Meaning
To yield a point in an argument, negotiation, or dispute to reach an agreement.
Cultural Background
In social disputes, a 'تنازل' is often seen as a gesture of 'Karam' (generosity). If someone yields their right after a fight, the community praises them as 'Ibn Asl' (of noble origin). The term is frequently used in administrative and legal paperwork, such as 'تنازل عن كفالة' (transfer of sponsorship), which is a very common part of expat life. Egyptians might use the verb 'اتنازل' (Form VI) more colloquially. 'اتنازل شوية' (Give in a bit) is a common plea in markets or during arguments. In these regions, the phrase is heavily used in the context of labor unions (syndicats) and their negotiations with the government.
Use the Plural
In 90% of news contexts, use the plural 'تنازلات' (tanāzulāt). It sounds more natural when discussing complex issues.
Don't use for Discounts
If you want a lower price in a shop, ask for 'خصم' (khasm) or 'تنزيل' (tanzil), not 'تنازل'.
Meaning
To yield a point in an argument, negotiation, or dispute to reach an agreement.
Use the Plural
In 90% of news contexts, use the plural 'تنازلات' (tanāzulāt). It sounds more natural when discussing complex issues.
Don't use for Discounts
If you want a lower price in a shop, ask for 'خصم' (khasm) or 'تنزيل' (tanzil), not 'تنازل'.
The 'Face' Factor
When asking someone to make a concession, phrase it as a favor to you to help them save face.
Verb Choice
While 'قدم' is standard, 'أبدى' (showed) is also used: 'أبدى مرونة وقدم تنازلات'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'قدم'.
الرئيس _______ تنازلات كبيرة في المؤتمر الأخير.
The subject 'الرئيس' is singular masculine, so the verb must be 'قدم'.
Which sentence is the most formal?
Choose the best way to say 'He made a concession' in a news report.
'قدم تنازلاً' is the standard formal collocation for news and professional writing.
Match the adjective with the phrase 'تقديم تنازلات'.
Match the following:
These adjectives frequently accompany the phrase in media.
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: لن أغير رأيي أبداً! سارة: يا أحمد، لكي نصل إلى حل، يجب أن _______.
The context of 'reaching a solution' (نصل إلى حل) requires 'making a concession'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesالرئيس _______ تنازلات كبيرة في المؤتمر الأخير.
The subject 'الرئيس' is singular masculine, so the verb must be 'قدم'.
Choose the best way to say 'He made a concession' in a news report.
'قدم تنازلاً' is the standard formal collocation for news and professional writing.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These adjectives frequently accompany the phrase in media.
أحمد: لن أغير رأيي أبداً! سارة: يا أحمد، لكي نصل إلى حل، يجب أن _______.
The context of 'reaching a solution' (نصل إلى حل) requires 'making a concession'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it sounds a bit serious. In casual talk, people might just say 'اتنازل' as a verb.
The opposite is 'يتشدد' (to be strict/stubborn) or 'يرفض التنازل' (to refuse to concede).
Only if you are giving up the *right* to that object, not just handing it over.
It can if it's seen as 'giving in' too easily, but generally, it's a neutral-to-positive word for conflict resolution.
You say 'تنازلات متبادلة' (tanāzulāt mutabādila).
Yes, 'تقديم تنازلات' is the action of compromising. The noun for compromise itself is 'حل وسط'.
Yes, especially when discussing how you handle conflicts with coworkers.
Usually 'عن' (about the thing given up) or 'بشأن' (regarding the topic).
The root N-Z-L is everywhere, but this specific Form VI collocation is more modern/legalistic.
It's understandable but 'قدم' is much more common and 'correct' in MSA.
Related Phrases
حل وسط
similarMiddle ground / compromise
تراجع عن
similarTo back down from
استسلم
contrastTo surrender
مرونة
builds onFlexibility
تسوية
similarSettlement
