Meaning
To lessen the expenses or financial outlay.
Cultural Background
In the Gulf, especially in Dubai and Riyadh, 'khafḍ al-takālif' is a buzzword in the 'Vision 2030' era, focusing on moving away from oil dependency toward efficiency. Egyptians often use the word 'Tawfeer' (saving) in daily life, but 'khafḍ al-takālif' is strictly for the news and big business. In Lebanon and Syria, due to economic fluctuations, this phrase is heard daily on the news regarding the 'Mizaniyya' (budget). In Morocco and Tunisia, you might hear the French 'réduire les coûts' mixed with Arabic, but 'khafḍ al-takālif' remains the formal written standard.
Use the Masdar
In professional writing, use the noun form 'Khafḍ al-takālif' (Cost reduction) as a subject to sound more academic.
Don't say 'Cut'
Avoid translating 'cut' literally as 'qaṭa'a'. In Arabic, we 'lower' (khaffada) or 'reduce' (qallala) costs.
Meaning
To lessen the expenses or financial outlay.
Use the Masdar
In professional writing, use the noun form 'Khafḍ al-takālif' (Cost reduction) as a subject to sound more academic.
Don't say 'Cut'
Avoid translating 'cut' literally as 'qaṭa'a'. In Arabic, we 'lower' (khaffada) or 'reduce' (qallala) costs.
Generosity vs. Business
Never use this phrase when hosting guests; it sounds like you are complaining about the cost of the food!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'khaffada'.
الشركة _______ التكاليف العام الماضي.
The subject 'Al-Sharika' (The company) is feminine singular, so the past tense verb must be 'khaffaḍat'.
Which of these is the most formal way to say 'We need to save money' in a meeting?
في الاجتماع، نقول:
This is the standard formal Modern Standard Arabic expression for business.
Match the Arabic phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are essential business collocations.
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: المصاريف كثيرة جداً. سارة: نعم، يجب أن _______.
The context of 'high expenses' requires a solution like 'cutting costs'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesالشركة _______ التكاليف العام الماضي.
The subject 'Al-Sharika' (The company) is feminine singular, so the past tense verb must be 'khaffaḍat'.
في الاجتماع، نقول:
This is the standard formal Modern Standard Arabic expression for business.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are essential business collocations.
أحمد: المصاريف كثيرة جداً. سارة: نعم، يجب أن _______.
The context of 'high expenses' requires a solution like 'cutting costs'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt is understood everywhere, but in daily speech, people prefer 'qallil al-maṣārīf'.
'Khafḍ' is the general act, while 'takhfīḍ' often refers to a specific discount or a one-time reduction.
No, for calories or weight, use 'inqāṣ' or 'taqlīl'.
In business, it's usually positive (efficiency). In social services, it's often negative (budget cuts).
Related Phrases
ترشيد الإنفاق
synonymRationalizing spending
سياسة التقشف
builds onAusterity policy
رفع التكاليف
contrastRaising costs
توفير المال
similarSaving money
