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A1 verb #4,500 most common 9 min read

خسر

khasira Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips خسر in 30 Seconds

Explanation خسر in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners encounter 'khasira' in its most basic form: losing a game or a simple competition. The focus is on the past tense 'khasira' (he lost) and 'khasirtu' (I lost). Students learn to use it with nouns like 'al-mubarah' (the match) or 'al-lu'bah' (the game). The sentence structure is kept simple, usually Subject-Verb-Object or Verb-Subject-Object. At this stage, the nuances of existential or financial loss are not explored; the goal is simply to express that a win did not occur. Examples include 'I lost the game' or 'The team lost.' Learners also begin to see the word in basic classroom settings, such as losing a point in a language activity. The emphasis is on building the connection between the Arabic sound 'khasira' and the English concept of losing a contest.

At the A2 level, the usage of 'khasira' expands to include losing physical objects and basic financial concepts. Learners start to conjugate the verb in the present tense ('yakhsaru') and use it with a wider range of nouns such as 'nuqud' (money) or 'waqt' (time). The idea of 'losing weight' (khasarat al-wazn) is often introduced here as it is a common topic in daily conversation. Students also learn to form negative sentences, such as 'lam akhsar' (I did not lose). The vocabulary surrounding the verb becomes more descriptive, including adverbs like 'kathiran' (a lot) or 'qalilan' (a little). The focus is on practical, everyday scenarios where loss occurs in personal life.

Moving into B1, 'khasira' is used to describe more abstract losses, such as losing an opportunity ('fursa') or losing trust ('thiqa'). Learners are expected to use the verb in more complex sentence structures, including subordinate clauses. For instance, 'I am afraid that I will lose my job.' The concept of 'khasara' (the noun) is integrated, allowing students to say things like 'It is a big loss' (khasara kabira). Business and news contexts are introduced, where students might read about a company losing profits. The distinction between 'khasira' and 'faqada' (to lose an object or person) is clarified, and students are encouraged to use the correct verb based on the context of the loss.

At the B2 level, 'khasira' appears in more formal and idiomatic contexts. Students encounter the verb in newspaper editorials, political speeches, and literature. They learn to use it in the context of 'losing a case' in court or 'losing a battle' in a metaphorical sense. The verbal noun 'khusran' is introduced in more sophisticated contexts, often related to moral or spiritual deficit. Learners are expected to understand the nuances of the verb when used with prepositions and how it interacts with different types of subjects (e.g., collective nouns). They also start to explore the root's other forms, such as the Form II 'khassara' (to cause someone to lose), which adds a layer of causative meaning to their vocabulary.

At the C1 level, the learner explores the deep philosophical and rhetorical uses of 'khasira.' This includes its use in classical poetry and the Quran, where loss is often contrasted with eternal gain. The student analyzes the stylistic choices of using 'khasira' versus its synonyms in high-level literature. They can discuss complex topics such as 'losing one's identity' or 'the loss of cultural heritage' using the verb and its derivatives. The focus is on precision and the ability to use the word to convey subtle emotional and intellectual states. C1 learners should be able to navigate the different registers of the word, from slangy street expressions to the most elevated academic discourse.

At the C2 level, the mastery of 'khasira' is complete. The learner understands the etymological roots and the historical evolution of the word. They can appreciate the wordplay in advanced literature where 'khasira' might be used ironically or in a double sense. They are familiar with rare idioms and archaic uses of the root. A C2 learner can lead a debate on economic losses or philosophical 'khusran' with the fluency of a native speaker, using the verb with perfect grammatical accuracy and native-like prosody. They understand the cultural baggage the word carries in different Arabic-speaking regions and can adapt their usage accordingly.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

خسر in 30 Seconds

Khasira means to lose or be defeated in sports, business, or life.
It is a Form I verb with the past 'khasira' and present 'yakhsaru'.
Commonly used for losing matches, money, weight, and abstract trust.
It is the direct antonym of 'rabaha' (to win/profit) and 'faza' (to win).

The Arabic verb خَسِرَ (Khasira) is a foundational term that transcends simple loss, encompassing a wide spectrum of meanings from the trivial defeat in a children's game to the profound existential bankruptcy mentioned in classical literature and religious texts. At its core, the word indicates a reduction, a deprivation, or the failure to gain or maintain something of value. In the Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) context, it is most frequently encountered in sports, business, and personal achievements. When you say someone 'lost,' you are identifying a transition from a state of possession or potential to a state of lack. This verb follows the Fa'ila / Yaf'alu pattern (Form I), which often denotes states or changes in state. Understanding this word requires looking at its root, خ-س-ر (Kh-S-R), which inherently carries the weight of diminishing returns. In a world obsessed with winning and accumulation, khasira serves as the linguistic counterweight, describing the inevitable reality of defeat and deficit.

Literal Loss: The most basic application involves losing a physical object or a tangible competition. For example, losing a wallet or losing a football match. Here, the focus is on the result of an action where the outcome is negative for the subject.
Financial Deficit: In the world of commerce, this verb is indispensable. It describes a business that fails to turn a profit or an investor whose stocks have plummeted. It is the direct opposite of rabaha (to profit).
Moral and Existential Loss: Perhaps the most significant use is in the moral sphere, where one might 'lose themselves' or 'lose their soul.' This is a recurring theme in Arabic philosophy and scripture, suggesting that true loss is not material but spiritual.

خسر التاجر كل أمواله في البورصة.
(The merchant lost all his money in the stock market.)

لا نريد أن نخسر هذه الفرصة العظيمة.
(We do not want to lose this great opportunity.)

خسر الفريق المباراة النهائية بنتيجة ثقيلة.
(The team lost the final match by a heavy score.)

من يظلم الناس يخسر احترامهم.
(Whoever oppresses people loses their respect.)

خسرت وزناً زائداً بعد اتباع الحمية.
(I lost excess weight after following the diet.)

In everyday conversation, you will hear this word during sports broadcasts, news reports about the economy, and in personal venting sessions. It is a word that carries an emotional weight; it is rarely neutral. Whether it is the 'khusran' (loss) of a loved one or the 'khasara' (waste) of time, the root remains a powerful indicator of negativity. In the Levantine and Egyptian dialects, the pronunciation might shift slightly, but the core meaning remains steadfast. It is one of the first fifty verbs a learner should master because of its high frequency and utility in describing the outcomes of life's many challenges.

Using khasira correctly involves understanding its transitivity. It is a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes a direct object—the thing that was lost. However, it can also be used intransitively to simply state that a loss occurred. When constructing sentences, you must pay close attention to the conjugation, as the subject's gender and number will change the verb's prefix or suffix significantly. In the past tense, the verb follows the pattern: Khasirtu (I lost), Khasirta (You, m. lost), Khasirati (You, f. lost), Khasira (He lost), Khasirat (She lost). In the present tense, it becomes: Akhsaru (I lose), Takhsaru (You/She loses), Yakhsaru (He loses).

Direct Object Usage: When you specify what was lost, the object is in the accusative case (Mansub). For example, 'Khasira al-la'ib al-mubarata' (The player lost the match). 'Al-mubarata' ends with a fatha because it is the object of the loss.
Intransitive Usage: Sometimes the object is implied. 'La takhaf, lan takhsar' (Don't fear, you won't lose). This is common in competitive settings where the 'what' is already known to the participants.

أنا خَسِرتُ مفاتيحي في الحديقة.
(I lost my keys in the garden.)

هل تَخْسَرُ الشركة أموالاً كل شهر؟
(Does the company lose money every month?)

نحن لا نُريد أن نَخْسَرَ ثقتكم.
(We do not want to lose your trust.)

Beyond simple conjugation, khasira is often paired with temporal adverbs like 'da'iman' (always) or 'abadan' (never). For instance, 'Huwa yakhsaru da'iman' (He always loses). It is also frequently found in conditional sentences using 'idha' (if) or 'law' (if/would). 'If you don't study, you will lose your future' translates to 'Idha lam tadrus, satakhsaru mustaqbalaka.' This highlights the verb's role in expressing consequences. In more advanced usage, the passive form khusira (was lost) is rarer but exists, though usually, speakers prefer active constructions or nouns like 'khasarah' to describe the event.

The word خسر is ubiquitous in Arabic-speaking societies, echoing through various domains of life. If you turn on a television in Cairo, Riyadh, or Casablanca, you are bound to hear it within minutes. In the realm of sports, it is the primary word used by commentators to describe a team's failure to win. You will hear phrases like 'Khasira al-muntakhab' (The national team lost). In the business world, financial news segments are filled with reports of 'khasa'ir' (losses) on the stock exchange or companies 'losing' their market share. It is a technical term in accounting and economics just as much as it is a common word in the street.

Social Media and Gaming: In the digital age, gamers use 'khasirtu' (I lost) constantly during live streams or in chat rooms. It has become a standard part of the Arabic gaming lexicon, often followed by emojis of frustration.
Legal and Formal Contexts: In courtrooms, a lawyer might talk about 'khasarat al-qadiya' (losing the case). Here, the word takes on a formal, consequential tone involving rights and obligations.

المذيع: خسر الفريق المباراة بسبب الأخطاء الدفاعية.
(The announcer: The team lost the match due to defensive errors.)

التاجر: خسرتُ الكثير من الزبائن هذا الشهر.
(The merchant: I lost many customers this month.)

Furthermore, the word appears in many proverbs and idioms. One might hear 'Khasara fika al-waqt' (Time is wasted on you), which is a harsh way of saying someone isn't worth the effort. In religious contexts, particularly during Friday sermons, the concept of 'Al-Khusran al-Mubin' (The Clear Loss) is discussed, referring to the loss of one's soul or the afterlife. This variety of usage—from the mundane loss of a game to the ultimate loss of salvation—demonstrates why this verb is a pillar of the Arabic language. Whether you are reading a newspaper, listening to a podcast, or chatting with a friend at a café, 'khasira' is a word that connects the dots of human experience through the lens of deficit and defeat.

For English speakers, the most common mistake when using khasira is confusing it with other verbs that translate to 'lose.' In English, we use 'lose' for everything: losing keys, losing a game, losing weight, and losing a person. In Arabic, while khasira is versatile, it is not always the most natural choice. Another frequent error involves the vowel markings (Harakat). Beginners often mispronounce the past tense as 'khasara' (with all fathas) instead of the correct 'khasira' (with a kasra on the second radical). This change in vowel is crucial because 'khasara' is actually the noun (loss), not the verb (to lose).

Confusion with 'Faqada': Mistake: Using 'khasira' for misplacing an object. While 'Khasirtu miftahi' is understood, 'Faqadtu miftahi' is more common for 'I lost/misplaced my key.' 'Khasira' implies a loss of value or a defeat.
Incorrect Conjugation: Mistake: Saying 'Ana khasara' instead of 'Ana khasirtu.' Remember that verbs must be conjugated with suffixes in the past tense.

❌ خطأ: خَسَرَ الولد اللعبة.
✅ صح: خَسِرَ الولد اللعبة.
(Correcting the middle vowel from 'a' to 'i'.)

❌ خطأ: خَسِرْتُ جدي العام الماضي.
✅ صح: فَقَدْتُ جدي العام الماضي.
(Using 'faqada' for the death of a relative is more respectful and standard.)

Another subtle mistake is the confusion between the verb khasira and the noun khusran or khasarah. You cannot say 'Ana khasarah' to mean 'I lost'; that would mean 'I am a loss' or 'I am a pity.' You must use the verb form. Additionally, pay attention to the preposition 'fi' (in). While in English we 'lose at' something, in Arabic we often 'lose in' (khasira fi) or simply 'lose [object]' (khasira [object]). For example, 'Khasira fi al-tijara' (He lost in trade). Misusing prepositions is a hallmark of non-native speech, so practicing these collocations is vital for sounding natural.

Arabic is a language of nuances, and while khasira is the most common word for loss, several alternatives exist depending on the context. Understanding these synonyms will help you choose the most precise term for your situation. The most direct synonym is فَقَدَ (Faqada), which specifically means to lose possession of something or to lose a person. While khasira focuses on the negative outcome or defeat, faqada focuses on the absence or the 'missing' aspect of the object.

Khasira vs. Faqada: Use Khasira for: Games, money, weight, opportunities, trust.
Use Faqada for: Keys, people (death), consciousness, memory.
Inhazama (إنهزم): This verb specifically means 'to be defeated.' It is stronger than khasira and is almost exclusively used in military, political, or highly competitive sports contexts. If a team 'inhazama,' it implies they were crushed or thoroughly beaten.
Adā'a (أضاع): This means 'to waste' or 'to lose through negligence.' For example, 'Adā'a al-waqt' (He wasted time) or 'Adā'a al-fursa' (He missed the opportunity due to his own fault).

خسر المباراة (Khasira al-mubarah) - He lost the match.
إنهزم في الحرب (Inhazama fi al-harb) - He was defeated in the war.

فقد وعيه (Faqada wa'yahu) - He lost his consciousness.
أضاع طريقه (Adā'a tariqahu) - He lost his way.

When discussing financial loss, the word ikhfāq (failure) or kasād (recession/slump) might be used in more technical writing. However, for a learner, mastering the distinction between khasira, faqada, and adā'a is the first major step. Each of these verbs paints a slightly different picture of 'loss.' Khasira is the result, faqada is the state of missing, and adā'a is the act of losing through carelessness. By selecting the right one, you demonstrate a deeper mastery of Arabic semantics and a better grasp of the cultural logic that separates a 'defeat' from a 'misplacement.'

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"تخشى الدولة أن تخسر نفوذها الإقليمي."

Neutral

"خسرنا المباراة أمس."

Informal

"يا خسارة، راح علينا الأكل!"

Child friendly

"لا تحزن إذا خسرت في اللعبة."

Slang

"خسرنا الجلد والسقط في السالفة."

Fun Fact

In the Quran, the word 'Khusr' is used to describe the state of all humanity except those who believe and do good deeds, making it a key theological term.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈxa.si.ra/

US /ˈxɑː.si.rə/

Stress is on the first syllable: KHA-si-ra.

Rhymes With

Kasara (كسر) Jasara (جسر) Yasara (يسر) Basara (بصر) Asara (أسر) Hasara (حسر) Nasara (نصر) Qasara (قصر)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kh' as a hard 'k'.
Pronouncing 's' as 'sh'.
Changing the middle 'i' (kasra) to 'a' (fatha), making it 'khasara' (the noun).
Failing to roll the 'r' slightly.
Making the final 'a' too long like 'aa'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize the root, but don't confuse it with similar-looking roots like K-S-R (to break).

Writing 3/5

Requires correct conjugation and middle vowel (kasra).

Speaking 2/5

High frequency makes it easy to practice.

Listening 2/5

Commonly heard in sports and news.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

لعب (To play) فاز (To win) مال (Money) فريق (Team) وقت (Time)

Learn Next

ربح (To profit) فشل (To fail) هزيمة (Defeat) نجاح (Success) كسب (To earn)

Advanced

إفلاس (Bankruptcy) تدهور (Deterioration) إخفاق (Failure) تلاشي (Fading away) اضمحلال (Decay)

Grammar to Know

Form I Verb Conjugation (Fa'ila)

خَسِرَ (Khasira) - The middle radical has a kasra in the past tense.

Present Tense Vowel Shift

يَخْسَرُ (Yakhsaru) - The middle radical shifts to a fatha in the present tense.

Transitive Verbs (Muta'addi)

خسر الولدُ الكرةَ - 'Al-kura' is the object in the accusative case.

Negative Past with 'Lam'

لم يَخْسَرْ (Lam yakhsar) - Use the jussive form after 'lam'.

Verbal Noun (Masdar)

خَسَارَة (Khasarah) is the common masdar used as a noun.

Examples by Level

خسر الولد اللعبة.

The boy lost the game.

Subject (al-walad) follows the verb (khasira).

أنا خسرتُ في المسابقة.

I lost in the competition.

The suffix '-tu' indicates 'I'.

هل خسرتَ قلمك؟

Did you lose your pen?

The suffix '-ta' is for 'you' (singular masculine).

خسر الفريق المباراة.

The team lost the match.

'Al-mubarata' is the direct object.

هي خسرت النقطة.

She lost the point.

The suffix '-at' indicates 'she'.

نحن خسرنا اليوم.

We lost today.

The suffix '-na' indicates 'we'.

هم خسروا السباق.

They lost the race.

The suffix '-u' with alif indicates 'they' (masculine).

لا تخسر!

Don't lose!

Imperative negative with 'la'.

خسرتُ الكثير من المال.

I lost a lot of money.

'Kathiran' acts as an adverbial modifier.

هو يريد أن يخسر وزناً.

He wants to lose weight.

The present tense 'yakhsara' follows 'an'.

أنا لا أحب أن أخسر.

I don't like to lose.

Present tense 'akhsara' after 'an'.

خسرت هاتفي في الحافلة.

I lost my phone on the bus.

Using 'khasira' for a physical object (common in A2).

لماذا خسرتَ وقتك؟

Why did you waste your time?

Interrogative 'limadha' with past tense.

الشركة تخسر زبائنها.

The company is losing its customers.

Present tense feminine 'takhsaru' because 'al-sharika' is feminine.

خسرنا تذاكر السفر.

We lost the travel tickets.

Direct object 'tadhakir'.

سوف تخسر إذا لم تلعب جيداً.

You will lose if you don't play well.

Future tense with 'sawfa'.

خسر التاجر ثقة الناس.

The merchant lost the people's trust.

Abstract object 'thiqa'.

من الصعب أن تخسر صديقاً قديماً.

It is hard to lose an old friend.

Impersonal construction 'min al-sa'b'.

خسرت الشركة حصتها في السوق.

The company lost its market share.

Business context.

لقد خسرنا فرصة ذهبية.

We have lost a golden opportunity.

'Laqad' adds emphasis to the past tense.

يخسر اللاعبون أعصابهم أحياناً.

Players lose their tempers sometimes.

Idiomatic use: 'lose nerves' means lose temper.

إذا كذبت، ستخسر مصداقيتك.

If you lie, you will lose your credibility.

Conditional 'idha' with future 'sa-'.

خسرنا الكثير من الوقت في الانتظار.

We lost a lot of time waiting.

Gerund 'al-intidhar' as a prepositional object.

هل تعتقد أننا سنخسر الحرب؟

Do you think we will lose the war?

Future tense 'sanakhsar'.

خسرت القضية في المحكمة الابتدائية.

The case was lost in the primary court.

Legal context; 'al-qadiya' is the subject of loss.

الاستثمار في هذه الشركة مغامرة قد تخسر فيها كل شيء.

Investing in this company is an adventure where you might lose everything.

Modal 'qad' indicating possibility.

خسرت المدينة معالمها التاريخية بسبب الحرب.

The city lost its historical landmarks due to the war.

Cause indicated by 'bisabab'.

لا أحد يربح في الحرب، الجميع يخسر.

No one wins in war; everyone loses.

Contrast between 'yarbah' and 'yakhsar'.

خسرت الحكومة شعبيتها بعد القرارات الأخيرة.

The government lost its popularity after the recent decisions.

Political context.

لقد خسر العالم عالماً كبيراً اليوم.

The world lost a great scientist today.

Metaphorical loss of a person.

يخسر المرء نفسه عندما يتبع الآخرين عمياناً.

One loses oneself when following others blindly.

Philosophical subject 'al-mar' (one/man).

خسرت البنوك المليارات في الأزمة المالية.

Banks lost billions in the financial crisis.

Large scale financial context.

خسر الشاعر قدرته على التعبير بعد المأساة.

The poet lost his ability to express himself after the tragedy.

Abstract psychological loss.

تخسر اللغة رونقها عندما تُهمل قواعدها.

A language loses its luster when its rules are neglected.

Metaphorical use with 'rawnaq' (luster).

خسر الفيلسوف حجته أمام المنطق القوي.

The philosopher lost his argument before strong logic.

Intellectual context.

إنك تخسر رهانك على هؤلاء الناس.

You are losing your bet on these people.

Use of 'rahan' (bet/wager).

خسرت الحضارة الكثير بضياع هذه المخطوطات.

Civilization lost a lot with the loss of these manuscripts.

Broad historical context.

لا تجعل اليأس يجعلك تخسر إيمانك بنفسك.

Do not let despair make you lose faith in yourself.

Complex causative structure.

خسرت الرواية حبكتها في المنتصف.

The novel lost its plot in the middle.

Literary criticism.

يخسر المستبد شرعيته بمرور الوقت.

The tyrant loses his legitimacy over time.

Political theory context.

خسر الوجود معناه في عيني هذا العبثي.

Existence lost its meaning in the eyes of this absurdist.

Existentialist vocabulary.

تخسر الروح طهارتها في صراعات المادة.

The soul loses its purity in material conflicts.

Spiritual/Philosophical register.

لقد خسرنا الرهان التاريخي على النهضة.

We lost the historical wager on the Renaissance.

Macro-historical analysis.

يخسر النص ترجمته إذا لم تُراعَ الروح.

A text loses its essence in translation if the spirit is not observed.

Translation theory.

خسرت الأمة بوصلتها الأخلاقية.

The nation lost its moral compass.

Sociopolitical metaphor.

خسرت الطبيعة توازنها بسبب التدخل البشري.

Nature lost its balance due to human intervention.

Environmental discourse.

تخسر الكلمات دلالاتها في سياق التضليل.

Words lose their significations in the context of disinformation.

Linguistic/Media analysis.

خسر العقل معركته مع العاطفة الجياشة.

Reason lost its battle with overwhelming emotion.

Psychological allegory.

Common Collocations

خسر المباراة

خسر المال

خسر الوزن

خسر الثقة

خسر الوقت

خسر القضية

خسر حياته

خسر الرهان

خسر الانتخابات

خسر عقله

Common Phrases

خسارة كبيرة

— A big loss. Used to describe a significant defeat or death.

موت العالم كان خسارة كبيرة.

يا خسارة

— What a pity/shame. Used to express regret.

يا خسارة، فاتنا القطار!

خسر كل شيء

— To lose everything. Total bankruptcy or failure.

بعد الحريق، خسر كل شيء.

لا يوجد ما تخسره

— Nothing to lose. Used to encourage risk-taking.

جرب حظك، لا يوجد ما تخسره.

خسارة فيك

— You aren't worth it. Used to say something is wasted on a person.

هذه الهدية خسارة فيك.

خسارة الوقت

— Waste of time.

هذا الفيلم خسارة وقت.

خسر المعركة ولم يخسر الحرب

— Lost the battle but not the war. A setback, not total failure.

لا تحزن، لقد خسرت المعركة فقط.

خسارة مادية

— Financial loss.

تعرضت المحلات لخسارة مادية.

خسارة بشرية

— Loss of life/casualties.

لم تكن هناك خسائر بشرية في الزلزال.

خسارة فادحة

— Disastrous/heavy loss.

تكبد الجيش خسارة فادحة.

Often Confused With

خسر vs كسر (Kasara)

Means 'to break'. Sounds similar but starts with 'Kaf' instead of 'Kha'.

خسر vs قصر (Qasara)

Means 'to shorten' or 'palace'. Starts with 'Qaf'.

خسر vs حسر (Hasara)

Means 'to regret' or 'to uncover'. Starts with 'Ha'.

Idioms & Expressions

"خسر الجلد والسقط"

— To lose everything, even the scraps. Total loss.

في تلك الصفقة، خسر الجلد والسقط.

Traditional

"خسر الرهان"

— To be proven wrong or to fail in a gamble.

خسرت رهانك على هذا الحصان.

Neutral

"خسر نفسه"

— To lose one's integrity or soul.

ربح المال ولكنه خسر نفسه.

Philosophical

"خسارة فيك الكلمة"

— Not worth even a word. Extreme disdain.

اذهب، خسارة فيك الكلمة.

Slang/Informal

"يخسر من كيسه"

— To pay out of one's own pocket due to a mistake.

إذا أخطأت، ستخسر من كيسك.

Informal

"خسر الخيط والمخيط"

— Lost the thread and the needle. Lost everything small and large.

بعد الإفلاس، خسر الخيط والمخيط.

Dialectal/Idiomatic

"خسر ماء وجهه"

— To lose face or be humiliated.

خسر ماء وجهه أمام الناس.

Formal

"خسر الجولة"

— Lost the round. A temporary defeat.

خسر الجولة الأولى لكنه فاز في النهاية.

Neutral

"خسر بوصلته"

— Lost his compass/direction in life.

بعد وفاة والده، خسر بوصلته.

Literary

"خسر المعركة قبل أن تبدأ"

— Lost the battle before it started. To fail due to lack of preparation.

بسبب خوفك، خسرت المعركة قبل أن تبدأ.

Neutral

Easily Confused

خسر vs فقد (Faqada)

Both mean 'to lose'.

Faqada is for missing objects/people; Khasira is for defeat/value loss.

فقدت مفتاحي (I lost my key) vs خسر الفريق (The team lost).

خسر vs أضاع (Adā'a)

Both imply loss.

Adā'a implies wasting or losing through carelessness.

أضاع وقته (He wasted his time).

خسر vs إنهزم (Inhazama)

Both mean defeat.

Inhazama is more formal and implies being crushed by an enemy.

إنهزم العدو (The enemy was defeated).

خسر vs خسر (Khasara)

Verb vs Noun.

Khasira (verb) vs Khasara (noun/pity).

خسر المباراة (He lost the match) vs يا خسارة (What a pity).

خسر vs غُلب (Ghuliba)

Means defeated.

Passive form, often literary.

غُلب في الحرب (He was defeated in the war).

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] + خسر + [Object]

أنا خسرت اللعبة.

[Subject] + يريد أن + يخسر + [Object]

هو يريد أن يخسر وزناً.

لا أريد أن + أخسر + [Abstract Object]

لا أريد أن أخسر ثقتك.

بسبب [Reason] + خسر [Subject] + [Object]

بسبب الإهمال خسر التاجر ماله.

كلما [Action] + خسر [Subject] + [Object]

كلما كذب خسر احترام الناس.

خسر [Subject] + [Metaphorical Object]

خسرت القصيدة معناها في الترجمة.

Advanced

إن لم [Action] + فسوف يخسر [Subject]

إن لم تجتهد فسوف تخسر مستقبلك.

Common

يا لها من + خسارة

يا لها من خسارة كبيرة.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High. It is in the top 500 most used verbs in Arabic.

Common Mistakes

Using 'khasara' as a verb. → خسر (Khasira)
'Khasara' is a noun. You must conjugate the verb properly.
Confusion with 'Kasara' (to break). → خسر (Khasira)
The 'Kha' sound is different from the 'Kaf' sound.
Using 'khasira' for death of a relative in formal settings. → فقد (Faqada)
'Faqada' is more appropriate and sensitive for death.
Incorrect present tense vowel. → يخسر (Yakhsaru)
The middle vowel is 'a' in the present, not 'i'.
Saying 'Ana khasara' for 'I am a loser'. → أنا خاسر (Ana khasir)
Use the active participle 'khasir' for the person.

Tips

Vowel Awareness

Remember the kasra on the second letter (خَسِرَ). If you change it to a fatha, it becomes a noun.

Choose Wisely

Use 'khasira' for competitions and 'faqada' for missing items.

Regret Phrases

Use 'Ya khasara!' when you miss a bus or drop your ice cream.

Religious Context

Understand that 'khusran' has a deep moral meaning in Arabic-speaking societies.

Sports News

Watch Arabic sports highlights to hear 'khasira' used in various contexts.

Business Reports

In professional writing, 'khasara' is the standard term for financial deficit.

Mnemonic

Associate 'Khasir' with 'Cashier' losing money.

Weight Loss

This is one of the few positive uses of 'khasira'—losing weight!

The 'R' sound

Make sure to roll the 'r' slightly at the end of 'khasira'.

Abstract Loss

Use it for losing trust, hope, or respect to sound more advanced.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'Cashier' (sounds like 'Khasir') who 'lost' all the money in the register.

Visual Association

Picture a scoreboard showing 0-10, with the losing team's captain crying.

Word Web

Match Money Weight Trust Defeat Pity Loser Bankruptcy

Challenge

Try to use 'khasira' in three different sentences today: one about a game, one about time, and one about a physical object.

Word Origin

From the Semitic root Kh-S-R, which appears in various forms across Afroasiatic languages.

Original meaning: To diminish, to become small, or to suffer a deficit.

Semitic / Afroasiatic

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'khasara' (pity) with people, as it can sound condescending if not used with empathy.

In English, we say 'I lost my keys.' In Arabic, 'Faqadtu' is better, but 'Khasirtu' is used for 'I lost the match.'

Surah Al-Asr (Quran): 'Inna al-insana lafi khusr' (Indeed, mankind is in loss). Sports headlines in Al-Jazeera or Al-Arabiya. Arabic proverb: 'Al-khasara t'allim al-shatara' (Loss teaches cleverness).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Sports

خسرنا المباراة (We lost the match)
خسر بركلات الترجيح (Lost by penalties)
خسر في الدقيقة الأخيرة (Lost in the last minute)
خسر أمام المنافس (Lost to the rival)

Business

خسارة في الأرباح (Loss in profits)
خسرت الأسهم قيمتها (Stocks lost value)
خسارة رأس المال (Loss of capital)
تجنب الخسارة (Avoiding loss)

Daily Life

خسرت وزناً (I lost weight)
خسرت مفاتيحي (I lost my keys)
يا لها من خسارة (What a loss)
خسارة وقت (Waste of time)

Emotions

خسر ثقتي (He lost my trust)
خسرت صديقاً (I lost a friend)
خسر عقله (He lost his mind)
خسر الأمل (He lost hope)

Politics

خسر الانتخابات (He lost the elections)
خسر الدعم (He lost support)
خسر السلطة (He lost power)
خسارة دبلوماسية (Diplomatic loss)

Conversation Starters

"هل خسرتَ شيئاً ثميناً من قبل؟ (Have you ever lost something valuable?)"

"أي فريق خسر المباراة أمس؟ (Which team lost the match yesterday?)"

"كيف تشعر عندما تخسر في لعبة؟ (How do you feel when you lose in a game?)"

"هل تريد أن تخسر بعض الوزن؟ (Do you want to lose some weight?)"

"هل خسارة الوقت أسوأ من خسارة المال؟ (Is losing time worse than losing money?)"

Journal Prompts

اكتب عن مرة خسرت فيها شيئاً مهماً وكيف تعاملت مع الأمر. (Write about a time you lost something important and how you dealt with it.)

هل تعتقد أننا نتعلم من الخسارة أكثر من الربح؟ ولماذا؟ (Do you think we learn from loss more than profit? Why?)

صف شعورك عندما يخسر فريقك المفضل. (Describe your feeling when your favorite team loses.)

ما هي أعظم خسارة قد يواجهها الإنسان في حياته؟ (What is the greatest loss a human might face in their life?)

اكتب عن خطة لخسارة الوزن أو تحسين الصحة. (Write about a plan to lose weight or improve health.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, you can, but 'faqada' (فقد) is more common for misplacing items. 'Khasira' sounds like you lost it in a bet or its value decreased.

'Khasira' is the verb (he lost), while 'khasara' is the noun (loss). You say 'Ana khasirtu' (I lost), not 'Ana khasara'.

You say 'Khasirtu waznan' (خسرتُ وزناً). It is a very common expression.

Yes, frequently. For example, in Surah Al-Asr, it describes humanity being in a state of 'khusr' (loss).

Yes, 'Khasirtu sadiqan' means you lost a friend, perhaps due to an argument. If they died, 'Faqadtu' is more respectful.

The opposite is 'faza' (فاز) for winning a game, or 'rabaha' (ربح) for making a profit.

It's like clearing your throat. Practice saying 'Bach' in German or 'Loch' in Scottish to get the sound right.

It can mean 'to waste time' (khasarat al-waqt), but 'adā'a' (أضاع) is more specific for wasting.

For masculine plural, it is 'khasiru' (خسروا). For feminine plural, it is 'khasirna' (خسرن).

Extremely common. You will hear it in sports, business, and everyday conversations about regrets.