Meaning
To be away from one's regular work or obligations.
Cultural Background
The word 'Dawam' is the primary word for work. Asking 'Where is your dawam?' is more common than 'Where is your work?'. Absence is taken seriously but family emergencies are highly respected excuses. While 'taghayyaba 'an al-dawam' is understood, Egyptians often use 'ghayeb' or 'mish gay' (not coming). 'Al-dawam' is used more in government offices than in the private sector. The term 'al-dawam' is frequently used for school and university hours. Students will say 'ma fi dawam' to mean 'there are no classes today' (e.g., due to snow). During Ramadan, the 'dawam' changes. It usually starts later and ends earlier. Being absent during these shortened hours is often frowned upon more than usual because the workload is already compressed.
Use the Noun Form
In formal reports, use the verbal noun 'التغيب' (al-taghayyub). For example: 'نسبة التغيب مرتفعة' (The absence rate is high).
Preposition Alert
Never use 'min' (from). It's a hallmark of a non-native speaker. Always use 'an' (عن).
Meaning
To be away from one's regular work or obligations.
Use the Noun Form
In formal reports, use the verbal noun 'التغيب' (al-taghayyub). For example: 'نسبة التغيب مرتفعة' (The absence rate is high).
Preposition Alert
Never use 'min' (from). It's a hallmark of a non-native speaker. Always use 'an' (عن).
The 'Excuse' Culture
In the Arab world, simply saying 'I can't come' is often seen as rude. Always follow 'تغيبت' with 'بسبب' (because of) and a reason.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct preposition.
تغيب الموظف ____ الدوام بسبب المرض.
The verb 'taghayyaba' always requires the preposition 'an' (عن).
Choose the most professional way to say 'I was absent yesterday'.
كيف تقول 'I was absent yesterday' بطريقة مهنية؟
This option uses the correct Form V verb and formal vocabulary 'al-dawam'.
Match the reason to the sentence.
تغيبت عن الدوام بسبب...
In a professional context, only 'وفاة قريب' is an acceptable 'udhr' (excuse).
Complete the HR manager's sentence.
المدير: لماذا ____ عن الدوام الأسبوع الماضي؟
The manager is addressing a male employee (singular, masculine).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of Absence
Excused
- • مرض (Sickness)
- • وفاة (Death)
- • زواج (Marriage)
Unexcused
- • نوم (Sleep)
- • كسل (Laziness)
- • سفر مفاجئ (Sudden travel)
Practice Bank
4 exercisesتغيب الموظف ____ الدوام بسبب المرض.
The verb 'taghayyaba' always requires the preposition 'an' (عن).
كيف تقول 'I was absent yesterday' بطريقة مهنية؟
This option uses the correct Form V verb and formal vocabulary 'al-dawam'.
تغيبت عن الدوام بسبب...
In a professional context, only 'وفاة قريب' is an acceptable 'udhr' (excuse).
المدير: لماذا ____ عن الدوام الأسبوع الماضي؟
The manager is addressing a male employee (singular, masculine).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, especially in the Gulf and Levant, 'al-dawam' is used for school hours. However, 'al-madrasa' is more specific.
'Taghayyaba' is slightly more formal and often implies a recorded or official absence. 'Ghaba' is more general.
The opposite is 'hadara' (حضر), meaning to attend or be present.
You say 'تغيب بدون عذر' (taghayyub bidun 'udhr).
Related Phrases
إجازة مرضية
similarSick leave
حضور وانصراف
contrastAttendance and leaving (clocking in/out)
سحب على
specialized formTo flake on / to ditch
انقطع عن العمل
builds onTo cease working / to drop out
