Meaning
To do something to achieve a goal or solve a problem.
Cultural Background
In Egyptian bureaucracy, 'ittakhadh ijra'' often involves a long paper trail (wara'a wa khatm). People might use the phrase ironically to describe the slow pace of official work. With the rapid digitalization of government services (like Absher or DubaiNow), 'taking action' is now associated with clicking a button on an app rather than visiting an office. In social contexts, taking action is often linked to family honor or community standing. If a neighbor is slighted, the family might 'take action' to resolve the dispute through a 'Jahla' (traditional meeting). Due to the French administrative legacy, the concept of 'measures' is very strictly followed in formal settings, often using the plural 'إجراءات' almost exclusively.
The Plural Power
In 90% of professional contexts, use the plural 'إجراءات' (measures). It sounds more authoritative and comprehensive than the singular.
The Double T
Don't forget the shadda on the 'T' in 'ittakhadha'. If you say 'itakhadha' with a single T, it's a different, incorrect form.
Meaning
To do something to achieve a goal or solve a problem.
The Plural Power
In 90% of professional contexts, use the plural 'إجراءات' (measures). It sounds more authoritative and comprehensive than the singular.
The Double T
Don't forget the shadda on the 'T' in 'ittakhadha'. If you say 'itakhadha' with a single T, it's a different, incorrect form.
Polite Complaining
If you want to complain politely but firmly in an Arab country, use the passive: 'يجب أن يُتخذ إجراء' (Action must be taken). It avoids blaming a specific person directly.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to complete the formal sentence.
يجب على الشركة أن ____ إجراءات جديدة لحماية الموظفين.
In formal Arabic, 'تتخذ' (Form VIII) is the standard verb used with 'إجراءات'.
Fill in the missing word (the noun part of the collocation).
إذا استمر الغش، سنتخذ ____ تأديبية.
'إجراءات تأديبية' (disciplinary measures) is a very common fixed phrase in schools and workplaces.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate form of the phrase.
أحمد: الجيران يزعجوننا كل ليلة. سارة: سأذهب للشرطة و____.
Sarah is promising to take a formal step (going to the police), so 'أتخذ إجراءً' is the most natural fit.
Match the type of 'action' to the situation.
Match: 1. قانونية (Legal), 2. وقائية (Preventative), 3. تأديبية (Disciplinary)
Legal action for theft, preventative for disease, and disciplinary for cheating.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of Actions (إجراءات)
Legal
- • قانونية
- • قضائية
- • جنائية
Safety
- • وقائية
- • احترازية
- • أمنية
Work
- • تأديبية
- • إدارية
- • هيكلية
Practice Bank
4 exercisesيجب على الشركة أن ____ إجراءات جديدة لحماية الموظفين.
In formal Arabic, 'تتخذ' (Form VIII) is the standard verb used with 'إجراءات'.
إذا استمر الغش، سنتخذ ____ تأديبية.
'إجراءات تأديبية' (disciplinary measures) is a very common fixed phrase in schools and workplaces.
أحمد: الجيران يزعجوننا كل ليلة. سارة: سأذهب للشرطة و____.
Sarah is promising to take a formal step (going to the police), so 'أتخذ إجراءً' is the most natural fit.
Match: 1. قانونية (Legal), 2. وقائية (Preventative), 3. تأديبية (Disciplinary)
Legal action for theft, preventative for disease, and disciplinary for cheating.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo. For a photo, use 'التقط صورة' (iltaqata sura). 'Ittakhadha' is only for abstract things like actions or decisions.
It ends with the letter 'Thal' (ذ), which is a voiced 'th' sound like in 'this'.
You can say 'التكاسل' (laziness) or 'عدم مبالاة' (indifference), or more formally 'التقاعس عن العمل' (failing to act).
The verb 'ittakhadha' is used frequently (e.g., 'taking a path'), but the specific collocation 'ittakhadha ijra'an' is a modern administrative development.
Yes, but it sounds a bit serious. Use it if you are discussing a problem with a landlord or a boss.
Related Phrases
اتخذ قراراً
similarTo make a decision
قام بخطوة
synonymTo take a step
اتخذ تدابير
synonymTo take measures
باشر العمل
builds onTo start the work
نفذ
specialized formTo execute/implement
