل يَتكلم مع صديقه في الهاتف.

المدير يَتكلم عن المشروع الجديد.

Morphological Insight: As a Form V verb (تَفَعَّلَ - yatafa'alu), it carries a sense of reflexive or intensive action compared to the base form. While the base root means 'to wound' in classical Arabic, the derived forms evolved to mean 'to speak' (perhaps metaphorically relating to how words can impact). The present tense prefix 'ya-' indicates the third-person masculine singular. Understanding this pattern helps learners easily conjugate it for other pronouns: I speak (أتكلم), she speaks (تتكلم), we speak (نتكلم).

الطفل بدأ يَتكلم بوضوح.

لا أحد يَتكلم في المكتبة.

In everyday interactions, whether you are in a bustling market in Cairo, a corporate office in Dubai, or an academic setting in Amman, this verb is ubiquitous. It bridges the gap between simple observation and active participation. When you want to know if someone can communicate with you, you ask if they speak your language using this exact verb. When you are narrating a story and want to describe the actions of the protagonist communicating, this is the verb you select. Its fundamental nature makes it one of the first fifty verbs any student of the Arabic language must master. Furthermore, its usage extends beyond human speech; it can metaphorically apply to things that communicate a message, though this is more advanced. For beginners, mastering the literal application of this verb opens up countless conversational doors and allows for basic narrative construction.

Basic Sentence Structure: In Arabic, sentences can be verbal (starting with a verb) or nominal (starting with a noun). When using يَتكلم, a verbal sentence is highly common and natural. The structure typically follows Verb + Subject + Object/Prepositional Phrase. For example, 'Yatakallamu al-rajulu al-arabiyya' (The man speaks Arabic). This VSO order is standard in Modern Standard Arabic, though SVO is also frequently used, especially in modern media and dialects.

يَتكلم الأستاذ بصوت عالٍ.

Using Prepositions: To maximize the utility of this verb, you must pair it with the correct prepositions. To say 'speaks with someone', use 'مع' (ma'a) or 'إلى' (ila). To say 'speaks about something', use 'عن' ('an). To say 'speaks in a language', use the prefix 'بـ' (bi). Mastering these combinations allows you to construct complex, descriptive sentences from a very basic vocabulary foundation.

الطالب يَتكلم عن تاريخ الشرق الأوسط.

هو لا يَتكلم الإنجليزية، بل الفرنسية.

Conjugation Context: While the target word is strictly 'he speaks', it is vital to see how it fits into the broader conjugation paradigm. If the subject changes to feminine 'she', the prefix changes from 'ya-' to 'ta-', becoming 'tatakallam' (تتكلم). If the subject is plural 'they', a suffix is added: 'yatakallamun' (يتكلمون). This logical, pattern-based system is the beauty of Arabic grammar. When building sentences, always ensure the verb matches the subject in gender and number, though remember the special rule: in a VSO sentence, the verb remains singular even if the subject is plural, provided the subject is explicitly stated after the verb.

الرئيس يَتكلم إلى الشعب اليوم.

لماذا يَتكلم بسرعة كبيرة؟

Using this verb correctly involves understanding the nuances of these grammatical rules. Practice forming sentences by changing the subject, the preposition, and the object. Start with simple declarations: 'He speaks Arabic.' Then add detail: 'He speaks Arabic with his friend.' Then add a descriptor: 'He speaks Arabic with his friend quickly.' This progressive sentence building is the most effective way to internalize the usage of يَتكلم and transition from a beginner to an intermediate speaker of Arabic.

Everyday Conversations: You will hear this word constantly in daily life across the Arab world. Whether you are in a cafe, a taxi, or a university, people use it to describe communication. It is the standard verb used when asking about language skills. For instance, a shopkeeper might point to a colleague and say, 'He speaks English' to help a tourist. It is deeply embedded in the practical, functional language of survival and basic interaction.

هل تعرف إذا كان يَتكلم لغتنا؟

News and Media: In formal broadcasts, such as Al Jazeera or Al Arabiya, the Modern Standard Arabic pronunciation (yatakallamu) is strictly adhered to. News anchors use it when introducing a correspondent or a guest speaker. You will frequently hear phrases like 'The minister is speaking now from the capital.' It is a neutral, professional verb that carries no inherent bias or slang connotation, making it perfect for objective reporting.

المراسل يَتكلم من موقع الحدث.

الخبير الاقتصادي يَتكلم عن التضخم.

Literature and Storytelling: In modern Arabic literature, novels, and short stories, this verb is essential for dialogue tags and narrative descriptions. While classical literature might prefer variations or synonyms like 'qala' (he said) or 'haddatha' (he narrated), contemporary authors use يَتكلم to describe the physical act of speaking or the ongoing nature of a conversation. It adds a sense of immediacy to the text, placing the reader directly in the scene where the character is actively vocalizing their thoughts.

كان يَتكلم بهدوء بينما العاصفة تقترب.

ظل يَتكلم حتى نام الجميع.

The environments where this word surfaces are truly limitless because communication is a universal human activity. From the most informal street chatter in Casablanca to the highest diplomatic meetings in Riyadh, the core verb remains the same. Recognizing it instantly will dramatically improve your listening comprehension. When you hear it, your brain should immediately anticipate a subject (who is speaking) and a topic or language (what they are speaking about). This predictive listening is a key skill for advancing in Arabic proficiency.

Confusing 'Speaks' with 'Says': One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is confusing يَتكلم (he speaks) with يقول (he says). In English, the boundary between these concepts can sometimes blur, but in Arabic, they are distinct. You use يَتكلم to describe the act of talking, engaging in conversation, or the ability to use a language. You use يقول when you are directly quoting someone or stating the specific content of their speech. Saying 'He speaks that the weather is good' is incorrect in both languages, but learners often mistakenly use يَتكلم instead of يقول in such Arabic constructs.

خطأ: هو يَتكلم أن الجو جميل. (Incorrect)

Incorrect Preposition Usage: Another major stumbling block is the misuse of prepositions. English speakers often try to translate prepositions directly, which leads to unnatural Arabic. For instance, 'He speaks to him' is best translated using 'مع' (with) or 'إلى' (to). However, when saying 'He speaks Arabic', learners sometimes incorrectly insert 'in' (في), saying 'yatakallam fi al-arabiyya'. The correct phrasing requires no preposition for the language itself as a direct object, or uses the prefix 'بـ' (bi) to mean 'in the medium of'.

صحيح: هو يَتكلم العربية. (Correct)

صحيح: هو يَتكلم باللغة العربية. (Correct)

Gender and Conjugation Errors: Because Arabic verbs conjugate for gender even in the third person, a very common beginner mistake is using يَتكلم (masculine) when referring to a female subject. If you are talking about a woman speaking, you must use تتكلم (tatakallam). Failing to make this agreement is a glaring error that immediately marks the speaker as a novice. Always double-check the gender of your subject before selecting the verb prefix.

خطأ: فاطمة يَتكلم بسرعة. (Incorrect)

صحيح: فاطمة تتكلم بسرعة. (Correct)

Overcoming these mistakes requires active practice and a conscious shift away from direct English translation. Arabic has its own internal logic for communication verbs. By focusing on the specific scenarios where يَتكلم is appropriate—describing the act of talking, listing language skills, and indicating a conversation partner—you can avoid the pitfalls of confusing it with quoting verbs or misapplying prepositions. Repetition and listening to native speakers will solidify these correct patterns in your mind.

The Formal Alternative: يتحدث: The most direct synonym for يَتكلم is يَتَحَدَّث (yatahaddath). Both mean 'he speaks' or 'he talks'. However, يتحدث carries a slightly more formal, elevated, or journalistic tone. You are more likely to hear يتحدث in a news report about a politician giving a speech or in formal academic writing. While they are often interchangeable, using يتحدث in a casual setting might sound a bit stiff, whereas يَتكلم is perfectly acceptable in both formal and informal contexts.

الوزير يتحدث عن الاقتصاد، بينما الرجل العادي يَتكلم عن الأسعار.

The Dialectal Alternative: يحكي: In many Levantine (Syrian, Lebanese, Jordanian, Palestinian) and some other regional dialects, the verb يَحْكِي (yahki) is used almost exclusively instead of يَتكلم for everyday 'speaking' or 'talking'. In Modern Standard Arabic, يحكي means 'he narrates' or 'he tells a story'. But in the streets of Beirut or Amman, if you want to say 'He speaks English', you would say 'Byihki ingleezi'. Understanding this shift is crucial for anyone looking to communicate effectively in the Levant.

في الشام يقولون: هو يحكي، وفي الفصحى: هو يَتكلم.

الجد يحكي قصة، والطفل يَتكلم معه.

The Quoting Verb: يقول: As mentioned in the common mistakes section, يَقُول (yaqul) means 'he says'. It is the verb of choice when you are about to introduce a direct quote or a specific statement. While يَتكلم focuses on the action of producing sound and communicating, يقول focuses on the exact content of the message. They are related in the domain of communication but serve entirely different grammatical and narrative functions.

هو يَتكلم كثيراً، لكنه لا يقول شيئاً مهماً.

Building a robust vocabulary means not just knowing a word, but knowing its neighbors. By understanding the subtle differences between يَتكلم (general speaking), يتحدث (formal talking), يحكي (narrating/dialectal speaking), and يقول (saying), you develop a much finer resolution in your Arabic expression. You can choose the exact word that fits the tone, region, and specific meaning you intend to convey, moving from a beginner who just translates words to an advanced learner who selects them.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The Arabic word for 'word' (kalima) and 'wound' (kalm) share the exact same root letters. This poetic connection highlights the ancient Arab understanding of the power of speech—that words can leave a mark just as deep as a physical wound.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ja.taˈkal.lam/

US /jæ.tæˈkæl.læm/

ya-ta-KAL-lam

Rime avec

يَتَعَلَّم (yata'allam - he learns) يَتَأَلَّم (yata'allam - he suffers) يَتَسَلَّم (yatasallam - he receives) يَتَقَدَّم (yataqaddam - he advances) يَتَبَسَّم (yatabassam - he smiles) يَتَحَطَّم (yatahattam - he crashes) يَتَنَسَّم (yatanassam - he breathes) يَتَكَتَّم (yatakattam - he keeps secret)

Erreurs fréquentes

Failing to pronounce the double 'l' (shadda), making it sound like 'yatakalam', which is incorrect and sounds foreign.
Mispronouncing the 'k' (ك) as a 'q' (ق), changing the root entirely.
Putting the stress on the first syllable instead of the penultimate syllable.
Eliding the short vowels, saying 'ytkallam', which is common in dialect but incorrect in MSA.
Confusing the 't' (ت) with an emphatic 'T' (ط).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to read, standard voweling, common letters.

Écriture 3/5

Requires remembering the shadda (double consonant) on the Lam for correct spelling and pronunciation.

Expression orale 3/5

Pronouncing the double 'l' smoothly requires a bit of practice for native English speakers.

Écoute 2/5

Very common word, easily recognizable in speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

هو (he) لغة (language) مع (with) عن (about) أنا (I)

Apprends ensuite

يقول (he says) يستمع (he listens) يفهم (he understands) يقرأ (he reads) يكتب (he writes)

Avancé

يفصح (he articulates) يصرح (he declares) يخطب (he preaches/gives a speech) يناقش (he discusses) يجادل (he argues)

Grammaire à connaître

Present Tense Conjugation (Third Person Masculine)

Prefix 'ya-' added to the root. يَتكلم (yatakallam).

Form V Verbs (تَفَعَّلَ)

Pattern indicates reflexive or intensive action. تكلم -> يتكلم.

Negation of Present Tense

Add 'la' before the verb. لا يَتكلم (la yatakallam).

Verbal Sentences (VSO Order)

Verb comes first. يَتكلم الرجل (The man speaks).

Prepositions with Verbs

Using 'ma'a' (with) or 'an' (about) changes the meaning. يتكلم مع (speaks with).

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Exemples par niveau

هو يَتكلم العربية.

He speaks Arabic.

Present tense, third person masculine singular.

هل يَتكلم الإنجليزية؟

Does he speak English?

Using 'hal' for a yes/no question.

أخي يَتكلم كثيراً.

My brother speaks a lot.

Using an adverb 'katheeran' (a lot).

هو لا يَتكلم الفرنسية.

He does not speak French.

Negation with 'la'.

الرجل يَتكلم الآن.

The man is speaking now.

Present continuous context using 'alaan' (now).

يَتكلم مع أمه.

He speaks with his mother.

Using the preposition 'ma'a' (with).

هو يَتكلم بصوت عالٍ.

He speaks loudly.

Describing how he speaks.

من يَتكلم؟

Who is speaking?

Using the interrogative 'man' (who).

هو يَتكلم عن عائلته.

He is speaking about his family.

Using the preposition 'an' (about).

الطالب يَتكلم مع المعلم.

The student speaks with the teacher.

Subject-Verb-Prepositional phrase structure.

دائماً يَتكلم في الصباح.

He always speaks in the morning.

Using frequency adverbs.

هو يَتكلم لغتين.

He speaks two languages.

Dual noun object.

لماذا يَتكلم بسرعة؟

Why is he speaking fast?

Question word 'limatha' (why).

يَتكلم بشكل جيد جداً.

He speaks very well.

Adverbial phrase for quality.

هو يَتكلم في الهاتف.

He is speaking on the phone.

Using 'fi' (in/on) for devices.

لا يَتكلم مع الغرباء.

He does not speak with strangers.

Negative habit.

المدير يَتكلم عن خطة العمل الجديدة.

The manager is speaking about the new business plan.

Complex object phrase.

أعتقد أنه يَتكلم الحقيقة.

I believe that he is speaking the truth.

Subordinate clause with 'annahu'.

هو يَتكلم بطلاقة بعد سنوات من الدراسة.

He speaks fluently after years of study.

Advanced adverb 'bitalaqa' (fluently).

رغم خجله، يَتكلم أمام الجمهور.

Despite his shyness, he speaks in front of the audience.

Contrastive clause with 'raghma'.

السياسي يَتكلم في التلفاز كل يوم.

The politician speaks on television every day.

Media context.

يَتكلم وكأنه خبير في الموضوع.

He speaks as if he is an expert on the subject.

Simile using 'wa-ka-annahu' (as if he).

طلبنا منه أن يَتكلم بصراحة.

We asked him to speak frankly.

Subjunctive mood after 'an'.

هو يَتكلم لغة لا أفهمها.

He speaks a language I do not understand.

Relative clause.

المحاضر يَتكلم بشغف عن التاريخ القديم.

The lecturer speaks passionately about ancient history.

Expressing emotion in action.

من النادر أن يَتكلم في هذه المواضيع الحساسة.

It is rare for him to speak on these sensitive topics.

Impersonal structure 'min al-nadir an'.

بينما كان يَتكلم، قاطعه أحدهم.

While he was speaking, someone interrupted him.

Past continuous context using 'baynama'.

يَتكلم بلهجة تدل على أصوله الريفية.

He speaks with an accent that indicates his rural origins.

Complex descriptive phrase.

هو يَتكلم نيابة عن زملائه في العمل.

He speaks on behalf of his colleagues at work.

Formal prepositional phrase 'niyabatan an'.

لا يَتكلم إلا إذا طُلب منه ذلك.

He does not speak unless he is asked to.

Conditional exception 'illa itha'.

الكاتب يَتكلم من خلال شخصيات روايته.

The author speaks through the characters of his novel.

Metaphorical usage.

يَتكلم بثقة تجعل الجميع يستمعون إليه.

He speaks with a confidence that makes everyone listen to him.

Resultative clause.

يَتكلم بأسلوب بلاغي يجذب انتباه السامعين.

He speaks in a rhetorical style that captures the listeners' attention.

Advanced vocabulary 'balaghi' (rhetorical).

المفكر يَتكلم في قضايا فلسفية معقدة.

The thinker speaks on complex philosophical issues.

Academic context.

يَتكلم بلسان حال المظلومين في كل مكان.

He speaks as the voice of the oppressed everywhere.

Idiomatic expression 'bilisan hal'.

مهما حاول إخفاء مشاعره، فإن عينيه تتكلمان.

No matter how he tries to hide his feelings, his eyes speak.

Personification/Metaphor.

يَتكلم بإسهاب عن تفاصيل لا تهم الكثيرين.

He speaks at length about details that do not interest many.

Adverbial phrase 'bi-ishab' (at length).

الناطق الرسمي يَتكلم بحذر شديد لتجنب الأزمات.

The official spokesperson speaks with extreme caution to avoid crises.

Diplomatic context.

يَتكلم وكأن الكلمات تنساب من فمه كالشلال.

He speaks as if words flow from his mouth like a waterfall.

Advanced simile and imagery.

ليس المهم أن يَتكلم، بل المهم ماذا يقول.

It is not important that he speaks, but rather what he says.

Philosophical contrast.

يَتكلم بلغة الضاد ببراعة منقطعة النظير.

He speaks the language of the Dhad (Arabic) with unparalleled brilliance.

Cultural reference 'lughat al-dhad' for Arabic.

خطابه يَتكلم عن عمق استيعابه للمتغيرات الجيوسياسية.

His speech speaks of his deep comprehension of geopolitical shifts.

Abstract subject (the speech speaks).

يَتكلم بتوريات ومجازات تستعصي على الفهم البسيط.

He speaks in puns and metaphors that defy simple understanding.

Highly advanced literary terms.

صمته يَتكلم بأبلغ مما قد تنطق به شفتاه.

His silence speaks more eloquently than his lips ever could.

Paradoxical literary device.

يَتكلم مستنداً إلى إرث ثقافي يمتد لقرون.

He speaks drawing upon a cultural heritage that spans centuries.

Complex participial phrase 'mustanidan ila'.

كل تصرف من تصرفاته يَتكلم عن نبل أخلاقه.

Every single one of his actions speaks of the nobility of his character.

Metaphorical extension of the verb.

يَتكلم في المحافل الدولية بصفته مرجعية قانونية.

He speaks in international forums in his capacity as a legal authority.

Formal diplomatic phrasing.

يَتكلم بلهجة تنم عن حكمة الشيوخ وتجربة السنين.

He speaks with a tone that betrays the wisdom of elders and the experience of years.

Literary descriptive style.

Collocations courantes

يَتكلم بطلاقة

يَتكلم بصراحة

يَتكلم عن

يَتكلم مع

يَتكلم في الهاتف

يَتكلم بصوت عالٍ

يَتكلم لغتين

يَتكلم بهدوء

يَتكلم في السياسة

يَتكلم نيابة عن

Phrases Courantes

هل يَتكلم العربية؟

— A standard question to ask if a male person knows the Arabic language.

أريد أن أعرف، هل يتكلم العربية؟

يَتكلم كثيراً

— Describes someone who is talkative or chatty.

هذا الرجل يتكلم كثيراً ولا يستمع.

دعه يَتكلم

— A command to allow someone to finish their sentence or express their thought.

لا تقاطعه، دعه يتكلم.

يَتكلم بلسان...

— An idiom meaning to speak on behalf of someone or represent their views.

هو يتكلم بلسان الشعب.

لا يَتكلم أبداً

— Describes someone who is completely silent or mute.

الطفل خائف ولا يتكلم أبداً.

يَتكلم في ظهره

— To speak behind someone's back (gossip).

من السيء أن يتكلم في ظهره.

يَتكلم من قلبه

— To speak sincerely and with genuine emotion.

عندما يخطب، هو يتكلم من قلبه.

يَتكلم بلا تفكير

— To speak impulsively without considering the consequences.

هو دائماً يتكلم بلا تفكير ويقع في المشاكل.

يَتكلم لغة الأرقام

— To rely on facts and statistics rather than opinions.

الاقتصادي الناجح يتكلم لغة الأرقام.

يَتكلم مع نفسه

— To talk to oneself, often when thinking deeply or stressed.

رأيته في الشارع يتكلم مع نفسه.

Souvent confondu avec

يَتكلم vs يقول (yaqul)

Means 'he says'. Used for quoting. يَتكلم means 'he speaks'.

يَتكلم vs يخبر (yukhbir)

Means 'he tells' or 'informs'. Requires a direct object of the person being told.

يَتكلم vs يتحدث (yatahaddath)

Synonym, but slightly more formal. Often translated as 'he talks' or 'discusses'.

Expressions idiomatiques

"يَتكلم في وادٍ آخر"

— Literally 'he speaks in another valley'. Means he is completely off-topic or disconnected from reality.

نحن نناقش المشكلة وهو يتكلم في وادٍ آخر.

Informal

"يَتكلم من برج عاجي"

— Literally 'he speaks from an ivory tower'. Means he is out of touch with the common people.

السياسي يتكلم من برج عاجي ولا يفهم معاناتنا.

Formal

"يَتكلم بلسانين"

— Literally 'he speaks with two tongues'. Means he is hypocritical or two-faced.

لا تثق به، إنه يتكلم بلسانين.

Neutral

"يَتكلم في الهواء"

— Literally 'he speaks in the air'. Means his words have no impact or are ignored.

نصحته كثيراً ولكن كأنني أتكلم في الهواء.

Informal

"يَتكلم من وراء ظهره"

— To backbite or gossip about someone.

الجبان هو من يتكلم من وراء ظهرك.

Neutral

"يَتكلم بالغاز"

— To speak in riddles or ambiguously.

لا أفهمه، هو دائماً يتكلم بالغاز.

Neutral

"يَتكلم بملء فيه"

— Literally 'he speaks with a full mouth'. Means to speak loudly, confidently, and without hesitation.

أعلن قراره وهو يتكلم بملء فيه.

Formal

"يَتكلم لغة العصر"

— To be modern and up-to-date in one's ideas.

الشباب اليوم يتكلم لغة العصر.

Neutral

"يَتكلم عن ظهر قلب"

— To recite or speak from memory perfectly.

الشيخ يتكلم عن ظهر قلب.

Formal

"يَتكلم من غير حساب"

— To speak recklessly without thinking of consequences.

الغاضب يتكلم من غير حساب.

Informal

Facile à confondre

يَتكلم vs يقول

English uses 'speak' and 'say' similarly sometimes.

يقول is for the exact words said (quotes). يَتكلم is for the physical act of talking or language ability.

هو يتكلم الإنجليزية، ويقول إنها لغة سهلة.

يَتكلم vs يحكي

Used in dialects to mean 'speaks'.

In MSA, يحكي means 'narrates a story'. In dialects, it replaces يَتكلم.

الجد يحكي قصة (MSA). هو يحكي عربي (Dialect).

يَتكلم vs يكلم

Looks very similar, just missing the 'ta'.

يكلم (yukallim) is Form II and means 'he speaks TO someone' directly. يَتكلم is Form V and is more general 'he speaks'.

هو يكلم صديقه (He speaks to his friend). هو يتكلم مع صديقه (He speaks with his friend).

يَتكلم vs كلمة

Shares the same root.

كلمة (kalima) is a noun meaning 'word'. يَتكلم is the verb.

قال كلمة واحدة ثم بدأ يتكلم.

يَتكلم vs يتألم

Sounds similar to a beginner.

يتألم (yata'allam) means 'he suffers' or 'is in pain'. Different root (أ-ل-م).

المريض يتألم ولا يستطيع أن يتكلم.

Structures de phrases

[Subject] + يَتكلم + [Language]

أحمد يَتكلم الإسبانية.

هل + يَتكلم + [Language] + ؟

هل يَتكلم الصينية؟

يَتكلم + مع + [Person]

يَتكلم مع الطبيب.

يَتكلم + عن + [Topic]

يَتكلم عن المباراة.

لا + يَتكلم + إلا + [Condition]

لا يَتكلم إلا إذا سألته.

يَتكلم + بـ + [Noun/Adjective for manner]

يَتكلم بثقة كبيرة.

بينما + كان + يَتكلم + ، + [Action]

بينما كان يَتكلم، رن الهاتف.

يَتكلم + وكأن + [Simile]

يَتكلم وكأنه يملك العالم.

Famille de mots

Noms

كَلَام (kalam - speech/words)

كَلِمَة (kalima - word)

مُتَكَلِّم (mutakallim - speaker)

مُكَالَمَة (mukalama - phone call/conversation)

Verbes

تَكَلَّمَ (takallama - he spoke)

يُكَلِّم (yukallim - he speaks to someone)

كَلَّمَ (kallama - he spoke to someone)

Adjectifs

كَلامِيّ (kalami - verbal/related to speech)

Apparenté

تَحَدَّثَ (tahaddatha - to talk)

قَالَ (qala - to say)

نَطَقَ (nataqa - to pronounce)

خَطَبَ (khataba - to give a speech)

حَكَى (haka - to narrate)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely High. Top 100 verbs in Arabic.

Erreurs courantes

هو يتكلم أن الجو جميل. → هو يقول إن الجو جميل.
Using 'speaks' instead of 'says' for a direct statement or quote.
فاطمة يتكلم بسرعة. → فاطمة تتكلم بسرعة.
Failing to conjugate the verb for a feminine subject. 'Ya' is for he, 'Ta' is for she.
يتكلم في العربية. → يتكلم العربية. (أو: باللغة العربية)
Incorrectly translating the English preposition 'in' when talking about language proficiency.
هو يكلم مع صديقه. → هو يتكلم مع صديقه.
Confusing Form II (يكلم) with Form V (يتكلم). Form II takes a direct object without 'مع'.
أنا يتكلم الإنجليزية. → أنا أتكلم الإنجليزية.
Using the third-person 'he' prefix (ya) when the subject is 'I' (ana). The prefix for 'I' is 'alif' (a).

Astuces

Gender Agreement

Always match the verb to the subject. Use يَتكلم for males and تتكلم for females. This is a non-negotiable rule in Arabic.

Nail the Shadda

Don't rush the word. Pause slightly on the 'L' sound to pronounce the shadda correctly. It makes you sound much more native.

Language Proficiency

When building your resume or introducing yourself, this is the verb you need. 'أتكلم العربية' (I speak Arabic).

Learn the Prepositions

Memorize 'مع' (with) and 'عن' (about) alongside this verb. They are its best friends and unlock most conversational sentences.

Avoid 'Saying' It Wrong

Never use يَتكلم when you are about to quote someone. Switch to يقول (yaqul) for quotes.

Dialect Variations

Don't be confused if you hear 'bitkallam' in Egypt or 'byihki' in Lebanon. They mean the same thing in everyday speech.

Vowel Marks

If writing for beginners, include the fatha over the ya and ta, and the shadda with fatha over the lam: يَتَكَلَّم.

Formal vs Informal

It's safe to use يَتكلم anywhere, but if you want to impress in a formal setting, try using يتحدث (yatahaddath) instead.

Metaphorical Speech

You can use it metaphorically, like 'أفعاله تتكلم' (his actions speak), similar to English.

Root Connection

Remember the root K-L-M. Any word with these three letters in order will have something to do with words or speech.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine a man named YAck who is TAlking to CALL 'EM (yatakallam). Yack-Ta-Call-Em = He speaks.

Association visuelle

Visualize a cartoon character with a speech bubble. Inside the bubble are the letters Y-T-K-L-M. The character is actively talking into a telephone to 'call 'em'.

Word Web

يَتكلم لغة (language) صوت (voice) كلام (speech) مع (with) عن (about) يستمع (listens) يقول (says)

Défi

Try to say 'He speaks Arabic' and 'She speaks English' out loud right now. Remember to change the first letter for 'she'!

Origine du mot

The word originates from the ancient Semitic root K-L-M (ك-ل-م). In classical Arabic dictionaries like Lisan al-Arab, the base meaning of this root is associated with 'wounding' or 'making an impact'. Over time, the metaphorical extension of words making an impact on the listener led to the derived forms meaning 'to speak'. The Form V pattern (تَفَعَّلَ) adds a sense of taking upon oneself the action, hence 'engaging in speech'.

Sens originel : To wound or leave a mark (base root), evolving into leaving an impact through words, i.e., speaking.

Afroasiatic > Semitic > Central Semitic > Arabic

Contexte culturel

There are no specific cultural sensitivities regarding this word; it is a neutral, everyday verb.

English speakers often use 'speak' and 'talk' interchangeably. In Arabic, يَتكلم covers both, but is distinct from 'say' (يقول).

The Quranic verse where baby Jesus speaks from the cradle uses a derivative of this root. The famous poem by Nizar Qabbani where he talks about love and words. Classic Arabic proverbs about speech, like 'Speech is silver, silence is gold' (إذا كان الكلام من فضة فالسكوت من ذهب).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Language Ability

هل يتكلم الإنجليزية؟
يتكلم بطلاقة
لغته الأم
يتكلم قليلاً

Phone Conversations

يتكلم في الهاتف
من يتكلم؟
الخط مشغول
صوته غير واضح

Meetings and Business

المدير يتكلم
يتكلم عن المشروع
نقطة النقاش
دعني أتكلم

News and Media

المراسل يتكلم
يتكلم من العاصمة
تصريح رسمي
يتحدث للصحافة

Social Gossip

يتكلم كثيراً
يتكلم عن الناس
كلام فارغ
لا تصدقه

Amorces de conversation

"هل تعرف إذا كان المدير يَتكلم الفرنسية؟ نحتاج إلى مترجم."

"لماذا يَتكلم هذا الرجل بصوت عالٍ جداً في المكتبة؟"

"من هو الشخص الذي يَتكلم مع أستاذنا في الساحة؟"

"هل يَتكلم صديقك عن رحلته إلى مصر كثيراً؟"

"متى سيبدأ الرئيس يَتكلم في التلفاز اليوم؟"

Sujets d'écriture

اكتب عن شخص تعرفه يَتكلم لغات كثيرة. كيف تعلمها؟

صف موقفاً كنت تريد أن تتكلم فيه ولكنك فضلت الصمت.

ما هو الموضوع الذي تحب أن تتكلم عنه مع أصدقائك؟

اكتب قصة قصيرة عن طفل بدأ يَتكلم لأول مرة.

هل تعتقد أن من يَتكلم كثيراً يخطئ كثيراً؟ ولماذا؟

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Generally, no. Animals make sounds, they don't 'speak' in the human sense. For birds, use يغرد (chirps). For dogs, ينبح (barks). However, in a fairy tale or cartoon where animals have human traits, you can use يَتكلم.

Change the first letter from 'ya' (ي) to 'alif' (أ). So, 'I speak' is أتكلم (atakallam).

Yes, it is grammatically incorrect to use 'في' (in) directly before a language. You should either use no preposition (يتكلم الإنجليزية) or use the prefix 'بـ' (يتكلم بالإنجليزية).

The past tense is تَكَلَّمَ (takallama), meaning 'he spoke'.

Because it is a Form V verb derived from Form II. The doubling of the middle root letter (Lam) is a core part of this morphological pattern, indicating an intensive or deliberate action.

Yes, you can say 'يتكلم أمام الجمهور' (he speaks in front of the audience), but a more precise verb for giving a formal speech or sermon is يخطب (yakhtub).

The imperative (command) form for a male is تَكَلَّمْ (takallam). For a female, it is تَكَلَّمِي (takallami).

'Kalam' is the verbal noun (masdar) of the root, meaning 'speech', 'words', or 'talk'. It is what is produced when someone يَتكلم.

Yes, variations of the root K-L-M are used extensively in the Quran, often referring to God speaking to prophets, or people speaking on the Day of Judgment.

Absolutely. While local dialects might use other words (like 'yahki' or 'yahrij') for daily chatter, يَتكلم is universally understood by all Arabic speakers as it is the standard MSA verb.

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