هل توجد دروس خصوصية؟
hal tuajad darus khususiya?
Are there private lessons?
Literally: In lessons private?
In 15 Seconds
- Used to ask for one-on-one tutoring or private academic help.
- The word 'fi' acts as 'is there' through vocal inflection.
- Central to the competitive educational culture in the Middle East.
Meaning
This is the go-to question when you are looking for a tutor or extra help outside of a regular classroom setting. It is the most direct way to ask if someone offers one-on-one teaching services.
Key Examples
3 of 6Asking a classmate for help
يا صاحبي، في دروس خصوصية للمادة هذه؟
My friend, are there private lessons for this subject?
Inquiring at a language center
لو سمحت، في دروس خصوصية للعربي؟
Excuse me, are there private lessons for Arabic?
Texting a group chat
شباب، في دروس خصوصية قبل الامتحان؟
Guys, are there any private lessons before the exam?
Cultural Background
In Egypt, private lessons are a massive industry, especially for the 'Thanawiya Amma' (final year of high school). Teachers often become celebrities with thousands of students. The term 'khuṣūṣi' is more common than 'khuṣūṣiyya' in daily speech. Tutoring is often seen as a way for teachers to supplement low state salaries. While common, there are stricter regulations on school teachers giving private lessons. Many people use specialized apps or international tutors. Private lessons are often called 'Soutien scolaire' (School support) in French-influenced contexts, but the Arabic phrase remains standard.
Use 'Fī' for Dialect
If you want to sound more natural in the street, just say 'Fī durūs khuṣūṣiyya?'
Gender Agreement
Always use 'Tūjad' (feminine) because 'Durūs' is a non-human plural.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to ask for one-on-one tutoring or private academic help.
- The word 'fi' acts as 'is there' through vocal inflection.
- Central to the competitive educational culture in the Middle East.
What It Means
This phrase is your golden ticket to finding academic or skill-based help. In the Arabic-speaking world, the word fi means 'there is' or 'is there' depending on your tone. Durus is the plural of lesson, and khususiyya means private or special. Together, they ask if a system for private tutoring exists. It is simple, punchy, and gets straight to the point without any fluff.
How To Use It
You use this just like a regular question. Since Arabic doesn't always use a 'do' or 'does' helper verb, your voice does the heavy lifting. Raise your pitch at the end of the phrase to turn it into a question. You can use it as a standalone sentence or follow it up with a specific subject. For example, you might ask fi durus khususiyya riyadiyyat? if you are struggling with math. It is like asking a friend for a secret contact in your phone book.
When To Use It
Use this when you are at a school, a university, or even a community center. It is perfect for when you feel like the professor is speaking a different language. You can also use it when talking to parents or colleagues if you are looking for a tutor for your kids. It is a very common part of daily life in the Middle East. Everyone knows someone who either gives or takes these lessons.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this if you are looking for a romantic date! While it sounds 'private,' it is strictly educational. Also, avoid using it in a very high-level corporate meeting to ask for 'training.' In those cases, the word tadrib (training) is much better. Using durus might make you sound like a high schooler looking for help with homework. It is also a bit too blunt for a first-time meeting with a prestigious professor; maybe lead with a greeting first!
Cultural Background
Private lessons are a massive industry in many Arabic-speaking countries, especially Egypt and the Levant. During exam seasons, the hunt for the best 'private teacher' is like a competitive sport. Parents will spend a fortune to ensure their kids get into top universities. It is a social phenomenon that brings families together—and sometimes stresses them out. It is more than just tutoring; it is a cultural safety net for students.
Common Variations
You might hear people say fi mudarris khususi? which means 'Is there a private teacher?' In some regions, they might use the word khususi on its own. If you are in a more formal setting, you might hear hal tujad durus khususiyya?. However, in 90% of daily life, the short version fi durus khususiyya? is exactly what you need. It is the 'street-smart' way to ask for help.
Usage Notes
This phrase is perfectly neutral. It is safe for students, parents, and teachers. In a very formal academic setting, you might replace `fi` with `hal tujad`, but `fi` is never considered offensive.
Use 'Fī' for Dialect
If you want to sound more natural in the street, just say 'Fī durūs khuṣūṣiyya?'
Gender Agreement
Always use 'Tūjad' (feminine) because 'Durūs' is a non-human plural.
Negotiating
After asking this, follow up with 'Kam al-sa'r?' (How much is the price?) to start negotiating.
Respect the Teacher
When asking a teacher directly, use 'Ya Ustādh' (O Teacher) to remain polite.
Examples
6يا صاحبي، في دروس خصوصية للمادة هذه؟
My friend, are there private lessons for this subject?
A very common way to ask a peer for a recommendation.
لو سمحت، في دروس خصوصية للعربي؟
Excuse me, are there private lessons for Arabic?
Polite and direct for a professional front-desk setting.
شباب، في دروس خصوصية قبل الامتحان؟
Guys, are there any private lessons before the exam?
Common 'panic' text sent during finals week.
هل في دروس خصوصية لابني؟ هو يحتاج مساعدة.
Are there private lessons for my son? He needs help.
Shows a parent's concern and direct request for support.
هذا الشغل صعب! في دروس خصوصية كيف أتعامل معك؟
This work is hard! Are there private lessons on how to deal with you?
Using the phrase metaphorically to tease a difficult friend.
دكتور، هل في دروس خصوصية في الجامعة؟
Doctor, are there private lessons at the university?
Uses the title 'Doctor' to maintain respect while asking.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'to exist'.
هل ____ دروس خصوصية في هذه الجامعة؟
Because 'durūs' is a non-human plural, the verb must be feminine singular 'tūjad'.
Which adjective correctly describes 'private' lessons?
أبحث عن دروس ____.
In MSA, 'khuṣūṣiyya' is the standard 'nisba' adjective for private lessons.
Fill in the student's question.
الطالب: ____؟ المدرس: نعم، أنا أعطي دروساً كل يوم سبت.
The teacher's response about giving lessons indicates the student asked about their availability.
Match the phrase to the most likely situation.
Situation: You are a parent talking to a teacher about your child's low grades.
Asking for private lessons is the logical step when a child is struggling academically.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
MSA vs Dialect
Practice Bank
4 exercisesهل ____ دروس خصوصية في هذه الجامعة؟
Because 'durūs' is a non-human plural, the verb must be feminine singular 'tūjad'.
أبحث عن دروس ____.
In MSA, 'khuṣūṣiyya' is the standard 'nisba' adjective for private lessons.
الطالب: ____؟ المدرس: نعم، أنا أعطي دروساً كل يوم سبت.
The teacher's response about giving lessons indicates the student asked about their availability.
Situation: You are a parent talking to a teacher about your child's low grades.
Asking for private lessons is the logical step when a child is struggling academically.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsGenerally no, but in some institutions, it might be against the rules for a teacher to tutor their own students. It's best to ask discreetly.
'Dars' is a lesson (usually school level), while 'Muhadara' is a lecture (university level).
In formal Arabic, no. 'Durūs' is feminine singular for agreement purposes. In dialect, people just use 'Fī'.
Yes, in the context of services. However, for 'private property', you would use 'Milk Khāṣ'.
It varies. In Egypt, they can be quite expensive relative to income, while in the Gulf, they are a standard service.
Ask: 'هل توجد مجموعات تقوية؟' (Are there reinforcement groups?)
Math, Physics, Chemistry, and English are the most sought-after subjects.
In dialect: 'في دروس؟' (Fī durūs?) is the shortest way.
It is the passive 'to be found', which translates to 'there is/are'.
Yes, it works for any type of instruction.
Related Phrases
مدرس خصوصي
similarPrivate teacher
مجموعات تقوية
specialized formReinforcement groups
مركز تعليمي
builds onEducational center
ساعات مكتبية
contrastOffice hours
