Meaning
To put in hard work or energy towards a goal.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Juhd' is linked to the idea that humans are judged by their striving, not just their results. This is reflected in the phrase 'علينا السعي وليس علينا إدراك النجاح' (It is upon us to strive, but not upon us to ensure success). In Levantine dialects, while 'yabdhulu juhdan' is understood, people often use the word 'ta'ab' (tiredness) to mean effort. For example, 'ta'abak ma biruh dayaa'' (your effort/tiredness won't go to waste). In professional settings in the Gulf, 'badhl al-juhd' is a very common term in performance reviews and official documents, emphasizing the national drive for development and 'vision'. Egyptians might use 'shadd haylak' (pull your strength) as an encouragement to 'badhl al-juhd'. It's a more colloquial way to tell someone to put in effort.
Use with Adjectives
To sound more natural, add adjectives like 'كبيراً' (big), 'واضحاً' (clear), or 'إضافياً' (extra) after 'جهداً'.
Avoid 'Make'
Never use 'ya'mal' (يعمل) with 'juhd'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Meaning
To put in hard work or energy towards a goal.
Use with Adjectives
To sound more natural, add adjectives like 'كبيراً' (big), 'واضحاً' (clear), or 'إضافياً' (extra) after 'جهداً'.
Avoid 'Make'
Never use 'ya'mal' (يعمل) with 'juhd'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Sincerity
Using this phrase in a job interview shows you are serious and sincere about your work.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'بذل'.
أنا __________ جهداً كبيراً في تعلم اللغة العربية.
The subject is 'أنا' (I), so the present tense verb must start with 'أ'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct sentence:
Arabic uses 'يبذل' with 'جهداً' (in the accusative case).
Match the Arabic phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are common variations of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate phrase.
الأب: لماذا رسبت في الامتحان؟ الابن: أنا آسف يا أبي، لم __________ كافياً.
The son is explaining that he didn't put in enough effort.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesأنا __________ جهداً كبيراً في تعلم اللغة العربية.
The subject is 'أنا' (I), so the present tense verb must start with 'أ'.
Choose the correct sentence:
Arabic uses 'يبذل' with 'جهداً' (in the accusative case).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common variations of the phrase.
الأب: لماذا رسبت في الامتحان؟ الابن: أنا آسف يا أبي، لم __________ كافياً.
The son is explaining that he didn't put in enough effort.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, but it's more common in professional or serious conversations. In very casual settings, people might use simpler verbs.
Juhd (with a damma) usually means effort or power. Jahd (with a fatha) often means hardship or fatigue.
Yes, it's perfect for describing working hard at the gym or in sports.
You say 'بذلتُ قصارى جهدي' (Badhaltu qusara juhdi).
It is considered Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha), but it's widely used in 'Educated Spoken Arabic' across the region.
Related Phrases
بذل قصارى جهده
specialized formTo do one's absolute best.
اجتهد
synonymTo work hard/strive.
سعى جاهداً
similarTo strive diligently.
كافح
builds onTo struggle/fight for.
