Meaning
To encounter difficulties or impediments in one's path.
Cultural Background
The city of Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city. Its name comes from 'Aqabat Ayla', the steep mountain pass one had to descend to reach the city from the north. The Quran mentions 'Al-Aqaba' in Surah Al-Balad, referring to the 'steep path' of virtue and charity that is difficult but rewarding to climb. In Lebanon and Syria, business owners often use 'عقبات' to politely describe delays caused by political or economic instability without being overly specific. In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, 'تذليل العقبات' (smoothing obstacles) is a very common phrase in government vision statements and leadership speeches.
Sound like a CEO
In a meeting, instead of saying 'We have problems,' say 'نواجه بعض العقبات' (We are facing some obstacles). It sounds more professional and proactive.
Grammar Trap
Remember that 'عقبات' is feminine. If you describe them, the adjective must be feminine too: 'عقبات كبيرة' (big obstacles).
Meaning
To encounter difficulties or impediments in one's path.
Sound like a CEO
In a meeting, instead of saying 'We have problems,' say 'نواجه بعض العقبات' (We are facing some obstacles). It sounds more professional and proactive.
Grammar Trap
Remember that 'عقبات' is feminine. If you describe them, the adjective must be feminine too: 'عقبات كبيرة' (big obstacles).
The 'Aqaba' City
Mentioning the city of Aqaba when discussing this phrase is a great way to show off your cultural knowledge to Arabs.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'واجه'.
الشركة _______ عقبات مالية العام الماضي.
The subject 'الشركة' (the company) is feminine singular, so the past tense verb must be 'واجهت'.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a formal business report?
How would you say 'The project is facing obstacles'?
This is the most formal and precise collocation for a business context.
Match the type of obstacle with its Arabic translation.
Match the following:
These are the most common adjectives used with 'عقبات'.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
أحمد: لماذا تأخر المشروع؟ سارة: لأننا ___________ غير متوقعة في التصميم.
'واجهنا عقبات' fits the professional tone of a project delay explanation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesالشركة _______ عقبات مالية العام الماضي.
The subject 'الشركة' (the company) is feminine singular, so the past tense verb must be 'واجهت'.
How would you say 'The project is facing obstacles'?
This is the most formal and precise collocation for a business context.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the most common adjectives used with 'عقبات'.
أحمد: لماذا تأخر المشروع؟ سارة: لأننا ___________ غير متوقعة في التصميم.
'واجهنا عقبات' fits the professional tone of a project delay explanation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, you don't 'face a person' as an 'aqaba'. You face 'aqabat' (things). If a person is the problem, you'd say 'يواجه معارضة من...' (faces opposition from...).
Usually, yes. 'يواجه عقبة' (singular) is used for one specific, major hurdle. 'عقبات' is used for general difficulties.
The opposite would be 'الأمور تسير بسلاسة' (things are going smoothly) or 'الطريق مفتوح' (the road is open).
Yes! 'Uquba' (عقوبة) comes from the same root. It's the thing that 'follows' a bad deed.
Only if the topic is serious. For a casual 'I'm stuck in traffic,' it's too much.
Related Phrases
تذليل العقبات
builds onTo remove or smooth out obstacles.
عقبة كأداء
specialized formA very difficult, insurmountable obstacle.
تخطى الصعاب
similarTo overcome difficulties.
حجر عثرة
synonymA stumbling block.
