This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Arabic
Vocabulary
إعجاب

A1 noun #900 most common 9 min read

إعجاب

i'jab Top 900

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips إعجاب in 30 Seconds

Explanation إعجاب in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'إعجاب' (I'jab) is simply the word for 'liking' or 'admiration.' You will mostly see it on your phone or computer as the 'Like' button. It is a noun. If you want to say 'I like this,' you usually use the verb 'Yu'jibuni' (يعجبني), but you should recognize 'I'jab' as the name of that feeling. Think of it as the 'thumbs up' word. It is a very positive and common word used to talk about things you think are good or beautiful.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'إعجاب' in simple sentences with the preposition 'bi' (بـ). For example, 'أنا معجب بالسيارة' (I am an admirer of the car). You should also know that it is used for social media 'likes.' You can say 'حصلت على إعجابات كثيرة' (I got many likes). It is a step above just saying 'good' (jayyid); it shows you are actually impressed by something.

At the B1 level, you should understand 'إعجاب' as a formal way to express appreciation in professional or artistic contexts. You will hear it in phrases like 'أبدى إعجابه' (He expressed his admiration). You should also distinguish it from 'Hubb' (love) and 'Ihtiram' (respect). It is often used to describe the public's reaction to a performance or a new product. You can use it to talk about your hobbies and the things that impress you in a more sophisticated way.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the word's root (ع-ج-ب) and its various forms, such as 'ta'ajjub' (wonder/exclamation). You should understand the nuance of 'I'jab bi-n-nafs' (self-admiration/vanity) and how context determines if the word is positive or negative. You will encounter this word in news editorials and literary reviews, often as part of complex sentences describing social trends or artistic movements.

At the C1 level, you should appreciate the rhetorical use of 'إعجاب' in classical and modern literature. It is used to describe aesthetic experiences and the psychological state of being moved by beauty or brilliance. You should be able to use it in academic writing to discuss 'reception theory' (how a work is received/admired by an audience). You should also be aware of its historical evolution from a word describing 'strangeness' to its modern meaning of 'approval.'

At the C2 level, you should have a mastery of the philosophical implications of 'إعجاب.' This includes its role in Sufi literature (wonder at creation) and its use in high-level political discourse to describe international prestige. You should be able to distinguish between 'I'jab' and its more intense synonyms like 'Inbihar' or 'Walah' in nuanced poetic contexts. You can use the word to discuss complex human emotions and the subtle differences between objective appreciation and subjective infatuation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

إعجاب in 30 Seconds

A noun meaning admiration or liking, commonly used for social media 'likes'.
Derived from the root ʿ-j-b, which relates to wonder and amazement.
Requires the preposition 'bi' (بـ) to connect to the object being admired.
Can range from a casual 'like' to deep professional or romantic admiration.

The Arabic word إعجاب (I'jāb) is a multifaceted noun derived from the root ع-ج-ب (ʿ-j-b), which fundamentally relates to wonder, amazement, and astonishment. In contemporary usage, it is most frequently translated as 'admiration,' 'appreciation,' or 'liking.' It represents a positive emotional response to something that is perceived as beautiful, skillful, or impressive. Unlike the word for love (حب - Hubb), which implies a deep, often personal attachment, إعجاب often describes an initial or objective feeling of being impressed by qualities or actions.

Social Media Context: In the digital age, إعجاب is the standard term for a 'Like' on platforms like Facebook or Instagram. When you click the thumbs-up icon, you are performing an act of إعجاب. This has shifted the word from high-literature contexts into the most mundane daily interactions of millions of Arabic speakers.
Romantic Context: In the early stages of a relationship, إعجاب signifies a 'crush' or 'infatuation.' It is the feeling of being attracted to someone's personality or appearance before that feeling deepens into love. It is a safer, less intense word than حب.
Professional and Artistic Context: When discussing art, literature, or professional performance, إعجاب denotes professional respect and aesthetic appreciation. A critic might express their إعجاب for a director's vision or a musician's technical prowess.

أبدى الجمهور إعجاباً كبيراً بالعرض المسرحي الليلة.
— Translation: The audience showed great admiration for the theatrical performance tonight.

Historically, the root of this word was used to describe things that were 'miraculous' or 'strange' in a way that caused wonder. In the Quran and classical poetry, the verb forms of this root often describe the amazement one feels when encountering the divine or the extraordinary. Today, while it has been popularized by social media, it retains a sense of 'elevation'—when you admire something, you are placing it on a pedestal of quality. It is important to note that إعجاب is a noun (Masdar), and its usage often requires the preposition بـ (bi-) to connect it to the object of admiration.

نالت اللوحة إعجاب كل من رآها في المعرض.
— Translation: The painting won the admiration of everyone who saw it in the gallery.

Furthermore, the word can be used in a self-reflexive sense. الإعجاب بالنفس (Al-I'jāb bi-n-nafs) refers to self-admiration or vanity. While إعجاب is generally positive, when directed inward without humility, it can carry a negative connotation of arrogance or narcissism in ethical and religious discourses. However, in modern psychological contexts, it might simply mean self-confidence. Understanding the context—whether it is a 'like' on a photo, a crush on a classmate, or professional respect for a leader—is key to mastering this essential Arabic word.

Using إعجاب correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a verbal noun (Masdar). It is most commonly paired with verbs like أبدى (to show), نال (to win/gain), or أثار (to stir/arouse). Because it is a noun, it often functions as the object of a sentence or as part of an Idafa (possessive) construction.

The Preposition 'Bi' (بـ): When you want to say 'admiration for [something],' you must use the preposition بـ. For example: إعجابي باللغة العربية (My admiration for the Arabic language). Without this preposition, the sentence will feel incomplete or grammatically incorrect.
Common Verb Pairings: 1. أبدى إعجابه: To express his admiration. 2. نال إعجاب: To win the admiration of. 3. أثار إعجاب: To spark/arouse admiration.

لا أستطيع إخفاء إعجابي بشجاعتك في اتخاذ هذا القرار.
— Translation: I cannot hide my admiration for your courage in making this decision.

In formal writing, such as journalism or literature, إعجاب is used to describe the public's reaction to events. For instance, 'The new law met with the admiration of the citizens' would use this word. In more casual settings, you might hear someone say أنا معجب بك (I am an admirer of you / I like you), where معجب is the active participle (Ism al-Fa'il) derived from the same root.

كانت نظرات الإعجاب واضحة في عيون الحاضرين.
— Translation: Looks of admiration were clear in the eyes of those present.

When using the word in the context of social media, it is often used as a plural: إعجابات (likes). For example, 'My post got a hundred likes' would be حصل منشوري على مئة إعجاب. This demonstrates how a classical root adapts to modern technology. Whether you are writing a formal letter of recommendation or commenting on a friend's photo, the word إعجاب provides a versatile way to express positive regard.

You will encounter إعجاب in a wide variety of environments, ranging from the highly formal to the extremely casual. Its presence in the digital world has made it one of the most 'seen' words in the Arabic script today.

On Your Smartphone: If you set your phone language to Arabic, the 'Like' button on every social media app will be labeled إعجاب. Notifications will tell you 'Someone liked your photo' using the verb form أعجب بـ or the noun إعجاب.
In Talent Shows: Programs like 'Arabs Got Talent' or 'The Voice' frequently use this word. Judges will express their إعجاب for a contestant's performance. You'll hear phrases like 'لقد نلت إعجابي' (You have won my admiration).
In Literature and News: News reports about a successful diplomatic visit or a new architectural marvel will use إعجاب to describe the international or local reception. It adds a layer of prestige to the positive feedback being described.

سجلت الأغنية الجديدة ملايين الإعجابات في يوم واحد.
— Translation: The new song recorded millions of likes in one day.

In daily conversation, if a friend shows you a new car or a piece of clothing, you might say ما شاء الله، مثير للإعجاب (Mashallah, it's impressive/admirable). Here, مثير للإعجاب is a common compound expression meaning 'impressive' or 'exciting of admiration.' You will also hear it in romantic dramas (Musalsalat), where a character might confess their إعجاب for another, often as a precursor to a more serious confession of love.

تحدث المدير بنبرة مليئة بالإعجاب عن إنجازات الفريق.
— Translation: The manager spoke with a tone full of admiration about the team's achievements.

Whether you are browsing the web, watching a movie, or engaging in a professional meeting, إعجاب is the go-to word for expressing that something has met or exceeded expectations in a pleasing way. Its versatility across different registers of the language makes it an indispensable part of any Arabic learner's vocabulary.

While إعجاب is a common word, learners often stumble over its grammatical application and its distinction from related concepts. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Arabic sound much more natural and precise.

Confusing Noun and Verb: A frequent mistake is using إعجاب when the verb أعجبني (it pleased me) is required. In English, we say 'I like the book.' In Arabic, you can say 'I feel admiration for the book' (أشعر بالإعجاب بالكتاب), but it is more common to say 'The book pleases me' (يعجبني الكتاب). Don't try to force the noun into a verbal slot.
Wrong Preposition: Learners often use لـ (for) or في (in) instead of بـ (with/by). While 'admiration for' is the English logic, Arabic logic is 'admiration with/by.' Always remember: إعجاب بـ.
Vanity vs. Admiration: Be careful with العجب (al-ujb). While it comes from the same root, it specifically refers to 'vanity' or 'conceit.' If you say someone has عجب, you are criticizing them. If you say they have إعجاب, you are usually describing a positive feeling of admiration.

خطأ: أنا عندي إعجاب في هذا الفيلم.
صح: أنا معجب بهذا الفيلم.
— Note: Use the active participle 'mu'jab' with 'bi' for a more natural expression of 'I like/admire'.

Another nuance is the difference between إعجاب and تقدير (appreciation). While often used interchangeably, تقدير is more about recognizing value or effort, whereas إعجاب is more about the emotional or aesthetic impact. You 'appreciate' a hard worker, but you 'admire' a beautiful sunset or a brilliant strategy.

يجب ألا يتحول الإعجاب إلى تقليد أعمى.
— Translation: Admiration should not turn into blind imitation.

Finally, pay attention to the pronunciation of the 'Hamza' at the beginning. It is I'jāb, not A'jāb. Pronouncing the initial 'i' clearly distinguishes it as the Form IV verbal noun, which is essential for being understood correctly in formal contexts.

Arabic is a language of immense lexical depth, and while إعجاب is the standard word for admiration, several other terms can provide more specific shades of meaning depending on the context.

تقدير (Taqdīr) - Appreciation: This word focuses on the recognition of worth. You use تقدير for a colleague's hard work or a teacher's help. It is more cerebral and less emotional than إعجاب.
احترام (IHtirām) - Respect: While you can admire someone without respecting them (e.g., a villain's cleverness), احترام implies a moral or social standing. It is the proper word for elders and authorities.
انبهار (Inbihār) - Dazzlement/Awe: This is a much stronger version of إعجاب. It describes being so impressed that you are almost blinded or overwhelmed, like seeing the Pyramids for the first time.
افتتان (Iftitān) - Fascination/Enchantment: This carries a hint of being 'charmed' or even 'seduced' by something's beauty. It is more poetic and often used in romantic or artistic descriptions.

هناك فرق بين الإعجاب العابر والتقدير العميق.
— Translation: There is a difference between fleeting admiration and deep appreciation.

When choosing between these words, consider the intensity and the source of the feeling. If it's a 'Like' on social media, stick with إعجاب. If it's a deep professional regard, use تقدير. If you are speechless at a view, use انبهار. Mastering these synonyms will allow you to express the nuances of your feelings with the precision that Arabic is famous for.

كان إعجابه بالثقافة العربية هو الدافع لتعلم اللغة.
— Translation: His admiration for Arabic culture was the motivation to learn the language.

In summary, while إعجاب is your 'all-purpose' word for liking and admiring, don't be afraid to explore its cousins in the Arabic vocabulary to add color and accuracy to your speech.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"أود أن أعرب عن إعجابي الشديد بجهودكم."

Neutral

"الفيلم نال إعجاب الكثير من الناس."

Informal

"أنا معجب جداً بستايلك."

Child friendly

"رسمتك جميلة جداً، أنا معجب بها!"

Slang

"عامل إعجاب على كل صوري!"

Fun Fact

The word 'أعجوبة' (Ujuba), meaning a miracle or wonder, comes from the same root. The Seven Wonders of the World are called 'عجائب الدنيا السبع' (Aja'ib al-Dunya al-Sab').

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɪdʒˈæb/

US /ɪdʒˈæb/

The stress is on the second syllable: i-JĀB.

Rhymes With

كتاب (Kitāb) شباب (Shabāb) جواب (Jawāb) عذاب (Adhāb) سحاب (SaHāb) باب (Bāb) غياب (Ghiyāb) ثياب (Thiyāb)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the initial Hamza as 'A' (A'jab) instead of 'I'.
Shortening the long 'a' vowel.
In Egyptian dialect, the 'j' (ج) is pronounced as a hard 'g' (I'gab).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its frequency on social media.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the 'Hamza' and the long 'Alif'.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for most learners.

Listening 2/5

Commonly heard in media and daily life.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

حب (Love) جميل (Beautiful) كبير (Big/Great) نال (To win/attain) بـ (With/By)

Learn Next

تقدير (Appreciation) انبهار (Awe) احترام (Respect) عجيب (Strange/Wonderful) أعجب (To please)

Advanced

استحسان (Approval) افتتان (Fascination) هيام (Passionate love) تبجيل (Veneration) إطراء (Praise)

Grammar to Know

The use of 'bi' (بـ) with verbal nouns of emotion.

الإعجاب باللغة (Admiration for the language).

Form IV Verbal Noun (Masdar) pattern: If'āl (إفعال).

أعجب -> إعجاب (A'jaba -> I'jāb).

Idafa construction with Masdars.

إعجاب الجمهور (The audience's admiration).

Active Participle (Ism al-Fa'il) for Form IV: Mu-f'il.

معجب (Mu'jab) - one who admires.

Passive Participle (Ism al-Maf'ul) for Form IV: Mu-f'al.

معجب به (Mu'jab bihi) - the admired one.

Examples by Level

هذا الفيلم نال إعجابي.

This movie won my admiration.

The verb 'nāla' (won) is often used with 'i'jāb'.

أنا معجب بهذا الكتاب.

I am an admirer of this book.

'Mu'jab' is the active participle meaning 'admirer'.

ضغطت على زر الإعجاب.

I pressed the like button.

'Zirr' means button; 'al-i'jāb' is the like.

إعجابك يسعدني.

Your admiration makes me happy.

The suffix '-ak' means 'your' (masculine).

هذا العمل محل إعجاب.

This work is an object of admiration.

'MaHall' literally means 'place' or 'object' here.

نظرت إليه بإعجاب.

I looked at him with admiration.

The preposition 'bi-' means 'with' in this context.

هل نال الطعام إعجابك؟

Did the food win your admiration? (Did you like it?)

A polite way to ask if someone liked something.

عندي إعجاب كبير بك.

I have great admiration for you.

'Indi' means 'I have'.

أبدى المعلم إعجابه بمشروعي.

The teacher expressed his admiration for my project.

'Abda' means 'to show' or 'to express'.

الصور حصلت على الكثير من الإعجابات.

The photos got a lot of likes.

'I'jābāt' is the plural of 'i'jāb'.

هو معجب جداً بطريقة كلامها.

He is very impressed by the way she speaks.

'Bi-Tariqat' means 'by the way of'.

أثار الفستان إعجاب الجميع في الحفلة.

The dress sparked the admiration of everyone at the party.

'Athāra' means 'to stir' or 'to spark'.

إعجابي بك يزداد كل يوم.

My admiration for you increases every day.

'Yazdād' is a verb meaning 'to increase'.

كانت اللوحة مثيرة للإعجاب حقاً.

The painting was truly impressive.

'Muthīra lil-i'jāb' is a common phrase for 'impressive'.

لا تخف من إظهار إعجابك بالآخرين.

Don't be afraid to show your admiration for others.

'Izhār' is the verbal noun for 'showing'.

نحن نشعر بالإعجاب تجاه هذا البطل.

We feel admiration toward this hero.

'Tijāh' means 'toward'.

نال التصميم المعماري إعجاب لجنة التحكيم.

The architectural design won the admiration of the judging committee.

'Lajnat al-taHkīm' means 'judging committee'.

أعرب الوزير عن إعجابه بالجهود المبذولة.

The minister expressed his admiration for the efforts made.

'A'raba 'an' is a formal way to say 'expressed'.

لم يكن مجرد إعجاب، بل كان تقديراً عميقاً.

It wasn't just admiration; it was deep appreciation.

Contrasting 'i'jāb' with 'taqdīr'.

تحدثت الصحف بإعجاب عن فوز المنتخب.

The newspapers spoke with admiration about the national team's victory.

'Al-muntakhab' refers to the national sports team.

كانت قصائده دائماً محل إعجاب النقاد.

His poems were always the object of critics' admiration.

'Al-nuqqād' is the plural of 'nāqid' (critic).

هل هذا إعجاب حقيقي أم مجرد مجاملة؟

Is this real admiration or just a compliment?

'Mujāmala' means 'compliment' or 'flattery'.

أبدى السياح إعجابهم بجمال الطبيعة في بلادنا.

Tourists expressed their admiration for the beauty of nature in our country.

'Al-suyyāH' is the plural of 'sā'iH' (tourist).

نحن نقدر إعجابكم بمنتجاتنا الجديدة.

We appreciate your admiration for our new products.

'Nuqaddir' means 'we appreciate'.

لقد أثار تواضعه إعجاب كل من قابله.

His humility sparked the admiration of everyone who met him.

'Tawādu'uhu' means 'his humility'.

يجب التمييز بين الإعجاب بالنفس والثقة بالذات.

One must distinguish between self-admiration and self-confidence.

'Al-tamyīz' means 'distinguishing'.

كانت نظرات الإعجاب تلاحقه أينما ذهب.

Looks of admiration followed him wherever he went.

'TulāHiquhu' means 'followed/chased him'.

أبدى الجمهور إعجاباً منقطع النظير بالأداء.

The audience showed unparalleled admiration for the performance.

'Munqati' al-naZīr' is an idiom for 'unparalleled'.

لا تدع الإعجاب يعميك عن العيوب.

Don't let admiration blind you to the flaws.

'Yu'mīka' means 'blinds you'.

كتب المقال بنبرة يطغى عليها الإعجاب.

He wrote the article in a tone dominated by admiration.

The verb 'yaTghā' means 'to dominate' or 'to overwhelm'.

كان إعجابه بالبطل دافعاً له للنجاح.

His admiration for the hero was a motivation for him to succeed.

'Dāfi'an' means 'a motive' or 'incentive'.

نالت المبادرة إعجاباً واسعاً في الأوساط السياسية.

The initiative won wide admiration in political circles.

'Al-awsāT' means 'circles' or 'milieus'.

يتجاوز هذا العمل حدود الإعجاب ليصل إلى درجة الانبهار.

This work transcends the limits of admiration to reach the level of awe.

'Yatajāwazu' means 'to transcend' or 'to exceed'.

كانت فلسفته تثير الإعجاب والجدل في آن واحد.

His philosophy sparked admiration and controversy at the same time.

'Al-jadal' means 'controversy' or 'debate'.

إن الإعجاب بالماضي لا ينبغي أن يعيق تطلعنا للمستقبل.

Admiration for the past should not hinder our outlook for the future.

'Yu'īqa' means 'to hinder' or 'to obstruct'.

تجلى إعجابه بالثقافة الشرقية في كل كتاباته.

His admiration for Eastern culture was manifested in all his writings.

'Tajallā' means 'to manifest' or 'to become clear'.

لم يكن إعجاباً سطحياً، بل كان استيعاباً عميقاً للفكر.

It wasn't a superficial admiration, but a deep absorption of the thought.

'SaTHiyyan' means 'superficial'.

تستحق هذه التضحية كل إعجاب وتقدير.

This sacrifice deserves all admiration and appreciation.

'TastaHiqqu' means 'deserves'.

كانت الرواية تفيض بمشاعر الإعجاب بالطبيعة البكر.

The novel was overflowing with feelings of admiration for virgin nature.

'TafīDu' means 'to overflow'.

أبدى النقاد إعجابهم بالبنية الدرامية للنص.

Critics expressed their admiration for the dramatic structure of the text.

'Al-binya' means 'structure'.

يتحول الإعجاب في بعض الأحيان إلى نوع من الاستلاب الثقافي.

Admiration sometimes turns into a kind of cultural alienation/appropriation.

'Al-istilāb' is a complex term for 'alienation' or 'being stripped'.

إن سيكولوجية الإعجاب ترتبط ارتباطاً وثيقاً بالحاجة إلى القدوة.

The psychology of admiration is closely linked to the need for a role model.

'Al-qudwa' means 'role model'.

ظل إعجابه بالقيم الكلاسيكية ثابتاً رغم تغير العصور.

His admiration for classical values remained steadfast despite the changing times.

'Thābitan' means 'steadfast' or 'constant'.

أثار الخطاب إعجاباً مشوباً بالحذر لدى المعارضة.

The speech sparked admiration tinged with caution among the opposition.

'Mashūban bi-' means 'tinged with' or 'mixed with'.

لا يمكننا إلا أن نبدي إعجابنا بصلابة هذا الموقف المبدئي.

We cannot but express our admiration for the firmness of this principled stance.

'Salāba' means 'firmness' or 'solidity'.

كان إعجاب الفلاسفة بالمنطق اليوناني حجر الزاوية في النهضة.

The philosophers' admiration for Greek logic was the cornerstone of the Renaissance.

'Hajar al-zāwiya' means 'cornerstone'.

يعكس هذا الفن إعجاباً عميقاً بالتناغم الكوني.

This art reflects a deep admiration for cosmic harmony.

'Al-tanāghum al-kawni' means 'cosmic harmony'.

إن الإعجاب المتبادل هو أساس أي حوار حضاري ناجح.

Mutual admiration is the basis of any successful civilized dialogue.

'Al-mutabādal' means 'mutual'.

Common Collocations

نال إعجاب

أبدى إعجابه

مثير للإعجاب

بكل إعجاب

محل إعجاب

زر الإعجاب

نظرة إعجاب

إعجاب متبادل

إعجاب شديد

أثار إعجاب

Common Phrases

مع وافر الإعجاب

— With plenty of admiration. Used in formal letters or dedications.

أهديكم كتابي مع وافر الإعجاب.

وقع في فخ الإعجاب

— To fall into the trap of admiration. Used when someone is blinded by their liking.

لقد وقع في فخ الإعجاب بمظاهرها.

إعجاب من أول نظرة

— Admiration at first sight. Similar to 'love at first sight' but less intense.

كان إعجاباً من أول نظرة.

سجل إعجابه

— To register one's like/admiration. Often used for social media actions.

سجل إعجابه بالصفحة.

بداعي الإعجاب

— Out of admiration. Explaining the motive for an action.

فعل ذلك بداعي الإعجاب فقط.

لا يخفي إعجابه

— He does not hide his admiration. Used for someone being very vocal about their liking.

هو لا يخفي إعجابه بسياساتك.

صيحات الإعجاب

— Shouts of admiration. Used to describe a crowd's reaction.

تعالت صيحات الإعجاب في الملعب.

إعجاب صامت

— Silent admiration. Liking someone or something without saying it.

كان يكتفي بالإعجاب الصامت.

حدود الإعجاب

— The limits of admiration. Defining where liking stops.

هناك حدود للإعجاب بالغرب.

إعجاب أعمى

— Blind admiration. Liking something without seeing its faults.

حذرني والدي من الإعجاب الأعمى بالمشاهير.

Often Confused With

إعجاب vs عجب (Ujb)

Ujb means vanity or conceit (negative), while I'jab means admiration (usually positive).

إعجاب vs تعجب (Ta'ajjub)

Ta'ajjub means wonder or exclamation, often used for surprise, while I'jab is about liking/approval.

إعجاب vs حب (Hubb)

Hubb is love (deep emotion), while I'jab is admiration (often based on qualities or appearance).

Idioms & Expressions

"نال إعجاب القاصي والداني"

— To win the admiration of those far and near. Meaning everyone was impressed.

نال اختراعه إعجاب القاصي والداني.

Formal/Literary

"يشار إليه بالبنان إعجاباً"

— To be pointed at with fingertips in admiration. Meaning to be very famous and admired.

أصبح طبيباً يشار إليه بالبنان إعجاباً.

Literary

"أخذ بمجامع القلوب إعجاباً"

— To capture the hearts out of admiration. To be extremely captivating.

أخذت خطبته بمجامع القلوب إعجاباً.

Classical

"على سبيل الإعجاب"

— By way of admiration. Used to preface a comment.

أقول هذا على سبيل الإعجاب لا الحصر.

Neutral

"ملء السمع والبصر إعجاباً"

— Filling the hearing and the sight with admiration. Being the center of attention.

كانت إنجازاته ملء السمع والبصر إعجاباً.

Literary

"وقع موقع الإعجاب"

— To fall into the place of admiration. To be well-received.

وقعت كلماته موقع الإعجاب لدى الحضور.

Formal

"أبدى إعجاباً لا يوصف"

— To show indescribable admiration.

عندما رأى اللوحة، أبدى إعجاباً لا يوصف.

Neutral

"إعجاب يشوبه الحذر"

— Admiration tinged with caution. Liking something but being wary.

كان إعجابنا بالخطة يشوبه الحذر.

Journalistic

"محل إعجاب وتقدير"

— A place of admiration and appreciation. A standard phrase for high praise.

أنت دائماً محل إعجاب وتقدير منا.

Formal

"إعجاب لا ينقطع"

— Unceasing admiration.

له مني إعجاب لا ينقطع.

Literary

Easily Confused

إعجاب vs أعجبني

It's the verb form.

A'jabani is a verb ('it pleased me'), while I'jab is the noun ('admiration').

أعجبني الكتاب (The book pleased me) vs. إعجابي بالكتاب (My admiration for the book).

إعجاب vs عجيب

Same root.

Ajib is an adjective meaning 'strange' or 'wonderful'. I'jab is the feeling you have toward it.

هذا أمر عجيب (This is a strange matter).

إعجاب vs استعجاب

Same root.

Isti'jab means finding something weird or questioning it. I'jab is positive liking.

نظر إلي باستعجاب (He looked at me with wonder/questioning).

إعجاب vs معجب

Active participle.

Mu'jab is the person who feels the I'jab. I'jab is the feeling itself.

أنا معجب بك (I am an admirer of you).

إعجاب vs عجائب

Plural of wonder.

Aja'ib refers to the things that cause wonder (like the 7 wonders). I'jab is the reaction.

عجائب الدنيا (Wonders of the world).

Sentence Patterns

أنا معجب بـ [Noun]

أنا معجب بالسيارة.

[Noun] نال إعجابي

هذا الفيلم نال إعجابي.

أبدى [Subject] إعجابه بـ [Object]

أبدى المدير إعجابه بالخطة.

أثار [Subject] إعجاب [Object]

أثار ذكاؤه إعجاب الجميع.

إعجاباً بـ [Noun]، قام [Subject] بـ [Action]

إعجاباً بفنه، قام الجمهور بالتصفيق.

لم يكن [Noun] إلا تجلياً للإعجاب بـ [Concept]

لم يكن شعره إلا تجلياً للإعجاب بالطبيعة.

هذا [Noun] مثير للإعجاب

هذا الولد مثير للإعجاب.

كان [Noun] محل إعجاب [Noun]

كان المعلم محل إعجاب الطلاب.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Arabic.

Common Mistakes

Using 'li' (لـ) instead of 'bi' (بـ). → إعجاب بـ (I'jab bi-)
In English we say 'admiration for', but Arabic uses the preposition 'with/by'.
Saying 'Ana I'jab' to mean 'I like'. → أنا معجب (Ana mu'jab)
You cannot say 'I am admiration'. You must say 'I am an admirer' or 'I have admiration'.
Confusing 'I'jab' with 'Ujb'. → إعجاب (Admiration) vs عجب (Vanity)
Using 'Ujb' to praise someone might actually sound like you are calling them arrogant.
Mispronouncing the initial 'I' as 'A'. → إعجاب (I'jab)
A'jab is a verb; I'jab is a noun. Mixing them up can change the grammar of your sentence.
Forgetting the 'Alif' in the middle when writing. → إعجاب
The long 'a' sound is essential. Writing it as 'I'jb' is a common spelling error.

Tips

Preposition Mastery

Always pair 'إعجاب' with 'بـ'. It's a fixed connection in Arabic. Thinking of it as 'admiration WITH' instead of 'FOR' can help you remember the Arabic logic.

The Mashallah Rule

When you express 'إعجاب' for someone's child, health, or wealth, always say 'Mashallah' to avoid being seen as envious or bringing bad luck.

Noun vs Verb

If you want to say 'I like this' quickly, use the verb 'A'jabani'. Use the noun 'I'jab' for more formal descriptions or when talking about the concept of admiration.

Digital Arabic

Change your Facebook or Instagram language to Arabic for a day. You will see 'إعجاب' everywhere, which is the best way to cement it in your memory.

The Hamza

The initial 'I' is a 'Hamzat al-Qat', meaning it must be pronounced clearly. Don't let it slide into an 'A' or 'U' sound.

Idafa Usage

Use 'إعجاب' in an Idafa (possessive) structure like 'إعجاب الناس' (people's admiration) to sound more like a native speaker.

Talent Shows

Watch clips of 'Arabs Got Talent'. The judges use 'إعجاب' and 'معجب' constantly. It's great real-world listening practice.

Admiration vs Vanity

Remember that 'Ujb' (same root) is a spiritual disease (vanity), while 'I'jab' is a natural feeling. Context is everything.

Impressive Phrasing

Instead of saying 'Good work', try 'عمل مثير للإعجاب'. It sounds much more sophisticated and appreciative.

Root Association

Associate 'I'jab' with 'Aja'ib' (Wonders). If something is a wonder, it deserves your admiration.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'J' in I'jab as a 'Joyful' reaction to something 'Amazing'. It's the 'I' (me) expressing 'Jab' (a punch of admiration).

Visual Association

Visualize a giant 'Like' button (thumbs up) with the Arabic word إعجاب written on it in glowing violet neon.

Word Web

Like Admire Wonder Social Media Crush Approve Impress Awe

Challenge

Try to use 'إعجاب' in three different ways today: once for a friend's skill, once for a piece of art, and once referring to a social media post.

Word Origin

From the Arabic root ع-ج-ب (ʿ-j-b), which is found in all Semitic languages with meanings related to being struck with wonder or finding something strange.

Original meaning: The original sense was 'to be astonished' or 'to find something extraordinary or anomalous.'

Afroasiatic -> Semitic -> Central Semitic -> Arabic.

Cultural Context

Be careful when expressing intense 'I'jab' for someone's children or expensive possessions; always add 'Mashallah' to show you have no ill will or envy.

English speakers might use 'like' for everything from pizza to a spouse. Arabic distinguishes more clearly between 'I'jab' (admiration/liking) and 'Hubb' (love).

عجائب الدنيا السبع (The Seven Wonders of the World) The Quranic verse: 'فَلَمَّا رَأَيْنَهُ أَكْبَرْنَهُ' (When they saw him, they admired him/thought him great) Modern song 'أنا معجب' (I am an admirer) by various pop artists.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Social Media

لا تنسوا الإعجاب بالفيديو
عدد الإعجابات
ضغطت إعجاب بالخطأ
شكراً على الإعجاب

Art and Literature

نال إعجاب النقاد
لوحة مثيرة للإعجاب
أبدى إعجابه بالرواية
محل إعجاب عالمي

Work and Career

نال إعجاب المدير
أداء مثير للإعجاب
أعرب عن إعجابه بالفكرة
بكل إعجاب وتقدير

Relationships

أنا معجب بك
إعجاب متبادل
مجرد إعجاب عابر
نظرات الإعجاب

General Conversation

ما شاء الله، إعجاب كبير
هذا يثير الإعجاب
أنا معجب بطريقتك
كل الإعجاب لك

Conversation Starters

"ما هو أكثر شيء يثير إعجابك في هذه المدينة؟"

"هل نال الكتاب الذي استعرته إعجابك؟"

"من هو الشخص الذي نال إعجابك مؤخراً ولماذا؟"

"كيف تعبر عن إعجابك بعمل شخص ما في ثقافتك؟"

"هل تهتم بعدد الإعجابات التي تحصل عليها في وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي؟"

Journal Prompts

اكتب عن عمل فني نال إعجابك بشدة واشرح الأسباب.

تحدث عن شخصية تاريخية تثير إعجابك والدروس التي تعلمتها منها.

هل تعتقد أن الإعجاب كافٍ لبناء علاقة قوية؟ ناقش ذلك.

صف شعورك عندما نال عملك إعجاب الآخرين لأول مرة.

قارن بين الإعجاب والتقدير في سياق العمل المهني.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, you can say 'نال الطعام إعجابي' (The food won my admiration), but it sounds a bit formal. In daily life, people usually say 'أعجبني الطعام' (The food pleased me).

Exactly. On the Arabic version of Facebook, the 'Like' button is literally labeled 'إعجاب'. The plural 'إعجابات' is used for the number of likes.

Always use 'bi' (بـ). For example: 'إعجابي بك' (My admiration for you) or 'معجب بالفيلم' (Impressed by the movie).

Generally, yes. However, 'إعجاب بالنفس' (self-admiration) can be negative, meaning vanity or narcissism.

'إعجاب' is admiration or liking, often based on specific qualities. 'حب' is love, which is a deeper, more personal emotional bond.

The most common way is to use the phrase 'مثير للإعجاب' (muthīr lil-i'jāb), which literally means 'stirring of admiration'.

Yes, in a romantic context among young people, 'عندي إعجاب به' can mean 'I have a crush on him'.

The root ع-ج-ب is used many times in the Quran, usually to describe wonder, amazement, or finding something strange, rather than the modern 'like' button sense.

It is pronounced 'I'jāb'. Make sure to emphasize the 'i' at the start and the long 'a' in the middle.

The plural is 'إعجابات' (I'jābāt), commonly used to count 'likes' on social media posts.