دستور
دستور 30초 만에
- Dustur means 'Constitution'. It is the supreme law of a country that defines government power and citizen rights.
- The word has Persian roots and originally meant a manual or permission, but now it is strictly political.
- It is a masculine noun with the broken plural 'Dasatīr'. It is used in very formal and legal contexts.
- Commonly paired with words like 'amendment', 'article', and 'unconstitutional', it is central to Arabic news and politics.
The Arabic word دستور (Dustūr) is a profound and multi-layered term that primarily translates to 'Constitution' in a political and legal context. However, its journey through history and linguistics reveals a much broader scope of meaning than its English counterpart. At its core, a dustūr represents a foundational set of principles, a guide, or a regulatory framework that governs an entity, whether that entity is a sovereign nation, a small organization, or even an individual's personal code of conduct. To understand this word, one must look beyond the sterile legal definition and see it as the 'DNA' of a system. When an Arabic speaker mentions the word دستور, they are usually referring to the supreme law of the land—the document that defines the relationship between the government and its citizens, outlines the distribution of power, and enshrines fundamental rights and liberties.
- Political Context
- In modern political discourse, the word is used to describe the written document adopted by states. For example, 'The Egyptian Constitution' is 'الدستور المصري'. It is the highest authority in the legal hierarchy.
يجب أن يتماشى القانون الجديد مع مواد الدستور لضمان شرعيته.
Historically, the term has Persian roots ('dast' meaning hand or power, and 'ur' meaning rule or authority). Before it became synonymous with political constitutions in the 19th century, it referred to a 'manual' or a 'list'—essentially a guide for how things should be done. In some older dialects and classical literature, you might find it used to mean 'permission' or 'leave'. For instance, in some traditional settings, a person might say 'Dastūr!' before entering a room or a space occupied by others, effectively asking for permission or 'the rule of entry'. This usage highlights the word's underlying theme of order and established protocol.
- Metaphorical Usage
- People often use dustūr metaphorically to describe their personal set of non-negotiable rules. If someone says, 'Honesty is my constitution,' they mean it is the fundamental law that governs their life choices.
In the contemporary Arab world, the word carries immense weight during times of social change. During the Arab Spring, the demand for a 'new constitution' (دستور جديد) was a central cry of protesters seeking reform. This illustrates that the word is not just a legal term but a symbol of hope, justice, and the restructuring of society. It is the yardstick by which the fairness of a regime is measured. Furthermore, the adjective form دستوري (dustūrī) is frequently used to describe actions or laws as 'constitutional', while its negation غير دستوري (ghayr dustūrī) is the standard term for 'unconstitutional'. Understanding this word provides a window into the legal and social aspirations of Arabic-speaking societies.
المحكمة الدستورية العليا هي التي تفصل في دستورية القوانين.
- Professional Usage
- In professional environments, a 'dustūr' can refer to the bylaws or the charter of a corporation or a non-profit organization. It sets the internal governance rules.
Using the word دستور correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role and its typical collocations. As a masculine noun, it takes masculine adjectives and verbs. It is most commonly found in formal writing, news reports, and political discussions, but it can also appear in academic or daily settings when discussing rules. Below are several ways to integrate this word into your Arabic vocabulary, ranging from simple statements to complex legal arguments.
تم تعديل الدستور في العام الماضي.
When you want to describe something as being based on the constitution, you use the adjective دستوري. For instance, a 'constitutional right' is 'حق دستوري' (haqq dustūrī). If you are discussing the legality of a government action, you might say 'هذا الإجراء غير دستوري' (This procedure is unconstitutional). Notice how the adjective follows the noun it describes and matches it in gender and definiteness. This is a standard rule in Arabic grammar that applies perfectly to this word.
- Common Verbs Used with Dustūr
- وضع (Waḍa‘a): To draft or establish (literally 'to put'). 'وضعوا دستوراً جديداً' (They drafted a new constitution).
- عدّل ( ‘Addala): To amend. 'البرلمان يعدل الدستور' (The parliament amends the constitution).
- خالف (Khālafa): To violate or contradict. 'هذا القانون يخالف الدستور' (This law violates the constitution).
- احترم (Iḥtarama): To respect. 'يجب احترام الدستور' (The constitution must be respected).
In more advanced contexts, you will encounter the word in the 'Idafa' construction (possessive structure). For example, 'مواد الدستور' (mawādd ad-dustūr) means 'the articles of the constitution'. Here, 'mawādd' (articles) is the first part, and 'ad-dustūr' is the second part, which is always in the genitive case (majruur). Another common phrase is 'حامي الدستور' (ḥāmī ad-dustūr), meaning 'the protector of the constitution', often referring to the supreme court or the head of state.
تنص المادة الخامسة من الدستور على حرية التعبير.
Finally, consider the plural form دساتير (dasātīr). It is a 'broken plural' (jam‘ taksīr). You might use it when comparing the legal systems of different countries: 'تختلف الدساتير من دولة إلى أخرى' (Constitutions differ from one country to another). Using the plural effectively demonstrates a higher level of fluency and an understanding of Arabic's complex noun patterns.
If you turn on an Arabic news channel like Al Jazeera or Al Arabiya, you are almost guaranteed to hear the word دستور within the first thirty minutes. It is a staple of the 'News Arabic' register. Reporters use it when discussing elections, parliamentary debates, or judicial rulings. In the 'Real World', this word is the heartbeat of political life. You will hear it in the hallowed halls of parliament, in the lecture rooms of law faculties, and in the passionate debates of political activists in cafes from Cairo to Casablanca.
- News & Media
- The word is frequently paired with verbs like 'صوّت' (to vote). You will hear: 'الشعب يصوت على الدستور الجديد' (The people are voting on the new constitution).
أعلن الرئيس عن بدء صياغة دستور جديد للبلاد.
In academic settings, specifically in Kulliyat al-Huquq (Faculty of Law), الدستور is the subject of intense study. Students learn about 'Constitutional Law' (القانون الدستوري). Here, the word is treated with scientific precision, analyzed article by article. You might hear a professor say, 'The constitution is the social contract that binds us all.' This academic usage reinforces the word's status as the ultimate reference point for order.
Interestingly, you might also hear the word in historical dramas or period pieces set in the late Ottoman era or the early 20th century. In these contexts, the 'Dustūr' often represents the transition from absolute monarchy to a constitutional system. Characters might speak of the 'Mashrutiyya' (constitutionalism) and the struggle to establish a 'Dustūr'. In these stories, the word is charged with the energy of revolution and modernization. Even in modern TV dramas that deal with legal or political intrigue, the word serves as a plot device—a hidden article in the constitution or a legal loophole that changes everything.
لا أحد فوق الدستور، حتى الملك نفسه.
- Daily Social Interactions
- While less common in casual banter, you might hear it when someone wants to emphasize that a rule is absolute. 'In this house, the constitution says no TV after 9 PM!'
When learning Arabic, it is easy to confuse دستور (Dustūr) with other legal or regulatory terms. One of the most common mistakes is using it interchangeably with قانون (Qānūn). While both relate to law, they are not the same. A 'Qānūn' is a specific law or legislation passed by a parliament (like a traffic law or a tax law), whereas the 'Dustūr' is the supreme framework that dictates how those laws should be made and what they cannot violate. Think of the Dustūr as the parent and the Qānūn as the child.
- Distinction Error
- Mistake: 'The traffic constitution is strict.' Correct: 'The traffic law (قانون المرور) is strict.' You only use Dustūr for the foundational document of a state or entity.
الفرق بين الدستور والقانون هو أن الدستور أسمى.
Another mistake involves the plural form. Students often try to apply a regular masculine plural ending (dustūrūn) or a regular feminine plural (dustūrāt). This is incorrect. The plural is a broken plural: دساتير (dasātīr). Forgetting this can make your Arabic sound elementary. Additionally, some learners confuse the word with مرسوم (marsūm), which means a 'decree'. A decree is an order issued by a leader, while a constitution is usually a broader, more permanent document often ratified by the people or a constituent assembly.
A subtle mistake is misusing the historical meaning of 'permission'. While 'Dastūr' historically meant permission, using it this way in a modern business meeting in Dubai or Riyadh might sound archaic or even comical unless you are consciously using it as a traditional idiom. In modern settings, use 'Izn' (إذن) for permission. Using 'Dastūr' to mean 'excuse me' is mostly reserved for very specific cultural contexts or old-fashioned literature. Stick to the political meaning in 99% of your interactions to avoid confusion.
لا تخلط بين دستور الدولة ولائحة العمل.
While دستور is the most common word for 'Constitution', several other terms occupy the same semantic space and can be used as alternatives depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Understanding these synonyms will enrich your vocabulary and allow you to understand more complex texts. The most frequent 'cousin' of dustūr is قانون أساسي (qānūn asāsī), which literally means 'Basic Law'. In some countries, like Oman or Saudi Arabia, the foundational document is officially referred to as the Basic Law rather than the Constitution.
- Comparison: Dustur vs. Mithaq
ميثاق (Mīthāq): Usually translated as 'Charter' or 'Covenant'. While a dustūr is a legal document, a mīthāq often has a more moral or social connotation, like the 'National Charter'.
وقعوا على ميثاق شرف وطني.
Another term is نظام (Niẓām), which means 'system' or 'regulations'. In Saudi Arabia, the term An-Niẓām al-Asāsī lil-Ḥukm (The Basic System of Governance) is used. It functions like a constitution but avoids the specific term dustūr for historical and theological reasons. Then there is لائحة (Lā'iḥa), which means 'bylaw' or 'regulation'. This is used for smaller-scale rules, like those of a club or a company. You wouldn't call a country's constitution a lā'iḥa, as it would diminish its importance.
- Comparison: Dustur vs. Shari'a
In some Islamic contexts, people might say 'The Quran is our constitution' (القرآن دستورنا). Here, dustūr is used metaphorically to mean the ultimate source of guidance, contrasting with a man-made legal document.
Finally, consider the word عهد (‘Ahd), which means 'covenant' or 'pledge'. This is often used in historical or religious contexts. While dustūr is modern and technical, ‘ahd feels ancient and solemn. Choosing between these words depends entirely on the 'register' of your conversation. For a legal paper, use dustūr or qānūn asāsī. For a philosophical discussion about social bonds, mīthāq or ‘ahd might be more appropriate. Mastering these distinctions marks the transition from an intermediate to an advanced Arabic learner.
يعتبر القانون الأساسي مرجعاً للقضاء.
How Formal Is It?
"يؤكد الدستور على الفصل بين السلطات."
"هل قرأت أخبار الدستور الجديد؟"
"هذا هو دستوري في الحياة: الصدق."
"الدستور هو كتاب القواعد لبلدنا."
"دستور يا أسيادنا!"
재미있는 사실
Before it meant a national constitution, 'Dastur' was used by sailors in the Indian Ocean to refer to their navigation manuals and by musicians to refer to a musical mode or 'Maqam'.
발음 가이드
- Pronouncing the 'u' as a short 'u' like in 'bus'. It should be 'oo' like 'moon'.
- Failing to roll the final 'r'.
- Pronouncing the 'd' too softly; it is a clear dental 'd'.
- Confusing the stress and putting it on the first syllable.
- Pronouncing the 's' as a 'z'.
난이도
The word itself is easy to read, but the texts it appears in are often complex legal documents.
Requires remembering the broken plural 'Dasātīr' and the adjective 'Dustūrī'.
Easy to pronounce if you master the long 'u' and rolled 'r'.
Very common in news, making it easy to recognize once learned.
다음에 무엇을 배울까
선수 학습
다음에 배울 것
고급
알아야 할 문법
Broken Plurals
دستور -> دساتير (Pattern: Fa‘ālīl)
Nisba Adjectives
دستور -> دستوري (Adding 'ī' to create 'Constitutional')
Idafa (Possessive)
مواد الدستور (The articles of the constitution)
Agreement in Gender
الدستور الجديد (Masculine noun + Masculine adjective)
Abstract Noun Formation
دستور -> دستورية (Adding 'iyya' for 'Constitutionality')
수준별 예문
هذا هو الدستور.
This is the constitution.
Simple demonstrative sentence. 'Hādha' (this) matches the masculine 'Dustūr'.
الدستور مهم جداً.
The constitution is very important.
Subject-predicate sentence. 'Muhimm' (important) is the adjective.
أين الدستور؟
Where is the constitution?
Interrogative sentence using 'Ayna' (where).
قرأت الدستور اليوم.
I read the constitution today.
Past tense verb 'qara'tu' (I read) with the noun as the object.
الدستور كتاب القوانين.
The constitution is the book of laws.
Equational sentence defining the noun.
هذا دستور البلاد.
This is the constitution of the country.
Idafa structure: 'Dustūr al-bilād'.
أحب الدستور الجديد.
I like the new constitution.
Verb 'uḥibbu' (I like/love) with an adjective 'al-jadīd'.
الدستور يحمينا.
The constitution protects us.
Present tense verb 'yaḥmī' (protects) with object 'nā' (us).
كتبت اللجنة دستوراً جديداً.
The committee wrote a new constitution.
Past tense 'katabat' (wrote) feminine to match 'al-lajna' (committee).
يجب أن نحترم الدستور.
We must respect the constitution.
Modal phrase 'yajibu an' (must) followed by subjunctive verb.
هل قرأت الدستور المصري؟
Have you read the Egyptian constitution?
Question with 'hal' and a proper adjective 'al-miṣrī'.
الدستور يحفظ حقوق الناس.
The constitution preserves people's rights.
Present tense verb 'yaḥfaẓ' (preserves).
لا يمكن تغيير الدستور بسهولة.
The constitution cannot be changed easily.
Negated passive-like construction 'lā yumkin taghyīr'.
هذا الدستور قديم جداً.
This constitution is very old.
Adjective 'qadīm' (old) following the noun.
الدستور يحدد سلطة الملك.
The constitution defines the king's power.
Verb 'yuḥaddid' (defines/limits).
نحن نعيش في ظل الدستور.
We live under the shadow (protection) of the constitution.
Metaphorical use of 'ẓill' (shadow).
تضمن المادة الأولى من الدستور سيادة الدولة.
The first article of the constitution guarantees the state's sovereignty.
Feminine verb 'taḍman' matching 'al-mādda' (the article).
هناك نقاش حول تعديل الدستور.
There is a debate about amending the constitution.
Preposition 'ḥawla' (about) followed by 'ta‘dīl' (amending).
الحقوق الدستورية مكفولة للجميع.
Constitutional rights are guaranteed for all.
Plural noun 'al-ḥuqūq' with feminine singular adjective 'al-dustūriyya'.
يعتبر الدستور المرجع الأعلى للقوانين.
The constitution is considered the highest reference for laws.
Passive verb 'yu‘tabar' (is considered).
يجب أن يتوافق القانون مع الدستور.
The law must be consistent with the constitution.
Verb 'yatawāfaq' (to be consistent/agree) with 'ma‘a' (with).
صوت الشعب بنعم للدستور الجديد.
The people voted yes for the new constitution.
Preposition 'li' (for) attached to the noun.
الدستور هو العقد الاجتماعي بين الحاكم والمحكوم.
The constitution is the social contract between the ruler and the ruled.
Philosophical definition using 'huwa' (it is).
يحظر الدستور التمييز بين المواطنين.
The constitution prohibits discrimination between citizens.
Verb 'yaḥẓur' (prohibits).
رفعت المحكمة دعوى لعدم دستورية القانون.
The court filed a lawsuit for the unconstitutionality of the law.
Abstract noun 'dustūriyya' (constitutionality) with 'adam' (lack of).
تم الاستفتاء على الدستور في أجواء ديمقراطية.
The referendum on the constitution took place in a democratic atmosphere.
Noun 'istiftā'' (referendum) with preposition '‘alā'.
تؤكد الديباجة على مبادئ الثورة.
The preamble (of the constitution) emphasizes the principles of the revolution.
Specific legal term 'dībāja' (preamble).
يسعى البرلمان إلى صياغة دستور شامل.
The parliament seeks to draft a comprehensive constitution.
Verb 'yas‘ā' (seeks) followed by 'ilā' and 'ṣiyāgha' (drafting).
تعتبر هذه المادة مخالفة صريحة للدستور.
This article is considered an explicit violation of the constitution.
Noun 'mukhālafa' (violation) followed by 'li' (of).
توزع السلطات وفقاً لأحكام الدستور.
Powers are distributed according to the provisions of the constitution.
Phrase 'wifqan li' (according to) and 'aḥkām' (provisions).
الدستور ليس مجرد حبر على ورق.
The constitution is not just ink on paper.
Idiomatic expression 'ḥibr ‘alā waraq' (meaningless/not enforced).
أقسم الرئيس على حماية الدستور.
The President swore to protect the constitution.
Verb 'aqsama' (swore) with '‘alā'.
تتجلى عبقرية الدستور في توازنه بين السلطات.
The genius of the constitution is evident in its balance between powers.
Advanced verb 'tatajallā' (to manifest/be evident).
أثارت التعديلات الدستورية جدلاً واسعاً في الأوساط القانونية.
The constitutional amendments sparked widespread controversy in legal circles.
Collocation 'athārat jadalan' (sparked controversy).
يجب قراءة النص في سياق روح الدستور لا حرفيته فقط.
The text must be read in the context of the spirit of the constitution, not just its letter.
Contrast between 'rūḥ' (spirit) and 'ḥarfiyya' (literality).
تعتبر المحكمة الدستورية الحارس الأمين على الشرعية.
The Constitutional Court is considered the faithful guardian of legitimacy.
Metaphorical title 'al-ḥāris al-amīn'.
إن دستورية القوانين هي حجر الزاوية في دولة المؤسسات.
The constitutionality of laws is the cornerstone of a state of institutions.
Idiom 'ḥajar al-zāwiya' (cornerstone).
ناقش الباحثون التطور التاريخي للدساتير العربية.
Researchers discussed the historical evolution of Arab constitutions.
Plural 'dasātīr' used in an academic context.
لا يمكن المساس بالحقوق والحريات التي كفلها الدستور.
The rights and freedoms guaranteed by the constitution cannot be infringed upon.
Phrase 'lā yumkin al-masās bi' (cannot be touched/infringed).
يمثل الدستور الإرادة الجماعية للأمة.
The constitution represents the collective will of the nation.
Abstract concept 'al-irāda al-jamā‘iyya'.
تخضع كافة التشريعات لرقابة دستورية صارمة.
All legislations are subject to strict constitutional oversight.
Advanced term 'raqāba' (oversight/monitoring).
إن الفراغ الدستوري قد يؤدي إلى منزلقات سياسية خطيرة.
A constitutional vacuum could lead to dangerous political pitfalls.
Complex concept 'al-farāgh ad-dustūrī' (constitutional vacuum).
استند المحامي في دفاعه إلى ثغرة في الدستور.
The lawyer based his defense on a loophole in the constitution.
Legal term 'thaghra' (loophole/gap).
يتطلب تعديل الدستور توافقاً وطنياً عريضاً.
Amending the constitution requires a broad national consensus.
Verb 'yataṭallab' (requires) with 'tawāfuq' (consensus).
تعد الفلسفة الدستورية مادة خصبة للبحث الأكاديمي.
Constitutional philosophy is a fertile subject for academic research.
Metaphorical 'mādda khaṣba' (fertile subject).
تم تكريس مبدأ الفصل بين السلطات في صلب الدستور.
The principle of separation of powers was enshrined in the heart of the constitution.
Verb 'takrīs' (enshrining/dedicating) and 'ṣulb' (heart/core).
إن سمو الدستور يعلو فوق كل الاعتبارات السياسية الضيقة.
The supremacy of the constitution rises above all narrow political considerations.
Abstract noun 'sumū' (supremacy/highness).
أدت الأزمة إلى تعطيل بعض مواد الدستور مؤقتاً.
The crisis led to the temporary suspension of some articles of the constitution.
Noun 'ta‘ṭīl' (suspension/disabling).
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
— By virtue of the constitution or according to the constitution.
بموجب الدستور، يملك الرئيس حق الفيتو.
— A constitutional vacuum (when laws or leadership are unclear).
تخشى البلاد من حدوث فراغ دستوري.
자주 혼동되는 단어
A specific law, whereas 'Dustur' is the foundational framework.
A decree issued by a leader, usually less permanent than a constitution.
Bylaws or regulations for a smaller group or organization.
관용어 및 표현
— Meaningless words on paper; not enforced. Often used for constitutions that aren't followed.
الدستور في تلك الدولة مجرد حبر على ورق.
Informal/Critical— A traditional phrase used to ask permission from 'unseen' spirits or simply to announce one's arrival.
قال الرجل 'دستور' قبل دخول البيت المهجور.
Folkloric/Archaic— A religious and political slogan meaning 'The Quran is our constitution/guide'.
رفع المتظاهرون شعار 'القرآن دستورنا'.
Religious/Political— To be above the constitution (usually used negatively to describe a tyrant).
لا يوجد أحد فوق الدستور.
Political— The underlying intent or spirit of the law, rather than just the literal words.
القاضي العادل يحكم بروح الدستور.
Legal/Philosophical— To completely ignore or disregard the constitution (literally: to hit the wall with it).
ضرب الحاكم بالدستور عرض الحائط.
Journalistic/Critical— A manual or a set of guidelines for a specific task or job.
هذا الكتاب هو دستور العمل للمهندسين.
Professional— To infringe upon or undermine the constitution.
أي مسّ بالدستور هو تهديد للديمقراطية.
Formal— The code of ethics or moral principles one lives by.
الصدق هو دستور الأخلاق عندي.
Literary— In the very heart/core of the constitution.
هذه المادة تقع في صلب الدستور.
Formal혼동하기 쉬운
Both mean 'law' in a general sense.
'Dustur' is the supreme law that governs how other laws are made. 'Qanun' is a specific statute like a traffic law.
The parliament passed a new law (qanun) that must follow the constitution (dustur).
Both refer to foundational documents.
'Mithaq' is often a social or national agreement, while 'Dustur' is a formal legal instrument.
The National Charter (mithaq) paved the way for the new constitution (dustur).
Used interchangeably in some contexts (e.g., Saudi Arabia).
'Nizam' means system or regulations. In some monarchies, 'Nizam' is the preferred term for foundational law.
The Basic System (nizam) of governance is their version of a constitution.
Both refer to rules.
'Lai'ha' is for internal company or club rules. 'Dustur' is for a whole state or a large entity's fundamental principles.
Check the company bylaws (lai'ha), not the national constitution (dustur).
Historical meaning of 'Dustur' was 'permission'.
In modern Arabic, 'Izn' is the word for permission. 'Dustur' is almost exclusively 'constitution'.
I asked for permission (izn) to enter, I didn't say 'Dustur'.
문장 패턴
هذا [اسم]
هذا دستور.
الدستور [صفة]
الدستور قديم.
يجب [فعل] الدستور
يجب احترام الدستور.
تنص المادة [رقم] من الدستور على [اسم]
تنص المادة الأولى من الدستور على الحرية.
تعتبر [اسم] مخالفة لـ [اسم]
تعتبر هذه القوانين مخالفة للدستور.
بموجب [اسم]، يتم [فعل]
بموجب الدستور، يتم توزيع السلطات.
إن [اسم] هو حجر الزاوية في [اسم]
إن سمو الدستور هو حجر الزاوية في العدالة.
لا يمكن المساس بـ [اسم] المكتسبة
لا يمكن المساس بالحقوق الدستورية المكتسبة.
어휘 가족
명사
동사
형용사
관련
사용법
High in news and education; low in casual daily gossip.
-
Using 'Dustūr' for a traffic law.
→
قانون المرور (Qānūn al-murūr)
A specific regulation is a 'Qānūn'. 'Dustūr' is only for the foundational document of a state.
-
Saying 'al-dustūr al-jadīda'.
→
الدستور الجديد (al-dustūr al-jadīd)
'Dustūr' is masculine, so the adjective must be masculine (no 'ta marbuta').
-
Using the plural 'dustūrāt'.
→
دساتير (dasātīr)
The plural is broken (irregular). 'Dustūrāt' is not a word.
-
Confusing 'Dustūr' with 'Dars' (lesson).
→
دستور vs درس
They sound slightly similar to beginners, but 'Dustūr' is much longer and has a different meaning.
-
Using 'Dustūr' to mean 'excuse me' in a modern office.
→
لو سمحت (law samaḥt) or عن إذنك ( ‘an iznik)
The 'permission' meaning of 'Dustūr' is archaic and sounds out of place in modern professional settings.
팁
Adjective Agreement
Always remember that 'Dustur' is masculine. If you want to say 'The Great Constitution', it is 'Ad-dustūr al-‘aẓīm', not ‘aẓīma.
Don't confuse with Qanun
Think of the Dustur as the 'Boss Law'. All other laws (Qanun) must listen to the Dustur.
The Arab Spring
The word 'Dustur' became very popular during the 2011 protests. Learning it helps you understand modern Arab history.
The Long U
Make sure to stretch the 'oo' sound. It's not 'dus-ter', it's 'dus-tooor'.
Broken Plural
Memorize 'Dasātīr'. It's a common pattern (Fa'ālīl) that will help you with other words like 'Sakaakīn' (knives).
Metaphors
You can use 'Dustur' to describe your own life rules. 'Honesty is my dustur!'
News Keywords
If you hear 'Dustur', 'Majlis' (council), and 'Intikhabat' (elections), you know they are talking about politics.
Articles
The word for an article in the constitution is 'Mādda'. So, 'Article 1' is 'Al-mādda al-ūlā'.
Persian Roots
Knowing it comes from Persian 'Dast' (hand) helps you remember it's about the 'hand of power'.
Social Contract
In political science, the Dustur is the 'Al-‘Aqd al-Ijtimā‘ī' (Social Contract).
암기하기
기억법
Think of a 'Dusty Tour'. Imagine a historian taking a 'Dusty Tour' through a library to find the very first 'Dustur' (Constitution) ever written.
시각적 연상
Visualize a giant, golden book sitting on top of a mountain (the law of the land) with the word 'D-S-T-R' glowing on the cover.
Word Web
챌린지
Try to find the name of the 'Dustur' in three different Arabic-speaking countries today.
어원
The word originates from the Persian word 'Dastur' (دستور). In Persian, 'Dast' means hand or power, and 'Ur' is a suffix denoting a rule or authority.
원래 의미: Originally, it meant a manual, a set of rules, or a model to be followed. It also referred to a Zoroastrian priest (a high-ranking authority).
Indo-European (Persian) borrowed into Semitic (Arabic).문화적 맥락
Be aware that discussing the constitution can be a sensitive political topic in some regions. Use the word respectfully and in its proper legal context.
The term is most directly translated as 'Constitution', but in the UK, which has an unwritten constitution, the concept is slightly different than in the US or Arab states with written documents.
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
Political News
- تعديل الدستور
- الاستفتاء الشعبي
- الأزمة الدستورية
- الإعلان الدستوري
Law School
- القانون الدستوري
- المحكمة الدستورية العليا
- دستورية القوانين
- تفسير الدستور
History Class
- الدستور العثماني
- الحركة الدستورية
- تاريخ الدساتير
- المطالبة بالدستور
Human Rights Activism
- الحقوق الدستورية
- حماية الحريات
- مخالفة الدستور
- سيادة القانون
Business/Organizations
- دستور الجمعية
- اللائحة الداخلية
- قواعد العمل
- ميثاق الشركة
대화 시작하기
"ما رأيك في التعديلات الجديدة على الدستور؟"
"هل تعتقد أن الدستور يحمي حقوق المواطنين بشكل كافٍ؟"
"متى تم وضع أول دستور في بلدك؟"
"هل قرأت يوماً مواد الدستور بالتفصيل؟"
"لماذا يعتبر الدستور أهم وثيقة في الدولة؟"
일기 주제
اكتب عن أهمية وجود دستور في أي مجتمع ديمقراطي.
تخيل أنك تضع دستوراً لجزيرة مهجورة، ما هي أول ثلاث مواد ستكتبها؟
صف شعورك عندما تسمع عن تغيير دستور البلاد.
هل لديك 'دستور شخصي' أو قواعد خاصة تعيش بها؟ اشرحها.
قارن بين الدستور والقانون العادي من وجهة نظرك.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문In modern Arabic, yes, in 99% of cases it refers to a political constitution. Historically, it meant a manual or permission, but those meanings are now rare or idiomatic.
The plural is 'Dasātīr' (دساتير). It is a broken plural, which is common for four-letter nouns in Arabic.
It is a masculine noun. Therefore, adjectives and verbs associated with it should be in the masculine form (e.g., ad-dustūr al-jadīd).
Yes, you can use it metaphorically or formally to refer to the 'charter' or 'founding principles' of an organization, though 'Lā'iḥa' is more common for specific bylaws.
It is a loanword from Persian. It entered Arabic centuries ago and evolved from meaning a 'manual' to meaning a 'national constitution' in the 1800s.
You say 'ghayr dustūrī' (غير دستوري). 'Ghayr' is the negation tool used with adjectives.
No, the word 'Dustur' is not in the Quran. It is a later addition to the Arabic language from Persian.
It is 'Al-Qānūn ad-Dustūrī' (القانون الدستوري). It is a major field of study in law schools.
This is an archaic use meaning 'permission'. It was a way of asking the inhabitants (or spirits) for leave to enter.
It is called 'Azma Dustūriyya' (أزمة دستورية). It happens when government branches disagree on the interpretation of the constitution.
셀프 테스트 180 질문
Write a sentence using 'Dustur' and 'Jadid' (new).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence explaining that the constitution is important.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The Constitutional Court protects the law.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using the plural 'Dasatir'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'This law is unconstitutional.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about 'Constitutional Amendments'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The constitution is the supreme law.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about 'Freedom of Expression' in the constitution.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The President swore to protect the constitution.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about why a constitution is needed.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The spirit of the constitution is justice.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'Madda' (Article).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'There is a constitutional vacuum.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'Siyagha' (Drafting).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'No one is above the constitution.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about 'Constitutional Rights'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The referendum on the constitution was successful.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'Mukhalafa' (Violation).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The constitution represents the will of the people.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'Dibaja' (Preamble).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Pronounce the word 'Dustur' correctly.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'The new constitution' in Arabic.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'The constitution is important' in Arabic.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Pronounce the plural 'Dasatir'.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'Constitutional Rights' in Arabic.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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How do you say 'Unconstitutional'?
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Ask 'Where is the constitution?' in Arabic.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'I read the constitution' in Arabic.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Pronounce 'Al-Maḥkama ad-Dustūriyya'.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'Respect the constitution' as a command.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'Article One' in Arabic.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'The constitution protects us' in Arabic.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Pronounce 'Siyāghat ad-Dustūr'.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'Constitutional Amendment' in Arabic.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'No one is above the constitution' in Arabic.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'The people voted on the constitution' in Arabic.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Pronounce 'Dasātīr al-‘ālam'.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'The spirit of the constitution' in Arabic.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'This is a constitutional crisis' in Arabic.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'The Quran is our constitution' (as a slogan).
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Listen and write the word for 'Constitution'. (Audio: Dustur)
Listen and identify if the word is singular or plural. (Audio: Dasatir)
Listen to the sentence and translate: 'الدستور يحمي الجميع.'
Listen and identify the adjective. (Audio: Haqq Dusturi)
Listen and write the missing word: 'تم ____ الدستور.' (Audio: Ta'dil)
Listen and identify the number of the article. (Audio: Al-madda al-thalitha)
Listen and translate: 'هذا قانون غير دستوري.'
Listen and identify the institution. (Audio: Al-mahkama ad-dusturiyya)
Listen and write the phrase: 'بموجب الدستور'.
Listen and identify the verb. (Audio: Naṣṣa ad-dustūr)
Listen and translate: 'سيادة الدستور فوق الجميع.'
Listen and identify the topic: 'نقاش حول صياغة الدستور الجديد.'
Listen and write the plural: 'دساتير'.
Listen and translate: 'أزمة دستورية حادة.'
Listen and identify the missing word: '____ الدستور هو العدالة.' (Audio: Ruh)
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'Dustūr' (دستور) is the essential term for 'Constitution'. Whether you are reading the news or studying law, it represents the ultimate authority and the 'rules of the game' for any organized society. Example: 'The constitution is the foundation of justice' (الدستور هو أساس العدل).
- Dustur means 'Constitution'. It is the supreme law of a country that defines government power and citizen rights.
- The word has Persian roots and originally meant a manual or permission, but now it is strictly political.
- It is a masculine noun with the broken plural 'Dasatīr'. It is used in very formal and legal contexts.
- Commonly paired with words like 'amendment', 'article', and 'unconstitutional', it is central to Arabic news and politics.
Adjective Agreement
Always remember that 'Dustur' is masculine. If you want to say 'The Great Constitution', it is 'Ad-dustūr al-‘aẓīm', not ‘aẓīma.
Don't confuse with Qanun
Think of the Dustur as the 'Boss Law'. All other laws (Qanun) must listen to the Dustur.
The Arab Spring
The word 'Dustur' became very popular during the 2011 protests. Learning it helps you understand modern Arab history.
The Long U
Make sure to stretch the 'oo' sound. It's not 'dus-ter', it's 'dus-tooor'.
관련 콘텐츠
politics 관련 단어
علناً
A1공개적으로, 공공연하게. 그는 자신의 문제에 대해 공개적으로 말했다.
علنا
A1숨기지 않고 모두가 볼 수 있는 곳에서 행동하는 것을 의미해요.
مساءلة
B2책무성(accountability)은 공적인 업무에서 가장 중요한 원칙 중 하나입니다.
تبني
B1아이를 법적으로 자신의 아이로 입양하는 행위.
اتفاقية
B1둘 이상의 당사자 간에 맺는 공식적인 합의를 말해. 보통 서면으로 작성돼.
اِحْتِجَاج
B2정책이나 사건에 대한 반대 또는 불찬성의 표현입니다.
إقصاء
B2집단이나 경기에서 누군가를 제외하는 행위.
اِنتِخاب
B1투표를 통해 대표나 정부를 선출하는 공식적인 과정.
انتخابات
A2선거는 시민들이 지도자를 선출하기 위해 투표하는 과정입니다. 이는 민주주의의 핵심 부분입니다.
إِصْلَاح
B21. 사회나 정치 체제를 개선하는 '개혁'. 2. 사람들 사이의 '화해'나 '중재'.