Meaning
Indicating closeness to a value or state, but not exact.
Cultural Background
In the Levant, 'Taqreeban' is often used as a filler word in conversation, similar to 'like' or 'sort of' in English. Egyptians often pronounce it 'Ta'reeban' (dropping the Qaf). It is used heavily in the 'IBM' culture (Insha'Allah, Bukra, Ma'lesh) to soften commitments. In the Gulf, you might hear 'Hawali' used more frequently for formal estimates, but 'Taqreeban' remains the standard for 'almost'. In North Africa, 'Taqreeban' is used alongside French 'environ', sometimes in the same sentence by code-switchers.
The Safety Net
If you aren't sure about a grammar rule or a number, just add 'Taqreeban' at the end. It makes you sound more like a native speaker who is just being cautious.
Don't confuse with 'Soon'
Remember: Qareeban (قريباً) = Soon. Taqreeban (تقريباً) = Almost. One little 'T' makes a big difference!
Meaning
Indicating closeness to a value or state, but not exact.
The Safety Net
If you aren't sure about a grammar rule or a number, just add 'Taqreeban' at the end. It makes you sound more like a native speaker who is just being cautious.
Don't confuse with 'Soon'
Remember: Qareeban (قريباً) = Soon. Taqreeban (تقريباً) = Almost. One little 'T' makes a big difference!
Polite Lateness
If you are 10 minutes away, saying 'I am there تقريباً' is a common social white lie in many Arabic-speaking countries.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with 'تقريباً' to say 'I have about ten books.'
عندي عشرة كتب _______.
Taqreeban is the correct word for 'about' or 'approximately' in this context.
Which sentence means 'I am almost ready'?
Choose the correct sentence:
While others might be understood, placing 'Taqreeban' at the end is the most natural and common way.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
أحمد: متى سيبدأ الفيلم؟ سارة: بعد ربع ساعة _______.
When estimating time, 'Taqreeban' is the standard adverb to use.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are reporting that 500 people attended a protest, but you don't have the exact count.
Taqreeban indicates that the number 500 is an estimate.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Taqreeban vs. Hawali
Practice Bank
4 exercisesعندي عشرة كتب _______.
Taqreeban is the correct word for 'about' or 'approximately' in this context.
Choose the correct sentence:
While others might be understood, placing 'Taqreeban' at the end is the most natural and common way.
أحمد: متى سيبدأ الفيلم؟ سارة: بعد ربع ساعة _______.
When estimating time, 'Taqreeban' is the standard adverb to use.
You are reporting that 500 people attended a protest, but you don't have the exact count.
Taqreeban indicates that the number 500 is an estimate.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's less common. It's usually used for emphasis, like 'Approximately, we need ten more.'
Yes, it is one of the most universal words in the Arabic-speaking world.
Hawali is used only for numbers and distances. Taqreeban can be used for numbers AND for states (like 'I'm almost done').
In MSA, it's a deep throat sound. In Cairo, it's silent (Ta'reeban). In the Gulf, it's like a 'g' (Tagreeban).
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your friends.
No, it is an adverb, so it stays the same regardless of gender.
Yes! 'بكرة تقريباً إن شاء الله' is a very common phrase.
Sometimes, in contexts like 'I understood mostly everything' (فهمت كل شيء تقريباً).
In some dialects, people just say 'Taqreeb' or 'A-la Taqreeb'.
Only if you are counting them or describing a state, not to mean 'he is a near person'.
Related Phrases
حوالي
synonymAround / About
تماماً
contrastExactly / Completely
على الأرجح
similarMost likely
بالكاد
contrastBarely / Hardly
زهاء
specialized formRoughly (formal)
