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متبنى

A2 adjective #9,000 most common 11 min read

متبنى

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips متبنى in 30 Seconds

Explanation متبنى in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to describe people and things. The word 'متبنى' (mutabannā) might seem a bit advanced, but it is actually very useful for talking about families. Think of it as a special label for a son or daughter. In Arabic, we say 'ابن' (ibn) for son and 'ابنة' (ibn-a) for daughter. If you want to say 'adopted son,' you just put 'متبنى' after the word for son: 'ابن متبنى'. If you are talking about a girl, you add a small 'h' sound at the end: 'ابنة متبناة' (mutabannāh). At this level, you don't need to know all the complex grammar rules behind the word. Just remember it as a single piece of vocabulary that means 'adopted.' You might use it in a simple sentence like 'أنا عندي أخ متبنى' (I have an adopted brother). It's a great word to help you describe different kinds of families. Notice that the word starts with 'mu-', which is very common for Arabic adjectives that describe a person's status. When you see 'mu-' at the start of a word, it often means 'a person who is...' or 'something that is...'. In this case, it's 'someone who is adopted.' Try to practice saying the word slowly: mu-ta-ban-nā. The 'n' sound is a bit long, like in the English word 'sunny.' Even at A1, knowing this word shows that you have a good range of vocabulary to talk about real-life situations and the people around you. It’s a warm, positive word that helps you build sentences about love and family.

At the A2 level, you are building more complex sentences and starting to understand how adjectives work in Arabic. The word 'متبنى' (mutabannā) is a perfect example of an Arabic adjective. It follows the noun it describes. For example, 'طفل متبنى' (an adopted child). Notice how both words are masculine. If you want to say 'the adopted child,' you must add 'al-' to both: 'الطفل المتبنى'. This is a key rule for A2 learners: adjectives must match the noun in being definite (having 'al-') or indefinite. You will also start to see 'متبنى' used for things other than people. For instance, a school might have an 'adopted' project or idea. In Arabic, 'fikra' (idea) is feminine, so you would say 'فكرة متبناة' (fikra mutabannāh). At this level, you should also be aware that 'متبنى' comes from the verb 'تبنى' (tabannā), which means 'to adopt.' This is a Form V verb. You don't need to master all the forms yet, but recognizing that many words start with 'mu-' and have this specific rhythm (mu-ta-fa-al) will help you guess the meanings of other words later. Practice using 'متبنى' in sentences with common verbs like 'يملك' (to have/possess) or 'يعيش' (to live). For example, 'يعيش الولد المتبنى مع عائلة جديدة' (The adopted boy lives with a new family). This level is all about making your descriptions more precise, and 'متبنى' is a very precise word to add to your toolkit.

As a B1 learner, you are moving into intermediate territory where you can discuss social issues and express opinions. The word 'متبنى' (mutabannā) becomes very important here because it allows you to talk about the concept of adoption in a more nuanced way. You will encounter it in news articles, social media posts, and short stories. At this level, you should be comfortable with the plural forms: 'متبنون' (mutabannawn) for a group of males and 'متبنيات' (mutabannayāt) for a group of females. You should also understand that 'متبنى' is a passive participle (اسم مفعول). This means the action of adoption was done *to* the subject. If you wanted to describe the parents who did the adopting, you would use the active participle 'متبني' (mutabannī). This small change in the final vowel (fatha to kasra) is a critical distinction for intermediate learners. You will also start to see 'متبنى' used in political and professional contexts. For example, 'القرار المتبنى من اللجنة' (The resolution adopted by the committee). Here, the word is used metaphorically. You can also start using it with prepositions like 'من قبل' (by). For example, 'هذا الطفل متبنى من قبل زوجين شابين' (This child is adopted by a young couple). At B1, you are expected to handle these more complex structures and understand the word in both its literal (family) and figurative (ideas/resolutions) senses.

At the B2 level, you are expected to understand the cultural and legal nuances behind the word 'متبنى' (mutabannā). In the Arab world, the concept of 'Tabanni' (full legal adoption) is often contrasted with 'Kafala' (legal guardianship/fostering). While 'mutabannā' is the standard translation for 'adopted,' a B2 speaker should know that in a legal or religious context within many Arab countries, the word might carry specific implications regarding lineage and inheritance. You will hear this word in documentaries and high-level debates about social welfare and child rights. Furthermore, you should be able to use the word fluently in abstract contexts. For instance, discussing an 'adopted technology' (تقنية متبناة) or an 'adopted methodology' (منهجية متبناة) in a professional presentation. At this level, your grammar should be precise; you should correctly handle the 'alif maqsura' at the end of the word and ensure it doesn't get confused with a 'ya' in writing, which would change it to the active participle. You should also be able to recognize the word in various grammatical states (nominative, accusative, genitive), although as an 'alif maqsura' word, its ending doesn't change visibly, which is a unique feature you should be aware of. Your ability to distinguish between 'mutabannā' and synonyms like 'makfūl' or 'mu'tamad' based on the context is a hallmark of a B2 learner.

At the C1 level, you are approaching near-native proficiency and should be able to appreciate the stylistic and rhetorical uses of 'متبنى' (mutabannā). You will find this word in classical and modern literature, where it might be used to explore deep philosophical questions of identity, belonging, and the 'constructed' nature of family versus biological 'nature.' A C1 learner should be able to analyze how the root 'بني' (to build) informs the meaning of 'mutabannā'—implying that adoption is a constructive act of will. You should also be familiar with the word's use in highly formal legal documents, such as international treaties or UN conventions translated into Arabic, where 'mutabannā' is the technical term for an 'adopted' text or provision. You should be able to use the word in sophisticated debates, perhaps arguing for the 'adoption' of a certain philosophical stance or scientific theory. Your use of the word should be effortless, including its correct pluralization and agreement in complex, multi-clause sentences. You should also be sensitive to the emotional weight the word carries in different social contexts—knowing when it is appropriate to use 'mutabannā' and when a more indirect or culturally specific term like 'ابن بالرضاعة' (son by nursing) or 'مكفول' might be more suitable depending on the specific cultural setting you are in. At this level, the word is not just a label but a tool for precise and evocative communication.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the word 'متبنى' (mutabannā) and its place within the vast tapestry of the Arabic language. You understand its etymological journey from the root 'بني' through the Form V 'tabannā' and how this specific morphological structure conveys the sense of 'taking something upon oneself to be a part of one's own structure.' You can use the word with total precision in any context—be it a complex legal brief, a poetic exploration of identity, or a high-level political analysis. You are aware of the subtle historical shifts in how adoption has been viewed and named in Arabic-speaking societies and how 'mutabannā' has evolved into a modern, standard term that bridges different legal and social systems. You can effortlessly switch between 'mutabannā' and its many synonyms (makfūl, mu'tamad, multazam, etc.) to achieve the exact rhetorical effect you desire. You can also identify the word in various dialects, though it is primarily a Modern Standard Arabic term. In your own writing and speaking, you use 'mutabannā' to create sophisticated metaphors, perhaps discussing 'adopted homelands' (أوطان متبناة) or 'adopted languages' (لغات متبناة), showing a deep understanding of how the word functions at the intersection of law, emotion, and identity. For a C2 speaker, 'متبنى' is a word that encapsulates the human capacity for choice, care, and the intentional building of bonds that transcend biology.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

متبنى in 30 Seconds

Mutabannā means 'adopted' in Arabic, used for children, ideas, and policies.
It is a passive participle from the root B-N-Y (building).
The feminine form is mutabannāh and the plural is mutabannawn.
It is common in legal, social, and professional Arabic contexts.

The Arabic word متبنى (mutabannā) is a versatile adjective primarily used to describe someone or something that has been legally or formally taken on as one's own. Derived from the root ب-ن-ي (b-n-y), which relates to building or constructing, the word literally carries the connotation of being 'built into' a family or a system. While its most frequent use is in the context of family law to describe an adopted child, its application extends far beyond domestic life into the realms of politics, technology, and abstract ideas. When an English speaker thinks of 'adopted,' they often focus on the familial aspect, but in Arabic, متبنى is the passive participle of the Form V verb tabannā (to adopt), meaning it describes the entity that has received the action of adoption.

Familial Context: In a social setting, this word describes a person who has been legally integrated into a family. It is important to note that in many Arabic-speaking cultures, the legal framework of 'Kafala' is used, but the term mutabannā is still the standard linguistic descriptor for the status of being adopted in a general or international context.
Ideological Usage: You will often hear this word used to describe an 'adopted' policy, idea, or resolution. For example, a 'mutabannā' stance by a political party means they have taken that stance as their official position.
Grammatical Gender: Because it is an adjective, it must agree with the noun it modifies. For a male child, use mutabannā; for a female child, use mutabannāh (متبناة); and for plural groups, use mutabannawn (متبنون).

هو طفل متبنى ويعيش في كنف عائلة محبة.

Translation: He is an adopted child living in the care of a loving family.

Understanding the nuance of this word requires recognizing that it is the result of a process. The verb tabannā implies a choice. Therefore, when someone is described as mutabannā, there is an implicit acknowledgement of a prior state and a conscious decision to change that state. In political discourse, a 'قرار متبنى' (adopted resolution) signifies that after debate and consideration, the resolution has been accepted as the official path forward. This duality makes the word essential for both social daily life and professional environments.

هذا المنهج متبنى من قبل الوزارة.

Translation: This curriculum is adopted by the ministry.

Emotional Resonance: In literature, the word is often used to explore themes of identity. A 'mutabannā' character often deals with the complexity of having two histories—biological and chosen.

البحث عن الجذور هو رحلة كل شخص متبنى.

Translation: Searching for roots is the journey of every adopted person.

الفكرة متبناة على نطاق واسع.

Translation: The idea is widely adopted.

In summary, whether you are discussing a child's legal status, a political resolution, or a technological standard, mutabannā is your go-to word. It bridges the gap between the personal and the professional, always carrying the weight of a deliberate choice to include and integrate something new into an existing structure.

Using متبنى correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of Arabic adjective-noun agreement and the passive participle structure. As an adjective, it follows the noun it modifies and matches it in definiteness, gender, and number. For English speakers, the most common mistake is forgetting to add the 'ta marbuta' (ة) when the person or thing being described is feminine. Let's look at how this word functions across different contexts through various structural patterns.

Describing a Person: When describing a person, the word acts as a simple attribute. 'هو ابن متبنى' (He is an adopted son). If you are talking about a daughter, it becomes 'هي ابنة متبناة'. Note how the adjective follows the noun.
Describing Abstract Concepts: When an idea or policy is adopted, we use the feminine form 'متبناة' because most abstract nouns in Arabic (like 'fikra' - idea, or 'siyasa' - policy) are feminine. 'هذه الفكرة متبناة من الجميع' (This idea is adopted by everyone).

الطفل المتبنى يحتاج إلى دعم نفسي.

Translation: The adopted child needs psychological support. (Note the use of the definite article 'al-' on both noun and adjective).

هناك العديد من الأطفال المتبنين في هذا الحي.

Translation: There are many adopted children in this neighborhood. (Plural masculine form).

In more formal or legal writing, mutabannā often appears in prepositional phrases. For example, 'من قبل' (by) is frequently used to indicate who did the adopting. 'القانون متبنى من قبل البرلمان' (The law is adopted by the parliament). This structure mirrors the English passive voice perfectly, making it intuitive for English learners to construct complex sentences once they master the basic vocabulary.

Agreement with Definiteness: If the noun has 'al-', the adjective must also have 'al-'. 'القرار المتبنى' (The adopted resolution) vs 'قرار متبنى' (An adopted resolution).

كانت خطة متبناة منذ البداية.

Translation: it was an adopted plan from the beginning.

هل أنت متبنى؟

Translation: Are you adopted? (Asking a male).

Whether you are speaking about people, laws, or ideas, the word mutabannā fits into the standard sentence patterns of Arabic. By focusing on the gender and number of the subject, you can use this word with confidence in any conversation or written piece.

The word متبنى is not just a term found in dictionaries; it is active in many spheres of modern Arab life. From the evening news to legal chambers, and from literary novels to tech blogs, you will encounter this word frequently. Understanding the specific contexts where it thrives will help you grasp its full semantic range. In Arabic, as in English, the term bridges the gap between the deeply personal and the strictly professional.

News and Media: In international news reports, you will hear this word when discussing UN resolutions. Phrases like 'القرار المتبنى من قبل مجلس الأمن' (The resolution adopted by the Security Council) are extremely common. In this context, it implies formal acceptance and the beginning of implementation.
Legal and Social Services: In legal settings, especially those involving international law or NGOs, mutabannā is used to describe the status of children in cross-border adoption cases. Social workers use it to define the relationship between a child and their non-biological parents.

تم الإعلان عن القرار المتبنى في الجلسة الأخيرة.

Translation: The adopted resolution was announced in the last session.

الموقف المتبنى من الحزب كان مفاجئاً.

Translation: The position adopted by the party was surprising.

Another burgeoning area for this word is technology. In the tech world, 'adopted technologies' or 'adopted standards' are described as 'تقنيات متبناة' (taqniyāt mutabannāh). As the Arab world digitizes, you will see this in articles about how certain software or hardware standards are being 'adopted' by local markets. This shows the word's modern flexibility beyond its traditional roots.

Literature and Cinema: Arabic dramas and novels often use the theme of adoption to create dramatic tension. A character discovering they are 'mutabannā' is a classic plot point. In these stories, the word carries a heavy emotional weight, signifying a search for truth and identity.

هذا المعيار متبنى عالمياً.

Translation: This standard is adopted globally.

هل الفكرة متبناة من قبل الإدارة؟

Translation: Is the idea adopted by the management?

In conclusion, mutabannā is a high-frequency word that appears in diverse registers of Arabic. Whether you are reading a formal report, watching a soap opera, or discussing tech trends, being able to recognize and use this word will significantly enhance your comprehension and fluency.

Learning to use متبنى involves navigating a few linguistic hurdles that often trip up English speakers. Because the word serves as both a biological/social descriptor and a metaphorical one, and because Arabic grammar requires strict agreement, there are several areas where errors commonly occur. By being aware of these pitfalls, you can ensure your Arabic sounds more natural and precise.

The Active vs. Passive Participle: The most frequent mistake is confusing mutabannā (متبنى - adopted) with mutabannī (متبني - adopter). In Arabic, changing the vowel on the second-to-last letter from a 'fatha' (a) to a 'kasra' (i) changes the word from passive to active. If you say 'أنا متبني', you are saying 'I am an adopter'. If you mean 'I am adopted', you must say 'أنا متبنى'.
Gender Agreement Issues: English speakers often forget that adjectives must match the gender of the noun. Since 'adoption' is often discussed in relation to children, and 'طفل' (child) can be masculine, learners sometimes default to the masculine form even when talking about a girl. Always remember: 'ابنة متبناة' (adopted daughter).

*هي طفل متبنى.
هي طفلة متبناة.

Correction: Always match the gender of the person you are describing.

*القرار متبني من الحكومة.
القرار متبنى من الحكومة.

Correction: Use the passive form for resolutions and decisions.

Another mistake involves the use of the definite article. In Arabic, if you say 'the adopted child', both words need 'al-'. Learners often say 'الطفل متبنى', which actually means 'The child is adopted' (a full sentence), rather than 'الطفل المتبنى' (the adopted child - a noun phrase). This distinction is crucial for sentence structure.

Confusing with 'Kafala': While not a grammatical error, using mutabannā in a strictly traditional Islamic legal context might be technically inaccurate, as 'Tabanni' (legal adoption with name change) is distinct from 'Kafala' (guardianship). However, in modern daily conversation and MSA, mutabannā is the widely accepted term for 'adopted'.

*رأيت الولد متبنى.
رأيت الولد المتبنى.

Correction: Match the definiteness in a noun-adjective phrase.

*الأطفال متبنى.
الأطفال متبنون.

Correction: Use the plural form for plural nouns.

By paying close attention to these details—vowel sounds, gender agreement, definiteness, and pluralization—you can avoid the most common errors and use متبنى like a native speaker.

While متبنى is the most direct translation for 'adopted,' Arabic is a rich language with many synonyms and related terms that offer different shades of meaning. Depending on whether you are talking about a child, an idea, or a legal status, you might choose a different word. Understanding these alternatives will help you refine your expression and understand the subtle nuances of Arabic discourse.

مكفول (Makfūl): This is the legal term for a child under 'Kafala' (guardianship). While mutabannā implies a full parental relationship often including a name change in Western contexts, makfūl is the precise term used in Islamic law where the child retains their biological name but is fully cared for by a guardian family. In many Arab countries, this is the official term you will see on documents.
معتمد (Mu'tamad): When talking about an 'adopted' policy or standard in a professional sense, mu'tamad (approved/certified) is a strong alternative. While mutabannā means the policy was taken as one's own, mu'tamad emphasizes its official approval status. 'هذا هو المنهج المعتمد' (This is the approved/adopted curriculum).
مأخوذ (Ma'khūdh): Literally meaning 'taken,' this can be used metaphorically for ideas 'taken' from elsewhere. However, it lacks the sense of 'ownership' and 'integration' that mutabannā provides.

الطفل المكفول له حقوق كاملة في الرعاية.

Comparison: 'Makfūl' is often the legal alternative to 'Mutabannā'.

هذا القرار معتمد رسمياً.

Comparison: 'Mu'tamad' focuses on official approval.

Another interesting word is rabīb (ربيب), which refers to a step-child (specifically the child of a spouse from a previous marriage). While not the same as 'adopted,' it is often confused by learners because both involve non-biological parenting. Mutabannā is a much broader and more formal term than rabīb.

مختار (Mukhtār): Meaning 'chosen.' While not a direct synonym for 'adopted,' it is often used in poetic or emotional contexts to describe an adopted child as a 'chosen child' (طفل مختار), emphasizing the love and intent behind the adoption.

هو ابني المختار بالحب.

Comparison: 'Mukhtār' adds an emotional layer of 'choice'.

السياسة المتبناة تهدف إلى التغيير.

Usage: 'Mutabannāh' is perfect for official policies.

Choosing the right word depends on your audience and your intent. For general use, mutabannā is almost always the safest and most understood choice, but knowing these alternatives will make you a more sophisticated and precise speaker of Arabic.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"تم التصديق على القرار المتبنى."

Neutral

"هو طفل متبنى."

Informal

"إنت متبنى ولا إيه؟"

Child friendly

"هذا الكلب متبنى من الملجأ."

Slang

"فكرة متبناة يا معلم!"

Fun Fact

The word for 'son' (ibn) comes from the same root as 'to build' (banā), suggesting that children are the 'building blocks' of a family. 'Tabannā' literally means 'to make someone a son'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mu.ta.ban.naː/

US /mu.tə.bæn.nɑː/

Stress is on the third syllable: mu-ta-BAN-nā.

Rhymes With

مبنى (mabnā - building) معنى (ma'nā - meaning) أدنى (adnā - lower) أغنى (aghnā - richer) تمنى (tamannā - wished) سكنى (suknā - residence) حسنى (husnā - best) مثنى (muthannā - dual)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final ى as a 'ya' (ee) sound.
Failing to double the 'n' sound (shadda).
Stress on the first syllable.
Mixing it up with 'mutabannī' (adopter).
Not lengthening the final 'a' enough.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to read but the alif maqsura can be tricky for beginners.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct spelling of the doubled 'n' and alif maqsura.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once the shadda is mastered.

Listening 4/5

Must distinguish between mutabannā and mutabannī.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ابن (Son) بنى (To build) طفل (Child) عائلة (Family) قرار (Decision)

Learn Next

كفالة (Guardianship) هوية (Identity) أصول (Origins) تربية (Upbringing) قانون (Law)

Advanced

اسم المفعول (Passive Participle) صيغة تفاعل (Form V Verbs) الإرث (Inheritance) النسب (Lineage) الشرعية (Legitimacy)

Grammar to Know

Adjective-Noun Agreement

طفل متبنى / طفلة متبناة

Definiteness Agreement

الطفل المتبنى / طفل متبنى

Passive Participle (Form V)

متبنى (one who is adopted)

Alif Maqsura (ى)

متبنى (ends in a long 'a' sound)

Shadda (Doubled Consonant)

متبنّـى (emphasis on the 'n')

Examples by Level

أخي متبنى.

My brother is adopted.

Subject + Adjective. Simple sentence structure.

هذا الكلب متبنى.

This dog is adopted.

Demonstrative + Noun + Adjective.

هي طفلة متبناة.

She is an adopted child.

Feminine agreement: طفلة (child) + متبناة (adopted).

أنا أحب أخي المتبنى.

I love my adopted brother.

The adjective follows the noun with the possessive suffix.

هل أنت متبنى؟

Are you adopted?

Simple question using the pronoun 'anta' (you, masc).

عندي قطة متبناة.

I have an adopted cat.

Feminine noun 'qitta' + feminine adjective 'mutabannāh'.

هو ولد متبنى.

He is an adopted boy.

Noun + Adjective agreement (masculine).

العائلة سعيدة بالطفل المتبنى.

The family is happy with the adopted child.

Definite noun + Definite adjective.

الطفل المتبنى يعيش هنا.

The adopted child lives here.

Definite article 'al-' used on both noun and adjective.

هذه الفكرة متبناة من الجميع.

This idea is adopted by everyone.

Metaphorical use for an idea (feminine).

هل هذه القطة متبناة من الملجأ؟

Is this cat adopted from the shelter?

Prepositional phrase 'min' (from) + noun.

أعرف ولداً متبنى في مدرستي.

I know an adopted boy in my school.

Accusative case (though hidden on the alif maqsura).

القرار المتبنى كان جيداً.

The adopted resolution was good.

Noun-Adjective phrase as the subject of the sentence.

هي ابنة متبناة لعائلة غنية.

She is an adopted daughter of a rich family.

Genitive construction (idafa) following the adjective.

الأطفال المتبنون يلعبون في الحديقة.

The adopted children are playing in the park.

Plural masculine agreement: أطفال + متبنون.

هذا المنهج متبنى في مدرستنا.

This curriculum is adopted in our school.

Metaphorical use for a school curriculum.

تم تنفيذ القرار المتبنى من قبل المجلس.

The resolution adopted by the council was implemented.

Passive verb 'تم تنفيذ' + Noun phrase.

هناك قصص كثيرة عن أطفال متبنين نجحوا في حياتهم.

There are many stories about adopted children who succeeded in their lives.

Plural adjective 'mutabannīn' in the genitive case.

هل السياسة المتبناة فعالة حقاً؟

Is the adopted policy really effective?

Interrogative + Noun phrase + Adjective.

لقد أصبح ابناً متبنى لهذه العائلة منذ عامين.

He became an adopted son for this family two years ago.

Verb 'asbaha' (became) + predicate in the accusative.

تبحث الفتاة المتبناة عن والديها الحقيقيين.

The adopted girl is looking for her biological parents.

Present tense verb + Subject with adjective.

المشروع متبنى من قبل منظمة دولية.

The project is adopted by an international organization.

Use of 'min qibal' (by) to indicate the agent.

يجب أن نشجع تبني الأطفال، فالطفل المتبنى يحتاج للحب.

We must encourage child adoption; the adopted child needs love.

Contrast between the verbal noun 'tabannī' and the adjective 'mutabannā'.

هذه المعايير متبناة في جميع أنحاء العالم.

These standards are adopted all over the world.

Plural feminine agreement for non-human plural (ma'ayīr).

أثارت هوية الولد المتبنى تساؤلات قانونية معقدة.

The identity of the adopted boy raised complex legal questions.

Idafa construction: هوية (identity) + الولد المتبنى.

النهج المتبنى في البحث العلمي يتطلب دقة عالية.

The approach adopted in scientific research requires high precision.

Abstract usage of 'mutabannā' in an academic context.

رغم أنه متبنى، إلا أنه يشعر بانتماء قوي لهذه الأرض.

Despite being adopted, he feels a strong sense of belonging to this land.

Concessive clause using 'raghma' (despite).

تعتبر هذه التقنية متبناة على نطاق واسع في قطاع الصناعة.

This technology is considered widely adopted in the industrial sector.

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

ناقش البرلمان التعديلات المتبناة في القانون الجديد.

The parliament discussed the amendments adopted in the new law.

Plural feminine agreement for 'ta'dilat' (amendments).

يواجه الأشخاص المتبنون تحديات فريدة في بناء هويتهم.

Adopted individuals face unique challenges in building their identity.

Plural masculine subject + adjective.

كان الموقف المتبنى من قبل الوزارة حازماً تجاه القضية.

The position adopted by the ministry was firm toward the issue.

Complex sentence with 'kana' and agentive phrase.

هل الوثيقة المتبناة رسمية ومعترف بها دولياً؟

Is the adopted document official and internationally recognized?

Interrogative + series of adjectives.

تتجلى في الرواية معاناة البطل لكونه متبنى في مجتمع تقليدي.

The novel manifests the hero's suffering for being adopted in a traditional society.

Masdar construction 'likawnihi' (for his being).

إن الاستراتيجية المتبناة حالياً تهدف إلى تحقيق التنمية المستدامة.

The strategy currently adopted aims to achieve sustainable development.

Emphasis using 'inna' + complex subject phrase.

لا يمكن إنكار الأثر النفسي العميق الذي يتركه وضع الطفل المتبنى عليه.

One cannot deny the deep psychological impact that the status of an adopted child leaves on him.

Negative 'la' + complex relative clause 'alladhi'.

صادقت الجمعية العامة على النص المتبنى بالإجماع.

The General Assembly ratified the text adopted by consensus.

Formal diplomatic terminology.

يعكس الفن المتبنى من هذه المدرسة فلسفة التجريد.

The art adopted by this school reflects the philosophy of abstraction.

Metaphorical use in art criticism.

لقد كانت القيم المتبناة في طفولته هي بوصلته في الحياة.

The values adopted in his childhood were his compass in life.

Metaphorical use for moral values.

تعتمد الشركة المعايير المتبناة دولياً لضمان الجودة.

The company adopts internationally adopted standards to ensure quality.

Repetitive but precise use of adoption/standard terminology.

يظل السؤال حول حقوق المتبنى في معرفة أصوله قائماً.

The question regarding the rights of the adopted person to know their origins remains standing.

Use of 'yadhallu' (remains) with a complex subject.

إن المنهجية المتبناة في هذا البحث تفكك المفاهيم السائدة حول الهوية.

The methodology adopted in this research deconstructs prevailing concepts about identity.

High-level academic and philosophical vocabulary.

في ظل السياسات المتبناة حديثاً، شهد قطاع الطاقة تحولاً جذرياً.

In light of the recently adopted policies, the energy sector has witnessed a radical transformation.

Prepositional phrase 'fī dhill' (in light of).

تتشابك في قضية الطفل المتبنى أبعاد قانونية وأخلاقية واجتماعية غاية في التعقيد.

Extremely complex legal, ethical, and social dimensions intertwine in the case of the adopted child.

Verb 'tatashābak' (intertwine) with multiple subjects.

لقد أضحى النموذج الاقتصادي المتبنى مهدداً بسبب التغيرات الجيوسياسية.

The adopted economic model has become threatened due to geopolitical changes.

Verb 'adhā' (became) + passive participle 'muhaddad'.

يعالج الفيلم تيمة الاغتراب من خلال شخصية شاب متبنى يبحث عن وطنه الأم.

The film addresses the theme of alienation through the character of an adopted young man searching for his motherland.

Literary analysis vocabulary.

إن الرؤية المتبناة من قبل القيادة تهدف إلى استشراف المستقبل.

The vision adopted by the leadership aims to foresee the future.

Formal leadership and strategic terminology.

تعد هذه الاتفاقية هي الإطار المتبنى لتنظيم العلاقات التجارية.

This agreement is the adopted framework for regulating trade relations.

Definitional structure with 'hiya' (it/is).

يثبت التاريخ أن الأفكار المتبناة بقوة هي التي تغير وجه العالم.

History proves that ideas adopted with strength are those that change the face of the world.

Philosophical assertion using 'yuthbit' (proves).

Common Collocations

طفل متبنى

قرار متبنى

فكرة متبناة

منهج متبنى

سياسة متبناة

ابن متبنى

معيار متبنى

موقف متبنى

تكنولوجيا متبناة

قانون متبنى

Common Phrases

من قبل

— Used to indicate the agent (by).

متبنى من قبل عائلة.

على نطاق واسع

— Widely (used with adopted ideas).

فكرة متبناة على نطاق واسع.

بشكل رسمي

— Officially.

القرار متبنى بشكل رسمي.

منذ الصغر

— Since childhood.

هو متبنى منذ الصغر.

حقوق المتبنى

— Rights of the adopted person.

نناقش حقوق المتبنى.

عائلة متبنية

— Adopting family.

البحث عن عائلة متبنية.

إجراءات التبني

— Adoption procedures.

بدأنا إجراءات التبني.

هوية المتبنى

— Identity of the adopted person.

هوية المتبنى مهمة.

البحث عن الجذور

— Searching for roots.

المتبنى يبحث عن جذوره.

قرار نهائي متبنى

— Final adopted decision.

هذا قرار نهائي متبنى.

Often Confused With

متبنى vs متبني

This is the active participle (adopter). The vowel change is subtle but changes the meaning entirely.

متبنى vs مكفول

This is a legal term for guardianship. While related, it has different legal implications in Arab countries.

متبنى vs مبنى

This means 'building'. It sounds similar because they share the same root.

Idioms & Expressions

"ابن متبنى للفكرة"

— To be a staunch supporter/adopter of an idea.

هو ابن متبنى لهذه الفكرة الفلسفية.

Literary

"تبنى الموقف"

— To take a stand (verb form related).

تبنى الموقف الشجاع.

General

"متبنى بالقلب لا بالدم"

— Adopted by heart, not by blood.

هو ابني متبنى بالقلب لا بالدم.

Emotional

Easily Confused

متبنى vs متبني (Mutabannī)

Almost identical spelling and sound.

Mutabannā is the one who IS adopted; Mutabannī is the one who ADOPTS.

الأب هو المتبني، والطفل هو المتبنى.

متبنى vs مبني (Mabnī)

Same root and similar sound.

Mabnī means 'built' (physical) or 'grammatically indeclinable'. Mutabannā is specifically 'adopted'.

البيت مبنى من حجر، والولد طفل متبنى.

متبنى vs مكفول (Makfūl)

Both refer to non-biological children.

Makfūl is the legal term for guardianship (Kafala). Mutabannā is the general term for adoption.

في القانون الإسلامي، الطفل يكون مكفولاً.

متبنى vs مختار (Mukhtār)

Both involve selection.

Mukhtār means 'chosen' in general. Mutabannā is specifically about the act of adoption.

هو ابني المختار بالحب.

متبنى vs معتمد (Mu'tamad)

Both used for official ideas.

Mu'tamad means 'approved' or 'certified'. Mutabannā means 'taken as one's own'.

هذا القرار معتمد من اللجنة.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] + متبنى

أخي متبنى.

الـ + [Noun] + الـ + متبنى

الولد المتبنى لطيف.

[Noun] + متبنى + من قبل + [Agent]

القرار متبنى من قبل المدير.

رغم أنه + متبنى + إلا أنه...

رغم أنه متبنى إلا أنه محبوب.

إن + [Noun] + المتبنى + يهدف إلى...

إن المنهج المتبنى يهدف إلى النجاح.

تتجلى في [Context] أهمية [Noun] المتبنى

تتجلى في الرواية أهمية البطل المتبنى.

أصبح + [Noun] + متبنى

أصبح الولد متبنى.

هل [Noun] متبنى؟

هل الكلب متبنى؟

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in media and legal contexts; moderate in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 'mutabannī' instead of 'mutabannā'. → أنا متبنى (I am adopted).
Mutabannī means 'adopter'. You are describing yourself as the one who was adopted, so use the passive form.
Forgetting gender agreement for girls. → هي ابنة متبناة.
Adjectives must match the gender of the noun. 'Ibna' is feminine, so 'mutabannāh' must be feminine.
Writing it with dots under the final letter (متبني). → متبنى
The final letter is an alif maqsura (ى). Dots make it a 'ya' (ي), which changes the meaning to 'adopter'.
Omitting the 'al-' on the adjective in a definite phrase. → الولد المتبنى.
In Arabic, if the noun is definite, the adjective must also be definite.
Using the singular form for a plural group. → الأطفال متبنون.
Adjectives must match the number of the noun. Use the plural 'mutabannawn' for children.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always remember to add the 'ta marbuta' (ة) when describing a female child or a feminine noun like 'fikra' (idea). It becomes 'mutabannāh'.

The Doubled N

The 'n' in mutabannā has a shadda. This means you should hold the 'n' sound for a split second longer, like in 'un-necessary'.

Root Connection

Connect 'mutabannā' to 'ibn' (son). They share the same root. Adoption is literally 'son-ifying' someone in Arabic morphology.

Political Use

When reading the news, 'mutabannā' almost always refers to a resolution or a policy. It's a key word for understanding international relations in Arabic.

Final Alif Maqsura

The word ends with ى (alif maqsura), which sounds like 'a'. Do not put dots under it, or it will look like a 'ya' and change the meaning.

Legal Nuance

In a legal setting in the Middle East, check if 'makfūl' is more appropriate. 'Mutabannā' is the broader, more international term.

Metaphorical Extension

Don't be afraid to use it for abstract things. An 'adopted style' or an 'adopted habit' can both use 'mutabannā'.

Passive vs Active

If you hear 'mu-ta-ban-NA', it's the person adopted. If you hear 'mu-ta-ban-NI', it's the person adopting. Listen for that final vowel!

Definite Article

If you say 'the adopted child', remember: 'al-tifl al-mutabannā'. Both words need the 'al-'.

Emotional Tone

In literature, this word is often used to evoke sympathy or explore the complexities of identity. Use it carefully to set the right mood.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'MUTABANNA' as 'MUch TAken BANd of New Ancestry'. It sounds like 'mabnā' (building), and adoption is building a family.

Visual Association

Imagine a pair of hands building a house out of blocks, and inside the house is a child being welcomed. The blocks represent the 'B-N-Y' root.

Word Web

Ibn (Son) Banā (Build) Mabnā (Building) Tabannī (Adoption) Mutabannā (Adopted) Binyah (Structure) Bint (Daughter) Kafāla (Guardianship)

Challenge

Try to use 'mutabannā' in three different sentences: one about a person, one about an idea, and one about a dog.

Word Origin

From the Semitic root B-N-Y, which is the foundational root for words related to building, creating, and progeny.

Original meaning: To build or to construct.

Afroasiatic / Semitic / Arabic.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word in traditional religious settings; 'makfūl' might be more accurate for legal status, while 'mutabannā' is better for social/emotional status.

English speakers use 'adopted' broadly. In Arabic, 'mutabannā' is similarly broad but carries a slightly more formal tone than in English.

The story of Moses (Musa) in the Quran, who was 'adopted' by Pharaoh's wife. Modern Arabic novels like 'The Adopted Son' which explore identity. UN Resolutions in Arabic media always use the term 'al-qarār al-mutabannā'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family Law

حقوق الطفل المتبنى
أوراق التبني
عائلة متبنية
شهادة ميلاد متبنى

Politics

القرار المتبنى بالإجماع
سياسة متبناة حديثاً
موقف متبنى من الحزب
تعديلات متبناة

Education

منهج متبنى
أسلوب متبنى في التدريس
كتب متبناة
فلسفة متبناة

Technology

تقنيات متبناة
معايير متبناة
برمجيات متبناة
نظام متبنى

Literature

بطل متبنى
قصة طفل متبنى
البحث عن الأهل
صراع الهوية

Conversation Starters

"هل تعرف أحداً متبنى في عائلتك؟"

"ما رأيك في القرار المتبنى من الحكومة مؤخراً؟"

"هل هذه القطة متبناة أم اشتريتها؟"

"لماذا تعتقد أن الفكرة متبناة من الجميع؟"

"كيف يمكننا دعم الأطفال المتبنين في مجتمعنا؟"

Journal Prompts

اكتب عن شعورك إذا اكتشفت أنك طفل متبنى.

ناقش أهمية وجود سياسة متبناة لحماية البيئة.

صف رحلة شخص متبنى يبحث عن عائلته الأصلية.

لماذا يعتبر التبني (أو الكفالة) عملاً نبيلاً في رأيك؟

اكتب عن فكرة متبناة في مدرستك غيرت حياة الطلاب.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, absolutely! You can say 'قطة متبناة' (an adopted cat) or 'كلب متبنى' (an adopted dog) when talking about pets from a shelter. It is very common in modern Arabic.

'Mutabannā' is the general word for 'adopted'. 'Makfūl' is a specific legal term used in Islamic law for a child under 'Kafala' (guardianship), where the child keeps their biological name. In MSA, both are understood, but 'mutabannā' is more common in Western-style contexts.

If you are male, say 'أنا متبنى' (Ana mutabannā). If you are female, say 'أنا متبناة' (Ana mutabannāh). Make sure to pronounce the 'n' clearly.

Yes, it is very common in political Arabic. 'القرار المتبنى' (The adopted resolution) refers to a decision that has been formally accepted by a group or council.

It is a neutral to formal word. You will hear it in news reports (formal) and in family discussions (neutral). It is not considered slang.

For a group of boys or a mixed group, use 'متبنون' (mutabannawn) or 'متبنين' (mutabannīn). For a group of girls, use 'متبنيات' (mutabannayāt).

Yes! 'Mutabannā' (with an 'a' sound) means 'adopted'. 'Mutabannī' (with an 'i' sound) means 'adopter'. This is a common point of confusion for learners.

The root is B-N-Y (ب-ن-ي), which means 'to build'. Adoption is seen as 'building' a family or a person's identity.

It is primarily a Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) word. In dialects, people might use 'متبنى' or other local words like 'مربي' (raised), but 'mutabannā' is understood everywhere.

Yes, if a person or company takes an idea and makes it their own, you can say the idea is 'متبناة' (mutabannāh).