Meaning
To formally agree to terms by signing a document.
Cultural Background
Signing a contract is often followed by drinking tea or coffee together. It is not just a legal transaction but a social one that builds 'Thiqah' (trust). In the Gulf, business contracts are extremely formal, but the initial agreement is often reached through long majlis sessions where no papers are present. Egyptians often use the word 'Basma' (fingerprint) jokingly or formally to refer to a signature, reflecting old administrative traditions. The word 'Mada' (to sign) is very common in daily speech in Lebanon and Syria, while 'Waqqa'a' is reserved for official documents.
The Shadda is Key
If you forget the shadda on 'waqqa'a', you are saying 'the contract fell' instead of 'he signed the contract.'
Use 'Tawqi'' for the Noun
If you want to say 'Your signature is beautiful,' use 'Tawqi'uka jameel.'
Meaning
To formally agree to terms by signing a document.
The Shadda is Key
If you forget the shadda on 'waqqa'a', you are saying 'the contract fell' instead of 'he signed the contract.'
Use 'Tawqi'' for the Noun
If you want to say 'Your signature is beautiful,' use 'Tawqi'uka jameel.'
Read before you sign
In Arab business culture, it is polite to read the contract thoroughly while the other party waits; it shows you are taking the agreement seriously.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'waqqa'a'.
أنا _______ العقد أمس.
'Waqqa'tu' is the first-person past tense form (I signed).
Which sentence is grammatically correct for 'He signs a contract'?
اختر الجملة الصحيحة:
The verb takes a direct object in the accusative case ( عقداً).
Match the Arabic phrase with its English meaning.
صل الجملة بمعناها:
These are common types of contracts.
Complete the dialogue.
المدير: هل قرأت الشروط؟ الموظف: نعم، وأنا جاهز لـ ____.
After 'li-' (for/to), we use the verbal noun (Masdar) 'tawqi''.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Sign vs. Fall
Practice Bank
4 exercisesأنا _______ العقد أمس.
'Waqqa'tu' is the first-person past tense form (I signed).
اختر الجملة الصحيحة:
The verb takes a direct object in the accusative case ( عقداً).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common types of contracts.
المدير: هل قرأت الشروط؟ الموظف: نعم، وأنا جاهز لـ ____.
After 'li-' (for/to), we use the verbal noun (Masdar) 'tawqi''.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, you can say 'waqqa'a al-shik' (وقع الشيك).
'Waqqa'a' is formal/MSA, while 'mada' is common in dialects like Levantine.
Usually, yes. It implies a binding agreement, unlike 'ittifaq' which can be informal.
You say 'tawqi' elektrouni' (توقيع إلكتروني).
In formal Arabic, it is transitive (no preposition). In some dialects, people say 'waqqa'a 'ala'.
It is called ''Aqd Zawaj' (عقد زواج).
You would say 'waqqa'tu 'ala istilam al-tard' (وقعت على استلام الطرد).
Yes! 'Iqd (عقد) with a kasra on the 'ayn means necklace. 'Aqd with a fatha means contract.
Yes, 'Tuwwuqi'a al-'aqd' (The contract was signed).
You use the verb 'basama' (بصم).
Related Phrases
عقد عمل
specialized formEmployment contract
فسخ العقد
contrastTo terminate/annul a contract
شروط العقد
builds onContract terms
صاحب العقد
similarThe contract holder
إبرام اتفاقية
synonymConcluding an agreement
