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عجلاً

B1 adverb #3,800 most common 11 min read

عجلاً

ajalan Top 3,800

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips عجلاً in 30 Seconds

Explanation عجلاً in your Level:

At the A1 level, you probably know the word 'sari' (fast) or 'bi-sur'a' (quickly). The word 'ajalan' is a more advanced way to say this. It specifically means doing something in a hurry. Imagine you are late for school and you run to the bus. You are running 'ajalan'. It is an adverb, which means it describes how you do an action. In Arabic, it is written with two small strokes at the end (Tanwin Fatha), which makes the 'an' sound. For beginners, just remember that if you see this word, it means someone is moving fast because they have to. It's like 'hurriedly' in English. You might hear a teacher say 'yalla' (come on) and then use words related to 'ajalan' to make you move faster. Even though it's a bit more formal, knowing it helps you understand stories where characters are in a rush. Don't worry about using it perfectly yet; just recognize it as a word for speed.

As an A2 learner, you are starting to see how Arabic words are built from three-letter roots. The root of 'ajalan' is A-J-L. This root is all about speed and rushing. You might know 'ajala' (wheel), which turns fast. 'Ajalan' is the adverb form. It's used to add detail to your sentences. Instead of just saying 'He went home,' you can say 'He went home ajalan' (hurriedly). This tells the listener that he was probably in a rush or had something important to do. You will see this word often in short stories or simple news reports. It's important to distinguish it from 'sari'an'. While 'sari'an' is just about physical speed, 'ajalan' often implies a reason for the speed—like being late or being excited. Try using it in simple sentences about your daily routine, like 'I ate my breakfast ajalan' when you are in a hurry to leave for work. This will make your Arabic sound more natural and descriptive.

At the B1 level, you should begin to appreciate the nuanced difference between various words for speed. 'Ajalan' is a key term here because it transitions from simple description to conveying an emotional or situational state. It is an adverb of manner (Hal) or a cognate accusative (Maf'ul Mutlaq) that emphasizes the haste of an action. In B1 level texts, such as intermediate news articles or modern literature, 'ajalan' is used to describe not just physical movement, but also the rapid pace of events or decision-making. You should be able to use it to describe a character's state of mind—someone who is 'musta'jil' (in a hurry) will perform actions 'ajalan'. It's also important to note its formal register; while you might use 'bi-sur'a' in a casual chat, 'ajalan' is excellent for formal writing or prepared speeches. Mastering this word helps you move away from basic vocabulary and toward a more sophisticated, expressive level of Arabic that can convey urgency and priority.

For B2 learners, 'ajalan' becomes a tool for stylistic precision. At this stage, you are expected to understand the rhetorical impact of word choice. Using 'ajalan' instead of 'sari'an' can signal a sense of precipitance or even a lack of care, depending on the context. In B2 level literature, this word might be used to foreshadow a mistake, as the root A-J-L is often associated with the proverb 'In haste there is regret'. You should also be comfortable with the word's grammatical flexibility and its place within the wider family of A-J-L words, such as 'ajila' (to hurry) and 'ista'jala' (to seek to hasten). In professional or academic Arabic, 'ajalan' is used to describe fast-acting policies or rapid socio-economic shifts. You should be able to incorporate it into complex sentence structures, perhaps pairing it with other adverbs to create a nuanced picture of an action (e.g., 'He responded ajalan but with great wisdom'). This level of mastery demonstrates a deep understanding of how Arabic uses adverbs to color the meaning of verbs.

At the C1 level, your understanding of 'ajalan' should extend to its classical and Quranic resonances. The root A-J-L appears in the Quran to describe the inherent nature of man ('Man was created of haste'). Thus, in high-level discourse, 'ajalan' can carry a philosophical weight, suggesting a fundamental human drive or a potentially flawed urgency. You should be able to analyze how classical poets used this word to describe the fleeting nature of life or the rush of battle. From a linguistic perspective, you should understand the subtle differences between 'ajalan', 'hathithan', and 'mushri'an', and be able to choose the correct one for the specific 'flavor' of speed you wish to convey. Your usage should be flawless, recognizing that 'ajalan' is often used in the accusative to provide a 'Hal' (state) for the subject. In C1 writing, you might use this word to critique a rushed political process or to describe the rapid evolution of a complex scientific theory, showing that you can apply this 'haste' to abstract and sophisticated concepts.

For C2 learners, 'ajalan' is part of a vast repertoire of expressive tools used to achieve perfect tone and register. You understand that this word is not just an adverb but a cultural touchstone. In C2 level analysis, you can discuss the semantic evolution of the root A-J-L from physical movement to psychological state and finally to its role in modern technical and political terminology. You are aware of the subtle prosodic effects of using a tanwin-ended adverb like 'ajalan' to create rhythm in a sentence. You can use it in highly formal oratory to evoke a sense of historical urgency or in literary critiques to discuss a character's fatal flaw. Furthermore, you can distinguish 'ajalan' from its homonyms and near-homophones with perfect accuracy, even in unvocalized texts, relying on a deep-seated intuition for Arabic syntax and semantics. At this level, 'ajalan' is no longer a word you 'know', but a word you 'feel', allowing you to communicate with the same level of nuance and cultural awareness as a highly educated native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

عجلاً in 30 Seconds

An adverb meaning hurriedly or rapidly, emphasizing human urgency.
Rooted in A-J-L, it appears in formal, literary, and news contexts.
Used to describe 'how' an action is performed when time is short.
Contrasts with 'sari'an' by adding a layer of personal haste.

The Arabic word عجلاً (pronounced 'ajalan) is a powerful adverb that encapsulates the essence of speed, urgency, and the human tendency toward haste. Rooted in the triliteral root ع-ج-ل (A-J-L), which fundamentally pertains to the concept of hurrying or being quick, this specific form functions as an adverbial accusative (Maf'ul Mutlaq or Hal depending on context). When you use this word, you are not just describing a physical velocity, like a car driving fast, but often an internal state of urgency or a specific manner of acting without delay. In the landscape of Arabic vocabulary, it sits at a fascinating intersection between efficiency and impatience.

Grammatical Function: It is an adverb of manner, typically used to modify verbs of movement or action to indicate that the action was performed rapidly or without hesitation.

Historically and culturally, the concept of 'ajalah (haste) has deep roots in Arabic literature and theology. While modern usage might favor it for business efficiency, classical texts often warn against it, suggesting that haste is a trait that can lead to errors. However, in the context of عجلاً, the meaning is often neutral or positive regarding the necessity of time. For example, if a commander orders a retreat or an advance, or if a doctor needs to attend to a patient, this word is the go-to choice for 'immediately' or 'at a fast speed'.

غادر المسافر المحطة عجلاً ليلحق بقطاره.

Understanding the nuances of عجلاً requires looking at its synonyms. While بسرعة (bi-sur'a) is the most common way to say 'quickly' in daily life, عجلاً carries a more literary or emphatic tone. It suggests a certain momentum. In a business email, you might ask for a response عجلاً to imply that the deadline is pressing. In a story, a character might run عجلاً because they are afraid or excited. It is this versatility that makes it a B1 level word; it requires the learner to understand the 'mood' of the speed being described.

Root Analysis: The root A-J-L also gives us 'ajala (wheel) and isti'jal (impatience), showing a connection between circular motion and the drive to finish things quickly.

أجاب الطالب على السؤال عجلاً قبل رنين الجرس.

In summary, عجلاً is an essential tool for any Arabic learner moving into intermediate territory. It allows for more descriptive storytelling and more precise communication of urgency. Whether used in a formal speech or a narrative text, it adds a layer of dynamic energy to the sentence that simple adjectives cannot provide. It is the bridge between the basic 'fast' and the more complex 'precipitously'.

Social Context: In modern Arab cities like Dubai or Riyadh, the pace of life is increasingly 'ajal', making this word highly relevant for describing the hustle of urban environments.

تطور العلم عجلاً في العقد الأخير.

Using عجلاً correctly in a sentence involves understanding its placement and how it interacts with different verb types. As an adverb, it most commonly follows the verb and its subject, acting as a descriptor of the action's tempo. It is versatile enough to appear in past, present, and future tenses. For instance, in the past tense, 'kharaja 'ajalan' (he went out hurriedly) sets a scene of sudden departure. In the present, 'yarkudu 'ajalan' (he runs quickly) describes ongoing rapid movement.

Positioning: Usually placed at the end of the sentence or immediately after the verb to emphasize the speed of the action.

One of the key aspects of using عجلاً is its role in providing emphasis. If you want to convey that someone did something 'all of a sudden' or 'in a rush', عجلاً is more effective than the more common bi-sur'a. It implies a lack of preparation or a reaction to an external stimulus. For example, if someone forgets their phone and runs back to get it, they are moving عجلاً. This distinction helps learners create more vivid imagery in their writing and speaking.

أنهى الموظف عمله عجلاً ليذهب إلى منزله.

In formal writing, such as journalism or academic essays, عجلاً can be used to describe rapid social or economic changes. Phrases like 'tahawwala al-wad' 'ajalan' (the situation transformed rapidly) are common in news broadcasts. This usage demonstrates that the word isn't limited to physical movement but extends to abstract processes. It suggests a pace that is almost too fast to keep up with, highlighting the significance of the change.

Comparative Use: Unlike 'sari'an' (fast), 'ajalan' implies a sense of personal hurry or internal pressure.

قرر المدير اتخاذ القرار عجلاً لتفادي الخسارة.

Furthermore, عجلاً can be paired with other adverbs to create complex meanings. You might see 'عجلاً وبقوة' (quickly and strongly) or 'عجلاً ولكن بحذر' (quickly but with caution). These pairings allow for a more sophisticated level of expression, enabling the speaker to balance the need for speed with other qualities of action. For a B1 learner, mastering these combinations is a significant step toward fluency.

Sentence Structure: Verb + Subject (optional) + Object (optional) + عجلاً.

تحدث المحاضر عجلاً لأن الوقت كان يداهمه.

You will encounter عجلاً in a variety of settings, ranging from classical literature to modern media. In news broadcasts, anchors often use it to describe the rapid unfolding of events, especially in breaking news segments. For example, 'The government responded عجلاً to the crisis.' This usage highlights the word's association with decisive action and urgency. If you listen to Al Jazeera or Al Arabiya, pay attention to how reporters describe the movement of political or social shifts; عجلاً is a frequent choice for describing rapid transitions.

News Media: Used to describe rapid policy changes, emergency responses, and fast-moving market trends.

In the realm of literature and storytelling, عجلاً is used to build tension. When a character is running away from danger or rushing to save someone, the author uses this word to convey the frantic nature of their movements. It evokes a sense of breathlessness. In audiobooks or dramatic readings of Arabic stories, you will hear the narrator emphasize this word to signal a shift in the story's pace. It’s a word that demands attention and signals that the following actions are critical.

في الرواية، هرب البطل من القصر عجلاً تحت جنح الظلام.

In formal religious or philosophical discourse, عجلاً appears in discussions about time and human nature. Islamic tradition often discusses the concept of 'al-'ajalah' (haste) as a human weakness. You might hear a Friday sermon (Khutbah) where the imam warns against making decisions عجلاً, urging the congregation to seek patience (Sabr). In this context, the word takes on a moral dimension, contrasting the fleeting nature of worldly haste with the enduring value of deliberate thought.

Daily Conversations: While 'bi-sur'a' is more common in slang, 'ajalan' is used when someone wants to sound more serious or precise about their hurry.

استجاب المسعفون للنداء عجلاً لإنقاذ المصابين.

Furthermore, in business environments, particularly in emails or project management, عجلاً is used to signify high priority. A manager might say, 'We need to finish this report عجلاً.' While it is formal, it conveys a directness that is understood across the Arab world. It is less about 'fast' as a quality and more about 'now' as a requirement. For learners, recognizing this word in professional settings is key to understanding the expected speed of work and response.

Educational Settings: Teachers might use it when telling students to finish a task before the class ends.

سلم الطلاب أوراق الامتحان عجلاً عند انتهاء الوقت.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with عجلاً is confusing it with the noun 'ijl (calf/baby cow). Because they share the same root (ع-ج-ل), a learner might misinterpret a sentence about a 'hurrying' person as a sentence about a young cow if they aren't careful with the vowels (Harakat) and the context. Remember, عَجَلاً has fatha on the 'ayn and jeem, while 'ijl has a kasra on the 'ayn. Context is your best friend here: if the sentence is about speed, it’s the adverb; if it’s about a farm, it might be the animal.

Phonetic Confusion: Confusing 'ajalan (quickly) with 'ijl (calf). Pay attention to the Tanwin and the vowels.

Another common error is using عجلاً to describe the speed of an inanimate object in a purely physical sense, like a computer processing data. In Arabic, sari'an or bi-sur'a is generally more appropriate for mechanical or technological speed. عجلاً implies a human element—a sense of 'hurrying' or 'haste'. It carries an emotional or intentional weight. Using it for a fast internet connection would sound awkward to a native speaker. It’s better reserved for human actions or personified events.

خطأ: المعالج يعمل عجلاً. (Wrong: The processor works hurriedly.)

Grammatically, learners often forget that عجلاً is an adverb and try to use it as an adjective. You cannot say 'a quick man' using rajul 'ajalan. Instead, you would use the adjective form 'ajul (hasty) or sari' (fast). Adverbs like عجلاً modify verbs, not nouns. This is a crucial distinction in Arabic grammar. If you want to describe a person's character, avoid the adverbial form and stick to the adjective.

Register Mismatch: Using 'ajalan in very informal slang might sound too stiff. In a cafe with friends, 'bi-sur'a' is more natural.

صح: ركض الرجل عجلاً. (Correct: The man ran hurriedly.)

Finally, there is the confusion between عجلاً and 'aajilan (soon/in the future). While they sound somewhat similar, 'aajilan (with a long 'aa') refers to time in the sense of 'sooner rather than later' (as in 'aajilan am aajilan' - sooner or later). عجلاً (with a short 'a') refers to the speed of the action itself. Mixing these up can change the meaning of your sentence from 'he did it quickly' to 'he will do it soon'.

Temporal Confusion: 'Ajalan (hurriedly) vs. 'Aajilan (soon). The length of the first vowel is the key differentiator.

انتبه: عجلاً (now/fast) vs عاجلاً (soon).

Arabic is rich with words for speed, and knowing when to use عجلاً versus its alternatives will elevate your language skills. The most direct synonym is بسرعة (bi-sur'a). This is the 'all-purpose' word for quickly. It is used for cars, people, thoughts, and computers. It is neutral and universally understood. عجلاً, by contrast, is more literary and carries that specific sense of human hurry or urgency. If bi-sur'a is 'fast', عجلاً is 'hastily'.

عجلاً vs بسرعة: 'Ajalan is more formal and implies human urgency; Bi-sur'a is more common and describes physical speed.

Another alternative is سريعاً (sari'an). This is often used as a direct adverbial replacement for عجلاً. However, sari'an is slightly more focus on the efficiency and the low amount of time taken, whereas عجلاً focuses on the state of the person doing it. If you say 'akal sari'an', he ate fast (maybe he's a fast eater). If you say 'akal 'ajalan', he ate hurriedly (maybe he was late for a meeting).

أنهى السباق سريعاً (efficiency) vs غادر البيت عجلاً (urgency).

For a very high level of literary Arabic, you might encounter حثيثاً (hathithan). This word is often used with 'walking' or 'striving' (sa'yan hathithan). It implies a persistent, rapid, and vigorous pace. It is much more formal than عجلاً and is typically found in classical poetry or high-level political speeches. Another formal alternative is على عجل (ala 'ajal), which literally means 'on a hurry'. It is almost identical in meaning to عجلاً but is used as a prepositional phrase.

Comparison Table

بسرعة: General speed, common.
عجلاً: Hurriedly, literary.
تواً: Immediately, right now.
حثيثاً: Vigorous, very formal.

سعى الطالب حثيثاً لتحقيق حلمه.

Lastly, consider the word فوراً (fawran). This means 'immediately' or 'instantly'. While عجلاً describes the speed of the action itself, fawran describes the timing—that there is no gap between the command and the action. If you tell someone to leave fawran, you want them to go now. If you say they left عجلاً, you are describing how they looked as they were going. Understanding these subtle differences is the hallmark of a B1-B2 level student.

Usage Contexts: Fawran = Timing (Now!), Ajalan = Manner (Hurriedly).

نفذ الأمر فوراً ثم انطلق عجلاً.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"غادر الوفد الدبلوماسي العاصمة عجلاً."

Neutral

"أنهيت فطوري عجلاً لألحق بالعمل."

Informal

"ليش ركضت عجلاً؟"

Child friendly

"ركض الأرنب عجلاً في الغابة."

Slang

"خلصنا عجلاً يا زلمة!"

Fun Fact

The same root gives us the word for 'wheel' (ajala) and 'calf' (ijl). The connection to 'wheel' is speed, while the connection to 'calf' is thought to be its playful, quick jumping.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈædʒəlæn/

US /ˈɑːdʒəlæn/

Stress is on the first syllable: 'A-ja-lan.

Rhymes With

Amalan (hope/action) Jabalan (mountain) Badalan (instead) Mathalan (for example) Batalan (hero) Jadalan (argument) Ghazalan (deer) Ajalun (deadline - related root)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'aajilan' (long first vowel), which means 'soon'.
Missing the 'n' sound at the end (Tanwin).
Pronouncing the 'j' as a 'g' (common in some dialects like Egyptian).
Confusing the vowels with 'ijl' (calf).
Putting the stress on the last syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to read if vocalized, but can be confused with 'ijl' or 'aajilan' in unvocalized texts.

Writing 4/5

Requires remembering the Tanwin Fatha at the end.

Speaking 3/5

Simple to pronounce but requires correct vowel length.

Listening 4/5

Can be missed in fast speech or confused with similar sounding words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

سريع (fast) وقت (time) ذهب (go) خرج (exit) بسرعة (quickly)

Learn Next

تأني (deliberation) فوراً (immediately) بطء (slowness) استعجال (hurry - noun) تسرع (rashness)

Advanced

حثيثاً (vigorous speed) على حين غرة (all of a sudden) برهة (a brief moment) تلكؤ (hesitation) إرجاء (postponement)

Grammar to Know

The Adverbial Accusative (Hal)

جاء الرجل عجلاً (The man came hurriedly - 'ajalan' describes his state).

The Absolute Object (Maf'ul Mutlaq)

عجل الرجل عجلاً (The man hurried a hurry - used for emphasis).

Tanwin Fatha on Alif

عجلاً (The 'an' sound is written as two fatkas over an alif).

Word Order

Adverbs like 'ajalan' usually follow the verb and subject.

Gender Neutrality of Adverbs

البنت ركضت عجلاً / الولد ركض عجلاً (The adverb does not change for gender).

Examples by Level

ذهب الولد إلى المدرسة عجلاً.

The boy went to school hurriedly.

Notice 'ajalan' comes after the destination to show how he went.

أكلت البنت تفاحتها عجلاً.

The girl ate her apple quickly.

The word describes the action of eating.

كتبت درسي عجلاً.

I wrote my lesson hurriedly.

The 'an' sound at the end is typical for adverbs.

جاء الأب إلى البيت عجلاً.

The father came home quickly.

It shows the father was in a rush.

ركض الكلب خلف القطة عجلاً.

The dog ran after the cat hurriedly.

Describes the speed of the dog's running.

قرأت القصة عجلاً.

I read the story quickly.

Indicates the reading was done in a short time.

خرجنا من الغرفة عجلاً.

We went out of the room hurriedly.

The adverb applies to the whole group's action.

شرب الرجل الماء عجلاً.

The man drank the water quickly.

Describes the manner of drinking.

غادر الضيوف الحفلة عجلاً بسبب المطر.

The guests left the party hurriedly because of the rain.

The reason (rain) explains why they were 'ajalan'.

أنهى العامل عمله عجلاً ليلحق بالحافلة.

The worker finished his work hurriedly to catch the bus.

Shows the purpose of the haste.

تحدثت الأم مع ابنها عجلاً قبل سفره.

The mother spoke with her son hurriedly before his travel.

Describes the brief and rushed nature of the conversation.

رد الطالب على المعلم عجلاً.

The student answered the teacher hurriedly.

Indicates the student was perhaps nervous or rushed.

فتحت الباب عجلاً عندما سمعت الجرس.

I opened the door hurriedly when I heard the bell.

Shows a reaction to a sudden sound.

لبست ثيابي عجلاً في الصباح.

I put on my clothes hurriedly in the morning.

Common daily use of the adverb.

سار المشاة في الشارع عجلاً.

The pedestrians walked in the street hurriedly.

Describes the collective movement of a group.

نظفت البيت عجلاً قبل وصول الضيوف.

I cleaned the house hurriedly before the guests arrived.

Shows haste due to a deadline.

اتخذت الحكومة القرار عجلاً لمواجهة الأزمة الاقتصادية.

The government took the decision hurriedly to face the economic crisis.

Used here in a formal, political context.

تغيرت ملامح وجهه عجلاً عندما سمع الخبر الصادم.

His facial features changed rapidly when he heard the shocking news.

Describes a rapid emotional/physical transition.

انتشر الخبر في المدينة عجلاً بفضل وسائل التواصل.

The news spread in the city rapidly thanks to social media.

Describes the speed of information flow.

حاول السائق إيقاف السيارة عجلاً لتجنب الحادث.

The driver tried to stop the car hurriedly to avoid the accident.

Conveys the life-or-death urgency of the action.

كتب الصحفي المقال عجلاً للنشر في الطبعة الصباحية.

The journalist wrote the article hurriedly for publication in the morning edition.

Shows professional haste.

تجمع الناس في الساحة عجلاً لمشاهدة العرض.

People gathered in the square hurriedly to watch the show.

Describes a spontaneous and fast gathering.

أغلقت المحلات أبوابها عجلاً قبل العاصفة.

The shops closed their doors hurriedly before the storm.

Haste as a form of preparation/protection.

ردت الشركة على شكوى العميل عجلاً للحفاظ على سمعتها.

The company responded to the customer's complaint hurriedly to maintain its reputation.

Haste used as a business strategy.

تطورت الأحداث في المنطقة عجلاً، مما أربك المحللين السياسيين.

Events in the region developed rapidly, which confused political analysts.

Indicates a pace of change that outstrips understanding.

قام الباحث بجمع البيانات عجلاً دون التأكد من دقتها.

The researcher collected the data hurriedly without ensuring its accuracy.

Here, 'ajalan' implies a negative consequence (lack of accuracy).

انسحبت القوات من المواقع الأمامية عجلاً لتجنب الحصار.

The troops withdrew from the front positions hurriedly to avoid encirclement.

A tactical use of the word in a military context.

تم إصدار القانون الجديد عجلاً دون نقاش كافٍ في البرلمان.

The new law was issued hurriedly without sufficient debate in parliament.

Used to critique the speed of a formal process.

تلاشت آماله في الفوز عجلاً بعد الخسارة الأولى.

His hopes of winning faded rapidly after the first loss.

Metaphorical use describing the speed of an internal feeling.

أجرى الطبيب العملية الجراحية عجلاً لإنقاذ حياة المريض.

The doctor performed the surgery hurriedly to save the patient's life.

Urgency in a medical/emergency context.

تحولت القرية الصغيرة إلى مدينة صناعية عجلاً خلال عقد واحد.

The small village transformed into an industrial city rapidly within one decade.

Describes a significant, fast-paced historical change.

رفض المدير الاقتراح عجلاً دون النظر في تفاصيله.

The manager rejected the proposal hurriedly without looking at its details.

Implies a dismissive or impatient action.

إن الاستجابة العالمية للتغير المناخي لا تزال تتحرك عجلاً في بعض الجوانب وببطء في أخرى.

The global response to climate change is still moving rapidly in some aspects and slowly in others.

Used in a complex, comparative sociological context.

يتسم العصر الحديث بكونه زمناً يمر فيه كل شيء عجلاً، مما يفقدنا القدرة على التأمل.

The modern era is characterized as a time in which everything passes rapidly, causing us to lose the ability to meditate.

Philosophical usage reflecting on the nature of time.

صيغت المعاهدة عجلاً في أعقاب الحرب، مما أدى إلى ثغرات قانونية عديدة.

The treaty was drafted hurriedly in the aftermath of the war, leading to numerous legal loopholes.

Critiques the quality of a high-level legal document based on its speed.

تدفقت الاستثمارات الأجنبية عجلاً نحو السوق الناشئة بعد الإصلاحات الأخيرة.

Foreign investments flowed rapidly toward the emerging market after recent reforms.

Economic context describing market dynamics.

توارى الثائر عن الأنظار عجلاً قبل وصول قوات الأمن.

The rebel disappeared from sight hurriedly before the arrival of security forces.

Literary/narrative use with high-level vocabulary like 'tawara'.

ألقى الخطيب كلماته عجلاً، وكأنه يخشى أن ينقطع حبل أفكاره.

The orator delivered his words hurriedly, as if he feared his train of thought would be broken.

Describes the rhythmic and psychological pace of speech.

انهارت الإمبراطورية عجلاً نتيجة للصراعات الداخلية والضغط الخارجي.

The empire collapsed rapidly as a result of internal conflicts and external pressure.

Historical analysis of a major event.

تم إجلاء السكان من منطقة البركان عجلاً لتفادي الكارثة المحققة.

The residents were evacuated from the volcano area hurriedly to avoid the imminent disaster.

Describes a massive, urgent logistical operation.

في عالمنا المعاصر، يلهث الإنسان عجلاً خلف سراب المادة، متناسياً جوهر وجوده.

In our contemporary world, man pants hurriedly after the mirage of materialism, forgetting the essence of his existence.

Highly metaphorical and philosophical use of 'ajalan'.

تتبدل التحالفات الدولية عجلاً في رقعة شطرنج السياسة العالمية المعقدة.

International alliances shift rapidly on the complex chessboard of global politics.

Sophisticated metaphor for geopolitical instability.

إن النصوص الأدبية التي تُكتب عجلاً غالباً ما تفتقر إلى العمق الوجداني والسبك المتين.

Literary texts written hurriedly often lack emotional depth and solid craftsmanship.

Literary criticism focusing on the process of creation.

تتقاذف الأمواج السفينة عجلاً وسط العاصفة الهوجاء، مما ينذر بالغرق.

The waves toss the ship rapidly amidst the fierce storm, portending its sinking.

Descriptive, evocative language typical of high-level prose.

تسللت الأفكار الجديدة إلى الوعي الجمعي عجلاً، محدثةً ثورةً فكريةً غير مسبوقة.

New ideas seeped into the collective consciousness rapidly, creating an unprecedented intellectual revolution.

Abstract usage in the history of ideas.

نفذت الموارد الطبيعية عجلاً في تلك المنطقة بسبب الاستغلال الجائر.

Natural resources were depleted rapidly in that region due to unfair exploitation.

Environmental/Economic critique.

يتراءى لنا المستقبل عجلاً في مرآة التقدم التكنولوجي المتسارع.

The future appears to us rapidly in the mirror of accelerating technological progress.

Visionary language using 'ajalan' to describe the pace of time.

أُبرمت الصفقة عجلاً في غرف مغلقة، بعيداً عن أعين الرقابة الشعبية.

The deal was struck hurriedly in closed rooms, away from the eyes of public oversight.

Political/Legal usage implying secrecy and undue haste.

Common Collocations

خرج عجلاً

أجاب عجلاً

قرر عجلاً

كتب عجلاً

رد عجلاً

تطور عجلاً

أنهى عجلاً

غادر عجلاً

جاء عجلاً

أصلح عجلاً

Common Phrases

عجلاً لا آجلاً

— Meaning 'sooner rather than later' or 'quickly, not slowly'.

نريد الحل عجلاً لا آجلاً.

قام عجلاً

— He stood up or started an action in a rush.

عندما سمع الصراخ، قام عجلاً.

مضى عجلاً

— He went on his way hurriedly.

سلم علينا ثم مضى عجلاً.

صنع عجلاً

— He made or did something in a hurry.

صنع فطوره عجلاً.

نظر عجلاً

— He took a quick glance.

نظر في ساعته عجلاً.

نادى عجلاً

— He called out hurriedly.

نادى على الطبيب عجلاً.

لبس عجلاً

— He dressed in a hurry.

لبس معطفه عجلاً وخرج.

ساق عجلاً

— He drove hurriedly (implying the driver's state).

ساق سيارته عجلاً إلى المستشفى.

قرأ عجلاً

— He skimmed or read quickly.

قرأ العناوين عجلاً.

فعل ذلك عجلاً

— He did that in a rush.

لا تلمني، لقد فعلت ذلك عجلاً.

Often Confused With

عجلاً vs عاجلاً

Means 'soon' or 'in the near future'. Has a long 'aa' sound.

عجلاً vs عِجلاً

Means 'a calf' (baby cow). Has a kasra under the 'ayn.

عجلاً vs عجلة

A noun meaning 'haste' or 'wheel'. Ends with a Ta Marbuta.

Idioms & Expressions

"العجلة من الشيطان"

— Haste is from the Devil. A very famous proverb warning against rushing.

لا تتسرع في الحكم، فالعجلة من الشيطان.

Proverbial

"في العجلة الندامة"

— In haste there is regret. Another common warning against hurrying.

تأنَّ في عملك، ففي العجلة الندامة.

Proverbial

"أكل الوقت عجلاً"

— Time passed quickly (metaphorical).

أكلنا الوقت عجلاً ونحن نتحدث.

Literary

"طوى الأرض عجلاً"

— He traveled a long distance very quickly.

طوى المسافر الأرض عجلاً ليصل في الموعد.

Classical

"سابق الزمن عجلاً"

— He raced against time hurriedly.

كان يسابق الزمن عجلاً لإنهاء المشروع.

Modern/Journalistic

"مر السحاب عجلاً"

— The clouds passed quickly (often used to describe fleeting moments).

مرت سنوات الشباب كمر السحاب عجلاً.

Poetic

"خطف نظرة عجلاً"

— He stole a quick glance.

خطف نظرة عجلاً إلى الورقة قبل أن يخفيها.

Neutral

"استعجل قطف الثمار"

— To rush the results before they are ready.

لا تستعجل قطف الثمار عجلاً، انتظر حتى ينضج المشروع.

Metaphorical

"ركب موجة العجلة"

— To join a trend or action too quickly without thinking.

ركب موجة التغيير عجلاً دون دراسة.

Modern

"بنى قصوراً عجلاً"

— To make big plans too quickly (often unrealistic).

بنى قصوراً في الهواء عجلاً ثم تحطمت.

Literary

Easily Confused

عجلاً vs بسرعة

Both mean quickly.

'Bi-sur'a' is general speed; 'ajalan' is human haste/hurry.

السيارة تسير بسرعة (Correct), السيارة تسير عجلاً (Awkward).

عجلاً vs سريعاً

Both are adverbs for speed.

'Sari'an' focuses on the short time taken; 'ajalan' focuses on the rushed state of the person.

أجاب سريعاً (Efficiently), أجاب عجلاً (Hurriedly/Anxiously).

عجلاً vs فوراً

Both imply acting now.

'Fawran' is 'immediately' (no delay); 'ajalan' is 'rapidly' (high speed).

نفذ الأمر فوراً (Right now).

عجلاً vs تواً

Both deal with time.

'Tawwan' means 'just now' (recent past); 'ajalan' is the manner of speed.

وصلت تواً (I just arrived).

عجلاً vs آجلاً

Sounds similar.

'Aajilan' (with Alif Madda) means 'later/in the long run'.

عاجلاً أم آجلاً (Sooner or later).

Sentence Patterns

[Verb] + عجلاً

ركض عجلاً.

[Verb] + [Subject] + عجلاً

جاء المعلم عجلاً.

[Verb] + [Subject] + [Object] + عجلاً

أنهى الطالب درسه عجلاً.

[Verb] + عجلاً + [Reason]

خرج عجلاً ليلحق بالباص.

[Verb-Passive] + [Subject] + عجلاً

أُصدر القرار عجلاً.

[Verb] + عجلاً + [Contrast]

تحرك عجلاً لكن بحذر.

[Metaphorical Verb] + عجلاً

تلاشت الأحلام عجلاً.

[Abstract Subject] + [Verb] + عجلاً

الزمن يمر عجلاً.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in literature, news, and formal speech; moderately common in educated daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Saying 'aajilan' when you mean 'ajalan'. → عجلاً
The long 'aa' changes the meaning to 'soon'. Use a short 'a'.
Using 'ajalan' to describe a fast car. → بسرعة
'Ajalan' is for human haste. Cars are just 'sari'a'.
Leaving out the Tanwin 'an' sound.
Without the 'an', the word becomes 'ajal' (haste/deadline), which is a noun.
Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'man ajalan'). → رجل عجول
'Ajalan' is an adverb. Use 'ajul' for the adjective 'hasty'.
Confusing it with 'ijl' (calf).
Pay attention to the kasra vs fatha on the first letter.

Tips

Adverb Placement

Place 'ajalan' after the verb to describe the action's manner clearly. It usually comes towards the end of the sentence.

Synonym Choice

Choose 'ajalan' when you want to emphasize the 'hurry' or 'stress' of the situation, rather than just the physical speed.

Vowel Length

Keep the first vowel short. If you say 'aajilan', you are saying 'soon' instead of 'hurriedly'.

Tanwin Ending

Always include the Alif at the end when writing 'ajalan' in the accusative case.

Proverbial Wisdom

Remember the proverb 'Haste is from the Devil' to understand why 'ajalan' sometimes has a negative connotation in Arabic.

News Context

When you hear 'ajalan' on the news, it usually refers to a rapid response or a fast-breaking story.

Professional Tone

Use 'ajalan' in business emails to sound professional yet urgent about a deadline.

Root Connection

Connect 'ajalan' with 'ajala' (wheel) to remember the concept of fast movement.

Context Clues

If you see the word on a farm, it might be 'ijl' (calf). If you see it in a race, it's 'ajalan' (hurriedly).

Literary Flair

In creative writing, use 'ajalan' to make your characters seem frantic or energetic.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an 'Agile' (sounds like 'ajil') person who moves 'ajalan'. Agile means quick and nimble, just like 'ajalan'!

Visual Association

Imagine a spinning wheel (ajala) moving so fast it blurs. That blur is 'ajalan' speed.

Word Web

عجلة (Speed) عاجل (Urgent) استعجال (Hurry) عجول (Hasty) بسرعة (Fast) ندامة (Regret - the result of haste) تؤدة (Deliberation - the opposite) وقت (Time)

Challenge

Try to use 'ajalan' three times today: once for a physical action, once for a mental decision, and once in a text message.

Word Origin

From the Proto-Semitic root *-g-l, which relates to circular motion or swiftness. In Arabic, it developed into the triliteral root A-J-L.

Original meaning: The original sense likely combined the idea of rolling (like a wheel) and moving swiftly.

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

Cultural Context

Be careful using 'ajalan' as a command to elders; it can sound impatient or rude. Use 'law samaht' (if you please) with it.

English speakers often use 'quickly' for everything. Arabic speakers use 'ajalan' specifically to add a flavor of 'being in a rush'.

The Quranic verse: 'خُلِقَ الْإِنسَانُ مِنْ عَجَلٍ' (Surah Al-Anbiya 37). The proverb: 'في العجلة الندامة وفي التأني السلامة'. Modern news headlines: 'أخبار عاجلة' (Breaking News).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Commuting

وصلت عجلاً
سقت عجلاً
ركضت للمحطة عجلاً
فاتني القطار رغم أني جئت عجلاً

Work/Office

أنهيت التقرير عجلاً
رد على البريد عجلاً
اجتمعنا عجلاً
وقع المدير الأوراق عجلاً

Emergency

اتصل بالإسعاف عجلاً
جاءت الشرطة عجلاً
هرب الناس عجلاً
ساعدناه عجلاً

Dining

أكلت الغداء عجلاً
شربت القهوة عجلاً
طلبنا الحساب عجلاً
طبخت الأم الطعام عجلاً

Education

سلمت البحث عجلاً
راجعت دروسي عجلاً
دخلت القاعة عجلاً
خرجت من الامتحان عجلاً

Conversation Starters

"لماذا تبدو دائماً وكأنك تتحرك عجلاً؟"

"هل تعتقد أن الناس في مدينتك يعيشون حياتهم عجلاً؟"

"متى كانت آخر مرة اضطررت فيها لإنهاء عملك عجلاً؟"

"هل تفضل القراءة عجلاً أم ببطء وتأمل؟"

"ماذا تفعل عندما ترى شخصاً يركض عجلاً في الشارع؟"

Journal Prompts

اكتب عن يوم كنت فيه في غاية الاستعجال واضطررت لفعل كل شيء عجلاً.

هل تعتقد أن السرعة (عجلاً) مفيدة دائماً في العمل؟ ناقش ذلك.

صف مشهداً في محطة قطار حيث يتحرك الجميع عجلاً.

تحدث عن قرار اتخذته عجلاً وندمت عليه لاحقاً.

كيف تغيرت التكنولوجيا لتجعلنا نفعل الأشياء عجلاً أكثر من الماضي؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'ajalan' is an adverb of manner and remains the same regardless of the gender of the subject. You say 'Huwa dhahaba 'ajalan' and 'Hiya dhahabat 'ajalan'.

It is better to use 'sari'a' or 'bi-sur'a' for inanimate objects. 'Ajalan' implies a human sense of hurrying, so it sounds more natural when describing people or personified events.

It is considered formal (Modern Standard Arabic). In daily dialects, people often say 'bi-sur'a' or local variations like 'bil-'ajal' (in Sudanese/some Egyptian) or 'musta'jil'.

'Ajalan' (short 'a') means hurriedly/now. 'Aajilan' (long 'aa') means soon/in the future. They are often used together in the phrase 'aajilan am aajilan' (sooner or later).

It is written as two fatha strokes over an Alif: عجلاً. In modern typing, the strokes are often placed on the letter before the Alif (the Lam), but the Alif must be there.

Yes, the verb is 'ajila' (to hurry) or 'ajjala' (to hasten/speed up something). For example, 'ajjala al-muwadhif al-ijra'at' (The employee hastened the procedures).

It is close, but 'fawran' is better for 'immediately'. 'Ajalan' focuses more on the speed of the movement itself rather than just the lack of delay.

The most common opposite is 'bi-but' (slowly) or 'ala mahl' (leisurely/at a slow pace).

The root is used many times, often to describe human impatience. The specific adverbial form 'ajalan' appears in various contexts in classical literature and Hadith.

Because they share the root A-J-L. A wheel ('ajala) is something that turns quickly. It's a great way to remember the word!