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A2 noun #7,500 most common 9 min read

لقطة

laqtah Top 7,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips لقطة in 30 Seconds

Explanation لقطة in your Level:

At the A1 level, think of 'laqta' (لقطة) as a simple word for a 'picture' or a 'moment' you see on a screen. You might use it to talk about a photo you took on your phone. It is a feminine word, so you say 'laqta jamila' (a beautiful shot). It is very common in social media. If you see a cool photo on Instagram, you can point and say 'Laqta!' to show you like it. In very basic terms, it means something that was 'picked up' by a camera. You don't need to worry about the technical meanings yet; just use it for photos and screenshots.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'laqta' to describe specific things you see in movies or on TV. It is more specific than 'sura' (image). While 'sura' is any picture, 'laqta' is a 'shot.' For example, 'The shot of the ocean was nice.' You can also use it for 'screenshot' by saying 'laqtat shasha.' Another fun way to use it at this level is for a 'bargain.' If you buy something very cheap and good, you can say 'Innahu laqta!' (It is a bargain!). This will make you sound more like a native speaker when shopping.

At the B1 level, you should understand 'laqta' in more professional and varied contexts. It is the standard term for a 'frame' or 'take' in filmmaking. You might hear it in news reports when they show 'laqtat' (shots) of an event. You should also be comfortable with the plural form 'laqtāt.' In sports, it refers to a specific play or highlight. You can use it to discuss why a certain shot in a film was effective. For example, 'The close-up shot (laqta qarieba) showed the actor's sadness.' You are moving beyond simple identification to describing the quality and purpose of the shot.

At the B2 level, 'laqta' becomes a tool for analysis. You can discuss 'laqta' in terms of cinematography, such as 'angle' (zāwiya) and 'lighting' (idā'a). You understand the metaphorical use of the word as a 'catch' or a 'lucky find' in social situations. You can differentiate between a 'mashhad' (scene) and a 'laqta' (shot) with ease. In business or economic discussions, you might recognize 'laqta' as an informal way to describe a highly profitable, low-risk opportunity. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's root meaning (picking up) and how it applies to capturing visual data.

At the C1 level, you use 'laqta' to describe nuanced visual compositions. You might talk about the 'aesthetic of the shot' (jamāliyāt al-laqta) or how a particular 'laqta' serves the narrative arc of a film. You are aware of the word's etymological roots in the verb 'laqata' and can use related forms like 'iltaqata' (to capture/photograph) fluidly. You can also use 'laqta' in sophisticated social commentary to describe a 'fleeting moment' that encapsulates a larger cultural truth. Your vocabulary includes technical terms like 'laqta mutaharrika' (tracking shot) or 'laqta thābita' (static shot).

At the C2 level, 'laqta' is a precise instrument in your linguistic repertoire. You can engage in deep cinematic criticism, discussing the semiotics of a 'laqta' and its impact on the viewer's subconscious. You understand the word's placement in classical vs. modern Arabic and its various dialectal nuances (e.g., the Egyptian 'la'ta' for a bargain). You can use it in poetry or high literature to describe a 'snapshot' of human experience. You are fully aware of all technical, slang, and metaphorical applications, and you can switch between them seamlessly depending on the register of the conversation or text.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

لقطة in 30 Seconds

A 'laqta' is primarily a photographic shot or a frame in a film, capturing a single moment.
The word is commonly used as slang for a bargain or a 'great catch' in markets.
It is a feminine noun (plural: laqtāt) and is used in digital terms like 'screenshot'.
Derived from the root meaning 'to pick up,' it implies something seized or captured quickly.

The Arabic word لقطة (laqta) is a versatile noun derived from the root l-q-t (ل-ق-ط), which fundamentally relates to the act of picking something up or gathering it from the ground. In modern contexts, it has evolved significantly, primarily serving as the standard term for a 'shot' or 'frame' in photography and filmmaking. However, its usage extends far beyond the technical realm, permeating daily conversation as a synonym for a 'bargain' or a 'great find.' Understanding this word requires looking at it through three distinct lenses: the artistic, the commercial, and the metaphorical.

Cinematic Context: In the film industry, a 'laqta' is the basic unit of a movie—the footage captured between the start and stop of a camera. It can be a 'close-up' (لقطة قريبة) or a 'long shot' (لقطة بعيدة). Directors often spend hours perfecting a single 'laqta' to ensure the lighting and emotion are just right.

المصور أخذ لقطة مذهلة للجبال عند الشروق.

When you are scrolling through your phone and take a screenshot, you are performing a laqtat shasha (لقطة شاشة). This modern adaptation shows how the word has seamlessly moved from physical film to digital interfaces. In social media, a 'laqta' might refer to a candid photo that captures a fleeting moment perfectly, often described as 'the shot of a lifetime.'

The 'Bargain' Meaning: In the bustling markets of Cairo, Riyadh, or Amman, you will hear people say, 'This car is a laqta!' (هذه السيارة لقطة!). Here, the word means a steal or a bargain—something so good and cheap that you must 'pick it up' immediately before someone else does. It implies high value for a low price.

اشتريت هذا الهاتف بسعر رخيص، إنه حقاً لقطة!

Sports and Action: In sports commentary, particularly football (soccer), a 'laqta' refers to a specific play or a highlight-reel moment. A goalkeeper making a miraculous save is a 'laqta.' A striker scoring from a difficult angle is another. It highlights the 'capture' of a moment of skill.

كانت لقطة المباراة عندما تصدى الحارس للكرة.

Finally, 'laqta' can be used to describe a sudden, lucky event. If you happen to meet a famous person by chance, that encounter is a 'laqta.' It carries the nuance of spontaneity and being in the right place at the right time. Whether you are discussing high-end cinematography or a lucky find at a garage sale, 'laqta' is your go-to word for anything 'captured' or 'caught' in the flow of time.

Integrating لقطة into your Arabic vocabulary requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility. As a singular feminine noun, it follows standard agreement rules. When describing a 'beautiful shot,' you must use the feminine adjective: laqta jamila (لقطة جميلة). In sentences, it often functions as the object of verbs like 'to take' (أخذ) or 'to see' (رأى).

Describing Photography: When talking about a specific image, 'laqta' is more precise than 'sura' (image). While 'sura' is the general picture, 'laqta' implies the specific angle or moment of capture.

أعجبتني هذه اللقطة لأنها تظهر ملامح الوجه بوضوح.

In professional settings, like a newsroom or a film set, you might hear the term 'laqta fanniya' (technical/artistic shot). Here, it denotes the quality of the work. If a cameraman misses a moment, he might say, 'I missed the shot' (فاتتني اللقطة). This usage highlights the fleeting nature of the 'laqta'.

Economic and Casual Usage: When you find a discounted item, 'laqta' acts as a predicate. For example, 'This house is a laqta' (هذا البيت لقطة). This implies the price is much lower than the market value.

لا تتردد في الشراء، فالعرض لقطة لن تتكرر.

In the digital age, 'laqta' is frequently paired with 'shasha' (screen). A 'screenshot' is literally a 'shot of the screen.' You might tell a friend, 'Send me a screenshot of the message' (أرسل لي لقطة شاشة للرسالة). This is one of the most common ways you will use the word today.

صورت لقطة سريعة للحادث قبل أن أرحل.

Plural Usage in Media: News reports often mention 'laqtāt min al-maydan' (shots from the field/scene). This indicates raw footage being broadcast to viewers.

عرض التلفاز لقطات حية من موقع الانفجار.

Whether you are describing a masterpiece in a gallery, a viral video, or a cheap find at a flea market, the word 'laqta' provides the necessary nuance. It isn't just a picture; it's a captured moment of value, beauty, or information.

The word لقطة is ubiquitous across the Arabic-speaking world, though its flavor changes depending on the setting. In a professional studio in Dubai or Beirut, it’s the language of precision. In a bustling street market in Morocco or Egypt, it’s the language of savvy shopping. Let’s explore where you are most likely to encounter it.

On the Film Set: Director: 'We need one more laqta from this angle!' (نحتاج لقطة أخرى من هذه الزاوية!). Here, 'laqta' is the currency of the production. Every take is a potential 'laqta' that could make it into the final edit.

أعاد المخرج الـ لقطة عشر مرات ليصل للكمال.

In journalism, 'laqta' is used to describe the visual evidence of a story. A reporter might say, 'These shots (لقطات) confirm the scale of the disaster.' It implies a sense of witnessing and documentation. You will see this word in headlines of photo essays and video compilations.

In the Souq (Market): If you find a vintage watch for a fraction of its price, the vendor might smile and say, 'It’s a laqta, take it!' (إنها لقطة، خذها!). In this context, it’s a persuasive tool used to emphasize the rarity and value of the deal.

وجدت فستاناً رائعاً في التنزيلات، كان فعلاً لقطة.

Sports broadcasting is another major arena for this word. During a replay, the commentator will often analyze the 'laqta' to see if a foul occurred. 'Let's look at the shot again' (دعونا نشاهد اللقطة مرة أخرى). It refers to the specific moment of action that was recorded.

أثارت هذه الـ لقطة جدلاً كبيراً بين الجماهير.

Everyday Digital Life: 'Did you see the laqta I posted on Instagram?' This usage refers to a specific post or a highlight. It has become a standard part of the digital Arabic lexicon, bridging the gap between formal media and personal sharing.

Whether you are watching Al Jazeera, shopping in the old city of Jerusalem, or talking tech with friends in Riyadh, 'laqta' is a word that captures the essence of a moment, a deal, or a scene. It is a word of discovery and observation.

While لقطة is a relatively straightforward word, learners often confuse it with other terms related to images and scenes. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Arabic sound much more natural and precise.

Confusing 'Laqta' with 'Sura': The most common mistake is using 'laqta' when you simply mean 'picture' (صورة). A 'sura' is any image, including a painting or a profile photo. A 'laqta' specifically implies the act of capturing a moment, usually via a camera.

Incorrect: هذه اللقطة في جواز سفري قديمة.
Correct: هذه الصورة في جواز سفري قديمة.

Another common error occurs in the context of movies. Learners often use 'laqta' when they mean 'scene' (مشهد). A 'mashhad' (scene) is a narrative unit consisting of several 'laqtāt' (shots). If you are talking about a 5-minute dialogue sequence, that’s a 'mashhad,' not a 'laqta.'

Overusing the Slang Meaning: While 'laqta' means 'bargain' in casual speech, using it in a formal business report to describe a good investment might sound too informal. In professional writing, use 'فرصة استثمارية' (investment opportunity) instead.

Mistake: كانت لقطة مذهل. (Masculine adjective)
Correct: كانت لقطة مذهلة.

Finally, don't confuse 'laqta' with 'laqta' (with a different vowel/context). While the root is the same, verbs like 'laqata' (to pick up) and 'iltaqata' (to photograph) are distinct. Ensure you are using the noun 'laqta' for the result of the action, not the action itself.

Pronunciation Pitfall: In some dialects, the 'qaf' (ق) is pronounced as a glottal stop (like 'la'ta'). Learners might fail to recognize the word because they are expecting the hard 'q' sound. Always listen for the context of 'picking up' or 'capturing'.

By keeping these distinctions in mind—picture vs. shot, scene vs. shot, and formal vs. informal—you will master the nuances of 'laqta' and use it like a native speaker.

Arabic is a language of extreme precision. While لقطة is the most common word for a 'shot,' there are several alternatives depending on whether you are talking about art, business, or general observation. Understanding these will help you choose the right word for the right moment.

Laqta vs. Sura (صورة): 'Sura' is the umbrella term for any image, photo, or picture. 'Laqta' is a subset of 'Sura.' Use 'Sura' for a passport photo, but 'Laqta' for a cinematic frame.

الـ لقطة هي جزء من الصورة الكبيرة للفيلم.

When talking about a 'scene,' use مشهد (mashhad). A scene is a narrative unit (e.g., the dinner scene), while a shot is a technical unit (e.g., the close-up of the fork during that dinner). If you want to describe a 'moment,' use لحظة (lahza). 'Laqta' is the visual capture of a 'lahza'.

Laqta vs. Fursa (فرصة): In the context of a bargain, 'laqta' is slangy. 'Fursa' (opportunity) is more formal. If you find a cheap flight, you can call it a 'laqta' to friends, but a 'fursa' in a travel blog.

هذه الوظيفة فرصة (fursa) ذهبية، وليست مجرد لقطة عابرة.

In photography, you might also hear تصوير (tasweer), which refers to the act of photographing or the photography itself. If someone says 'Your photography is good,' they use 'tasweer.' If they say 'This specific shot is good,' they use 'laqta.'

Dialectal Variations: In Gulf dialects, 'saydah' (صيدة) is sometimes used similarly to 'laqta' for a bargain or a 'catch,' literally meaning 'a hunt' or 'a catch'.

By mastering these synonyms, you can navigate from technical cinematography to street-smart haggling with ease. 'Laqta' remains the most versatile, but 'mashhad,' 'sura,' and 'fursa' are essential tools in your linguistic belt.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word for tweezers in Arabic, 'milqat,' comes from the same root because it is used to 'pick up' small things.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈlæktə/

US /ˈlɑːktə/

Stress is on the first syllable: LAQ-ta.

Rhymes With

Baqta (بقطة) Nuqta (نقطة) Saqta (سقطة) Waqta (وقتة) Shaqta (شقطة) Maqta (مقطة) Haqta (حقطة) Laqta (لقطة)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'qaf' (ق) as a 'kaf' (ك).
Over-emphasizing the 't' so it sounds like 'taw' (ط).
Forgetting to pronounce the 'ah' sound at the end (Ta Marbuta).
In dialects, missing the glottal stop if 'qaf' is silent.
Confusing the vowel marks and saying 'luqta' instead of 'laqta'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text due to common root.

Writing 2/5

Simple spelling with common letters.

Speaking 3/5

Requires correct 'qaf' pronunciation or dialectal adjustment.

Listening 3/5

Must distinguish from 'sura' or 'mashhad' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

صورة كاميرا مشهد رأى أخذ

Learn Next

تصوير إخراج عدسة زاوية إضاءة

Advanced

سينماتوغرافيا مونتاج كادر دوبلاج سيناريو

Grammar to Know

Gender Agreement

لقطة (fem) + جميلة (fem)

Idafa Construction

لقطةُ الشاشةِ (The shot of the screen)

Plural Adjectives

لقطات (plural) + رائعة (singular feminine adjective for non-humans)

Demonstrative Pronouns

هذه اللقطة (This shot)

Prepositional Usage

لقطة من الفيلم (A shot from the movie)

Examples by Level

هذه لقطة جميلة.

This is a beautiful shot.

Feminine singular noun with feminine adjective.

أريد لقطة شاشة.

I want a screenshot.

Compound noun (Idafa construction).

انظر إلى هذه اللقطة.

Look at this shot.

Demonstrative 'hadihi' used for feminine nouns.

لقطة رائعة!

Wonderful shot!

Exclamatory phrase.

هل هذه لقطة من الفيلم؟

Is this a shot from the movie?

Interrogative sentence.

أخذت لقطة للوردة.

I took a shot of the flower.

Verb 'akhada' (took) + object.

اللقطة واضحة.

The shot is clear.

Subject-predicate sentence.

هذه لقطة قديمة.

This is an old shot.

Adjective 'qadima' matches gender.

اشتريت هذا القميص، إنه لقطة!

I bought this shirt; it's a bargain!

Slang usage meaning 'bargain'.

المصور محترف في كل لقطة.

The photographer is professional in every shot.

Use of 'kull' (every) with singular noun.

اللقطة القريبة تظهر التفاصيل.

The close-up shot shows the details.

Technical term 'laqta qarieba'.

شاهدت لقطات من الحفل.

I watched shots from the party.

Plural form 'laqtāt'.

هذه لقطة نادرة للنمور.

This is a rare shot of tigers.

Adjective 'nadira' (rare).

اللقطة كانت سريعة جداً.

The shot was very fast.

Past tense 'kanat' for feminine subject.

أرسل لي لقطة شاشة للعنوان.

Send me a screenshot of the address.

Imperative 'arsil' (send).

كل لقطة في الفيلم لها معنى.

Every shot in the movie has a meaning.

Prepositional phrase 'fi al-film'.

تعتبر هذه اللقطة الأفضل في تاريخ السينما.

This shot is considered the best in cinema history.

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

ركز المخرج على لقطة واحدة لمدة دقيقة.

The director focused on one shot for a minute.

Verb 'rakkaza' (focused) + preposition 'ala'.

اللقطة البعيدة تعطي شعوراً بالوحدة.

The long shot gives a feeling of loneliness.

Technical term 'laqta ba'ieda'.

فاتتني لقطة الهدف بسبب الإعلان.

I missed the shot of the goal because of the ad.

Verb 'fātat' (missed/passed).

هذه السيارة لقطة حقيقية بسعرها الحالي.

This car is a real bargain at its current price.

Metaphorical use in an economic context.

نحتاج إلى لقطة جوية للمدينة.

We need an aerial shot of the city.

Adjective 'jawwiya' (aerial).

اللقطة كانت عفوية تماماً وغير مرتبة.

The shot was completely spontaneous and unplanned.

Adjectives 'afwiya' and 'ghayr murattaba'.

تتضمن الأخبار لقطات من موقع الحادث.

The news includes shots from the scene of the accident.

Verb 'tatadamman' (includes).

تتميز اللقطة بتكوين بصري متوازن.

The shot is characterized by a balanced visual composition.

Technical cinematic vocabulary.

استخدم المصور لقطة منخفضة الزاوية لإظهار القوة.

The photographer used a low-angle shot to show power.

Compound adjective 'munkhafadat al-zāwiya'.

كانت اللقطة بمثابة نقطة تحول في المسلسل.

The shot served as a turning point in the series.

Idiomatic 'bi-mathābat' (serving as).

يتم تحليل كل لقطة في مختبرات الجريمة.

Every shot/frame is analyzed in crime labs.

Passive present 'yutamm tahliel'.

اللقطة البانورامية كشفت جمال الطبيعة الخلابة.

The panoramic shot revealed the stunning beauty of nature.

Adjective 'banoramiyya'.

لا تضيع هذه اللقطة، فهي لن تتكرر ثانية.

Don't waste this opportunity/shot; it won't happen again.

Negative imperative 'la tuda'i'.

تعبر اللقطة عن الصراع الداخلي للشخصية.

The shot expresses the character's internal conflict.

Abstract usage in criticism.

اللقطات المتتابعة تخلق إيقاعاً سريعاً للفيلم.

The sequential shots create a fast pace for the movie.

Plural 'laqtāt' with 'mutatābi'a'.

تتداخل اللقطات في هذا الفيلم بشكل سريالي.

The shots overlap in this film in a surrealist manner.

Complex verb 'tatadākhal' (overlap).

تنم اللقطة عن ذكاء إخراجي فذ.

The shot indicates extraordinary directorial intelligence.

Verb 'tannu' (to indicate/reveal).

اللقطة المتوسطة هي الأكثر استخداماً في الحوارات.

The medium shot is the most used in dialogues.

Technical term 'laqta mutawassita'.

تم دمج اللقطة مع المؤثرات البصرية ببراعة.

The shot was merged with visual effects brilliantly.

Passive 'tumma damj'.

تعكس اللقطة ثقافة المجتمع في تلك الحقبة.

The shot reflects the culture of society in that era.

Sociological analysis context.

اللقطة الافتتاحية حددت نبرة الفيلم بالكامل.

The opening shot set the tone for the entire film.

Adjective 'iftitāhiyya'.

تلاعب المخرج بعمق الميدان في هذه اللقطة.

The director manipulated the depth of field in this shot.

Technical term 'umq al-maydan'.

تعتبر اللقطة وثيقة تاريخية بحد ذاتها.

The shot is considered a historical document in its own right.

Phrase 'bi-haddi dātihā'.

تتسامى اللقطة فوق مجرد التصوير الفوتوغرافي لتصبح شعراً.

The shot transcends mere photography to become poetry.

High-level verb 'tatasāmā' (transcends).

تجسد اللقطة فلسفة المخرج تجاه الزمن والمكان.

The shot embodies the director's philosophy toward time and space.

Verb 'tujassid' (embodies).

إن تفكيك اللقطة سينمائياً يكشف عن طبقات من المعنى.

Deconstructing the shot cinematically reveals layers of meaning.

Gerund 'tafkiek' (deconstruction).

اللقطة المستمرة تتطلب تنسيقاً فائقاً بين الطاقم.

The continuous shot (long take) requires supreme coordination among the crew.

Technical term 'laqta mustamirra'.

تتحدى اللقطة القواعد التقليدية للمنظور البصري.

The shot challenges the traditional rules of visual perspective.

Verb 'tataḥaddā' (challenges).

تؤطر اللقطة الواقع في قالب من الخيال المحض.

The shot frames reality in a mold of pure fantasy.

Verb 'tu'attir' (to frame).

اللقطة هي الذرة التي يتكون منها نسيج السرد الفيلمي.

The shot is the atom that makes up the fabric of the film narrative.

Metaphorical scientific language.

تستمد اللقطة قوتها من التباين الحاد بين الظل والنور.

The shot derives its power from the sharp contrast between shadow and light.

Verb 'tastamid' (derives).

Common Collocations

لقطة شاشة

لقطة قريبة

لقطة بعيدة

لقطة نادرة

لقطة عفوية

لقطة فنية

لقطة حية

لقطة جوية

لقطة المباراة

لقطة سريعة

Common Phrases

يا له من لقطة!

— What a shot! or What a bargain!

اشتريت هذا بسعر زهيد، يا له من لقطة!

لقطة بمليون

— A shot worth a million (very valuable).

هذه الصورة لقطة بمليون.

فاتتني اللقطة

— I missed the shot/moment.

كنت أحاول التصوير ولكن فاتتني اللقطة.

لقطة العمر

— The shot of a lifetime.

تصوير البرق كان لقطة العمر بالنسبة لي.

صياد لقطات

— A 'shot hunter' (someone good at finding deals or taking photos).

أخي صياد لقطات في سوق المستعمل.

لقطة من الواقع

— A shot from reality (candid/real).

هذا الفيلم يعرض لقطات من الواقع المرير.

في لقطة واحدة

— In a single shot/take.

تم تصوير المشهد كاملاً في لقطة واحدة.

لقطة موفقة

— A successful/lucky shot.

كانت لقطة موفقة جداً من المصور.

أجمل لقطة

— The most beautiful shot.

ما هي أجمل لقطة في رحلتك؟

لقطة ختامية

— A closing shot.

اللقطة الختامية للفيلم كانت حزينة.

Often Confused With

لقطة vs نقطة

Nuqta means a 'point' or 'dot'. Only one letter difference.

لقطة vs سقطة

Saqta means a 'fall' or 'lapse'. Common in literary contexts.

لقطة vs لقمة

Luqma means a 'morsel' or 'bite' of food.

Idioms & Expressions

"اللقطة باللقطة"

— Frame by frame; in great detail.

راجع الحكم المباراة لقطة باللقطة.

Neutral

"لقطة شاطر"

— A clever person's find (a great bargain).

هذا العقد لقطة شاطر.

Informal

"خطف اللقطة"

— To steal the show or capture the perfect moment.

الطفل الصغير خطف اللقطة من الجميع بضحكته.

Informal

"لقطة في الثمانيات"

— A perfect shot (often used in sports, referring to the top corner of the goal).

سجل هدفاً في لقطة في الثمانيات.

Slang

"لقطة طائرة"

— A flying/passing shot (very quick).

رأيته في لقطة طائرة وسط الزحام.

Neutral

"لقطة معلم"

— A master's shot (done with high skill).

هذه الحركة كانت لقطة معلم.

Informal

"لقطة من ذهب"

— A golden shot/opportunity.

الحصول على هذا الخصم لقطة من ذهب.

Neutral

"بين اللقطة والأخرى"

— In the blink of an eye; between moments.

تغير كل شيء بين اللقطة والأخرى.

Literary

"لقطة عين"

— A glance (similar to 'glance of an eye').

لمحه في لقطة عين.

Neutral

"لقطة باردة"

— A dull or uninteresting shot (rare).

لم يعجبني الفيلم، لقطاته باردة.

Informal

Easily Confused

لقطة vs صورة

Both mean image.

Sura is general; Laqta is a specific shot or frame.

صورة الجواز (Passport photo) vs لقطة الفيلم (Movie shot).

لقطة vs مشهد

Both used in movies.

Mashhad is a narrative scene; Laqta is a technical shot.

مشهد القتال (Fighting scene) contains many laktat.

لقطة vs فرصة

Both can mean bargain/opportunity.

Fursa is formal; Laqta is informal slang for a bargain.

فرصة عمل (Job opportunity) vs هذا الحذاء لقطة (This shoe is a bargain).

لقطة vs لحظة

Both refer to a moment.

Lahza is time-based; Laqta is visual-based.

انتظر لحظة (Wait a moment) vs لقطة سريعة (A quick shot).

لقطة vs لقاء

Similar sound.

Liqa' is a meeting; Laqta is a shot.

لقاء تلفزيوني (TV interview) vs لقطة تلفزيونية (TV shot).

Sentence Patterns

هذه لقطة [adjective].

هذه لقطة جميلة.

أخذت لقطة لـ [noun].

أخذت لقطة للقطة.

كانت اللقطة [adjective] جداً.

كانت اللقطة مذهلة جداً.

تعتبر هذه اللقطة [noun/adjective].

تعتبر هذه اللقطة أيقونية.

تجسد اللقطة [abstract noun].

تجسد اللقطة اليأس.

إن تفكيك اللقطة [verb phrase].

إن تفكيك اللقطة يظهر عمق المأساة.

Mixed

يا لها من لقطة!

Mixed

[Noun] هو لقطة.

هذا السعر لقطة.

Word Family

Nouns

لقاط (gatherer)

ملقط (tweezers/pincers)

التقاط (capturing/picking up)

Verbs

لقط (to pick up)

التقط (to take a photo/capture)

تلقط (to gather slowly)

Adjectives

ملقوط (picked up/found)

لقيط (foundling - child of unknown parents)

صورة

مشهد

كاميرا

فيلم

شاشة

How to Use It

frequency

Very High in daily life, media, and tech.

Common Mistakes

Using 'laqta' for a drawing. → صورة (sura)
A drawing is a 'sura' or 'rasma', not a 'laqta' because it wasn't 'captured' by a lens.
Saying 'al-laqta al-jamil'. → اللقطة الجميلة
The adjective must match the feminine gender of 'laqta'.
Confusing 'laqta' with 'mashhad' in film reviews. → مشهد (mashhad)
If you are talking about the whole scene with dialogue, use 'mashhad'. 'Laqta' is just one camera angle.
Using 'laqta' formally for a business deal. → فرصة استثمارية
'Laqta' is too informal for a professional business report.
Pronouncing it 'lukta'. → laqta
The vowel is 'a' (fatha), not 'u' (damma). 'Lukta' is not a word.

Tips

Media Mastery

When watching Arabic news, listen for 'laqtāt'. It usually signals that they are about to show footage of the event they are describing.

Souq Savvy

Use 'laqta' when haggling to show you know the value of an item. If a seller gives a good price, say 'Innahu laqta!' to close the deal.

Gender Check

Always remember 'laqta' is feminine. Your adjectives must end in 'a' or 'ah' (Ta Marbuta) to match.

Digital Life

Screenshot is 'laqtat shasha'. This is the most common way younger Arabs use the word today.

The Qaf Sound

If you struggle with the deep 'Q' sound, in many cities (Cairo, Levant), you can replace it with a glottal stop (like 'uh-oh') and be perfectly understood.

Sura vs Laqta

If you can draw it, it's a 'sura'. If you caught it with a shutter, it's a 'laqta'.

Root Learning

Knowing the root L-Q-T helps you understand 'milqat' (tweezers) and 'iltaqata' (to photograph). Always learn the root!

Film Terms

A 'long take' is a 'laqta mustamirra'. Use this in film class to impress your peers.

Complimenting

Telling someone 'laqta muwaffaqah' (successful shot) is a high compliment for a photographer.

Regional Nuance

In the Gulf, you might hear 'saydah' instead of 'laqta' for a bargain. Both are common.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Locking' a moment in 'Ta' (time). LAQ-TA. You 'lock' the shot.

Visual Association

Imagine a pair of tweezers (milqat) picking up a single film frame from a strip.

Word Web

Photo Bargain Screenshot Frame Catch Moment Camera Film

Challenge

Try to use 'laqta' in three different ways today: once for a photo, once for a screenshot, and once for a good deal you found.

Word Origin

Derived from the Arabic root L-Q-T (ل-ق-ط), which means to pick up something from the ground by hand.

Original meaning: The act of picking up a single item or a small amount of something.

Semitic (Afroasiatic).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, though using the term 'laqit' (related root) for a person can be very offensive as it implies they are a 'foundling'.

Translates best as 'shot' in media and 'steal' or 'bargain' in commerce.

Used in titles of many Arabic 'Best Goals' compilations. Common in photography magazines like 'National Geographic Al-Arabiya'. Frequent in Egyptian movie scripts.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Photography Studio

لقطة احترافية
عدل اللقطة
خذ لقطة أخرى
اللقطة جاهزة

Shopping Mall

هذا العرض لقطة
لقطة الموسم
وجدت لقطة
سعرها لقطة

Cinema Discussion

أفضل لقطة
لقطة معبرة
تسلسل اللقطات
لقطة طويلة

Social Media

لقطة شاشة
شارك اللقطة
لقطة اليوم
أجمل لقطة

Sports

لقطة الهدف
إعادة اللقطة
لقطة مثيرة
لقطة الحكم

Conversation Starters

"ما هي أجمل لقطة رأيتها في هذا الفيلم؟"

"هل سبق وأن وجدت لقطة رائعة في سوق المستعمل؟"

"كيف يمكنني أخذ لقطة شاشة في هذا الهاتف؟"

"لماذا تعتبر هذه اللقطة مشهورة جداً؟"

"هل تفضل اللقطات العفوية أم المرتبة؟"

Journal Prompts

صف لقطة من حياتك لن تنساها أبداً وكأنك تصف مشهداً سينمائياً.

اكتب عن آخر 'لقطة' (صفقة) حصلت عليها وكيف شعرت حينها.

تخيل أنك مخرج، ما هي اللقطة الافتتاحية لفيلم عن حياتك؟

ناقش أهمية 'لقطة الشاشة' في توثيق حياتنا الرقمية اليوم.

قارن بين 'اللقطة' و'الصورة' من وجهة نظرك الشخصية.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually, 'laqta' refers to a single shot or frame within a video, rather than the entire video itself. However, in casual terms, people might say 'shots from the video' (لقطات من الفيديو).

It is both. In photography and film, it is a formal technical term. In the context of buying things, it is informal slang.

You can say 'Khud laqtat shasha' (خذ لقطة شاشة) or 'Sawwir al-shasha' (صوّر الشاشة).

The plural is 'laqtāt' (لقطات). It is a regular feminine plural.

Yes, in slang (especially Egyptian), you can call a person a 'laqta' if they are a 'great catch' or a very good person to know/marry.

No, that is 'laqit' (لقيط), though it comes from the same root. Be careful not to confuse them!

Yes, very often to describe a specific highlight or play, like a goal or a save.

It is 'laqta ba'ieda' (لقطة بعيدة).

It is 'laqta qarieba' (لقطة قريبة).

Metaphorically, yes, it can mean a captured moment in time.