Meaning
To take advantage of a favorable moment or circumstance when it arises.
Cultural Background
In the Gulf, business is often about relationships and timing. Using 'intahaza al-fursa' in a meeting shows you are sharp and ready for partnership. While 'intahaza' is used, you might also hear 'lahi' حاله' (he caught himself/the moment) in casual speech. Egyptians often use 'istaghal' (exploit) very neutrally for opportunities, but 'intahaza' remains the choice for media and formal speeches. In North Africa, due to French influence, the concept of 'saisir l'occasion' is very strong, making 'intahaza al-fursa' a very natural translation for bilingual speakers.
Use it in Interviews
Using this phrase instead of 'I want' makes you sound 10x more professional in Arabic.
Watch the 'Sod'
Make sure to pronounce the 'S' in 'Fursa' deeply, or it might sound like a different word.
Meaning
To take advantage of a favorable moment or circumstance when it arises.
Use it in Interviews
Using this phrase instead of 'I want' makes you sound 10x more professional in Arabic.
Watch the 'Sod'
Make sure to pronounce the 'S' in 'Fursa' deeply, or it might sound like a different word.
The 'Intihazi' Label
Never call a person 'intihazi' unless you mean to insult them as a selfish opportunist.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'intahaza'.
المستثمرون الذكيون ________ الفرصة عندما تنخفض الأسعار.
The subject is plural (investors), so the verb must be plural present tense.
Which sentence is the most formal and correct?
How do you say 'I seized the opportunity' in a job interview?
'Intahaztu' is the professional standard for MSA.
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: هناك وظيفة شاغرة في الشركة. سارة: حقاً؟ يجب أن ________ وتدم أوراقك.
Sarah is encouraging Ahmed to act on the news.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesالمستثمرون الذكيون ________ الفرصة عندما تنخفض الأسعار.
The subject is plural (investors), so the verb must be plural present tense.
How do you say 'I seized the opportunity' in a job interview?
'Intahaztu' is the professional standard for MSA.
أحمد: هناك وظيفة شاغرة في الشركة. سارة: حقاً؟ يجب أن ________ وتدم أوراقك.
Sarah is encouraging Ahmed to act on the news.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but it sounds a bit 'educated'. In very casual settings, people might just say 'khadt el-forsa'.
'Ightanama' is more positive, implying the opportunity is a gift or treasure. 'Intahaza' is more neutral/strategic.
No, this phrase is only for opportunities, moments, or situations.
The root is used, but this specific collocation is more common in later classical and modern Arabic.
Related Phrases
اغتنم الفرصة
synonymTo seize the opportunity (as a treasure)
استغل الفرصة
similarTo exploit the opportunity
تحين الفرصة
builds onTo wait for the right moment
فوت الفرصة
contrastTo miss the opportunity
فرصة ذهبية
specialized formA golden opportunity
