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بشفقة

A2 adverb #4,500 most common 9 min read

بشفقة

bishafaqah Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips بشفقة in 30 Seconds

Explanation بشفقة in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn how to describe feelings. Think of 'bishafaqah' as a way to say 'sorry for someone'. While you might not use this word yourself yet, you will see it in simple stories about animals or families. It is made of two parts: 'bi' (with) and 'shafaqah' (pity). If you see a sad puppy, the feeling you have is 'shafaqah'. In Arabic, we add the 'bi' at the start to describe how we look at the puppy. This level focuses on recognizing the word in very basic sentences. For example, 'The boy looks at the cat bishafaqah'. It is important to know that it is a 'nice' word. It shows the person has a good heart. You can remember it by thinking of the 'sh' sound like a soft whisper of kindness. Even at this early stage, knowing this word helps you understand the emotional tone of a sentence. You don't need to worry about complex grammar; just know it means 'feeling sorry for someone in a kind way'.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'bishafaqah' to make your sentences more descriptive. Instead of just saying 'He is kind', you can say 'He spoke with pity'. This adds more detail to your Arabic. You should practice placing 'bishafaqah' after the verb. For example, 'Takallama bishafaqah' (He spoke pityingly). You will encounter this word in short readings about people helping each other or in news clips about charity. It is a very useful word for talking about social situations. You should also be able to distinguish it from 'ma'a' (with). Remember, we use 'bi' for emotions. At this level, you are building a 'feelings' vocabulary. 'Bishafaqah' is a key part of that. It helps you talk about doctors, teachers, and parents. It is also a good word to use when you are watching a movie and want to describe a character's reaction. It makes your Arabic sound more natural and less like a direct translation from English.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'bishafaqah' in both spoken and written Arabic. You can use it to describe more complex social situations, like how a government looks at its citizens or how a character in a book feels about their past. You might start to notice the word in religious texts or more formal news reports. You should also learn how to modify it, such as 'bishafaqah kabirah' (with great pity). This level requires you to understand the nuance between 'shafaqah' and other words like 'rahmah' (mercy) or 'ta'atuf' (empathy). You should be able to write a short paragraph about a time you felt 'shafaqah' for someone. The word becomes a tool for expressing moral judgments and social observations. You will also start to see it in the negative, such as 'He did not look at him with pity', which implies a harsh or cold character. Understanding 'bishafaqah' at B1 allows you to engage with more serious topics in the Arabic-speaking world.

At the B2 level, 'bishafaqah' is a word you use to analyze literature and media. You can discuss the 'tone' of a text by pointing out where the author uses this word. You should understand the root (sh-f-q) and how it relates to other words like 'ashfaqa' (to feel pity/apprehension for). You can use 'bishafaqah' in debates about social justice or ethics. For example, you might argue about whether 'shafaqah' is enough to solve poverty or if systemic change is needed. Your usage should be fluid and integrated into complex sentence structures. You might use it in the middle of a sentence to provide parenthetical detail. This level also involves understanding the cultural implications of the word—how 'shafaqah' is a valued trait in Arab society and how it appears in classical poetry. You are no longer just translating; you are using the word within its cultural and linguistic ecosystem.

At the C1 level, you possess a deep, intuitive understanding of 'bishafaqah'. You can distinguish it from 'ra'fah' (compassion/leniency) or 'hanan' (tenderness) in very subtle ways. You might use it in academic essays to describe the psychological state of a protagonist in a 20th-century Arabic novel. You are aware of the word's history and its appearance in the Quran and Hadith, which gives it a layer of spiritual gravity. You can use it ironically or sarcastically in sophisticated conversation to critique someone's insincere pity. Your pronunciation is perfect, including the deep 'Qaf'. You understand how the word functions in different dialects, even if you primarily use the MSA version. At this stage, 'bishafaqah' is just one of many tools in your expansive emotional vocabulary, and you choose it specifically when you want to emphasize the specific 'softening of the heart' that the root ش-ف-ق implies.

At the C2 level, you have mastered 'bishafaqah' to the point of native-like fluency. You can use it in creative writing to evoke specific atmospheres. You understand its place in the history of Arabic rhetoric and how it has been used by classical orators. You can discuss the philosophical difference between 'shafaqah' as a fleeting emotion and as a permanent character trait. You might even use the word in poetry or high-level legal arguments where the nuance of 'compassion' versus 'pity' is legally significant. You are comfortable with all grammatical permutations and can spot its use (or misuse) in any context, from a street slang conversation to a formal diplomatic speech. For you, 'bishafaqah' is not just a word; it is a concept with thousands of years of cultural and religious weight, and you carry that understanding every time you speak or write it.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

بشفقة in 30 Seconds

Bishafaqah is an Arabic adverb meaning 'with pity' or 'compassionately'. It is used to describe actions done with a soft heart for others.
The word is formed from the preposition 'bi' and the noun 'shafaqah'. It is common in stories, news, and daily emotional conversations.
It is a virtuous term in Arabic culture, showing empathy for the weak, the poor, or those suffering from misfortune or illness.
Commonly follows verbs like 'to look', 'to speak', or 'to treat'. It adds emotional depth to how someone interacts with the world.

The Arabic word بشفقة (bishafaqah) is a powerful adverbial construction that combines the preposition bi- (meaning 'with' or 'by') and the noun shafaqah (meaning 'pity', 'compassion', or 'tenderness'). When you use this word, you are describing an action performed with a deep sense of sorrow for someone else's misfortune, coupled with a desire to help or a softening of the heart. It is not merely a clinical observation of suffering; it carries an emotional weight that suggests the speaker or the subject is moved by what they see. In the context of the CEFR A2 level, learners should understand it as the primary way to express 'pityingly' or 'compassionately' in a variety of everyday social and literary contexts.

Linguistic Root: The root is ش-ف-ق (sh-f-q). Interestingly, this same root gives us the word shafaq, which refers to the red glow in the sky at sunset. This linguistic connection suggests a 'softening' or 'fading' of light, which metaphorically translates to the softening of the heart when one feels pity.
Emotional Register: While 'pity' in English can sometimes sound condescending, shafaqah in Arabic is generally viewed as a noble and virtuous quality. It is closely related to rahmah (mercy), though shafaqah often implies a specific reaction to a visible state of weakness or distress.

نظرت الأم إلى طفلها المريض بشفقة كبيرة.
— The mother looked at her sick child with great pity.

People use bishafaqah most frequently when describing facial expressions, tones of voice, or general attitudes toward those in need. For example, if you see a stray cat in the rain, your heart might feel shafaqah. If you speak to a friend who has just lost their job, you would speak to them bishafaqah. It is a word that bridges the gap between seeing suffering and feeling it internally. In literature, authors use it to humanize characters, showing that they possess the capacity for empathy even in difficult circumstances.

Furthermore, the word is versatile across different registers of Arabic. While it is perfectly at home in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), variations of the root are used in various dialects, though the adverbial form bishafaqah remains quite standard in formal writing and news reporting. Understanding this word helps you navigate emotional conversations and provides a more nuanced way to describe human interactions than simple adjectives like 'sad' or 'kind'. It adds a layer of 'why' to the kindness—it is kindness born from witnessing another's struggle.

تحدث المدير مع الموظف الذي خسر منزله بشفقة.
— The manager spoke with the employee who lost his home with pity.

Common Associations: The word is often paired with verbs of perception like nadhara (to look), ra'a (to see), and verbs of communication like takallama (to speak) or ajaba (to answer). It describes the *manner* of these actions.

Using بشفقة correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of Arabic adverbial structures. In Arabic, many adverbs are formed by adding the preposition bi- to a noun. This creates a phrase that functions as a 'hal' (state) or an adverb of manner. Because it is an adverbial phrase, it typically appears after the verb or at the end of the sentence to modify the action.

Sentence Position: Standard: [Verb] + [Subject] + [Object] + bishafaqah. Example: 'He looked at the poor man with pity.' (نذر الرجل إلى الفقير بشفقة). The word clarifies the emotional state of the subject during the action.

لا تنظر إليّ بشفقة، فأنا قوي.
— Do not look at me with pity; I am strong.

One of the most common ways to use bishafaqah is in negative contexts or imperatives where someone is rejecting pity. In Arabic culture, while shafaqah is a virtue, receiving it can sometimes be perceived as a blow to one's dignity or 'karamah'. Therefore, you will often hear phrases like the one above in movies or dramas where a character wants to assert their independence despite their suffering.

You can also intensify the word by adding adjectives. For instance, bishafaqah shadidah (with intense pity) or bishafaqah balighah (with profound pity). This allows the speaker to convey the depth of the emotion. In more descriptive writing, you might see it used to describe nature or abstract concepts, though its primary use remains centered on human interactions and facial expressions.

عامل الطبيب المريض بشفقة وإنسانية.
— The doctor treated the patient with pity and humanity.

Comparison with 'Birahmah': While bishafaqah means 'with pity', birahmah means 'with mercy'. Mercy often implies a power dynamic where the one showing mercy has the power to punish but chooses not to. Pity (shafaqah) is more about the emotional response to pain.

The word بشفقة is a staple in several specific domains of Arabic life and media. While you might not hear it every minute in a casual marketplace transaction, it is ubiquitous in emotional storytelling, religious discourse, and humanitarian appeals. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word when it is spoken at a natural pace.

1. News and Humanitarian Reports: When news anchors report on refugees, victims of natural disasters, or the impoverished, they often use shafaqah to describe the public's reaction or the need for aid. You might hear: 'The world looks at the victims bishafaqah' (ينظر العالم إلى الضحايا بشفقة).
2. Literature and Novels: Arabic literature is rich with emotional description. Authors like Naguib Mahfouz or Ghassan Kanafani often use this word to describe the internal states of their characters as they navigate social injustices. It provides a window into the character's moral compass.

في الرواية، كان البطل ينظر إلى حياته القديمة بشفقة.
— In the novel, the hero looked at his old life with pity.

In television dramas (Musalsalat), bishafaqah is a key word in dialogue. It often appears in climactic scenes where secrets are revealed or when a character is at their lowest point. You will hear actors emphasize the 'sh' and 'q' sounds to convey the gravity of the emotion. It is also common in dubbed Turkish or Spanish soap operas, which are very popular in the Arab world and rely heavily on emotional vocabulary.

Religious sermons (Khutbahs) also frequently employ this word. Preachers use it to encourage the congregation to be kind to the poor, orphans, and the elderly. In this context, shafaqah is presented as a spiritual state that brings one closer to the Divine. It is often linked with the concept of 'Ihsan' (doing what is beautiful/good).

حث الخطيب المصلين على معاملة اليتامى بشفقة.
— The preacher urged the worshippers to treat orphans with pity.

Social Media and Blogs: On platforms like Facebook or Twitter (X), you might see bishafaqah in comments on viral videos showing people or animals in distress. Users might write 'Ya Allah, look at them bishafaqah' as a form of digital prayer or expression of sympathy.

Learning to use بشفقة involves avoiding several common pitfalls that English speakers often encounter. Because Arabic grammar and semantics differ significantly from English, direct translations can sometimes lead to awkward or incorrect usage.

Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Preposition: English speakers often want to say 'with pity' using the word ma'a (مع) because ma'a is the literal translation of 'with'. However, in Arabic, for mannerisms and emotional states, the preposition bi- (بـ) is the correct choice. Saying ma'a shafaqah sounds unnatural and is grammatically incorrect in this context.

خطأ: تكلم معي مع شفقة.
صح: تكلم معي بشفقة.

Another frequent error is confusing shafaqah with its root-mate shafaq (twilight). While they share the same letters, they are distinct nouns. If you tell someone you are looking at the sunset bishafaqah, they might think you are feeling sorry for the sun! Make sure the context involves a person or animal that can be the object of compassion.

Pronunciation can also be a hurdle. The 'q' (ق - Qaf) is a deep glottal stop or a deep 'k' sound in the back of the throat. English speakers often pronounce it like a regular 'k', which might make the word sound like shafakah. While usually understood, practicing the deep 'q' will make your Arabic sound much more authentic and prevent confusion with unrelated words.

تأكد من نطق حرف القاف بشكل صحيح في كلمة بشفقة.
— Ensure you pronounce the letter Qaf correctly in the word 'bishafaqah'.

Mistake 2: Overusing it for 'Empathy': In modern psychological contexts, 'empathy' is better translated as ta'atuf (تعاطف). Shafaqah specifically implies a reaction to suffering or weakness. If you want to say you 'relate' to someone's feelings, use ta'atuf. Use shafaqah when you feel sorry for their plight.

Arabic is a language of incredible depth, especially regarding emotional states. While بشفقة is a fantastic word to know at the A2 level, there are several alternatives and related terms that can help you express more specific shades of meaning as you progress.

1. برحمة (Birahmah): Meaning 'with mercy'. This is often used in religious contexts or when someone has the power to forgive. It is broader than shafaqah and implies a divine-like kindness. Example: 'He treated the prisoner with mercy' (عامل السجين برحمة).
2. بتعاطف (Bita'atuf): Meaning 'with empathy' or 'sympathetically'. This suggests a mutual feeling—you feel what the other person feels. It is more horizontal and less about 'looking down' on someone's suffering than pity might sometimes imply.

استمع الصديق إلى صديقه بتعاطف كبير.
— The friend listened to his friend with great empathy.

If you want to describe a softer, more delicate kind of pity, you might use birigqa (برقة), which means 'with tenderness' or 'gently'. This is common when talking about how one treats children or small animals. On the other hand, if the pity is mixed with a sense of sadness for the state of affairs, bi-asaf (بأسف - with regret/sorrow) might be used.

For more formal or academic writing, you might encounter bi-ra'fah (برأفة), which is a very high-level word for 'with compassion' or 'with leniency'. It is often found in legal or formal religious texts. At the A2 level, sticking to bishafaqah is your best bet for being understood clearly while sounding sophisticated.

نظرت المعلمة إلى الطالب الكسول برأفة.
— The teacher looked at the lazy student with leniency/compassion.

Opposite Terms: The direct opposite of bishafaqah is bi-qasawa (بقسوة), which means 'with cruelty' or 'harshly'. Another opposite could be bi-burud (ببرود), meaning 'coldly' or 'with indifference'.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word for sunset glow (Shafaq) and pity (Shafaqah) share the same root because both imply a gentle, fading, or softening quality—one of light, the other of the heart.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /bi.ʃaf.a.qa/

US /bi.ʃæf.ə.kə/

The primary stress is on the second syllable: sha-FA-qah.

Rhymes With

Binasafah (بنسفة) Bihalaqah (بحلقة) Bimashaqah (بمشقة) Bisarqah (بسرقة) Biwaraqah (بورقة) Binafaqah (بنفقة) Bitaraqah (بطرقة) Bila'qah (بلعقة)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'bi' as 'bee' (it should be short).
Pronouncing 'q' as a simple 'k'.
Missing the 'h' sound at the end if the word is at the end of a sentence.
Confusing the 'sh' with 's'.
Putting the stress on the first syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize due to the 'bi' prefix and common root.

Writing 4/5

Requires remembering the 'bi' and the spelling of 'shafaqah'.

Speaking 5/5

The 'Qaf' sound can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 3/5

Usually pronounced clearly in MSA media.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

bi (with) nadhara (to look) hazun (sad) qalb (heart) rajul (man)

Learn Next

birahmah (with mercy) bita'atuf (with empathy) qasawa (cruelty) ra'fah (compassion) ihtimam (concern)

Advanced

tashaffuq (seeking pity) mushfiq (pitying) shafaq (twilight) istidrar (evoking)

Grammar to Know

Adverbs formed with 'bi-'

بسرعة (with speed/fast), بشفقة (with pity).

The 'Hal' (State) in Arabic

جاء الرجل ضاحكاً (The man came laughing) - bishafaqah functions similarly.

Prepositional Phrases as Adverbs

بـ + Noun = Manner.

Agreement of Adjectives with 'Shafaqah'

بشفقة كبيرة (Feminine agreement).

The Root System

ش-ف-ق (Shafaqah, Shafiq, Mushfiq).

Examples by Level

نذر الولد إلى القطة بشفقة.

The boy looked at the cat with pity.

The word 'bishafaqah' comes at the end of the sentence.

هي تتكلم بشفقة.

She speaks with pity.

The adverb modifies the verb 'tatakallam' (she speaks).

الأب ينظر إلى ابنه بشفقة.

The father looks at his son with pity.

'Yandhur' means 'he looks'.

رأيت الرجل الفقير بشفقة.

I saw the poor man with pity.

'Ra'aytu' means 'I saw'.

قالت المعلمة 'مسكين' بشفقة.

The teacher said 'poor thing' with pity.

'Qaalat' is the feminine past tense of 'to say'.

نحن ننظر إلى العصفور بشفقة.

We look at the bird with pity.

'Nahnu' means 'we'.

هو يساعد العجوز بشفقة.

He helps the old man with pity.

'Yusa'id' means 'he helps'.

البنت الصغيرة تبكي بشفقة.

The little girl cries with pity (for something).

'Tabki' means 'she cries'.

عاملت الممرضة المريض بشفقة كبيرة.

The nurse treated the patient with great pity.

Adding 'kabirah' (great) intensifies the adverb.

أجاب الطبيب على أسئلتي بشفقة.

The doctor answered my questions with pity.

'Ajaba' (answered) is followed by 'ala'.

لا تنظر إليّ بشفقة، أنا بخير.

Don't look at me with pity; I'm fine.

'La tandhur' is the negative imperative.

سمعت القصة وبكيت بشفقة على البطل.

I heard the story and cried with pity for the hero.

'Baka' means 'to cry'.

تحدث الغريب مع الطفل الضائع بشفقة.

The stranger spoke with the lost child with pity.

'Al-gharib' means 'the stranger'.

لماذا تنظرين إلى أخي بشفقة؟

Why are you (fem.) looking at my brother with pity?

'Limadha' means 'why'.

كانت عيناه تنظران إليّ بشفقة.

His eyes were looking at me with pity.

'Aynahu' is dual for 'his eyes'.

أعطى الرجل المال للفقير بشفقة.

The man gave the money to the poor man with pity.

'A'ta' means 'he gave'.

شعر الجميع بشفقة نحو العائلات التي فقدت بيوتها.

Everyone felt pity toward the families who lost their homes.

'Sha'ara' (felt) is often followed by 'bi'.

وصف الكاتب حياة العمال بشفقة واضحة.

The writer described the lives of the workers with clear pity.

'Wasafa' means 'to describe'.

رغم قسوته، نظر القاضي إلى المتهم بشفقة.

Despite his harshness, the judge looked at the defendant with pity.

'Raghma' means 'despite'.

كانت نبرة صوتها مليئة بشفقة حقيقية.

Her tone of voice was full of genuine pity.

'Nabrat sawt' means 'tone of voice'.

يجب أن نتعامل مع الحيوانات بشفقة ورحمة.

We must deal with animals with pity and mercy.

'Yajib' means 'it is necessary'.

لم يكن يريد أن يراه الناس بشفقة.

He didn't want people to see him with pity.

'Yarahu' means 'they see him'.

تحدثت الصحافة عن الأزمة بشفقة كبيرة.

The press spoke about the crisis with great pity.

'Al-sahafah' means 'the press'.

امتلأ قلبه بشفقة عندما رأى الدمار.

His heart filled with pity when he saw the destruction.

'Imtala'a' means 'to fill'.

تتجلى إنسانية الشاعر في قصيدته التي كتبها بشفقة على الفقراء.

The poet's humanity is evident in his poem written with pity for the poor.

'Tatajalla' means 'to be manifested'.

كانت نظراته تعبر عن مزيج من الحزن وبشفقة عميقة.

His looks expressed a mixture of sadness and deep pity.

'Mazij' means 'mixture'.

انتقد البعض الفيلم لأنه صور الضحايا بشفقة مبالغ فيها.

Some criticized the film because it portrayed the victims with exaggerated pity.

'Mubalagh fiha' means 'exaggerated'.

من الصعب ألا تنظر إلى هذا الموقف بشفقة.

It is difficult not to look at this situation with pity.

'Min al-sa'b' means 'it is difficult'.

خاطب الملك شعبه بشفقة ووعود بالإصلاح.

The king addressed his people with pity and promises of reform.

'Khataba' means 'to address'.

تحركت مشاعرها بشفقة تجاه اللاجئين عند الحدود.

Her feelings were moved with pity toward the refugees at the border.

'Taharakat mashaa'ir' means 'feelings were moved'.

كتب الفيلسوف عن ضرورة النظر إلى الضعفاء بشفقة.

The philosopher wrote about the necessity of looking at the weak with pity.

'Darurah' means 'necessity'.

لم تكن تطلب المساعدة، بل كانت تطلب أن يفهمها الناس بشفقة.

She wasn't asking for help, but rather asking people to understand her with pity.

'Bal' means 'but rather'.

تجاوزت الرواية حدود السرد التقليدي لتعالج قضايا الوجود بشفقة فلسفية.

The novel transcended traditional narrative boundaries to treat existential issues with philosophical pity.

'Tajawazat' means 'transcended'.

إن النظر إلى الخصم بشفقة هو قمة الرقي الأخلاقي.

Looking at an opponent with pity is the pinnacle of moral sophistication.

'Al-khasm' means 'the opponent'.

اتسمت سياسة الدولة تجاه الأقليات بنوع من النظر بشفقة أبوية.

The state's policy toward minorities was characterized by a kind of paternalistic pity.

'Abaweyya' means 'paternalistic'.

في لحظة تجلٍّ، أدرك أن كراهيته قد تحولت إلى نظر بشفقة.

In a moment of epiphany, he realized his hatred had turned into looking with pity.

'Tajalli' means 'epiphany' or 'manifestation'.

لا يمكننا تحليل التاريخ دون أن ننظر إلى مآسيه بشفقة إنسانية شاملة.

We cannot analyze history without looking at its tragedies with comprehensive human pity.

'Ma'asi' is the plural of 'ma'sah' (tragedy).

كانت ترفض أي إيماءة توحي بأن الآخرين ينظرون إليها بشفقة.

She refused any gesture suggesting that others were looking at her with pity.

'Iima'ah' means 'gesture'.

صاغ القانون بأسلوب يجمع بين الحزم والنظر بشفقة إلى الظروف الاجتماعية.

The law was drafted in a style that combines firmness with looking at social circumstances with pity.

'Saagha' means 'to draft' or 'to formulate'.

إن الشفقة التي تشعر بها هي انعكاس لنبل روحك.

The pity you feel is a reflection of the nobility of your soul.

'In'ikas' means 'reflection'.

تغوص السيرة الذاتية في أعماق النفس البشرية، مستعرضةً لحظات الانكسار بشفقة بالغة.

The autobiography dives into the depths of the human soul, showcasing moments of brokenness with profound pity.

'Taghus' means 'to dive'.

يحلل الناقد كيف استطاع المخرج أن يثير بشفقة الجمهور دون السقوط في فخ الابتذال.

The critic analyzes how the director was able to evoke the audience's pity without falling into the trap of cliché.

'Ibtidhal' means 'cliché' or 'vulgarity'.

إن مفهوم 'النظر بشفقة' في الفلسفة الصوفية يتجاوز مجرد العاطفة إلى كونه مقاماً روحياً.

The concept of 'looking with pity' in Sufi philosophy transcends mere emotion to being a spiritual station.

'Maqam' refers to a spiritual 'station' or level.

برع الأديب في تصوير التناقض بين القسوة الظاهرة والنظر بشفقة الكامن في أعماق الشخصية.

The writer excelled in depicting the contradiction between apparent cruelty and the latent pity deep within the character.

'Kamin' means 'latent' or 'hidden'.

لا تكمن القوة في التجرد من المشاعر، بل في القدرة على النظر إلى الضعف البشري بشفقة متزنة.

Strength does not lie in being devoid of feelings, but in the ability to look at human weakness with balanced pity.

'Mutazinah' means 'balanced'.

تتداخل الرحمة والعدل في هذا الحكم، حيث نظر القاضي إلى الدوافع بشفقة قانونية نادرة.

Mercy and justice intermingle in this ruling, as the judge looked at the motives with rare legal pity.

'Tadakhal' means 'to intermingle'.

استطاع الخطيب أن ينسج عباراته بشفقة مستمدة من واقع المعاناة اليومية.

The orator was able to weave his phrases with pity derived from the reality of daily suffering.

'Yansij' means 'to weave'.

إن النظر بشفقة إلى الذات هو أول خطوة نحو التصالح مع الماضي.

Looking at oneself with pity is the first step toward reconciliation with the past.

'Tasalah' means 'reconciliation'.

Common Collocations

نظر بشفقة

تحدث بشفقة

عامل بشفقة

شعر بشفقة

قلب مليء بشفقة

نبرة صوت بشفقة

بشفقة كبيرة

بشفقة واضحة

يستحق الشفقة

أثار الشفقة

Common Phrases

يا للشفقة

— What a pity! Used to express disappointment or sorrow.

يا للشفقة، لقد خسرنا المباراة.

بدافع الشفقة

— Out of pity. Used to explain the motivation for an action.

ساعده بدافع الشفقة فقط.

بكل شفقة

— With all pity/compassion. Used to emphasize the feeling.

احتضنته بكل شفقة.

نظرة شفقة

— A look of pity. Used as a noun phrase.

أعطاه نظرة شفقة.

دموع الشفقة

— Tears of pity. Used in literary contexts.

ذرفت دموع الشفقة.

بلا شفقة

— Pitilessly or without mercy. The opposite adverbial phrase.

طرده من العمل بلا شفقة.

شفقة قلبية

— Heartfelt pity. Used to describe deep sincerity.

تحدث بشفقة قلبية.

روح الشفقة

— The spirit of compassion. Used in philosophical or religious talks.

يجب أن تسود روح الشفقة.

موقف يثير الشفقة

— A situation that arouses pity.

كان موقفه يثير الشفقة حقاً.

بشفقة أخوية

— With brotherly pity/compassion.

نصحه بشفقة أخوية.

Often Confused With

بشفقة vs بسرقة

Means 'with theft' or 'by stealing'. It looks similar but the 'r' (ra) replaces the 'f' (fa).

بشفقة vs بشقة

Means 'in an apartment'. It lacks the 'fa' and 'qa' in the same order.

بشفقة vs بمشقة

Means 'with difficulty'. It has an extra 'm' and a 'shaddah' on the 'q'.

Idioms & Expressions

"تمزق قلبه بشفقة"

— His heart was torn with pity. Used for extreme compassion.

تمزق قلبه بشفقة على الأطفال الجوعى.

Literary

"ذاب قلبه بشفقة"

— His heart melted with pity. Used when someone's harshness disappears.

عندما رأى دموعها، ذاب قلبه بشفقة.

Literary

"لا يعرف الشفقة"

— He knows no pity. Used for someone very cruel.

هذا العدو لا يعرف الشفقة.

Common

"استدر الشفقة"

— To seek or evoke pity (often used negatively for manipulation).

حاول أن يستدر شفقة القاضي.

Formal

"بشفقة لا توصف"

— With indescribable pity.

كان ينظر إلى الحطام بشفقة لا توصف.

Literary

"رق قلبه بشفقة"

— His heart softened with pity.

رق قلبه بشفقة عندما سمع صوت القطة.

Common

"عين الشفقة"

— The eye of pity. Used to describe a compassionate perspective.

انظر إلى أخطائي بعين الشفقة.

Literary/Poetic

"بشفقة مفرطة"

— With excessive pity.

عامله بشفقة مفرطة جعلته يشعر بالضعف.

Neutral

"في غمرة الشفقة"

— In the midst of pity.

في غمرة الشفقة، نسي أخطاءهم.

Literary

"بشفقة صامتة"

— With silent pity.

كان يراقبهم بشفقة صامتة.

Literary

Easily Confused

بشفقة vs شفق

Same root.

Shafaq is the noun for twilight; Shafaqah is pity. They are distinct concepts.

رأيت الشفق في السماء.

بشفقة vs إشفاق

Similar meaning.

Ishfaq often implies a mix of pity and anxiety/fear for someone's safety.

أشعر بالإشفاق عليه من هذا الخطر.

بشفقة vs تعاطف

Both relate to feelings for others.

Ta'atuf is empathy (feeling with); Shafaqah is pity (feeling for).

أبدى تعاطفه مع القضية.

بشفقة vs رحمة

Close synonyms.

Rahmah is broader and implies mercy; Shafaqah is specifically about the emotion of pity.

ارحموا من في الأرض.

بشفقة vs رأفة

Both mean compassion.

Ra'fah is a more intense, gentle form of compassion, often formal.

عامله برأفة.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Verb] bishafaqah.

هو يتكلم بشفقة.

[Verb] [Subject] [Object] bishafaqah.

رأى الولد القطة بشفقة.

Sha'ara [Subject] bishafaqah tajah [Object].

شعر الرجل بشفقة تجاه الطفل.

Nadhara ilayhi bishafaqah [Adjective].

نظر إليه بشفقة عميقة.

Inna [Noun] bishafaqah huwa [Description].

إن النظر بشفقة هو خلق كريم.

[Complex Sentence] + bishafaqah balighah.

وصف الكاتب المشهد بشفقة بالغة.

Any

La tandhur ilayya bishafaqah.

لا تنظر إلي بشفقة.

Any

Bishafaqah wa [Another Emotion].

بشفقة ورحمة.

Word Family

Nouns

شفقة (Shafaqah) - Pity

شفيق (Shafiq) - Compassionate person

إشفاق (Ishfaq) - Compassion/Anxiety for someone

Verbs

أشفق (Ashfaqa) - To feel pity for

تشفق (Tashaffaqa) - To seek pity

Adjectives

شفيق (Shafiq) - Compassionate

مشفق (Mushfiq) - Pitying/Compassionate

رحمة (Rahmah) - Mercy

رأفة (Ra'fah) - Leniency

عطف (Atf) - Sympathy

حنون (Hanun) - Tender

مواساة (Muwasah) - Consolation

How to Use It

frequency

Common in written and formal spoken Arabic.

Common Mistakes

Using 'ma'a' instead of 'bi'. → بشفقة (Bishafaqah)
Arabic uses 'bi' for adverbs of manner, not 'ma'a'.
Pronouncing 'Qaf' as 'K'. → Bishafaqah (with deep Q)
The 'Qaf' is uvular, whereas 'Kaf' is velar. It changes the authenticity of the sound.
Confusing 'shafaqah' with 'shafaq'. → بشفقة (with pity)
'Shafaq' is twilight. Using it for pity is confusing.
Misplacing the adverb. → نذر بشفقة (Looked with pity)
Adverbs usually follow the verb they modify.
Using it for 'empathy'. → بتعاطف (with empathy)
'Shafaqah' is specifically pity for suffering; 'Ta'atuf' is general empathy.

Tips

Adverb Formation

Remember that Arabic often uses 'bi-' + Noun to create adverbs. This is a pattern you can use with many other words like 'bisur'ah' (quickly).

Virtue of Pity

In the Arab world, showing pity is seen as a sign of a 'big heart' and good character. Don't be afraid to use it to describe kind people.

The Deep Q

The 'Qaf' is the heart of this word. Practice saying it by touching the back of your tongue to your soft palate.

Intensifiers

You can add 'shadidah' (intense) or 'balighah' (profound) after 'bishafaqah' to make it stronger.

Context Clues

If you hear 'nadhara' (looked) or 'baka' (cried), listen for 'bishafaqah' nearby to understand the emotion.

Spelling Tip

Shafaqah ends with a Taa Marbuta (ة). When you add the 'bi-', the rest of the spelling remains the same.

Dignity Matters

In dialogue, characters often reject pity ('La tandhur ilayya bishafaqah') to show they are strong.

Author's Tone

Authors use this word to tell you how they want you to feel about a character's struggle.

Shafaqah vs Rahmah

Use 'bishafaqah' for the feeling of pity and 'birahmah' for the act of being merciful.

Daily Use

Try to describe one thing you saw today 'bishafaqah', even if it was just a wilted plant.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'She Felt A Quick' (Sha-fa-q) pang of pity. 'Bi' means with. So, Bi-Shafaqah is 'With a quick pang of pity'.

Visual Association

Imagine the soft red glow of a sunset (Shafaq) warming a cold, sad person. That warmth is 'Shafaqah'.

Word Web

Pity Compassion Kindness Sadness Mercy Soft heart Helping Empathy

Challenge

Try to use 'bishafaqah' in a sentence about a doctor helping a patient today. Write it down three times.

Word Origin

Derived from the Arabic root ش-ف-ق (sh-f-q). This root historically relates to the thinning or softening of something.

Original meaning: The root originally referred to the redness of the sky after sunset (shafaq), which is seen as a 'softening' of the day's light.

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

Cultural Context

Be aware that while showing pity is a virtue, some people may feel their dignity is wounded if they are treated 'bishafaqah' in a very obvious way. Use it with tact.

In English, 'pity' can sometimes feel negative or patronizing. In Arabic, 'bishafaqah' is almost always positive and noble.

Used in Naguib Mahfouz's 'Cairo Trilogy' to describe family dynamics. Appears in many classical Arabic poems describing the poet's view of the world. Commonly used in Modern Standard Arabic news broadcasts regarding humanitarian aid.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Charity/Helping the poor

ساعده بشفقة
أعطاه المال بشفقة
نظر إلى حاله بشفقة
تكلم معه بشفقة

Medical/Healthcare

عامل المريض بشفقة
شرح له المرض بشفقة
مسح دموعه بشفقة
نظر الطبيب إليه بشفقة

Education/Teaching

نظرت المعلمة بشفقة
تحدث مع الطالب بشفقة
سامحه بشفقة
عامله بشفقة أخوية

Literature/Drama

وصف البطل بشفقة
بكى القارئ بشفقة
نهاية تثير الشفقة
كانت النظرة مليئة بشفقة

Animal Care

أطعم القطة بشفقة
نظر إلى الكلب بشفقة
حمله بشفقة
عامله بشفقة ورحمة

Conversation Starters

"لماذا تنظر إليّ بشفقة؟ (Why are you looking at me with pity?)"

"هل تشعر بشفقة تجاه هذا الرجل؟ (Do you feel pity toward this man?)"

"تحدث معه بشفقة، إنه يمر بوقت صعب. (Speak to him with pity; he is going through a hard time.)"

"لقد عاملني الطبيب بشفقة كبيرة. (The doctor treated me with great pity.)"

"هل تعتقد أن الشفقة كافية لمساعدة الفقراء؟ (Do you think pity is enough to help the poor?)"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you looked at someone 'bishafaqah'. What happened?

Do you prefer to be treated 'bishafaqah' or with 'qasawa' (harshness)? Why?

Describe a scene in a movie where a character spoke 'bishafaqah'.

How does 'shafaqah' change the way we help others?

Is 'shafaqah' a sign of strength or weakness in your opinion?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it generally implies a response to suffering, sadness, or weakness. You wouldn't use it in a happy context unless you were feeling sorry for someone who missed out on the happiness.

No, it is grammatically incorrect. In Arabic, emotional manners use the preposition 'bi-'. Use 'bishafaqah' only.

Yes, if they are going through a hard time. However, if you say it to someone who is proud, they might take it as an insult to their strength.

The root is Sh-F-Q (ش-ف-ق). It is the same root for the word for 'twilight'.

It is a deep 'Qaf' sound from the back of the throat. It sounds like a 'k' but much deeper.

It is Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), but it is understood in all dialects. Dialects might use different words for 'pity' in casual speech.

The opposite is 'bi-qasawa' (harshly/cruelly) or 'بلا شفقة' (without pity).

Absolutely. It is very common to use it when describing helping or looking at animals in distress.

'Shafaqah' is a noun. 'Bishafaqah' is an adverbial phrase.

Yes, the verb is 'ashfaqa' (أشفق), which is usually followed by the preposition 'ala' (على).