At the A1 level, the verb 'يصف' (yaṣifu) is introduced as a basic tool to talk about the world around you. Learners use it in very simple sentences to describe familiar objects, people, or places. For example, 'أصف بيتي' (I describe my house) or 'هو يصف صديقه' (He describes his friend). The focus is on using simple adjectives alongside the verb. At this stage, the student learns the present tense conjugation for 'I', 'You', and 'He/She'. The goal is to be able to provide a basic physical description. The vocabulary used as objects for the verb is usually limited to colors, sizes (big/small), and basic emotions (happy/sad). The grammar is kept simple: Subject + Verb + Object. Learners are encouraged to use 'يصف' to build their confidence in speaking about their immediate environment. It's about moving from just naming things to giving them a basic quality.
At the A2 level, 'يصف' becomes more functional. Students are expected to use it to describe their daily routines, their jobs, and their past experiences in a bit more detail. They start to use the past tense 'وصف' (waṣafa) more frequently. For instance, 'وصف لي أخي رحلته' (My brother described his trip to me). At this level, learners begin to understand the 'Mithal' verb rule where the 'Waw' is dropped in the present tense. They also start to use the preposition 'بـ' (bi-) to add more detail, such as 'يصف الغرفة بأنها واسعة' (He describes the room as spacious). The range of objects expands to include weather, simple events, and physical appearances of people in a more structured way. This level focuses on the ability to sustain a short conversation where description is necessary, like describing a lost item to a clerk.
At the B1 level, 'يصف' is used to express more abstract ideas and detailed sequences of events. Learners can describe dreams, hopes, and ambitions. They also start to use the verb in professional or academic contexts, such as describing a process or a simple plot of a book. The use of the verbal noun 'وصف' (waṣf) becomes more common, as in 'كان الوصف دقيقاً' (The description was precise). Students are introduced to the passive form 'يُوصَف' (yuṣaf) in reading materials. They can also handle more complex sentence structures, like 'يصف الكاتب الشخصيات بطريقة تجعلنا نشعر بآلامهم' (The writer describes the characters in a way that makes us feel their pain). At this stage, the nuance between 'يصف' and its synonyms like 'يشرح' (explain) or 'يصور' (portray) begins to be explored.
At the B2 level, the learner uses 'يصف' with a high degree of fluency and precision. They can describe complex systems, social issues, and detailed technical specifications. The verb is used to provide nuanced critiques of literature or art. Learners are comfortable with all forms of the verb, including its derived forms like 'اتصف' (to be characterized by). They can use 'يصف' in formal debates or presentations. For example, 'يصف التقرير التحديات الاقتصادية التي تواجهها المنطقة' (The report describes the economic challenges facing the region). The vocabulary associated with the verb becomes much more sophisticated, involving academic and specialized terminology. They also understand the rhetorical use of description in Arabic eloquence (Balagha) and can identify when an author is using 'wasf' for emotional impact.
At the C1 level, 'يصف' is used to navigate complex and sensitive topics with subtlety. The speaker or writer can use the verb to describe intricate psychological states or philosophical concepts. They are aware of the historical and literary weight of the root W-Ṣ-F in Arabic culture. At this level, the distinction between different types of description (physical, metaphorical, legal, medical) is handled effortlessly. The learner can use the verb in high-level academic writing, such as 'يصف الباحث المنهجية المتبعة في الدراسة' (The researcher describes the methodology followed in the study). They also appreciate the use of 'يصف' in classical poetry and can discuss the nuances of different 'wasf' styles. Their descriptions are not just accurate but also stylistically appropriate for the context.
At the C2 level, the mastery of 'يصف' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. The user can employ the verb in the most demanding intellectual contexts, such as legal drafting, philosophical treatises, or avant-garde literature. They can play with the verb's meanings, using it ironically or metaphorically. They have a deep understanding of the root's etymology and its evolution in the Arabic language. A C2 learner can describe the most abstract and ephemeral experiences with clarity and poetic flair. They can also critique the act of description itself, perhaps discussing the limitations of language in 'describing' the sublime. At this level, 'يصف' is not just a verb; it is a sophisticated instrument for the precise mapping of human thought and experience onto language.

يصف 30秒で

  • Core meaning: To describe or portray using words.
  • Grammar: Transitive verb; 'Waw' drops in present tense (يصف).
  • Contexts: Daily life, literature, medicine (prescribe), and news.
  • Key derivative: 'Sifa' (adjective/characteristic).

The Arabic verb يصف (yaṣifu) is a cornerstone of communication, derived from the root و-ص-ف (w-ṣ-f). At its core, it means to depict, portray, or give a detailed account of something or someone using words. It is not merely about listing facts; it is about painting a mental picture for the listener or reader. In a linguistic sense, it bridges the gap between perception and expression. When you use this verb, you are acting as an observer who translates reality into language. This verb is transitive, meaning it directly acts upon an object (the thing being described). Interestingly, in Arabic, the same root gives us the word ṣifa (adjective/characteristic), highlighting that the act of describing is the act of attributing qualities. Whether you are a witness describing a scene to the police, a poet describing the moon, or a friend describing a new restaurant, يصف is your primary tool. It encompasses physical attributes, emotional states, and abstract concepts. For example, one can describe a mountain's height or a person's kindness. The verb is versatile and essential for any learner moving beyond basic survival phrases into the realm of expressive language. It allows for the transition from 'pointing' at things to 'explaining' things. In the context of the CEFR A2 level, this verb is vital for describing surroundings, people, and basic experiences. As one progresses, the nuance of يصف deepens, moving from simple physical traits to complex psychological profiles. The beauty of this verb lies in its precision; it demands that the speaker pay attention to detail. In classical Arabic literature, the art of 'wasf' (description) was a specific genre of poetry, where poets would spend dozens of lines describing a camel, a desert, or a lost love. Thus, when you use يصف, you are participating in a long tradition of Arabic eloquence. It is a verb that demands clarity and observation.

Root Origin
Derived from W-Ṣ-F (وصف), relating to qualities and characteristics.
Grammatical Category
Verb, Form I (Thulathi Mujarrad), Mithal (starts with Waw).
Transitivity
Transitive (takes a direct object).

الكاتب يصف الطبيعة بجمال فائق في روايته الجديدة.

هل يمكنك أن تصف لي الرجل الذي رأيته؟

الطبيب يصف الحالة الصحية للمريض بدقة.

الشاهد يصف الحادث للشرطة الآن.

المعلم يصف لطلابه كيفية إجراء التجربة.

Common Object
People, places, feelings, events, and medicine.
Synonym Note
While 'sharaḥa' means to explain, 'waṣafa' focuses on the appearance or nature.

Using the verb يصف correctly requires an understanding of its conjugation and its relationship with objects. Since it is a 'Mithal' verb (starting with a Waw), the Waw is omitted in the present tense. For example, instead of 'yawṣifu', we say yaṣifu. This is a crucial phonetic rule for learners. When constructing a sentence, the structure is typically: Subject + يصف + Object. For instance, 'The student describes the book' becomes 'الطالب يصف الكتاب'. If you want to specify *how* someone is describing something, you can add an adverbial phrase or a prepositional phrase starting with bi- (with). For example, 'He describes it with precision' is 'يصفه بدقة'. In more advanced usage, you might encounter it in the passive voice, yuṣafu (it is described), which is common in formal literature. Another important aspect is the usage of the verbal noun waṣf. You might say 'عجز اللسان عن الوصف' (Tongue failed to describe/Words cannot describe). In daily conversation, you will use this verb to talk about your day, your friends, or your needs. At the A2 level, focus on the present tense (يصف) and the past tense (وصف). For example, 'وصف لي صديقي الفيلم' (My friend described the movie to me). Notice that the person to whom the description is given is preceded by the preposition li- (to). This is a common pattern: [Subject] + [Verb] + [Object] + [li-Recipient]. Mastering this pattern will allow you to communicate effectively in various social situations. Furthermore, in professional settings, particularly medicine, 'يصف' is the standard verb for a doctor prescribing treatment. 'يصف الطبيب العلاج المناسب' (The doctor prescribes the appropriate treatment). This dual meaning—to describe and to prescribe—is a unique feature of the root that learners should memorize. When describing a person, you can focus on physical traits (الطول، اللون) or character traits (الكرم، الشجاعة). The verb remains the same, but the vocabulary of the object changes. Practice by describing objects in your room: 'أصف مكتبي بأنه مرتب' (I describe my desk as organized). This 'bi-anna' construction is also very common for complex descriptions.

The verb يصف is ubiquitous in Arabic-speaking environments, spanning from the most formal news broadcasts to casual street talk. In the media, you will frequently hear news anchors say, 'يصف المحللون الوضع بأنه خطير' (Analysts describe the situation as dangerous). This usage is standard in political and social commentary. In the realm of literature and storytelling, authors use waṣafa to set the scene, providing the sensory details that bring a story to life. If you listen to Arabic podcasts or watch documentaries, you will hear narrators describing landscapes, historical events, or scientific phenomena using this verb. In a more practical, everyday setting, you might hear it at a police station where a witness is asked, 'هل يمكنك أن تصف المشتبه به؟' (Can you describe the suspect?). In a hospital or pharmacy, the context shifts slightly but the verb remains: 'ماذا وصف لك الطبيب؟' (What did the doctor prescribe for you?). Even in social media, influencers might 'describe' their latest travel experience or a product they are reviewing. In educational settings, teachers often ask students to 'صف زميلك' (Describe your classmate) as a basic language exercise. The verb is also common in religious texts and sermons, where speakers describe the attributes of the Divine or the characteristics of a righteous person. Because it is so versatile, you will find it in legal documents (describing property), technical manuals (describing machinery), and even in sports commentary (describing a player's performance). Understanding يصف is like having a key to multiple rooms in the house of the Arabic language. It is not confined to one register; it is a bridge between them all. Whether you are reading a high-brow essay in 'Al-Ahram' or chatting with a shopkeeper in a Levantine souq, this verb will be present. Its frequency makes it one of the most high-yield verbs for a student to master early in their journey.

One of the most frequent errors for beginners is forgetting to drop the 'Waw' in the present tense. Many students mistakenly say 'yawṣifu' instead of يصف (yaṣifu). This is a common pattern for verbs starting with Waw (Mithal verbs), and it requires conscious practice to overcome. Another mistake involves the confusion between waṣafa (to describe) and sharaḥa (to explain). While they are related, waṣafa is about 'what it looks/is like', whereas sharaḥa is about 'how it works' or 'why it is'. For example, you describe a car's color, but you explain how the engine works. A third common error is the incorrect use of prepositions. Some learners try to use 'an' (about) after يصف, influenced by the English 'describe about'. In Arabic, يصف takes a direct object. You say 'يصف الكتاب' (He describes the book), not 'يصف عن الكتاب'. However, if you want to say 'He describes it as...', you use the preposition bi- (يصفه بـ...). Misunderstanding the medical context is also a pitfall; a student might think a doctor is 'describing' a pill's shape when the doctor is actually 'prescribing' it for use. Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse the active participle waṣif (describer) with the noun waṣf (description). In writing, ensure you don't confuse the verb with its sister ittaṣafa (to be characterized by), which is Form VIII and has a reflexive meaning. For instance, 'يتصف بالكرم' means 'He is characterized by generosity', which is different from 'يصف الكرم' (He describes generosity). Lastly, pay attention to the gender of the subject; 'هي تصف' (she describes) vs 'هو يصف' (he describes). These small grammatical details are where most mistakes occur at the A2 and B1 levels.

To truly master يصف, it is helpful to understand its synonyms and related terms. The most direct synonym in many contexts is يصور (yuṣawwiru), which literally means 'to picture' or 'to portray'. While yaṣifu is more verbal, yuṣawwiru often implies a more vivid, almost visual representation. Another related verb is يشرح (yashraḥu), meaning 'to explain'. As mentioned before, this focuses on clarity and understanding rather than just appearance. Then there is يوضح (yuwaḍḍiḥu), which means 'to clarify' or 'to make clear'. If a description is vague, you might ask someone to yuwaḍḍiḥ. For more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter ينعت (yan'atu), which specifically means to describe someone with an epithet or a specific quality, often used in grammar to refer to adjectives. In the context of detailing a story, يروي (yarwī) or يحكي (yaḥkī) might be used, though these mean 'to narrate' or 'to tell'. There is also يحدد (yuḥaddidu), meaning 'to define' or 'to specify', which is more technical than a general description. If you are describing a problem, you might use يشخص (yushakh-khiṣu), which means 'to diagnose' or 'to personify'. Understanding these nuances helps you choose the right word for the right situation. For example, use yaṣifu for a general account, yuṣawwiru for an artistic depiction, and yashraḥu for a logical breakdown. In the realm of adjectives, the word wasfī (descriptive) is often used in linguistics and research. By comparing yaṣifu with these similar words, you build a more robust and flexible vocabulary, allowing you to express yourself with greater precision and variety.

How Formal Is It?

難易度

知っておくべき文法

Mithal verbs (verbs starting with Waw)

Transitive vs Intransitive verbs

Adjective-Noun agreement (Sifa-Mawsuf)

The use of 'bi-anna' in subordinate clauses

Passive voice formation for Form I verbs

レベル別の例文

1

أنا أصف قطتي الصغيرة.

I describe my small cat.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

2

هو يصف البيت الجديد.

He describes the new house.

Present tense, 3rd person masculine.

3

هل تصف لي مدرستك؟

Do you describe your school to me?

Interrogative sentence.

4

البنت تصف اللعبة.

The girl describes the toy.

Subject-Verb agreement (feminine).

5

نحن نصف الفصل.

We describe the classroom.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

6

أنت تصف الطعام.

You describe the food.

Present tense, 2nd person masculine.

7

هي تصف أمها.

She describes her mother.

Present tense, 3rd person feminine.

8

هم يصفون الحديقة.

They describe the garden.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

1

وصف لي الطبيب الدواء.

The doctor prescribed the medicine for me.

Past tense, medical context.

2

يصف الشاهد الحادث للشرطي.

The witness describes the accident to the policeman.

Present tense, transitive verb.

3

كيف تصف مدينتك للسياح؟

How do you describe your city to tourists?

Use of 'كيف' (how).

4

وصف الطالب الكتاب بأنه مفيد.

The student described the book as useful.

Use of 'بأنه' (as being).

5

أريد أن أصف لك غرفتي.

I want to describe my room to you.

Subjunctive after 'أن'.

6

يصف المعلم الدرس بوضوح.

The teacher describes the lesson clearly.

Adverbial use of 'بـ'.

7

هل يمكنك أن تصف لي الطريق؟

Can you describe the way to me?

Polite request.

8

وصفنا الرحلة بأنها ممتعة.

We described the trip as enjoyable.

Past tense, 1st person plural.

1

يصف الفيلم حياة الناس في القرية.

The movie describes the life of people in the village.

Describing a narrative.

2

عجزت الكلمات عن أن تصف مشاعري.

Words failed to describe my feelings.

Idiomatic expression.

3

يصف الكتاب التطور التكنولوجي الحديث.

The book describes modern technological development.

Abstract object.

4

وصف المدير الموظف بأنه مجتهد.

The manager described the employee as hardworking.

Professional context.

5

يصف المقال أهمية الرياضة للصحة.

The article describes the importance of sports for health.

Formal context.

6

كيف يصف الناس هذا الفنان؟

How do people describe this artist?

Passive/General subject.

7

وصف لي جدي كيف كانت الحياة قديماً.

My grandfather described to me how life was in the past.

Narrative description.

8

يصف المهندس المشروع الجديد للجنة.

The engineer describes the new project to the committee.

Technical context.

1

يصف التقرير السنوي أداء الشركة المالي.

The annual report describes the company's financial performance.

Formal/Professional.

2

يمكن وصف هذه الرواية بأنها تحفة فنية.

This novel can be described as a masterpiece.

Passive construction 'يمكن وصف'.

3

يصف الفيلسوف السعادة بأنها حالة ذهنية.

The philosopher describes happiness as a state of mind.

Philosophical context.

4

وصف المحللون السياسيون الخطاب بأنه تاريخي.

Political analysts described the speech as historic.

Complex subject.

5

يصف القانون حقوق وواجبات المواطنين.

The law describes the rights and duties of citizens.

Legal context.

6

كيف تصف العلاقة بين الثقافة واللغة؟

How do you describe the relationship between culture and language?

Academic inquiry.

7

وصف الطبيب الجراح العملية بأنها معقدة.

The surgeon described the operation as complex.

Specialized context.

8

يصف النقاد الفيلم بأنه يفتقر إلى الحبكة.

Critics describe the movie as lacking a plot.

Critical analysis.

1

يصف الكاتب خلجات النفس البشرية بدقة متناهية.

The writer describes the inner stirrings of the human soul with extreme precision.

Literary/Advanced vocabulary.

2

لا يمكن وصف هول الكارثة التي حلت بالمنطقة.

The horror of the disaster that befell the region cannot be described.

Negative passive construction.

3

يصف البيان الختامي التوافق الذي تم التوصل إليه.

The final statement describes the consensus that was reached.

Diplomatic context.

4

وصف المؤرخ العصر الذهبي بأنه عصر التنوير.

The historian described the Golden Age as the Age of Enlightenment.

Historical analysis.

5

يصف البحث العلمي الظاهرة من منظور فيزيائي.

The scientific research describes the phenomenon from a physical perspective.

Scientific register.

6

كيف يصف الشعر العربي القديم الناقة؟

How does ancient Arabic poetry describe the she-camel?

Cultural/Literary context.

7

يصف النقاد الموسيقى بأنها تتجاوز الحدود الثقافية.

Critics describe the music as transcending cultural boundaries.

Abstract/Sophisticated.

8

وصف المتحدث الوضع الراهن بأنه مفترق طرق.

The speaker described the current situation as a crossroads.

Metaphorical description.

1

يصف المتصوف التجربة الروحية بأنها فناء في المحبوب.

The mystic describes the spiritual experience as annihilation in the Beloved.

Highly abstract/Mystical.

2

تصف النظرية النسبية الزمكان بأنه نسيج مرن.

Relativity theory describes spacetime as a flexible fabric.

Theoretical physics.

3

وصف النقاد البنيويون النص بأنه نظام من العلامات.

Structuralist critics described the text as a system of signs.

Literary theory.

4

يصف الخطاب السياسي المعاصر الهوية بأنها سيالة.

Contemporary political discourse describes identity as fluid.

Sociopolitical theory.

5

هل يمكن للغة أن تصف ما وراء الطبيعة؟

Can language describe the metaphysical?

Epistemological question.

6

يصف التقرير الاستخباراتي التهديدات السيبرانية بأنها وجودية.

The intelligence report describes cyber threats as existential.

High-level security register.

7

وصف الفيلسوف الوجود بأنه عبث مستمر.

The philosopher described existence as continuous absurdity.

Existentialist context.

8

يصف النقاد السينمائيون أسلوب المخرج بأنه تجريدي بحت.

Film critics describe the director's style as purely abstract.

Artistic critique.

よく使う組み合わせ

يصف بدقة
يصف بالتفصيل
يصف المشهد
يصف الحالة
يصف الدواء
يصف الشعور
يصف المكان
يصف الشخصية
يصف الوضع
يصف الجمال

よく混同される語

يصف vs يشرح

To explain the 'how' or 'why' vs 'what it is like'.

يصف vs يوضح

To clarify something that was unclear.

يصف vs يصفح

To forgive (different root: S-F-H).

間違えやすい

يصف vs

يصف vs

يصف vs

يصف vs

يصف vs

文型パターン

使い方

medical

Always means 'prescribe' when the object is a medicine or treatment.

literary

Often used to introduce vivid imagery.

よくある間違い
  • Saying 'yawṣifu' instead of 'yaṣifu'.
  • Using 'an' (about) instead of a direct object.
  • Confusing 'يصف' (describe) with 'يشرح' (explain).
  • Forgetting the 'Waw' in the past tense 'وصف'.
  • Using the wrong gender conjugation (e.g., 'هو تصف').

ヒント

Drop the Waw

Always remember that the 'Waw' from 'waṣafa' disappears in 'yaṣifu'. This is a rule for many verbs starting with 'Waw'.

Medical Use

In a pharmacy or clinic, 'يصف' is the word for 'prescribe'. Don't be confused if you see it on a prescription bottle.

Use 'bi-'

To add an adjective after the verb, use the preposition 'bi-'. For example: 'يصفه بالجمال' (He describes him with beauty/as beautiful).

Formal Reports

In formal writing, use 'يصف' to introduce data or observations. It sounds professional and objective.

News Keywords

News anchors use this verb to quote analysts or witnesses. Listen for it to catch the perspective being shared.

Root Connection

Connect 'يصف' with 'Sifa' (adjective). If you know 'Sifa', you know what 'yaṣifu' does—it gives Sifas!

Poetic Tradition

Arabic poetry is famous for 'Wasf'. Appreciate the verb as a gateway to classical Arabic literature.

Describe vs Explain

Use 'يصف' for appearance and 'يشرح' for logic. This distinction will make your Arabic sound much more precise.

Daily Exercise

Try to describe one object in your room every day using 'أصف...'. It's a great way to build your adjective vocabulary.

Direct Object

Avoid using 'an' (about) after 'يصف'. The verb is transitive and goes straight to the object.

暗記しよう

語源

Semitic root W-Ṣ-F, found in various Semitic languages relating to marking or describing.

文化的な背景

When describing people, Arabic culture often uses metaphors related to nature (moon, lion, palm tree).

Wasf is one of the four main purposes of classical poetry.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

会話のきっかけ

"كيف تصف يومك الأول في العمل؟"

"هل يمكنك أن تصف لي منزلك؟"

"بماذا تصف صديقك المفضل؟"

"كيف تصف الطقس اليوم؟"

"صف لي أجمل مكان زرته."

日記のテーマ

صف شعورك عندما تنجح في شيء ما.

صف مدينتك لشخص لم يزرها من قبل.

صف شخصاً أثر في حياتك بشكل كبير.

صف يوماً مثالياً بالنسبة لك.

صف كتاباً قرأته مؤخراً وأعجبك.

よくある質問

10 問

No, in medical contexts it means 'to prescribe'. For example, 'يصف الطبيب الدواء' means 'The doctor prescribes the medicine'.

In Arabic, verbs starting with 'Waw' (Mithal) usually drop the 'Waw' in the present tense for Form I. 'يوصف' is actually the passive voice (it is described).

The verbal noun is 'وصف' (waṣf), which means 'description'.

Generally, no. It takes a direct object. You say 'يصف الشيء' not 'يصف عن الشيء'.

It is used for both. You can describe a person, a place, an object, or even an abstract feeling.

The imperative is 'صِف' (ṣif) for a male and 'صِفي' (ṣifī) for a female.

You say 'وصفني' (waṣafanī).

Yes, it is extremely common and is considered a high-frequency verb in both spoken and written Arabic.

'يصف' is more general and verbal, while 'يصور' (to portray/picture) often implies a more visual or artistic description.

You can say 'لا يوصف' (la yuṣaf) or 'فوق الوصف' (fawq al-waṣf).

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