In 15 Seconds
- Means delivering a formal speech to an audience.
- Literally translates to 'throwing a speech' in Arabic.
- Used for weddings, graduations, and official business meetings.
Meaning
This phrase is used when someone stands up to give a formal talk or address an audience. It is the standard way to say someone is 'delivering' or 'giving' a speech.
Key Examples
3 of 6Graduation ceremony
ألقى الطالب خطاباً رائعاً في حفل التخرج.
The student delivered a wonderful speech at the graduation ceremony.
Wedding toast
ألقى العريس خطاباً مؤثراً جداً.
The groom delivered a very moving speech.
Business meeting
ألقى المدير خطاباً عن خطة الشركة الجديدة.
The manager delivered a speech about the company's new plan.
Cultural Background
Speeches are often opened with religious invocations. Speeches are expected to be highly structured.
Context is key
Only use this for formal events.
In 15 Seconds
- Means delivering a formal speech to an audience.
- Literally translates to 'throwing a speech' in Arabic.
- Used for weddings, graduations, and official business meetings.
What It Means
Think of this as the formal way to say someone is speaking to a crowd. The verb ألقى literally means 'to throw' or 'to cast.' It is like the speaker is casting their words out to the audience. You use it for graduation ceremonies, weddings, or business meetings. It sounds more official than just saying 'he spoke.'
How To Use It
You use the verb ألقى followed by the noun خطاباً. In Arabic, verbs change based on who is speaking. For example, if you gave the speech, you say ألقيتُ خطاباً. If she gave it, you say ألقتْ خطاباً. It is a very common collocation. This means these two words just 'stick' together naturally in Arabic.
When To Use It
Use this when the situation has a bit of gravity. If your friend is graduating, they might ألقى خطاباً. If a manager is announcing a new project, they will ألقى خطاباً. It is perfect for any scenario where there is a podium or a microphone involved. You can even use it for a heartfelt toast at a dinner party.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for a casual chat with friends. If you are just telling a story at a cafe, do not say you are 'throwing a speech.' That would sound very dramatic and a bit weird. Also, avoid it for quick work updates. In those cases, just use the word تكلم which means 'to talk.'
Cultural Background
Arabic culture places a massive value on eloquence and public speaking. This is known as بلاغة. Historically, poets would 'throw' their verses to crowds in markets. Being able to ألقى خطاباً well is seen as a sign of leadership and intelligence. It is an art form that people really respect.
Common Variations
A very common variation is ألقى كلمة. This literally means 'he threw a word.' You use this for shorter, less formal speeches. Think of a quick 'thank you' at a birthday party. If the speech is religious, you might hear the word خطبة instead of خطاب.
Usage Notes
This is a formal collocation. Always use `ألقى` with `خطاب` to sound like a native. In very casual settings, people might use local variations of 'talked' or 'said,' but this phrase is essential for professional and academic contexts.
Context is key
Only use this for formal events.
Examples
6ألقى الطالب خطاباً رائعاً في حفل التخرج.
The student delivered a wonderful speech at the graduation ceremony.
Standard formal use for an academic setting.
ألقى العريس خطاباً مؤثراً جداً.
The groom delivered a very moving speech.
Used here to describe an emotional public address.
ألقى المدير خطاباً عن خطة الشركة الجديدة.
The manager delivered a speech about the company's new plan.
Fits perfectly in a corporate or professional environment.
لقد ألقى خطاباً طويلاً ومملاً!
He gave a long and boring speech!
Used to complain about someone talking too much.
لا تلقِ خطاباً علينا الآن، نحن جائعون!
Don't give us a speech now, we are hungry!
A humorous way to tell someone to stop being dramatic.
ألقى الرئيس خطاباً للأمة الليلة.
The president delivered a speech to the nation tonight.
The most formal application of the phrase.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
سوف ____ المدير خطاباً غداً.
The correct collocation is 'يلقي خطاباً'.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesسوف ____ المدير خطاباً غداً.
The correct collocation is 'يلقي خطاباً'.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, if it is a formal toast.
Related Phrases
ألقى كلمة
specialized formGive a short speech
