Meaning
To ask for help or support.
Cultural Background
In the Gulf, while 'التمس العون' is used in writing, the concept of 'Faza'a' (rushing to help) is the cultural equivalent in action. Asking for help is often done through poetry or formal 'Majlis' speech. In the Levant, hospitality is key. If someone 'يلتمس العون', it is considered a matter of honor to provide it. However, the phrase itself is mostly reserved for religious or academic contexts. Egyptians often blend formal MSA with dialect. You might hear 'التمس العون' in a serious TV drama or a religious sermon on Friday. In North Africa, formal administrative language is heavily influenced by classical Arabic. 'التمس العون' is very common in official petitions and legal documents.
Use in Emails
Start a formal request with 'أكتب إليكم لألتمس العون في...' to immediately sound professional.
Avoid Slang Mix
Don't mix this phrase with slang like 'يا باشا' or 'يا زلمة'; it ruins the formal effect.
Meaning
To ask for help or support.
Use in Emails
Start a formal request with 'أكتب إليكم لألتمس العون في...' to immediately sound professional.
Avoid Slang Mix
Don't mix this phrase with slang like 'يا باشا' or 'يا زلمة'; it ruins the formal effect.
Religious Nuance
In religious contexts, this phrase is often followed by 'وتوفيق' (and success).
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'التمس' in the present tense.
المؤمن دائماً ____ العون من الله في صلاته.
The subject 'المؤمن' is singular masculine, so the present tense verb is 'يلتمس'.
Which of the following is the most appropriate context for 'التمس العون'?
متى نستخدم 'التمس العون'؟
This phrase is formal and suited for official correspondence.
Match the phrase with its appropriate register.
Match the following:
Each phrase matches its register correctly.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
الموظف: سيدي، المشروع يواجه صعوبات كبيرة. المدير: إذاً، يجب علينا أن ____ من الخبراء الدوليين.
In a professional crisis, 'نلتمس العون' is the correct formal collocation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs. Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesالمؤمن دائماً ____ العون من الله في صلاته.
The subject 'المؤمن' is singular masculine, so the present tense verb is 'يلتمس'.
متى نستخدم 'التمس العون'؟
This phrase is formal and suited for official correspondence.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each phrase matches its register correctly.
الموظف: سيدي، المشروع يواجه صعوبات كبيرة. المدير: إذاً، يجب علينا أن ____ من الخبراء الدوليين.
In a professional crisis, 'نلتمس العون' is the correct formal collocation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it sounds too heavy. Use 'طلب مساعدة' for small things.
No, you can 'التمس' knowledge (العلم), excuses (العذر), or light (النور).
'Awn' is more formal and implies support or backing, while 'Musa'ada' is the general word for help.
Yes, in Surah Al-Hadid, the verb 'التمسوا' is used to mean 'seek'.
It is 'نلتمس' (naltamisu) in the present tense.
It sounds formal and educated, not necessarily 'old'. It's still used in modern news.
Yes, to show you know how to seek professional support.
Usually 'من' (from).
Yes, 'التماس' (iltimas), which means a petition or formal request.
Only if you are being sarcastic or joking about a very serious situation.
Related Phrases
طلب المساعدة
synonymTo ask for help
استغاث بـ
specialized formTo cry out for help
نشد العون
similarTo earnestly seek help
استعان بـ
builds onTo seek aid/use as a tool
التمس العذر
similarTo seek an excuse/apologize
