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تقريبي

B1 adjective #3,000 most common 10 min read

تقريبي

taqribi Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips تقريبي in 30 Seconds

Explanation تقريبي in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to describe things. While تقريبي (taqrībī) might seem a bit advanced, you will encounter its adverb form 'taqrīban' very often. Think of 'taqrībī' as a way to say 'about' or 'near' when talking about numbers. For example, if someone asks 'How many?' and you are not sure, you can say 'ten, taqrībī.' It's a useful word for when you don't know the exact Arabic number for something but want to give a guess. You will mostly use it with simple nouns like 'time' (waqt) or 'price' (si'r). Just remember: put the noun first, then the word 'taqrībī.' It's like adding a 'maybe' to your numbers. Even at this early stage, knowing this word helps you feel more confident when you aren't 100% sure about the facts you are stating. You might hear your teacher use it when explaining how long a lesson will last or how much homework to expect. It is a 'helper' word that makes your basic Arabic sound more natural and less robotic.

By the A2 level, you are building longer sentences and starting to use adjectives more effectively. You should begin using تقريبي to modify nouns. This is where you learn that adjectives in Arabic must match the noun. If you are talking about 'distance' (masāfa), which is feminine, you must say 'masāfa taqrībiyya.' You will use this word when traveling—asking for the 'approximate time' of arrival or the 'approximate distance' to the hotel. It's also very common when shopping. If you're at a market, you can ask for a 'si'r taqrībī' (approximate price) before you start bargaining. This shows the seller you are interested but want a general idea first. You are also starting to distinguish between 'qarīb' (physically near) and 'taqrībī' (roughly/estimated). This distinction is a key milestone in moving toward intermediate proficiency. You will also start to see this word in simple news headlines or weather reports, helping you understand that the information given is an estimate and not a final fact.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use تقريبي in a variety of contexts, including work and study. You should be comfortable using it in both masculine and feminine forms and with the definite article. You can now use it to describe more abstract concepts, like an 'approximate idea' (fikra taqrībiyya) or an 'approximate description' (wasf taqrībī). This is the level where you start to understand the root system of Arabic; you can see how 'taqrībī' comes from the root 'q-r-b' (near). You will use it in professional settings to provide 'approximate estimates' for projects or 'approximate dates' for deadlines. You are also more skilled at using the adverbial form 'taqrīban' correctly in sentences to modify verbs. Your ability to use 'taqrībī' allows you to express uncertainty politely and professionally. You will also encounter this word in more complex reading materials, such as short stories or informational articles, where it qualifies data and descriptions. Mastering this word at B1 means you can navigate everyday life in an Arabic-speaking country with much more flexibility in how you communicate facts and figures.

At the B2 level, you are becoming a more nuanced speaker. You use تقريبي not just for numbers, but to discuss theories, models, and complex plans. You understand that 'taqrībī' can imply a 'rough draft' or a 'preliminary version' of something. You might use it in a debate to describe someone's argument as an 'approximate understanding' of a complex issue. You are also starting to use synonyms like 'muqaddar' (estimated) or 'mabda'ī' (preliminary) to vary your vocabulary and be more precise. In writing, you use 'taqrībī' to qualify your claims, showing that you are aware of the limitations of your data. You can handle the grammar perfectly, including complex sentence structures where 'taqrībī' might be part of a long adjective string. You also recognize the word in technical contexts—like 'approximate solutions' in math or 'approximate translations' in linguistics. At this stage, 'taqrībī' is a tool for precision-through-approximation, allowing you to speak about complex topics where exactness is impossible or unnecessary. You are also sensitive to how the word is used in different registers, from formal reports to casual social media posts.

At the C1 level, your use of تقريبي is sophisticated and effortless. You understand its role in academic discourse, where 'approximations' are essential for scientific modeling. You can discuss the 'philosophy of approximation' or use the word in legal contexts to describe 'approximate compliance.' You are also aware of the word's etymological depth and can explain its relationship to other words in the 'q-r-b' family, such as 'muqārabāt' (approaches). You use 'taqrībī' to add layers of meaning to your descriptions, perhaps using it ironically or to highlight the vagueness of a statement. Your vocabulary is rich enough that you choose 'taqrībī' specifically when you want to emphasize the 'bringing closer' aspect of the estimation. You can read high-level literature and academic papers where 'taqrībī' is used to define the boundaries of a study. You are also proficient in using the word in professional presentations to manage stakeholder expectations by clearly distinguishing between 'final figures' and 'approximate projections.' At this level, the word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a conceptual tool you use to navigate the nuances of the Arabic language.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of تقريبي. You can use it in highly specialized fields, such as theoretical physics, advanced economics, or classical Arabic literature. You understand the subtle rhetorical effects of using 'taqrībī' versus its synonyms in a speech or a formal essay. You can appreciate how an author might use the concept of 'approximation' as a metaphor for the human condition or the limits of knowledge. You are completely comfortable with all grammatical permutations, including its use in complex construct phrases (idāfa) or as part of specialized terminology. You can also identify and use the word in various Arabic dialects, noting how its pronunciation or frequency might shift. For you, 'taqrībī' is part of a vast web of related concepts, and you can switch between them with perfect precision. Whether you are translating a complex text or engaging in a high-level intellectual discussion, you use 'taqrībī' with a deep understanding of its history, its grammar, and its cultural weight. You are not just using the word; you are wielding it with the skill of a master communicator.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

تقريبي in 30 Seconds

Taqrībī means 'approximate' or 'estimated'.
It is an adjective that follows the noun it describes.
It comes from the root q-r-b, meaning 'near'.
Use it for prices, times, distances, and rough ideas.

The Arabic word تقريبي (taqrībī) is an essential adjective for any intermediate learner. At its core, it describes something that is not exact, precise, or definitive, but is sufficiently close to the truth to be useful. It is derived from the Arabic root q-r-b (ق-ر-ب), which relates to 'nearness' or 'closeness.' By adding the prefix and suffix to form the 'taf'īlī' pattern, the language creates a word that literally means 'pertaining to bringing something closer.' In practical usage, this translates to 'approximate' or 'estimated.'

Semantic Range: It covers numerical estimates, timeframes, spatial measurements, and even conceptual similarities. If you are guessing a price, you give a 'taqrībī' price. If you are estimating arrival, it is a 'taqrībī' time.

أعطني سعراً تقريبياً للإصلاح.
(Give me an approximate price for the repair.)

This word is ubiquitous in professional, academic, and daily life. In a business meeting, you might hear a manager ask for a 'taqdīr taqrībī' (an approximate estimate) for a project's budget. In a casual conversation, if someone asks how long it takes to walk to the station, you might reply with 'ten minutes, taqrībī.' It provides a linguistic safety net, allowing the speaker to convey information without the burden of absolute accuracy. It signals to the listener that the numbers provided are subject to change and should be treated as a guide rather than a final fact.

Mathematical Context: In mathematics, the word is used for rounding numbers or providing rough calculations. It is the formal term for 'approximation' in scientific papers.

هذا الحساب تقريبي وليس نهائياً.
(This calculation is approximate and not final.)

Culturally, using 'taqrībī' is often a sign of politeness and caution. In many Arabic-speaking cultures, giving an exact number when you aren't 100% sure can be seen as misleading. By using this adjective, you soften the statement. It is also found in legal documents where certain clauses might refer to approximate dates or quantities to allow for flexibility in contract fulfillment. Understanding this word helps you navigate the nuance between 'the exact truth' and 'the functional truth' in Arabic communication.

Daily Life Usage: Used when giving directions (approximate distance), cooking (approximate weights), and scheduling (approximate arrival times).

المسافة التقريبية هي كيلومتر واحد.
(The approximate distance is one kilometer.)

Using تقريبي correctly requires an understanding of Arabic adjective-noun agreement. In Arabic, the adjective follows the noun it describes. Therefore, you first state the object (like price, time, or distance) and then follow it with 'taqrībī.' If the noun is feminine, you must add the 'tāʾ marbūṭa' (ة) to the end of the adjective, making it 'taqrībiyya.' If the noun is definite (starts with 'al-'), the adjective must also be definite.

Noun-Adjective Agreement: Masculine: وقت تقريبي (Approximate time). Feminine: نتيجة تقريبية (Approximate result). Definite: السعر التقريبي (The approximate price).

أعطني فكرة تقريبية عن المشروع.
(Give me an approximate idea about the project.)

Another common way to use this word is in the adverbial form 'taqrīban' (تقريباً), which means 'approximately' or 'nearly.' While 'taqrībī' is an adjective that describes a noun, 'taqrīban' is an adverb that modifies a verb or a quantity. For example, if you want to say 'I waited for approximately an hour,' you would use 'taqrīban.' If you want to say 'The approximate wait was an hour,' you would use 'taqrībī.' Distinguishing between these two is a key marker of B1 level proficiency.

Professional Application: In reports, use 'بشكل تقريبي' (in an approximate manner) to describe data trends that are not fully verified.

هذه الأرقام هي مجرد تقدير تقريبي.
(These numbers are just an approximate estimation.)

You will often find 'taqrībī' paired with nouns like 'تاريخ' (date), 'سعر' (price), 'عدد' (number), and 'وزن' (weight). It is also used in social contexts to describe vague plans. For instance, 'موعد تقريبي' (an approximate appointment) suggests that the time is flexible. Learning these pairings will help you sound more natural. The word is incredibly versatile; you can use it to describe a drawing that is a rough sketch ('رسم تقريبي') or a description that is a rough outline ('وصف تقريبي').

Common Collocations: 1. عدد تقريبي (Approximate number) 2. حساب تقريبي (Approximate calculation) 3. موقع تقريبي (Approximate location).

حددنا موقعاً تقريبياً للاجتماع.
(We set an approximate location for the meeting.)

In the real world, تقريبي is heard everywhere from the bustling markets of Cairo to the high-tech offices of Dubai. Its most common habitat is in the realm of commerce. When you are haggling or asking for a quote, the shopkeeper or service provider will likely use 'taqrībī' to avoid committing to a fixed price before all details are known. For example, a car mechanic might say, 'The cost is an approximate 500 riyals.' This usage protects both parties and manages expectations.

News and Media: News anchors use it when reporting on casualties, crowd sizes, or economic forecasts. You will hear phrases like 'العدد التقريبي للضحايا' (the approximate number of victims).

أعلنت الشركة عن تاريخ تقريبي للإطلاق.
(The company announced an approximate date for the launch.)

In academic and scientific settings, 'taqrībī' is used to describe models and theories that simplify reality. A physics teacher might talk about an 'approximate solution' to a complex equation. In social sciences, researchers discuss 'approximate percentages' when exact census data is unavailable. This word is the bridge between raw data and understandable information. It signifies a level of intellectual honesty—acknowledging that the precision is limited but the data is still valuable.

Travel and Logistics: Taxi drivers, airline announcements, and GPS apps frequently use this word to describe 'Estimated Time of Arrival' (الوقت التقريبي للوصول).

الوقت التقريبي للرحلة هو ساعتان.
(The approximate time for the trip is two hours.)

You will also encounter this word in the legal and administrative sectors. When filling out forms that ask for an estimated income or an approximate age (if unknown), the label will often be 'تقريبي'. In forensic science or police work, a 'رسم تقريبي' is a composite sketch of a suspect. This shows how the word moves from the abstract (numbers) to the concrete (images). Whether you are listening to a podcast about history or reading a weather report, 'taqrībī' will appear as a qualifier that adds nuance to the facts being presented.

Social Media & Tech: Apps use 'taqrībī' to show estimated delivery times or how many people have liked a post (if the count is rounded).

هذا وصف تقريبي لما حدث.
(This is an approximate description of what happened.)

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is confusing the adjective تقريبي (taqrībī) with the adjective qarīb (قريب). While they share the same root, qarīb means 'near' or 'close' in a physical or relational sense (e.g., 'the house is near' or 'he is a close relative'). Taqrībī, however, is specifically for 'approximateness' in terms of estimation. You cannot say 'a near price' in Arabic using 'qarīb'; you must use 'taqrībī.'

The Adverb Trap: Mistaking 'taqrībī' (adjective) for 'taqrīban' (adverb). Correct: السعر تقريبي (The price is approximate). Incorrect: السعر تقريباً (The price is approximately - sounds incomplete).

خطأ: هذا وقت قريب (بمعنى غير دقيق).
(Wrong: This is a near time - meaning inaccurate. Correct: This is an approximate time.)

Another mistake involves gender agreement. Because 'taqrībī' is often used with abstract nouns like 'حساب' (calculation - masculine) and 'تقدير' (estimation - masculine), students sometimes forget to change it to 'taqrībiyya' when modifying feminine nouns like 'قيمة' (value) or 'مسافة' (distance). Always check the end of the noun. If it has a 'tāʾ marbūṭa,' your adjective should probably have one too. This is a basic rule, but under the pressure of conversation, it is easily forgotten.

Definiteness Errors: If you say 'The approximate price,' you must say 'السعر التقريبي'. Students often say 'السعر تقريبي', which actually means 'The price is approximate' (a full sentence).

صح: المسافة التقريبية.
(Correct: The approximate distance. Adjective matches the 'Al-' and the feminine gender.)

Mispronunciation is also a hurdle. The 'q' (ق) in 'taqrībī' is a deep glottal sound. Some students pronounce it like a 'k,' making it 'takrībī.' While usually understood, it marks you as a beginner. Furthermore, the 'ī' at the end should be a long vowel, not a short 'i.' Finally, some learners try to use 'taqrībī' to mean 'almost' in sentences like 'I almost fell.' This is incorrect; 'almost' is 'kādu' or 'taqrīban,' not the adjective 'taqrībī.' Using the adjective where an adverb or a verb is needed is a common B1-level struggle.

Word Order: Never put 'taqrībī' before the noun. In English, we say 'approximate price.' In Arabic, it is 'price approximate'.

خطأ: تقريبي سعر.
(Wrong: Approximate price. In Arabic, adjectives follow the noun.)

While تقريبي is the most versatile word for 'approximate,' Arabic offers several synonyms and related terms that carry slightly different nuances. Understanding these can help you reach a C1 level of precision. The most common alternative is the adverb taqrīban (تقريباً), which we have already discussed. Another is ḥawālī (حوالي), which means 'around' or 'about' and is typically used before numbers. While 'taqrībī' is an adjective, 'ḥawālī' is a preposition/adverb.

Taqrībī vs. Ḥawālī: 'Taqrībī' follows a noun: السعر تقريبي (The price is approximate). 'Ḥawālī' precedes a number: حوالي مئة (About a hundred).

هناك حوالي عشرة أشخاص.
(There are about/approximately ten people.)

Another sophisticated alternative is muqaddar (مقدّر), which means 'estimated.' This is often used in professional or financial contexts where an 'estimation' has been made by an expert. While 'taqrībī' can be a guess, 'muqaddar' implies a bit more calculation or authority. For example, 'the estimated budget' is 'al-mīzāniyya al-muqaddara.' You might also see zuhā'a (زهاء), a more literary word meaning 'roughly' or 'nearly,' often found in historical texts or formal journalism.

Comparison of Terms: 1. تقريبي (Approximate - general adjective) 2. تقديري (Estimative - formal/technical) 3. مبدئي (Preliminary - often used for rough drafts or initial prices).

هذا سعر مبدئي وليس نهائياً.
(This is a preliminary/rough price and not final.)

In some dialects, you might hear bil-baraka (بالبركة) or bil-taqrīb (بالتقريب). The former is very informal and suggests something done 'by blessing' or 'randomly' without exact measurement. The latter is a prepositional phrase meaning 'by approximation.' In formal Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), 'taqrībī' remains the gold standard for describing anything that is an approximation. By mastering these synonyms, you can tailor your speech to the specific context—whether you're writing a scientific report or chatting with a friend at a cafe.

Formal vs. Informal: Formal: وفقاً لحسابات تقريبية (According to approximate calculations). Informal: تقريباً (Almost/About - used as a filler or quick answer).

العدد التقديري للحضور هو مئة.
(The estimated number of attendees is one hundred.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"يجب تقديم تقدير تقريبي للميزانية."

Neutral

"هذا سعر تقريبي للإيجار."

Informal

"الوقت تقريبي، لا تقلق."

Child friendly

"كم تفاحة في السلة؟ قل لي عدداً تقريبياً."

Slang

"يعني، تقريباً كذا."

Fun Fact

The root q-r-b is also where the word 'Qurban' (sacrifice) comes from, as a sacrifice is meant to bring one 'closer' to God.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tækˈriːbi/

US /tækˈriːbi/

The stress is on the second syllable: taq-RĪ-bī.

Rhymes With

Tadrībī (training) Tajrībī (experimental) Tahrtībī (ordering) Gharībī (strange) Habībī (my beloved) Qarībī (my relative) Nasībī (my share) Tabībī (my doctor)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'q' as 'k' (takrībī).
Shortening the final 'ī' (taqribi).
Swapping 'r' and 'q' by mistake.
Missing the 't' sound at the beginning.
Treating it as three short syllables without the long vowel.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize the root q-r-b once you know it.

Writing 4/5

Requires remembering the 'ya' and the 'tāʾ marbūṭa' for feminine.

Speaking 4/5

The 'q' sound can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

قريب (Near) وقت (Time) سعر (Price) عدد (Number) حوالي (About)

Learn Next

تقديري (Estimated) مبدئي (Preliminary) دقيق (Precise) مقاربة (Approach) تقريباً (Approximately)

Advanced

استقراء (Induction) تخمين (Guessing) احتمالية (Probability) معيار (Criterion) نمذجة (Modeling)

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

الوقت تقريبي (M), المسافة تقريبية (F).

Definiteness Matching

السعر التقريبي (The approximate price).

Nisba Adjectives

The '-ī' suffix creates an adjective from the noun 'taqrīb'.

Case Endings

رأيتُ سعراً تقريبياً (Accusative case).

Plural Agreement for Non-Humans

نتائج تقريبية (Broken plural takes feminine singular adjective).

Examples by Level

هذا وقت تقريبي.

This is an approximate time.

Masculine adjective matching masculine noun 'waqt'.

السعر تقريبي.

The price is approximate.

Simple sentence with subject and predicate.

عندي عدد تقريبي.

I have an approximate number.

Adjective follows the noun 'adad'.

هي نتيجة تقريبية.

It is an approximate result.

Feminine adjective matching 'natija'.

هل هذا رقم تقريبي؟

Is this an approximate number?

Interrogative sentence.

المسافة تقريبية.

The distance is approximate.

Feminine noun and adjective.

أريد سعراً تقريبياً.

I want an approximate price.

Accusative case (tanwin fath) for both.

هذا حساب تقريبي.

This is an approximate calculation.

Masculine adjective.

أعطني موعداً تقريبياً للوصول.

Give me an approximate time for arrival.

Imperative verb followed by noun-adjective pair.

المسافة التقريبية هي خمسة كيلومترات.

The approximate distance is five kilometers.

Definite noun and definite adjective.

هذا مجرد تقدير تقريبي للتكلفة.

This is just an approximate estimate of the cost.

Use of 'mujarrad' (just/merely).

نحتاج إلى أرقام تقريبية الآن.

We need approximate numbers now.

Plural noun with plural (feminine singular) adjective.

هل يمكنك إعطائي وصفاً تقريبياً؟

Can you give me an approximate description?

Polite request structure.

الحساب التقريبي كان صحيحاً.

The approximate calculation was correct.

Past tense 'kana' with definite subject.

هذه فكرة تقريبية عن الخطة.

This is an approximate idea of the plan.

Feminine agreement.

سأصل في وقت تقريبي.

I will arrive at an approximate time.

Future tense with 'sa-'.

قدمت الشركة جدولاً زمنياً تقريبياً للمشروع.

The company provided an approximate timeline for the project.

Verb-Subject-Object-Adjective structure.

يعتمد التقرير على بيانات تقريبية.

The report relies on approximate data.

Preposition 'ala' followed by plural noun/adj.

رسم الفنان صورة تقريبية للمكان.

The artist drew an approximate picture of the place.

Past tense verb with adjective.

يجب أن نضع ميزانية تقريبية للرحلة.

We must set an approximate budget for the trip.

Modal verb 'yajibu' with 'an'.

هذه ليست القيمة النهائية، بل هي تقريبية.

This is not the final value, but rather it is approximate.

Contrast using 'laysa... bal'.

هل لديك أي معلومات تقريبية عن الحادث؟

Do you have any approximate information about the accident?

Use of 'ay' (any) with plural noun.

العدد التقريبي للطلاب هو ألف طالب.

The approximate number of students is one thousand students.

Definite noun-adjective as subject.

تحدثنا بشكل تقريبي عن الأهداف.

We spoke in an approximate manner about the goals.

Adverbial phrase 'bi-shakl taqribi'.

توصل الباحثون إلى حل تقريبي للمعادلة.

The researchers reached an approximate solution to the equation.

Perfect tense verb with specialized noun.

النتائج التقريبية تشير إلى نجاح التجربة.

The approximate results indicate the success of the experiment.

Plural subject with singular feminine adjective.

يمكننا استخدام هذا النموذج كتمثيل تقريبي للواقع.

We can use this model as an approximate representation of reality.

Use of 'ka-' (as) for comparison.

وضعت الحكومة خطة تقريبية لمواجهة الأزمة.

The government put an approximate plan to face the crisis.

Abstract noun-adjective pair.

هذا الوصف التقريبي يساعدنا في فهم الموقف.

This approximate description helps us understand the situation.

Demonstrative 'hadha' with definite noun-adj.

سعر الصرف التقريبي اليوم هو 4 دولارات.

The approximate exchange rate today is 4 dollars.

Construct phrase with adjective.

أعطى الشاهد رسماً تقريبياً للمشتبه به.

The witness gave an approximate sketch of the suspect.

Legal/forensic context.

لا تعتمد على هذا الرقم، فهو تقريبي جداً.

Do not rely on this number, for it is very approximate.

Negative imperative with causal clause.

تعتبر هذه النظرية مجرد مقاربة تقريبية للظاهرة.

This theory is considered a mere approximate approach to the phenomenon.

Passive-like verb 'tu'tabar' (is considered).

من الضروري وضع تقدير تقريبي للمخاطر المحتملة.

It is necessary to establish an approximate estimate of the potential risks.

Impersonal expression 'min al-daruri'.

قدم الباحث تحليلاً تقريبياً للبيانات الاقتصادية.

The researcher provided an approximate analysis of the economic data.

Academic register.

تتفاوت الأرقام التقريبية حسب المصدر.

The approximate numbers vary according to the source.

Verb 'tatafawat' (to vary/differ).

اعتمد المهندس على قياسات تقريبية في البداية.

The engineer relied on approximate measurements initially.

Technical context.

هذه الصياغة التقريبية قد تسبب سوء فهم.

This approximate phrasing might cause a misunderstanding.

Subtle nuance regarding language use.

يجب مراعاة الهامش التقريبي عند الحساب.

The approximate margin must be considered when calculating.

Use of 'mura'at' (considering/observing).

الوقت التقريبي المتبقي هو عشر دقائق.

The approximate remaining time is ten minutes.

Complex subject with participle 'muta-baqqi'.

إن الصبغة التقريبية لهذه الدراسة تفتح الباب لمزيد من البحث.

The approximate nature of this study opens the door for further research.

Use of 'Inna' for emphasis and abstract noun 'sabgha'.

تظل هذه النتائج تقريبية ما لم يتم تأكيدها مخبرياً.

These results remain approximate unless they are confirmed laboratory-wise.

Conditional structure 'ma lam'.

يعد هذا النموذج تمثيلاً تقريبياً لنظام معقد للغاية.

This model is an approximate representation of an extremely complex system.

Advanced predicate structure.

لقد صاغ المؤلف رؤية تقريبية للمستقبل.

The author formulated an approximate vision of the future.

Literary use of 'saagha' (to formulate/mold).

تعتمد الحسابات الفلكية أحياناً على قيم تقريبية.

Astronomical calculations sometimes depend on approximate values.

Scientific terminology.

ثمة فرق بين الحقيقة المطلقة والوصف التقريبي.

There is a difference between absolute truth and approximate description.

Existential 'thamma' (there is).

استخدم الباحث منهجية تقريبية لتقدير الحجم.

The researcher used an approximate methodology to estimate the volume.

Methodological context.

التقديرات التقريبية للنمو الاقتصادي تثير القلق.

Approximate estimates of economic growth are causing concern.

Complex plural subject and predicate.

Synonyms

مقدر مخمن نسبي غير دقيق

Antonyms

دقيق محدد مضبوط

Common Collocations

سعر تقريبي

وقت تقريبي

عدد تقريبي

مسافة تقريبية

حساب تقريبي

وصف تقريبي

تاريخ تقريبي

رسم تقريبي

وزن تقريبي

موقع تقريبي

Common Phrases

بشكل تقريبي

— In an approximate way or roughly speaking.

تحدثنا بشكل تقريبي.

تقدير تقريبي

— An approximate estimate.

هذا تقدير تقريبي للتكلفة.

فكرة تقريبية

— A rough idea.

أريد فكرة تقريبية عن الموضوع.

جدول تقريبي

— An approximate schedule.

هذا جدول تقريبي للعمل.

مبلغ تقريبي

— An approximate amount of money.

دفعنا مبلغاً تقريبياً.

تقريبي وليس نهائي

— Approximate and not final.

هذا السعر تقريبي وليس نهائياً.

على نحو تقريبي

— Approximately or roughly.

تم الحساب على نحو تقريبي.

قياس تقريبي

— Approximate measurement.

أخذنا قياساً تقريبياً للغرفة.

خطة تقريبية

— A rough plan.

رسمنا خطة تقريبية.

رقم تقريبي

— An approximate digit/number.

أعطني رقماً تقريبياً.

Often Confused With

تقريبي vs قريب

Means 'near' in distance or 'relative' in family. 'Taqrībī' is only for 'approximate'.

تقريبي vs تقريباً

This is the adverb 'approximately'. Use it to modify numbers or verbs, not nouns.

تقريبي vs تقرير

Means 'report'. Sounds similar but unrelated in meaning.

Idioms & Expressions

"بالتقريب"

— By approximation or roughly.

كم الساعة؟ بالتقريب الخامسة.

Neutral

"بين هذا وذاك (تقريباً)"

— Somewhere in between (roughly).

العدد بين 50 و60 تقريباً.

Informal

"على وجه التقريب"

— More or less; approximately.

وصلنا على وجه التقريب.

Formal

"حساب عرب"

— A rough calculation (idiomatic/cultural).

هذا مجرد حساب عرب.

Slang

"تقريباً كل شيء"

— Almost everything.

انتهينا من تقريباً كل شيء.

Neutral

"أقرب ما يكون"

— As close as possible (to the truth).

هذا الوصف أقرب ما يكون للحقيقة.

Formal

"في حدود"

— In the range of (approximate).

السعر في حدود مئة ريال.

Neutral

"ما يقارب"

— What amounts to; approximately.

ربحنا ما يقارب ألف دولار.

Formal

"ليس بالدقة المطلوبة"

— Not with the required precision (euphemism for approximate).

البيانات ليست بالدقة المطلوبة.

Formal

"بالبركة"

— By luck/blessing (without exact measurement).

طبخت الطعام بالبركة.

Informal

Easily Confused

تقريبي vs حوالي

Both mean approximately.

'Taqrībī' is an adjective that follows a noun. 'Ḥawālī' is an adverb/preposition that precedes a number.

سعر تقريبي (Adj) vs حوالي مئة (Adv).

تقريبي vs تقديري

Both relate to estimation.

'Taqrībī' is more general. 'Taqdīrī' implies an evaluation or appraisal by an expert.

قيمة تقديرية (Appraised value).

تقريبي vs مبدئي

Used for rough drafts.

'Mabda'ī' means preliminary or initial. 'Taqrībī' means inexact but close.

اتفاق مبدئي (Initial agreement).

تقريبي vs زهاء

Both mean roughly.

'Zuhā'a' is very formal and literary, used almost exclusively before numbers.

زهاء ألف رجل (Roughly a thousand men).

تقريبي vs محتمل

Both involve uncertainty.

'Muḥtamal' means probable or possible. 'Taqrībī' means close to the real number.

العدد المحتمل (The possible number).

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] + تقريبي

وقت تقريبي

هذا [Noun] + تقريبي

هذا سعر تقريبي

أعطني [Noun] + تقريبياً

أعطني موعداً تقريبياً

الـ + [Noun] + التقريبي + هو...

العدد التقريبي هو مئة

بشكل تقريبي

تحدثنا بشكل تقريبي

تقدير تقريبي لـ + [Noun]

تقدير تقريبي للمخاطر

ما لم يكن... فهو تقريبي

ما لم يتأكد فهو تقريبي

ثمة وصف تقريبي لـ...

ثمة وصف تقريبي للموقف

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written Arabic.

Common Mistakes

Using 'qarīb' instead of 'taqrībī'. → سعر تقريبي
'Qarīb' means physically near. 'Taqrībī' means numerically approximate.
Putting the adjective before the noun. → وقت تقريبي
In Arabic, adjectives follow the noun. 'Taqrībī waqt' is incorrect.
Forgetting gender agreement. → مسافة تقريبية
'Masāfa' is feminine, so the adjective must also be feminine.
Using 'taqrībī' as an adverb. → وصلت تقريباً في الخامسة.
Use 'taqrīban' (adv) for 'approximately at 5', not the adjective 'taqrībī'.
Missing the definite article. → السعر التقريبي
If the noun has 'Al-', the adjective must also have 'Al-'.

Tips

Adjective Order

Always place 'taqrībī' after the noun. For example, 'si'r taqrībī' (price approximate).

Root Recognition

If you see 'q-r-b', think 'near'. This helps you remember that 'taqrībī' means 'near the truth'.

Long Vowel

Make sure to pronounce the 'ī' at the end clearly. It's a long 'ee' sound.

Feminine Form

Don't forget the 'ة' for feminine nouns. 'Masāfa taqrībiyya' is correct.

Estimates

Use 'تقدير تقريبي' in business meetings for a more professional 'rough estimate'.

Politeness

Using 'taqrībī' when you aren't sure of a number shows honesty and politeness.

Tanwin

In the accusative case, remember the tanwin: 'سعراً تقريبياً'.

Context Clues

If you hear 'taqrībī' after a number, it's qualifying that number as an estimate.

Word Family

Learn 'taqrīban' (adv) at the same time to avoid confusion later.

GPS & Apps

Look for 'الوقت التقريبي' on your Google Maps when it's set to Arabic.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Taqrībī' as 'Taking a Reach' for the truth. You aren't there yet, but you are reaching close to it.

Visual Association

Imagine a dart hitting near the bullseye but not exactly in the center. That 'near-miss' is 'taqrībī'.

Word Web

Qarīb (Near) Taqrīb (Approximation) Taqrībī (Approximate) Taqrīban (Approximately) Iqtirāb (Approaching) Muqarrab (Close friend) Aqrab (Nearest) Taqārub (Convergence)

Challenge

Try to use 'taqrībī' three times today: once for a time, once for a price, and once for a distance.

Word Origin

Comes from the Semitic root Q-R-B, which is found in many languages like Hebrew and Aramaic. In Arabic, it primarily means to be near or to approach.

Original meaning: The act of making something closer or bringing it within reach.

Semitic / Afroasiatic.

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using it to sound dismissive of important facts.

English speakers often want exact numbers. In Arabic, using 'taqrībī' is a polite way to manage expectations and avoid lying.

Used in modern Arabic news (Al Jazeera, BBC Arabic) daily. Found in legal codes of Egypt and Lebanon regarding estimates. Common in Arabic math textbooks from Grade 4 onwards.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shopping

كم السعر التقريبي؟
أعطني سعراً تقريبياً.
هل هذا السعر تقريبي؟
أريد مبلغاً تقريبياً.

Traveling

ما هو الوقت التقريبي للوصول؟
المسافة التقريبية هي...
أعطني موقعاً تقريبياً.
كم الوقت التقريبي للرحلة؟

Work

نحتاج إلى تقدير تقريبي.
هذا جدول زمني تقريبي.
قدم لنا أرقاماً تقريبية.
الخطة تقريبية حالياً.

Science/Math

هذا حل تقريبي.
استخدم القيمة التقريبية.
الحساب تقريبي.
النتائج تقريبية.

General News

العدد التقريبي للضحايا.
تاريخ تقريبي للانتخابات.
وصف تقريبي للحادث.
تقديرات تقريبية للخسائر.

Conversation Starters

"هل يمكنك إعطائي سعراً تقريبياً لإصلاح هاتفي؟"

"ما هو الوقت التقريبي الذي ستقضيه في المكتب اليوم؟"

"هل لديك فكرة تقريبية عن عدد الضيوف في الحفلة؟"

"ما هي المسافة التقريبية بين بيتك والجامعة؟"

"هل هذا الرقم نهائي أم هو مجرد تقدير تقريبي؟"

Journal Prompts

اكتب عن يومك واستخدم أوقاتاً تقريبية للأحداث التي مرت بك.

صف مشروعاً تحلم به وأعطِ تقديراً تقريبياً للتكلفة والوقت.

تحدث عن رحلة قمت بها واذكر المسافات التقريبية التي قطعتها.

اكتب رسالة إلى صديق تصف فيها موقعاً تقريبياً للقاء.

ناقش أهمية استخدام الأرقام التقريبية في حياتنا اليومية.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'taqrībī' is an adjective. To say 'almost' (e.g., 'I almost fell'), use 'taqrīban' or 'kādu'. 'Taqrībī' is for describing things like 'approximate time'.

It is masculine. The feminine form is 'taqrībiyya'. You must match the gender of the noun you are describing.

In Arabic, adjectives come after the noun. So you say 'waqt taqrībī' (time approximate), not 'taqrībī waqt'.

'Taqrībī' is an adjective (describes a noun: 'approximate price'). 'Taqrīban' is an adverb (describes a verb or quantity: 'it costs 10 dollars approximately').

Since 'distance' (masāfa) is feminine and definite, you say 'al-masāfa al-taqrībiyya'.

It is neutral and can be used in both formal (news, business) and informal (daily talk) contexts.

The root is q-r-b (ق-ر-ب), which means 'near'. 'Taqrīb' means 'bringing closer', so 'taqrībī' means 'approximating'.

It's rarely used for people unless you are describing a 'rough sketch' of a person (rasm taqrībī).

For non-human nouns (most cases), the plural is 'taqrībiyya' (feminine singular), like 'natā'ij taqrībiyya' (approximate results).

The 'q' (ق) is a deep 'k' sound made in the back of the throat (the uvula). It is not a soft 'k' like in 'kite'.