يقول الحقيقة.
yaqool al-haqiqah.
Tell the truth.
Literally: {"\u064a\u0642\u0648\u0644":"he says","\u0627\u0644\u062d\u0642\u064a\u0642\u0629":"the truth"}
In 15 Seconds
- Directly means 'to say the truth'.
- Used for honesty and sincerity.
- Versatile across many situations.
- Essential for building trust.
Meaning
This phrase means to speak honestly and truthfully. It's about not lying or hiding what you know. There's a sense of integrity and directness behind it, like being brave enough to say what's real, even if it's tough. It’s the opposite of being deceitful or evasive.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about a movie review
بصراحة، الفيلم كان ممل. أنا أقول الحقيقة.
Honestly, the movie was boring. I'm telling the truth.
A child confessing to breaking something
أنا آسف، لقد كسرت المزهرية. أنا أقول الحقيقة.
I'm sorry, I broke the vase. I'm telling the truth.
Describing a reliable news source
هذه القناة دائمًا تقول الحقيقة ولا تنشر أخبارًا كاذبة.
This channel always tells the truth and doesn't spread fake news.
Cultural Background
The concept of truthfulness (`al-ḥaqīqah` and `aṣ-ṣidq`) is deeply valued in Arab culture, rooted in Islamic teachings that emphasize honesty and integrity. Speaking the truth is seen as a sign of strong character and trustworthiness. This phrase reflects that cultural emphasis on sincerity and transparency in social interactions, making it a fundamental expression for ethical communication.
The 'Al' is Key!
Don't forget the definite article `الـ` (al-) before `حقيقة` (ḥaqīqah). Saying `يقول حقيقة` is like saying 'he says truth' instead of the natural 'he says *the* truth'.
More Than Just Words
In Arab culture, honesty (`صدق` - ṣidq) is highly esteemed. `يقول الحقيقة` isn't just about avoiding lies; it's about embodying integrity and building trust, which is vital in social and business dealings.
In 15 Seconds
- Directly means 'to say the truth'.
- Used for honesty and sincerity.
- Versatile across many situations.
- Essential for building trust.
What It Means
This is the go-to Arabic phrase for telling the truth. It literally translates to 'he says the truth.' It implies honesty, sincerity, and speaking facts without distortion. Think of it as the default setting for truthful communication in Arabic. It’s simple, direct, and universally understood. It carries a weight of integrity, suggesting you’re not just talking, but you’re conveying reality. It’s the bedrock of trust in any conversation.
How To Use It
You use يقول الحقيقة (yaqūl al-ḥaqīqah) when you want to express the act of telling the truth. It's a verb phrase, so it fits into sentences where you're describing someone or yourself speaking honestly. You can conjugate the verb يقول (yaqūl - he says) to match the subject. For example, 'I say the truth' would be أقول الحقيقة (aqūl al-ḥaqīqah). It's versatile and can be used in many contexts, from casual chats to more serious discussions.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine your friend asks if their new haircut looks good. If it doesn't, and you want to be honest, you might say, أقول الحقيقة (I'm telling the truth) before giving your opinion. Or, if someone is known for being honest, you could describe them as someone who يقول الحقيقة (tells the truth). In a news report, you might hear about a witness who قالت الحقيقة (qaalat al-ḥaqīqah - she told the truth). It’s everywhere, from everyday chats to official statements.
When To Use It
Use يقول الحقيقة when honesty is the main point. If you need to emphasize that someone is being truthful, this phrase is perfect. It’s great for situations where you want to convey sincerity or encourage others to be honest. Think about a parent telling a child, 'Always قولي الحقيقة (qūlī al-ḥaqīqah - tell the truth).' It’s also used when reporting someone's truthful statement. For instance, 'The report يقول الحقيقة (says the truth) about the situation.'
When NOT To Use It
Don't use يقول الحقيقة if you mean 'to speak' in a general sense, like 'he speaks Arabic' (يتكلم العربية - yatakallam al-ʿarabiyyah). It's specifically about truth. Also, avoid it if you're talking about telling a lie (يكذب - yakdhib). If you want to say 'tell me' (قل لي - qul lī), you don't need الحقيقة (the truth) unless you specifically want them to tell *the truth*. It’s not a casual filler word; it has a clear meaning.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes mix up يقول (yaqūl - he says) with other verbs, or they might forget الحقيقة (al-ḥaqīqah - the truth). A common error is using a general verb for speaking when يقول الحقيقة is needed for honesty. Another mistake is forgetting the definite article ال (al-) before حقيقة (ḥaqīqah), making it sound less natural. It's like saying 'he says truth' instead of 'he says *the* truth.'
Similar Expressions
While يقول الحقيقة is the most common, you might hear variations. يتكلم بالصدق (yatakallam biṣ-ṣidq) means 'to speak with honesty.' يتحرى الصدق (yataḥarrā ṣ-ṣidq) means 'to seek out the truth' or 'to be truthful.' صادق (ṣādiq) is an adjective meaning 'truthful' or 'honest.' These are related but have slightly different nuances. يقول الحقيقة is the most direct and widely used for the simple act of telling the truth.
Common Variations
Sometimes, people might use يقول الصدق (yaqūl aṣ-ṣidq), which also means 'to say the truth,' using الصدق (aṣ-ṣidq - honesty/truthfulness) instead of الحقيقة (al-ḥaqīqah - the truth). Both are understood, but الحقيقة is generally more common for the factual 'truth.' You'll also see variations based on the subject: أقول الحقيقة (aqūl al-ḥaqīqah - I say the truth), تقول الحقيقة (taqūl al-ḥaqīqah - you say the truth), نقول الحقيقة (naqūl al-ḥaqīqah - we say the truth).
Memory Trick
Think of a Haq-y Quiet Truth-teller. The 'Haq' sounds like الحقيقة (al-ḥaqīqah). Imagine someone whispering the truth, but loudly enough for everyone to hear. They're not gossiping; they're قول الحقيقة – saying the truth! It’s a bit silly, but it sticks, right? Maybe they wear a T-shirt that says 'I قول الحقيقة,' which is also a bit funny.
Quick FAQ
* Is يقول الحقيقة always about serious matters? Not at all! You can use it for lighthearted honesty too, like admitting you ate the last cookie. It's the honesty that matters, not the topic's gravity.
* Can I use it for written text? Absolutely! A blog post could be described as يقول الحقيقة if it presents factual information. It’s not limited to spoken words.
* What if I want to say 'be truthful'? You'd use the command form: قُل الحقيقة (qul al-ḥaqīqah) for a male, or قُولي الحقيقة (qūlī al-ḥaqīqah) for a female. It's a direct command!
Usage Notes
This phrase is generally neutral in formality, making it suitable for most situations. However, its directness can sometimes feel blunt depending on the context and tone of voice. Always ensure you include the definite article `الـ` (al-) before `حقيقة` (ḥaqīqah) for the correct idiomatic meaning.
The 'Al' is Key!
Don't forget the definite article `الـ` (al-) before `حقيقة` (ḥaqīqah). Saying `يقول حقيقة` is like saying 'he says truth' instead of the natural 'he says *the* truth'.
More Than Just Words
In Arab culture, honesty (`صدق` - ṣidq) is highly esteemed. `يقول الحقيقة` isn't just about avoiding lies; it's about embodying integrity and building trust, which is vital in social and business dealings.
Don't Confuse with 'Speaking'
Be careful! `يقول الحقيقة` is specific to truth-telling. For general 'speaking,' use verbs like `يتكلم` (yatakallam) or `يتحدث` (yataḥaddath). Using them here would sound odd, like 'he speaks the truth' instead of 'he tells the truth'.
Verb Conjugation Power-Up
Mastering `يقول الحقيقة` means knowing its verb forms! Practice `أقول` (I say), `تقول` (you say), `نقول` (we say), and `يقولون` (they say) to use it confidently in any situation.
Examples
12بصراحة، الفيلم كان ممل. أنا أقول الحقيقة.
Honestly, the movie was boring. I'm telling the truth.
Here, `أقول الحقيقة` emphasizes the speaker's genuine opinion.
أنا آسف، لقد كسرت المزهرية. أنا أقول الحقيقة.
I'm sorry, I broke the vase. I'm telling the truth.
The phrase adds weight to the confession, showing sincerity.
هذه القناة دائمًا تقول الحقيقة ولا تنشر أخبارًا كاذبة.
This channel always tells the truth and doesn't spread fake news.
Highlights the channel's consistent honesty.
أتعهد بأن أقدم معلومات دقيقة وأن أقول الحقيقة دائمًا في عملي.
I pledge to provide accurate information and always tell the truth in my work.
Used formally to assure the interviewer of integrity.
كن دائمًا نفسك، وقل الحقيقة، حتى لو كانت صعبة. ✨
Always be yourself, and tell the truth, even if it's hard. ✨
Inspiring message encouraging honesty.
لا تقلق، سأقول الحقيقة لوالدتك عن سبب تأخري.
Don't worry, I'll tell your mom the truth about why I was late.
Casual promise to be truthful in a specific situation.
✗ هو يتكلم الحقيقة. → ✓ هو يقول الحقيقة.
✗ He speaks the truth. → ✓ He tells the truth.
`يتكلم` (yatakallam) means 'to speak', but `يقول` (yaqūl) is specifically 'to say' in this truthful context.
✗ هي تقول حقيقة. → ✓ هي تقول الحقيقة.
✗ She says truth. → ✓ She says the truth.
The definite article `ال` (al-) is crucial here for the idiomatic meaning.
طفلي الصغير دائمًا يقول الحقيقة، خاصة عندما يسأل عن الحلوى قبل العشاء!
My little child always tells the truth, especially when asked about candy before dinner!
Humorous use, highlighting a child's unfiltered honesty.
أقسم أنني سأقول الحقيقة كاملة أمام الجميع.
I swear I will tell the whole truth in front of everyone.
Emphasizes commitment to complete honesty under oath.
لا تخف، قل الحقيقة. أنا أثق بك.
Don't be afraid, tell the truth. I trust you.
Direct encouragement to speak truthfully.
المؤرخ الجيد يسعى دائمًا ليقول الحقيقة المبنية على الأدلة.
A good historian always strives to tell the truth based on evidence.
Connects the phrase to the professional duty of historians.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
The verb `يقول` (yaqūl) means 'he says' and fits perfectly with `الحقيقة` (al-ḥaqīqah - the truth) to mean 'he tells the truth'.
Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.
Which sentence correctly expresses 'She tells the truth'?
The verb `تقول` (taqūl) is the correct form for 'she says' when paired with `الحقيقة` (al-ḥaqīqah).
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
While `صدق` (ṣidq) means 'truthfulness', the standard idiomatic phrase uses `الحقيقة` (al-ḥaqīqah) with the definite article 'al-'.
Translate this sentence into Arabic.
The structure 'must + verb' is often translated using `يجب أن` (yajibu an) followed by the verb in the subjunctive mood. `نقول` (naqūl) is 'we say'.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb.
Since the pronoun is `أنت` (anta - you, masculine singular), the correct verb form is `تقول` (taqūl - you say).
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
The phrase requires the definite article `الـ` (al-) before `حقيقة` (ḥaqīqah) to mean 'the truth' idiomatically.
Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence.
The standard sentence structure in Arabic is Subject-Adverb-Verb-Object. 'He' (هو), 'always' (دائماً), 'says' (يقول), 'the truth' (الحقيقة).
Choose the sentence that uses the phrase most naturally.
Which sentence best conveys 'She is known for telling the truth'?
Using the gerund `بقول` (bi-qawl - by saying) after `معروفة` (maʿrūfah - known) creates a natural phrasing for being known *for* doing something.
Translate this sentence into Arabic.
This structure uses `أقسم أن` (aqsama an - swore that) followed by the verb `يقول` (yaqūl - he says) in the indicative mood, as it follows `أن` (an).
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word.
The context 'our duty to ____ the truth no matter how difficult' requires the verb 'to say' (`نقول` - naqūl), making it 'our duty to say the truth'.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
While `تكلمت` (takallamt - I spoke) is a verb, `قلت` (qult - I said) is the correct verb to pair with `الحقيقة` (al-ḥaqīqah) in the context of stating facts.
Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence.
The structure 'must' is formed by `يجب أن` (yajibu an) followed by the verb. So, 'must' (يجب), 'that' (أن), 'we say' (نقول), 'the truth' (الحقيقة).
🎉 Score: /12
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum for 'يقول الحقيقة'
Casual chats, texting friends, lighthearted situations.
أنا أقول الحقيقة، لقد أكلت كل الكعك!
Everyday conversations, general statements, news reporting.
المذيع يقول الحقيقة حول الأحداث الأخيرة.
Official statements, job interviews, legal contexts.
أتعهد بأن أقول الحقيقة في شهادتي.
Where You'll Hear 'يقول الحقيقة'
Family Dinner
أمي تقول الحقيقة عن وصفة جدتي.
News Broadcast
المراسل يقول الحقيقة من موقع الحدث.
Job Interview
المتقدم يقول الحقيقة عن خبراته.
Friend Group Chat
أنا أقول الحقيقة، هذا الفيلم كان رائعًا!
Courtroom
الشاهد يقول الحقيقة تحت القسم.
Online Review
المستخدم يقول الحقيقة عن المنتج.
Truth vs. Speaking: Nuances
Contexts for Honesty
Personal Integrity
- • Admitting mistakes
- • Being open with loved ones
- • Self-reflection
Social Trust
- • Giving honest opinions
- • Fulfilling promises
- • Reliable information
Formal Settings
- • Witness testimony
- • Official reports
- • Academic integrity
Practice Bank
12 exercisesهو دائمًا ____ الحقيقة.
The verb `يقول` (yaqūl) means 'he says' and fits perfectly with `الحقيقة` (al-ḥaqīqah - the truth) to mean 'he tells the truth'.
Which sentence correctly expresses 'She tells the truth'?
The verb `تقول` (taqūl) is the correct form for 'she says' when paired with `الحقيقة` (al-ḥaqīqah).
Find and fix the mistake:
أنا أقول صدق.
While `صدق` (ṣidq) means 'truthfulness', the standard idiomatic phrase uses `الحقيقة` (al-ḥaqīqah) with the definite article 'al-'.
We must tell the truth.
Hints: Use 'we must', Use the verb 'to say', Add 'the truth'
The structure 'must + verb' is often translated using `يجب أن` (yajibu an) followed by the verb in the subjunctive mood. `نقول` (naqūl) is 'we say'.
أنت ____ الحقيقة دائمًا.
Since the pronoun is `أنت` (anta - you, masculine singular), the correct verb form is `تقول` (taqūl - you say).
Find and fix the mistake:
هو يقول حق.
The phrase requires the definite article `الـ` (al-) before `حقيقة` (ḥaqīqah) to mean 'the truth' idiomatically.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
The standard sentence structure in Arabic is Subject-Adverb-Verb-Object. 'He' (هو), 'always' (دائماً), 'says' (يقول), 'the truth' (الحقيقة).
Which sentence best conveys 'She is known for telling the truth'?
Using the gerund `بقول` (bi-qawl - by saying) after `معروفة` (maʿrūfah - known) creates a natural phrasing for being known *for* doing something.
The witness swore to tell the truth.
Hints: Witness = الشاهد, Swore = أقسم, To tell = أن يقول
This structure uses `أقسم أن` (aqsama an - swore that) followed by the verb `يقول` (yaqūl - he says) in the indicative mood, as it follows `أن` (an).
من واجبنا أن ____ الحقيقة مهما كانت صعبة.
The context 'our duty to ____ the truth no matter how difficult' requires the verb 'to say' (`نقول` - naqūl), making it 'our duty to say the truth'.
Find and fix the mistake:
تكلمت الحقيقة أمام القاضي.
While `تكلمت` (takallamt - I spoke) is a verb, `قلت` (qult - I said) is the correct verb to pair with `الحقيقة` (al-ḥaqīqah) in the context of stating facts.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
The structure 'must' is formed by `يجب أن` (yajibu an) followed by the verb. So, 'must' (يجب), 'that' (أن), 'we say' (نقول), 'the truth' (الحقيقة).
🎉 Score: /12
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
18 questionsThe most basic meaning is 'he says the truth.' It's the standard Arabic expression used when someone is speaking honestly and truthfully, conveying factual information without lying or omitting details.
Yes, absolutely! While it sounds direct, it's commonly used in informal settings among friends or family to emphasize sincerity. For example, you might say 'Honestly, I didn't like the movie' using a form of this phrase.
Both phrases relate to truthfulness. يقول الحقيقة (yaqūl al-ḥaqīqah) focuses on stating the factual truth, while يقول الصدق (yaqūl aṣ-ṣidq) emphasizes speaking with sincerity and honesty, focusing more on the speaker's intention and integrity.
To say 'I tell the truth,' you change the verb يقول (yaqūl - he says) to its first-person singular form, أقول (aqūl). So, the phrase becomes أقول الحقيقة (aqūl al-ḥaqīqah).
Yes, there is! The command form is قُل الحقيقة (qul al-ḥaqīqah) if you are addressing a male, and قُولي الحقيقة (qūlī al-ḥaqīqah) if you are addressing a female. It's a direct instruction to be truthful.
Definitely. If an article or report is presenting factual information accurately, you could describe it as يقول الحقيقة (saying the truth). It applies to any form of communication where honesty and accuracy are key.
It's quite versatile and generally considered neutral. You can use it in everyday conversations, but it also fits perfectly in more formal settings like professional discussions or official statements where accuracy is paramount.
Not necessarily rude, but it can be very direct. Its impact depends on the context and tone. Sometimes, using it can emphasize that you are being blunt or delivering potentially difficult news honestly.
For a personality trait, it's better to use the adjective صادق (ṣādiq) for male or صادقة (ṣādiqah) for female. For example, 'He is truthful' is هو صادق (huwa ṣādiq).
While يقول الحقيقة is standard across most Arabic dialects, you might hear slight variations or preferences for synonyms like يقول الصدق. The core meaning remains consistent, emphasizing honesty and truthfulness.
A frequent mistake is omitting the definite article الـ (al-) before حقيقة (ḥaqīqah), resulting in يقول حقيقة. This sounds unnatural because the idiomatic expression requires 'the truth', not just 'truth'.
Yes, like many phrases, context and tone can completely change its meaning. If said with a smirk or in a situation where the opposite is clearly true, it could be used sarcastically, implying someone is *not* telling the truth.
This means 'He is not telling the truth' or 'He is lying.' It's the direct negation of the phrase, used to accuse someone of dishonesty or deception.
It's directly linked to trust. Consistently using يقول الحقيقة builds a reputation for honesty, which is the foundation of trust in any relationship, whether personal or professional.
The closest English equivalent is 'to tell the truth' or 'to speak the truth.' However, in Arabic, يقول الحقيقة can sometimes carry a slightly stronger emphasis on integrity and factual accuracy.
Using يتكلم الحقيقة (yatakallam al-ḥaqīqah) instead of يقول الحقيقة sounds a bit unnatural. While يتكلم means 'to speak,' يقول is the established verb for 'saying' or 'telling' the truth in this specific idiomatic expression.
Yes, it can be used for opinions when you want to emphasize that you are stating your genuine belief. For example, 'In my opinion, this is the best way, and I say the truth' (برأيي، هذه أفضل طريقة، وأنا أقول الحقيقة).
Truthfulness (الصدق and الحقيقة) is a cornerstone virtue in Arabic culture, heavily influenced by Islamic teachings. It's considered essential for maintaining social harmony, personal honor, and strong relationships, making phrases like يقول الحقيقة fundamental.
Related Phrases
يقول الصدق
synonymTo speak with honesty/sincerity
Both mean to speak truthfully, but `يقول الصدق` often emphasizes the speaker's sincerity more than just factual accuracy.
قل الحقيقة
formal versionTell the truth (command)
This is the imperative (command) form of the phrase, used to directly instruct someone to tell the truth.
يتكلم بالصدق
related topicTo speak with honesty
This phrase describes the manner of speaking honestly, focusing on the act of speaking rather than just the content of the truth.
يكذب
antonymTo lie
This is the direct opposite of `يقول الحقيقة`, meaning 'to lie' or 'to tell falsehoods'.
صادق
related topicTruthful / Honest (adjective)
This adjective describes a person who habitually tells the truth, whereas `يقول الحقيقة` describes the action of telling the truth in a specific instance.
الحقيقة
related topicThe truth
This is the noun itself, forming the core object of the verb in the phrase `يقول الحقيقة`.