يتكلف
يتكلف 30초 만에
- A formal Arabic verb meaning 'to cost' or 'to require' resources like money, time, or effort.
- Used extensively in business, news, and formal planning to describe total expenditures.
- Can also mean 'to be artificial' or 'forced' in social behavior or artistic style.
- Distinguished from 'yukallif' (it costs me) by its focus on the subject's inherent cost.
The Arabic verb يتكلف (yatakallaf) is a multifaceted term primarily used to describe the cost or the requirement of resources, whether they be financial, physical, or emotional. At its core, the verb stems from the root K-L-F, which relates to burdens, tasks, and responsibilities. When you use this verb in a B1 context, you are typically talking about how much a project, a journey, or an item 'costs' in a broad sense. It is not merely about the price tag on a shirt, but rather the total investment required to bring something to fruition. For example, if you are discussing the construction of a new library, you would use this verb to signify the total budget needed. It implies a sense of 'bearing the weight' of the expense.
- Financial Cost
- This is the most common usage in Modern Standard Arabic. It refers to the monetary value required for a service or an object. It is frequently seen in news reports regarding government budgets or infrastructure projects.
- Effort and Energy
- Beyond money, it describes the 'cost' in terms of human labor or mental energy. If a task is difficult, one might say it 'costs' a lot of patience or time.
- Social Pretension
- In a more nuanced, psychological sense, it refers to someone acting unnaturally or 'costing' themselves the effort of a fake persona. This is the concept of 'takalluf'—the lack of spontaneity.
In the Arab world, discussing costs can be a formal affair, and using يتكلف adds a layer of professionalism to the conversation. It is more formal than the colloquial 'bikallif' and is preferred in written reports, documentaries, and formal interviews. When a speaker uses this verb, they are often looking at the 'big picture' of an endeavor. It is the difference between asking 'How much is this?' and 'What is the total expenditure required for this undertaking?'
يتكلف بناء المستشفى الجديد ملايين الدولارات، وهو مشروع ضخم يحتاج إلى وقت طويل.
The construction of the new hospital costs millions of dollars, and it is a massive project that needs a long time.
Furthermore, the verb is deeply tied to the concept of 'Mukallaf' in Islamic jurisprudence, which refers to a person who has reached the age of responsibility and is thus 'costed' or 'charged' with religious duties. This cultural backdrop ensures that the word carries a weight of seriousness. When you say something يتكلف, you are acknowledging the gravity of the resources being spent. In modern business Arabic, you will see it in phrases like 'التكلفة الإجمالية' (the total cost), which is derived from the same root. Understanding this word is essential for anyone wishing to move beyond basic shopping interactions into the realms of planning, economics, and deep social observation.
لا تتكلف في الترحيب بالضيوف، كن على طبيعتك.
Do not be artificial (over-exert yourself) in welcoming the guests; be yourself.
Using يتكلف correctly requires understanding its grammatical structure as a Form V verb (Tafa'ala). In this form, the verb often reflects an action directed toward the self or an inherent state of the subject. When we say 'the project costs', the project is the subject that 'takes on' the cost. This is a subtle point that distinguishes it from the transitive 'yukallif' (Form II). To master its use, you must practice placing the item or project as the subject of the sentence.
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- The verb must agree with the subject in gender and number. For example: 'تتكلف الرحلة' (The trip [fem.] costs) versus 'يتكلف المشروع' (The project [masc.] costs).
- Quantifying the Cost
- Usually, the verb is followed directly by the amount or the resource being spent. You don't necessarily need a preposition like 'in' or 'at' before the price.
تتكلف هذه السيارة الجديدة أكثر من خمسين ألف دولار.
This new car costs more than fifty thousand dollars.
One of the most interesting ways to use يتكلف is in the negative or imperative to advise someone against being fake. In Arabic social etiquette, being 'mutakallif' (the participle) is often seen as a negative trait, suggesting that someone is trying too hard to impress. Therefore, you might hear 'بدون تكلف' (without affectation) in literary criticism or social advice. This demonstrates the verb's range from the hard numbers of finance to the soft nuances of human character.
In complex sentences, يتكلف can be used to describe the overhead of an entire lifestyle or a political decision. 'يتكلف العيش في هذه المدينة مبالغ طائلة' (Living in this city costs enormous sums). Here, the gerund 'العيش' (living) acts as the subject. This level of sentence construction is vital for B1 learners who are moving toward discussing abstract concepts and societal issues. It allows for a more sophisticated expression of causality and requirement than simple adjectives like 'ghali' (expensive) could ever provide.
هل تتكلف الدراسة في الخارج الكثير من الجهد؟
Does studying abroad require (cost) a lot of effort?
If you turn on an Arabic news channel like Al Jazeera or Al Arabiya, you are almost guaranteed to hear يتكلف within the first fifteen minutes, especially during the economic segment. Journalists use it to describe government spending, the cost of wars, or the price of climate change initiatives. It is the 'gold standard' verb for reporting on large-scale expenditures. In these contexts, it sounds authoritative and precise. For a learner, hearing this word in the news is a sign that the discussion has moved into serious, data-driven territory.
- News & Media
- Used for budgets, economic forecasts, and the 'cost' of social phenomena.
- Educational Settings
- Teachers use it when explaining the requirements for a degree or the resources needed for an experiment.
تقرير: إصلاح البنية التحتية يتكلف مليارات الدنانير.
Report: Infrastructure repair costs billions of dinars.
In the business world, during a 'ijtima' (meeting), you will hear project managers saying, 'هذا المشروع قد يتكلف أكثر مما توقعنا' (This project might cost more than we expected). It is a key word for negotiations and budgeting discussions. Even in more personal settings, like planning a wedding, families will discuss how much the 'hafla' (party) yatakallaf. It shifts the focus from the price of a single item to the cumulative cost of an event or process.
Interestingly, you might also encounter this word in literary or philosophical discussions. When a critic says a writer's style is 'متكلف' (mutakallaf), they are saying it feels forced or 'costly' in its lack of simplicity. This usage is common in book reviews or art critiques. It suggests that the beauty is not natural but has been 'manufactured' with too much effort. Thus, whether you are in a boardroom, a newsroom, or an art gallery, this verb and its derivatives are essential tools for describing the 'price' of reality, both tangible and intangible.
لا أحب هذا النوع من الفن لأنه يبدو متكلفاً جداً.
I don't like this type of art because it seems very artificial/forced.
One of the most frequent pitfalls for English speakers learning Arabic is the confusion between يتكلف (yatakallaf) and يكلف (yukallif). While they both relate to cost, their grammatical functions are distinct. Yukallif is Form II and is transitive, meaning it usually takes an object: 'It costs me' (yukallifuni). Yatakallaf is Form V and is more about the inherent cost of the subject itself. Using 'yatakallafuni' is a common error; you should simply say 'yatakallaf' followed by the amount.
- Confusion with 'Price'
- Learners often use the noun 'thaman' (price) or 'si'r' (price) when they should use the verb 'yatakallaf'. Remember that 'yatakallaf' describes the process of costing, while 'thaman' is the static price tag.
- Preposition Overuse
- In English, we say 'costs *at* a rate of' or 'costs *about*'. In Arabic, 'yatakallaf' is usually followed directly by the number. Avoid adding 'bi-' (with) unless you are using a specific idiomatic expression.
خطأ: هذا الكتاب يتكلفني عشرة دولارات.
صح: هذا الكتاب يكلفني عشرة دولارات. (أو) هذا الكتاب يتكلف عشرة دولارات.
Error: This book costs-me ten dollars (using Form V). Correct: Use Form II for 'costs me' or Form V for 'it costs'.
Another mistake is neglecting the gender of the subject. Because 'yatakallaf' often appears at the start of a sentence in the present tense, learners forget to switch to 'tatakallaf' for feminine subjects like 'sayyara' (car) or 'rihla' (trip). This small grammatical slip can make your Arabic sound unpolished. Additionally, be careful not to confuse 'yatakallaf' with 'yatakallam' (to speak). They sound similar to the untrained ear, but their meanings are worlds apart!
Finally, avoid overusing 'yatakallaf' for very simple things. While technically correct to say a piece of gum 'yatakallaf' 50 cents, it sounds a bit too heavy. For small, everyday items, use 'si'ruhu' (its price is) or 'bi-kam' (how much). Reserve 'yatakallaf' for things that have a process, a budget, or a significant requirement of resources. This will help you sound more like a native speaker who understands the 'weight' of the words they choose.
Arabic is a language of incredible depth, and there are several ways to express the idea of 'costing' or 'requiring'. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are focusing on the money, the time, or the burden. يتكلف is the most versatile for general 'cost', but here are some alternatives that might fit your context better.
- يكلف (Yukallif)
- As mentioned, this is the transitive version. Use this when you want to say 'It costs *me*' or 'The boss *assigned* me a task'. It focuses on the impact on the person.
- يستغرق (Yastaghriq)
- If the 'cost' is specifically about time, this is the better verb. 'The journey takes (costs) three hours' would use 'yastaghriq'.
- يبلغ ثمنه (Yablugh thamanuhu)
- Literally 'its price reaches'. This is very common for specific price tags in shopping or real estate.
يستغرق العمل على المشروع شهراً كاملاً، ويتكلف ميزانية كبيرة.
Working on the project takes a full month, and it requires (costs) a large budget.
Another interesting alternative is يطلب (yatlub - to request/require). While 'yatlub' is usually 'to ask', in the context of a job or a position, it can mean 'this role requires...'. However, يتكلف remains unique because it encompasses the 'burden' aspect. In a religious or legal sense, يجب (yajib - it is necessary) might overlap if the 'cost' is a mandatory action. For example, 'This ritual requires (costs the believer) fasting'. But for financial and general resource requirements, 'yatakallaf' is your most robust and formal option.
Finally, in very formal or poetic Arabic, you might see يستلزم (yastalzim - to necessitate). This is a great word for B2/C1 levels. It suggests that the cost is a logical necessity of the action. 'Success necessitates (costs) hard work'. While 'yatakallaf' could also be used there, 'yastalzim' sounds slightly more academic. By learning these alternatives, you can avoid repeating the same verb and start to express the subtle differences between a price, a requirement, and a necessity.
수준별 예문
هذا القلم يتكلف دولاراً واحداً.
This pen costs one dollar.
Simple present tense, masculine singular subject.
كم يتكلف هذا الكتاب؟
How much does this book cost?
Question form using 'kam' (how much).
التذكرة تتكلف عشرة يورو.
The ticket costs ten euros.
Feminine subject (tadhkira) requires 'tata-kallaf'.
الغداء يتكلف خمسة دنانير.
The lunch costs five dinars.
Masculine subject (ghadaa').
هل يتكلف القميص الكثير؟
Does the shirt cost a lot?
Yes/No question with 'hal'.
هذا المشروع الصغير يتكلف القليل.
This small project costs little.
Adjective 'saghir' modifying the subject.
الحقيبة تتكلف مئة ريال.
The bag costs one hundred riyals.
Feminine subject (haqiba).
القهوة تتكلف درهمين.
The coffee costs two dirhams.
Dual number used for the price (dirhamayn).
تتكلف الإقامة في الفندق مئة دولار في الليلة.
Staying in the hotel costs one hundred dollars per night.
Verbal noun 'iqama' as the feminine subject.
يتكلف إصلاح السيارة الكثير من المال.
Repairing the car costs a lot of money.
Masculine subject 'islah' (repairing).
هل تتكلف الرحلة إلى القاهرة الكثير من الوقت؟
Does the trip to Cairo cost (take) a lot of time?
Using 'cost' for time.
تتكلف هذه الوجبة العائلية خمسين درهماً.
This family meal costs fifty dirhams.
Feminine subject 'wajba'.
لا يتكلف دخول المتحف أي رسوم.
Entering the museum does not cost any fees.
Negative form using 'la'.
يتكلف الفستان الجديد مئتي ليرة.
The new dress costs two hundred liras.
Dual number for hundreds.
كم تتكلف تذكرة الطائرة إلى لندن؟
How much does the plane ticket to London cost?
Feminine subject agreement.
يتكلف شراء البيت الجديد مدخرات العمر.
Buying the new house costs a lifetime of savings.
Abstract cost (savings).
يتكلف بناء المدرسة الجديدة ميزانية ضخمة من الحكومة.
Building the new school costs a huge budget from the government.
Formal vocabulary like 'mizaniya' (budget).
يتكلف النجاح في الامتحان الكثير من المراجعة والسهر.
Success in the exam costs (requires) a lot of revision and staying up late.
Using 'cost' for effort and time.
تتكلف إدارة الشركة جهداً كبيراً من المدير.
Managing the company costs (requires) a great effort from the manager.
Feminine subject 'idara'.
هل يتكلف السفر بمفردك أكثر من السفر مع مجموعة؟
Does traveling alone cost more than traveling with a group?
Comparative structure.
يتكلف تنظيم المؤتمر شهوراً من التخطيط المسبق.
Organizing the conference costs (takes) months of prior planning.
Plural 'shuhur' (months) as the cost.
لم يتكلف المشروع القديم بقدر ما يتكلف المشروع الحالي.
The old project did not cost as much as the current project costs.
Past tense negative 'lam yatakallaf' vs present.
تتكلف صيانة الحديقة وقتاً طويلاً كل أسبوع.
Maintaining the garden costs (takes) a long time every week.
Feminine subject 'siyana'.
يتكلف الحصول على التأشيرة بعض الإجراءات الورقية.
Obtaining the visa costs (requires) some paperwork procedures.
Abstract cost (procedures).
يتكلف الكاتب في أسلوبه ليظهر بمظهر المثقف.
The writer is artificial in his style to appear as an intellectual.
Meaning 'to be artificial/forced'.
تتكلف الدولة أعباءً مالية كبيرة لدعم المحروقات.
The state bears (costs itself) large financial burdens to subsidize fuel.
Meaning 'to bear a burden'.
لا تتكلف في حديثك مع الناس، فالبساطة أجمل.
Do not be artificial in your speech with people; simplicity is more beautiful.
Imperative negative advising against affectation.
يتكلف إنتاج هذا الفيلم السينمائي مبالغ خيالية.
The production of this cinematic movie costs astronomical sums.
Use of 'mabaligh khayaliya' (imaginary/astronomical sums).
تتكلف الأم الكثير من التضحيات لتربية أبنائها.
The mother costs (sacrifices) a lot to raise her children.
Metaphorical cost (sacrifices).
يتكلف النظام الجديد وقتاً ليتكيف معه الموظفون.
The new system costs (takes) time for employees to adapt to it.
Infinitive 'li-yatakayyaf' following the verb.
تتكلف المدن الكبرى تكاليف معيشة مرتفعة جداً.
Major cities cost (have) very high living costs.
Cognate usage: verb 'tata-kallaf' with noun 'takalif'.
يتكلف البعض في لبسهم ليجذبوا الانتباه.
Some people are artificial in their dress to attract attention.
Social context of the verb.
يتكلف الفيلسوف في صياغة نظرياته لدرجة الغموض.
The philosopher is so artificial in formulating his theories that they become obscure.
Advanced nuance of over-engineering thought.
تتكلف المنظمة مسؤولية حماية اللاجئين في مناطق النزاع.
The organization undertakes (costs itself) the responsibility of protecting refugees in conflict zones.
Meaning 'to undertake a responsibility'.
يتكلف هذا القرار السياسي ثمناً باهظاً من الاستقرار الاجتماعي.
This political decision costs a heavy price in terms of social stability.
High-level metaphorical usage.
لا ينبغي أن يتكلف القاضي في تأويل النصوص القانونية.
The judge should not be artificial (over-interpret) in interpreting legal texts.
Legal context of 'takalluf'.
تتكلف البلاغة العربية أحياناً المحسنات البديعية الزائدة.
Arabic rhetoric sometimes involves (costs itself) excessive linguistic embellishments.
Literary criticism context.
يتكلف المشروع القومي موارد تفوق قدرة الدولة الحالية.
The national project costs resources that exceed the state's current capacity.
Economic and political register.
يتكلف المرء في إخفاء مشاعره الحقيقية أمام الآخرين.
A person exerts effort (costs himself) in hiding his true feelings from others.
Psychological nuance.
تتكلف الرحلة الاستكشافية مخاطر جمة لا يمكن التنبؤ بها.
The exploratory expedition costs (involves) immense risks that cannot be predicted.
Cost as 'risk'.
يتكلف الشاعر في قصيدته تكلفاً يذهب برونق المعنى.
The poet is so artificial in his poem that it strips the meaning of its splendor.
Using the absolute object 'takallufan'.
تتكلف البنية التحتية الرقمية استثمارات سيادية طويلة الأمد.
Digital infrastructure requires (costs) long-term sovereign investments.
Technical and political terminology.
يتكلف الخطاب الدبلوماسي لغة منمقة لتجنب الصدامات المباشرة.
Diplomatic discourse employs (costs itself) embellished language to avoid direct clashes.
Nuance of 'using for a purpose'.
تتكلف نظرية الكم فهماً يتجاوز المنطق التقليدي.
Quantum theory requires (costs) an understanding that transcends traditional logic.
Epistemological usage.
يتكلف العمل الإبداعي مخاضاً عسيراً قبل أن يرى النور.
Creative work involves (costs) a difficult labor before it sees the light.
Metaphorical 'labor' as cost.
تتكلف المجتمعات الحديثة ضريبة العزلة نتيجة التكنولوجيا.
Modern societies pay (cost themselves) the tax of isolation as a result of technology.
Sociological analysis.
يتكلف المنهج النقدي تفكيكاً عميقاً للمسلمات الثقافية.
The critical method requires (costs) a deep deconstruction of cultural axioms.
Academic/Philosophical register.
تتكلف الروح في صعودها نحو الكمال مجاهدة مستمرة.
The soul requires (costs itself) continuous striving in its ascent toward perfection.
Spiritual/Mystical usage.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
Summary
The verb 'يتكلف' is your go-to word for discussing budgets and requirements in a formal setting. Example: 'يتكلف بناء البيت الكثير' (Building the house costs a lot). It bridges the gap between financial price and personal burden.
- A formal Arabic verb meaning 'to cost' or 'to require' resources like money, time, or effort.
- Used extensively in business, news, and formal planning to describe total expenditures.
- Can also mean 'to be artificial' or 'forced' in social behavior or artistic style.
- Distinguished from 'yukallif' (it costs me) by its focus on the subject's inherent cost.
관련 콘텐츠
business 관련 단어
عادلاً
B1정직하고 옳으며 편견 없는 방식으로 행동하는 것을 의미합니다.
عاجز
B1어떤 일을 할 힘이나 능력이 없는 사람이나 사물을 묘사할 때 씁니다.
إعلانات
A2제품, 서비스 또는 이벤트에 대해 사람들에게 정보를 제공하거나 설득하도록 설계된 공개 발표 또는 메시지, 종종 상업적입니다.
إعلاني
B1광고와 관련된 또는 광고로 구성된.
عالج
A2문제를 처리하거나, 사안을 다루거나, 의료 서비스를 제공하는 데 사용됩니다.
أعلن
A2사람들에게 정보를 알리는 것, 종종 공식적으로나 공개적으로.
عالي الجودة
B1평균보다 훨씬 품질이 좋은, 아주 높은 수준을 의미해요.
عامةً
B1일반적으로 (Ilbanjeogeuro).
عامَةً
B1일반적으로는 대부분의 경우나 대부분의 사람들을 의미합니다.
أعمال
B1직업이나 상업 활동 같은, 사람들이 하는 일을 의미해요.