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A2 adjective #7,000 most common 8 min read

مطلق

mutlaq Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips مطلق in 30 Seconds

Explanation مطلق in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'mutallaq' (مطلق) means a man who is not married anymore because his marriage ended. It is a word used to describe a person's status, like 'married' (mutazawwij) or 'single' (a'zab). You will mostly see this word when learning about family members or filling out very simple forms. Remember that for a woman, you add an 'ah' sound at the end: 'mutallaqa'. Example: 'He is divorced' = 'Huwa mutallaq'. This is a basic vocabulary word for personal identity.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'mutallaq' in simple sentences to describe people you know or characters in a story. You should understand that it comes from a root meaning 'to release.' You should also be able to distinguish between 'mutallaq' (divorced) and 'mutazawwij' (married) in listening and reading exercises. You might see it in a short biography or a dialogue about someone's life. It is important at this level to start noticing the difference between the masculine 'mutallaq' and the feminine 'mutallaqa' and ensure your adjectives match the people you are talking about.

At the B1 level, you can use 'mutallaq' in more detailed conversations about social issues or personal histories. You should understand the word in the context of 'marital status' (al-hala al-ijtima'iyya). You can describe the consequences of being divorced, such as living alone or sharing custody of children. You should also be aware that the word looks like 'mutlaq' (absolute) and be able to use context to tell them apart. You might encounter this word in news articles about society or in more complex stories where a character's past marriage is important to the plot.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'mutallaq' in formal discussions and writing. You can talk about the legal process of becoming 'mutallaq' and use related terms like 'talaq' (divorce) and 'mahkama' (court). You should understand the social nuances of the word in different Arabic-speaking countries and how it might affect a person's social standing or future marriage prospects. You can read legal or sociological texts where 'mutallaq' is used to categorize data. You should also be able to use the word in the plural (mutallaqun/mutallaqin) correctly in different grammatical cases.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of 'mutallaq' and its linguistic root T-L-Q. You can appreciate the metaphorical uses of the root in literature, where 'release' and 'divorce' might overlap. You understand the legal intricacies behind the status, including different types of divorce in Islamic law. You can use the word in academic essays or high-level social debates about family law reform. You are also aware of the historical evolution of the term and its usage in classical versus modern standard Arabic. Your pronunciation is precise, distinguishing clearly between 'mutallaq' and 'mutlaq'.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of the word 'mutallaq' and all its nuances. You can discuss the word's etymology in depth, linking it to ancient Semitic roots. you can interpret complex legal documents where the status of 'mutallaq' has specific implications for inheritance, alimony, and child support. You can engage in philosophical or literary analysis of texts where being 'mutallaq' symbolizes broader themes of freedom, loss, or social rupture. You understand the subtle emotional connotations the word carries in various dialects and social strata across the Arab world, from the Maghreb to the Levant.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

مطلق in 30 Seconds

The word 'mutallaq' refers to a divorced man, derived from the root T-L-Q meaning 'to release' or 'to set free' from a bond.
It is an adjective that must agree in gender; use 'mutallaqa' for a woman and 'mutallaq' for a man in sentences.
Avoid confusing it with 'mutlaq' (absolute), which looks identical in unvocalized Arabic but has a completely different meaning and pronunciation.
It is the standard, formal term used in legal documents, census data, and polite conversation to describe a person's marital status.

The Arabic word مُطَلَّق (mutallaq) is a passive participle derived from the Form II verb طَلَّقَ (tallaqa), which means 'to divorce' or 'to release.' In its primary social and legal sense, it describes a man who has legally and formally ended his marriage. The root letters are ط-ل-ق (T-L-Q), which fundamentally carry the meaning of 'setting free,' 'releasing,' or 'launching.' This linguistic origin provides a profound insight into the historical and cultural perception of divorce in the Arabic-speaking world—as a 'release' from a binding contract or a tether. It is crucial to distinguish this word from its homograph مُطْلَق (mutlaq), which means 'absolute' or 'unrestricted.' While they look identical in unvocalized text, the context and the doubling of the 'L' sound (shadda) in the word for 'divorced' differentiate them. People use this word in official documents, social introductions, and legal proceedings to define marital status. It is a neutral, factual term, though in some traditional circles, it carries significant social weight. Understanding this word requires an appreciation of the legal framework of Talaq in Islamic and civil law across various Arab nations.

Linguistic Root: The root T-L-Q refers to the act of untying a knot or releasing a captive. In the context of marriage, it signifies the dissolution of the marital bond.
Grammatical Category: It functions as an adjective (passive participle) and must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes.

أخي أصبح مطلقاً بعد عشر سنوات من الزواج.

Translation: My brother became divorced after ten years of marriage.

In modern usage, the term is increasingly used in census data and psychological studies regarding family structures. While 'mutallaq' refers to the male, the feminine form 'mutallaqa' (مطلقة) is perhaps even more common in social discourse, often carrying different societal implications depending on the region. The term is found in classical literature, legal codes, and everyday conversation. It is not considered a slang term; rather, it is the standard, formal way to describe someone whose marriage has ended. When using this word, one should be mindful of the sensitivity of the topic, as divorce remains a significant life event. In many Arab countries, the word appears on identity cards and official applications under 'Marital Status' (الحالة الاجتماعية).

Using مطلق (mutallaq) correctly involves mastering gender agreement and sentence placement. Since it is an adjective, it follows the noun it modifies in masculine form. For example, 'a divorced man' is رجل مطلق (rajul mutallaq). If you are speaking about a woman, you must add the ta marbuta: امرأة مطلقة (imra'a mutallaqa). In Arabic grammar, the word can also function as a predicate in a nominal sentence. For instance, 'He is divorced' is simply هو مطلق (huwa mutallaq). When using it in the plural, 'divorced men' becomes مطلقون (mutallaqun) in the nominative case, though it is more common to refer to individuals or use the collective noun مطلقين (mutallaqin) in objective cases. The word often appears after verbs of becoming, such as صار (sara) or أصبح (asbaha), to indicate the change in status.

Noun-Adjective Agreement: The adjective must match the noun in gender, number, and definiteness. 'The divorced man' is 'الرجل المطلق'.

هل هو مطلق أم أرمل؟

Translation: Is he divorced or a widower?

In more complex sentences, you might find it used with prepositions. For example, 'divorced from' is often expressed using the verb form rather than the adjective, but you can say مطلق من زوجته (divorced from his wife), although this is less common than simply stating the status. It's also important to note that in many dialects, the pronunciation might shift slightly, but the written form remains consistent. In formal writing, such as news reports or legal briefs, the word is used with precision to ensure there is no ambiguity regarding a person's legal standing. For learners, practicing the transition from 'married' (mutazawwij) to 'divorced' (mutallaq) in sentence drills helps solidify the vocabulary related to family and life stages.

You will encounter the word مطلق in several distinct environments. The first and most common is in legal and administrative settings. Sharia courts, civil registries, and lawyer's offices in the Arab world use this term constantly. It appears on marriage contracts (specifically when detailing previous marriages), divorce certificates, and identity documents. Secondly, you will hear it in social contexts, though often with a degree of discretion. In many Arab cultures, discussing divorce is a sensitive matter, so the word might be spoken in hushed tones or within the family circle. However, in modern urban environments like Cairo, Dubai, or Beirut, the term is used more openly as social taboos around divorce continue to evolve. Thirdly, the word is frequent in media and entertainment. Arabic soap operas (musalsalat) frequently revolve around family drama, where the status of being mutallaq or mutallaqa is a central plot point, often highlighting the challenges faced by individuals after the dissolution of a marriage.

جاء في الأوراق الرسمية أنه مطلق.

Translation: It was stated in the official papers that he is divorced.

In news reporting, you might hear the word in discussions about social statistics, such as 'the rising rates of divorced individuals' (ارتفاع معدلات المطلقين). It is also used in psychological and sociological seminars discussing the impact of divorce on children and society. Interestingly, in literature, particularly modern Arabic novels, the state of being 'mutallaq' is often used as a metaphor for alienation or a break from tradition. Whether you are watching a news segment on Al Jazeera about family law or a Netflix series set in the Middle East, this word is a staple of the vocabulary describing human relationships. It is a word of transition, signifying the end of one chapter and the potential beginning of another.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make when learning مطلق is confusing it with its homograph مُطْلَق (mutlaq), which means 'absolute.' The difference lies in the vowels (harakat) and the shadda. Mutallaq (divorced) has a shadda on the 'L' and a fatha on the 'M', 'T', and 'L'. Mutlaq (absolute) has a sukun on the 'T'. In written Arabic without diacritics, they look identical. Another common error is gender agreement. Because many learners first learn the feminine form مطلقة (mutallaqa)—perhaps because social discussions often focus on women—they might accidentally apply the feminine ending to a man. Always remember: هو مطلق (He is divorced) vs. هي مطلقة (She is divorced). Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse مطلق with منفصل (munfasil). While munfasil means 'separated,' mutallaq specifically refers to a completed, legal divorce. Using 'separated' when someone is legally divorced may be seen as imprecise in a legal context.

The 'Absolute' Confusion: Context is key. 'الحقيقة المطلقة' means 'The absolute truth,' not 'The divorced truth'!

خطأ: هو مطلقة. صح: هو مطلق.

Another nuance involves the word طالق (taliq). In traditional Islamic law, the word taliq is the active participle used in the verbal pronouncement of divorce ('You are divorced' - anti taliq). However, as a descriptive adjective for a person's status in modern society, mutallaq/mutallaqa is the correct term to use. Using taliq in a casual conversation to describe someone's status would sound archaic or overly dramatic. Lastly, be careful with the pronunciation of the 'Qaf' (ق) at the end. In some dialects, like Egyptian, it might be pronounced as a glottal stop (mutalla'), while in others, it remains a deep 'K' sound. For learners, sticking to the standard 'Qaf' is always the safest and most understood path.

When discussing the end of a marriage, several other words may be relevant depending on the stage or nature of the situation. The most common alternative is منفصل (munfasil), meaning 'separated.' This is used when a couple is no longer living together but has not yet finalized a legal divorce. Another related term is أعزب (a'zab), which means 'single' or 'unmarried.' While a divorced person is technically single, a'zab is usually reserved for those who have never been married. For a person whose spouse has passed away, the term is أرمل (armal) for a widower or أرملة (armala) for a widow. If you want to describe the process rather than the status, the noun طلاق (talaq) is used. In legal contexts, you might also hear خلع (khul'), which refers to a specific type of divorce initiated by the wife under certain conditions.

مطلق vs منفصل: 'Mutallaq' is a legal finality; 'Munfasil' is a physical or emotional state that may or may not lead to divorce.
مطلق vs أعزب: 'A'zab' implies never married; 'Mutallaq' implies a previous marriage existed.

هل تفضل أن تقول أنك منفصل أم مطلق؟

Translation: Do you prefer to say you are separated or divorced?

In some contexts, people might use euphemisms to avoid the directness of the word 'divorced.' They might say ليس متزوجاً الآن (He is not married now) or يعيش بمفرده (He lives alone). However, mutallaq remains the standard term. In the Gulf dialects, you might occasionally hear هدّها (he left her), but this is very informal and focuses on the action rather than the status. Understanding these nuances allows a learner to navigate social conversations with greater empathy and accuracy. Choosing the right word depends on whether you are filling out a form, telling a story, or having a sensitive conversation with a friend.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"يجب على الشخص المطلق تحديث بياناته لدى مصلحة الأحوال المدنية."

Neutral

"أخبرني جاري أنه مطلق منذ عامين."

Informal

"صاحبي صار مطلق ويدور على عروس جديدة."

Child friendly

"والد صديقي مطلق، لكنه يزوره كل أسبوع."

Slang

"الرجال طلق ورمى الحمل وراه."

Fun Fact

The same root gives us the word 'intalaqa' (to launch), which is used today for rockets and starting races. So, linguistically, a divorced person and a space shuttle both share the idea of being 'launched' or 'released'!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /muˈtæl.læk/

US /muˈtɑː.læk/

The primary stress is on the second syllable (tal), which is emphasized by the shadda (doubling) of the 'L' sound.

Rhymes With

معلق (mu'allaq - suspended) مغلق (mughlaq - closed) محقق (muhaqqaq - verified) منمق (munammaq - embellished) مفرق (mufarraq - separated) مصدق (musaddaq - certified) مدقق (mudaqqaq - audited) موفق (muwaffaq - successful)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it 'mut-laq' without the extra 'L' sound, which changes the meaning to 'absolute'.
Softening the 'Qaf' (ق) into a 'K' sound.
Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
Failing to pronounce the 'U' sound clearly at the beginning.
Missing the feminine 'ah' ending when referring to a woman.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to read but easy to confuse with 'mutlaq' (absolute) if harakat are missing.

Writing 2/5

Simple spelling, but requires remembering the shadda on the 'L'.

Speaking 3/5

Requires clear pronunciation of the 'Qaf' and the doubled 'L'.

Listening 3/5

Must distinguish from 'mutlaq' by listening for the syllable length and vowels.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

زواج (marriage) رجل (man) هو (he) كان (was) ليس (is not)

Learn Next

مطلقة (divorced woman) أرمل (widower) أعزب (single) خطوبة (engagement) حضانة (custody)

Advanced

نفقة (alimony) خلع (khul' divorce) عدة ('iddah period) مؤخر (delayed dowry) وصاية (guardianship)

Grammar to Know

Passive Participle (اسم المفعول)

مُطَلَّق is the passive participle of طَلَّقَ.

Gender Agreement

رجل مطلق (masc) vs امرأة مطلقة (fem).

Case Endings (I'rab)

هو مطلقٌ (nominative), رأيت مطلقاً (accusative).

Definiteness

المطلقُ حزينٌ (The divorced man is sad).

Pluralization (Sound Masculine Plural)

المطلقون يجتمعون (The divorced men meet).

Examples by Level

هو رجل مطلق.

He is a divorced man.

Simple Subject + Noun + Adjective.

هل أنت مطلق؟

Are you (masc.) divorced?

Interrogative particle 'hal' + pronoun + adjective.

أخي مطلق.

My brother is divorced.

Possessive noun + adjective.

هو ليس متزوجاً، هو مطلق.

He is not married, he is divorced.

Negation using 'laysa'.

صديقي مطلق الآن.

My friend is divorced now.

Subject + adjective + adverb of time.

هذا الرجل مطلق.

This man is divorced.

Demonstrative pronoun + noun + adjective.

مطلق ومعه ولد.

Divorced and has a son with him.

Adjective + conjunction + prepositional phrase.

أنا مطلق منذ سنة.

I am divorced since a year.

Pronoun + adjective + time duration.

صار جاري مطلقاً الشهر الماضي.

My neighbor became divorced last month.

Verb 'sara' (became) + subject + predicate in accusative case.

يعيش الرجل المطلق في بيت صغير.

The divorced man lives in a small house.

Verb + definite noun + definite adjective.

هل تعرف رجلاً مطلقاً؟

Do you know a divorced man?

Verb + object (noun + adjective) in accusative case.

أصبح مطلقاً بعد مشاكل كثيرة.

He became divorced after many problems.

Verb 'asbaha' + predicate + prepositional phrase.

المطلق يحتاج إلى دعم عائلته.

The divorced man needs his family's support.

Definite adjective used as a noun + verb + object.

هو مطلق، لكنه سعيد.

He is divorced, but he is happy.

Sentence + contrastive conjunction 'lakinna'.

كان مطلقاً قبل أن يتزوج مرة ثانية.

He was divorced before he married a second time.

Verb 'kana' + predicate + time clause.

هذا الكتاب يتحدث عن حياة الرجل المطلق.

This book talks about the life of the divorced man.

Demonstrative + noun + verb + prepositional phrase.

تغيرت حالته الاجتماعية من متزوج إلى مطلق.

His social status changed from married to divorced.

Verb + subject + prepositional phrases.

يسأل القانون عما إذا كان الشخص مطلقاً.

The law asks whether the person is divorced.

Verb + subject + indirect question.

كثير من المطلقين يبحثون عن بداية جديدة.

Many divorced men are looking for a new start.

Quantifier + plural noun/adjective + verb.

لم يعد مطلقاً، فقد تزوج الأسبوع الماضي.

He is no longer divorced; he got married last week.

Negation 'lam ya'ud' + predicate.

يعاني الرجل المطلق أحياناً من الوحدة.

The divorced man sometimes suffers from loneliness.

Verb + definite subject + adverb + prepositional phrase.

يجب على المطلق أن يدفع النفقة.

The divorced man must pay alimony.

Modal verb + subject + infinitive clause.

رغم أنه مطلق، إلا أنه يحافظ على علاقة جيدة مع طليقته.

Although he is divorced, he maintains a good relationship with his ex-wife.

Concession clause 'raghma'.

المطلق في مجتمعنا يواجه تحديات مختلفة.

The divorced man in our society faces different challenges.

Definite subject + prepositional phrase + verb + object.

تعتبر كلمة 'مطلق' وصفاً قانونياً دقيقاً للحالة المدنية.

The word 'divorced' is considered a precise legal description of civil status.

Passive verb + subject + predicate.

أثبتت الدراسات أن الرجل المطلق قد يتأثر نفسياً بشكل كبير.

Studies have proven that a divorced man can be significantly affected psychologically.

Verb + subject + 'anna' clause.

في بعض الأحيان، يفضل الشخص أن يظل مطلقاً بدلاً من الزواج غير الناجح.

Sometimes, a person prefers to remain divorced rather than in an unsuccessful marriage.

Adverbial phrase + verb + subject + 'an' + verb.

يتم تسجيله كمطلق في سجلات الأحوال المدنية.

He is registered as divorced in the civil status records.

Passive verb + prepositional phrases.

قد يجد الرجل المطلق صعوبة في التأقلم مع حياته الجديدة.

A divorced man may find difficulty in adapting to his new life.

Modal 'qad' + verb + subject + object.

ليس كل مطلق يرغب في الزواج مرة أخرى.

Not every divorced man wishes to marry again.

Negation + subject + verb + prepositional phrase.

تتطلب إجراءات السفر أحياناً توضيح ما إذا كان المسافر مطلقاً.

Travel procedures sometimes require clarifying whether the traveler is divorced.

Verb + subject + object + 'ma idha kana' clause.

التعامل مع المطلق يجب أن يكون مبنياً على الاحترام والتقدير.

Dealing with a divorced man should be based on respect and appreciation.

Verbal noun + prepositional phrase + modal + passive participle.

تتجلى معاناة المطلق في الأدب العربي المعاصر كرمز للاغتراب.

The suffering of the divorced man manifests in contemporary Arabic literature as a symbol of alienation.

Reflexive verb + subject + prepositional phrases.

إن كون المرء مطلقاً لا ينبغي أن يقلل من مكانته الاجتماعية.

Being divorced should not diminish one's social standing.

Inna + gerund phrase + negation + jussive verb.

تختلف النظرة إلى الرجل المطلق باختلاف البيئات الثقافية والاجتماعية.

The perception of the divorced man varies according to different cultural and social environments.

Verb + subject + 'bi-ikhtilaf' phrase.

غالباً ما يتم الخلط بين 'مطلق' (بمعنى منفصل) و'مطلق' (بمعنى شامل).

There is often confusion between 'mutallaq' (meaning divorced) and 'mutlaq' (meaning comprehensive).

Adverb + passive verb + 'bayna' construction.

يتحمل المطلق مسؤوليات جسيمة تجاه أبنائه بعد انحلال الرابطة الزوجية.

The divorced man bears heavy responsibilities toward his children after the dissolution of the marital bond.

Verb + subject + object + prepositional phrases.

ناقش الفقهاء حقوق المطلق في استرجاع بعض الممتلكات.

Jurists discussed the rights of the divorced man to reclaim some properties.

Verb + subject + object (construct state).

يعد لقب 'مطلق' في بعض المجتمعات وصمة يسعى البعض لتجاوزها.

The title 'divorced' is considered a stigma in some societies that some seek to overcome.

Verb + subject + predicate + relative clause.

لا يمكن إنكار الأثر الاقتصادي الذي يلحق بالرجل المطلق نتيجة تقسيم الثروة.

One cannot deny the economic impact that affects the divorced man as a result of wealth division.

Negation + modal + verbal noun + relative clause.

إن سوسيولوجيا المطلق في العالم العربي تكشف عن تحولات عميقة في بنية الأسرة.

The sociology of the divorced man in the Arab world reveals deep transformations in the family structure.

Inna + complex construct state + verb + object.

تتداخل الدلالات اللغوية لكلمة 'مطلق' بين التحرر من القيد والانفصال عن الشريك.

The linguistic connotations of the word 'mutallaq' overlap between liberation from a bond and separation from a partner.

Verb + subject + 'bayna' construction.

يظل المطلق أسير نظرة مجتمعية تقليدية رغم الحداثة المدعاة.

The divorced man remains a prisoner of a traditional societal view despite alleged modernity.

Verb 'yazallu' + subject + predicate + 'raghma' phrase.

تستوجب وضعية الشخص كمطلق مراجعة شاملة لكافة التزاماته القانونية.

A person's status as divorced necessitates a comprehensive review of all his legal obligations.

Verb + subject + object + adjective.

في الخطاب النسوي، يتم التركيز على المطلقة، بينما يظل المطلق في ظل التهميش البحثي.

In feminist discourse, the focus is on the divorced woman, while the divorced man remains in the shadow of research marginalization.

Prepositional phrase + passive verb + 'baynama' + verb.

لا ريب أن تجربة كون المرء مطلقاً تترك ندوباً غائرة في الوجدان الإنساني.

There is no doubt that the experience of being divorced leaves deep scars in the human psyche.

'La rayba' + 'anna' clause + verb + object.

تفكيك مفهوم 'المطلق' يتطلب فهماً عميقاً للشريعة والقوانين الوضعية على حد سواء.

Deconstructing the concept of 'the divorced' requires a deep understanding of Sharia and positive laws alike.

Verbal noun + object + verb + object.

تمثل الرواية 'المطلق' صرخة في وجه التقاليد التي تأسر الفرد في قوالب جاهزة.

The novel 'The Divorced Man' represents a cry against traditions that imprison the individual in ready-made molds.

Verb + subject + 'fi wajh' phrase + relative clause.

Common Collocations

رجل مطلق

مطلق حديثاً

مطلق وله أولاد

مطلق قانونياً

مطلق مرتين

أصبح مطلقاً

يعيش كمطلق

حقوق المطلق

مطلق غيابياً

مطلق برغبته

Common Phrases

حالة اجتماعية: مطلق

— Social status: Divorced. This is seen on almost every official form in the Arab world.

كتب في الطلب: حالة اجتماعية: مطلق.

رجل مطلق ومسؤول

— A divorced and responsible man. Often used in personal ads or introductions.

هو رجل مطلق ومسؤول عن عائلته.

صار مطلقاً رسمياً

— He became officially divorced. Indicates the legal process is finished.

اليوم صار مطلقاً رسمياً أمام القاضي.

مطلق للمرة الأولى

— Divorced for the first time. Used to clarify marital history.

هو مطلق للمرة الأولى بعد زواج طويل.

مطلق ولا يفكر في الزواج

— Divorced and not thinking about marriage. Describes a personal stance.

أخي مطلق ولا يفكر في الزواج ثانية.

المطلق والنفقة

— The divorced man and alimony. A common legal topic.

بحثنا في موضوع المطلق والنفقة الشهرية.

مطلق في سن مبكرة

— Divorced at an early age. Describes a specific life situation.

هو مطلق في سن مبكرة، وهذا أمر صعب.

مطلق وناجح

— Divorced and successful. Used to counter negative stereotypes.

هو مطلق وناجح جداً في عمله.

رجل مطلق يبحث عن سكن

— A divorced man looking for housing. Common in classifieds.

هناك إعلان عن رجل مطلق يبحث عن سكن.

مطلق بقرار محكمة

— Divorced by court order. Emphasizes the legal origin of the status.

هو مطلق بقرار محكمة منذ الشهر الماضي.

Often Confused With

مطلق vs مُطْلَق (mutlaq)

Means 'absolute'. Differently vocalized but looks identical without harakat.

مطلق vs مُنْفَصِل (munfasil)

Means 'separated'. Used for couples not living together but not necessarily divorced.

مطلق vs طالِق (taliq)

The active participle used in the act of divorcing; 'mutallaq' is the status of the person.

Idioms & Expressions

"أبغض الحلال"

— The most hated of permissible things. This is a famous Hadith referring to divorce.

الطلاق هو أبغض الحلال عند الله.

Religious/Common

"فك القيد"

— To break the bond/chain. Metaphorically used for getting a divorce.

أخيراً فك القيد وأصبح مطلقاً.

Informal/Metaphorical

"رمى عليها اليمين"

— He threw the oath upon her. A common idiom for a man divorcing his wife.

رمى عليها اليمين في لحظة غضب.

Informal

"كسر العصا"

— To break the stick. Idiom for a final separation or falling out.

بعد كسر العصا، أصبح مطلقاً.

Literary

"خرج من القفص"

— He left the cage. A humorous or cynical way to say someone got divorced.

صديقنا خرج من القفص وأصبح مطلقاً.

Slang

"انقطعت الحبال"

— The ropes were cut. Meaning all ties were severed.

انقطعت الحبال بينهما وأصبح مطلقاً.

Literary

"طار الطير"

— The bird flew away. Used when someone leaves a marriage or situation.

طار الطير وأصبح البيت خالياً.

Informal

"وضع النقطة"

— To put the period/dot. To finalize something, like a divorce.

وضع النقطة على زواجه وأصبح مطلقاً.

Neutral

"قلب الصفحة"

— To turn the page. To start over after a divorce.

هو مطلق الآن ويحاول قلب الصفحة.

Neutral

"باع الميّة في حارة السقايين"

— Selling water in the water-carriers' alley. Used when someone talks about divorce to experts.

لا تتحدث عن كونه مطلقاً أمام القاضي؛ أنت تبيع المية في حارة السقايين.

Proverbial/Slang

Easily Confused

مطلق vs مطلق (mutlaq)

Identical spelling in unvocalized Arabic.

Mutlaq means absolute; Mutallaq means divorced. Mutlaq has a sukun on the T; Mutallaq has a fatha and shadda on the L.

الحرية المطلقة (Absolute freedom) vs الرجل المطلق (The divorced man).

مطلق vs مطلق (mutallaq) vs مطلقة (mutallaqa)

Gender forms.

Mutallaq is for men; Mutallaqa is for women. Arabic is very strict about gender agreement.

هو مطلق وهي مطلقة.

مطلق vs أعزب (a'zab)

Both mean 'not married'.

A'zab is for someone never married; Mutallaq is for someone who was married.

هو مطلق وليس أعزباً.

مطلق vs أرمل (armal)

Both describe a single person who was married.

Armal means the spouse died; Mutallaq means the marriage ended legally.

هو أرمل منذ وفاة زوجته.

مطلق vs منفصل (munfasil)

Similar social situation.

Munfasil is 'separated' (physical/informal); Mutallaq is 'divorced' (legal finality).

هما منفصلان لكن لم يقع الطلاق بعد.

Sentence Patterns

[Pronoun] + مطلق.

هو مطلق.

[Noun] + [Adjective].

أخي المطلق يسكن هنا.

أصبح + [Noun/Pronoun] + مطلقاً.

أصبح جاري مطلقاً.

رغم أنه + مطلق + إلا أنه...

رغم أنه مطلق إلا أنه سعيد.

كونه + مطلقاً + يجعل...

كونه مطلقاً يجعل الأمر صعباً.

تتجلى وضعية + [Noun] + كمطلق في...

تتجلى وضعية الرجل كمطلق في الأدب.

هل + [Pronoun] + مطلق؟

هل أنت مطلق؟

لم يعد + [Pronoun] + مطلقاً.

لم يعد مطلقاً.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in social and legal contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'mutlaq' for divorced. → mutallaq
Mutlaq means absolute. You need the extra 'a' and the doubled 'L' for divorced.
Saying 'هو مطلقة' for a man. → هو مطلق
The 'ta marbuta' (ة) is only for females.
Forgetting the 'Qaf' sound. → mutallaq
Often learners say 'mutalla' or 'mutallak'. In formal Arabic, the 'Q' sound is essential.
Confusing 'mutallaq' with 'talaq'. → talaq (noun), mutallaq (adjective)
Don't say 'He is talaq'. Say 'He is mutallaq'.
Using 'mutallaq' for 'separated' (informal). → munfasil
If they aren't legally divorced yet, use 'munfasil'.

Tips

Gender Matching

Always remember to add the 'ah' (ة) for women. 'هو مطلق' but 'هي مطلقة'. This is a very common mistake for beginners.

The Doubled 'L'

Make sure to linger on the 'L' sound. It's 'mu-tal-laq', not 'mu-ta-laq'. This shadda is crucial for the meaning.

Context Clues

If you see the word near 'الحقيقة' (truth) or 'الحرية' (freedom), it's likely 'absolute'. If it's near 'رجل' (man) or 'زواج' (marriage), it's 'divorced'.

Sensitivity

While 'mutallaq' is a standard word, some people might find it too direct. Using 'منفصل' (separated) can sometimes be a softer way to refer to the situation.

Official Forms

When filling out forms, look for 'الحالة الاجتماعية'. If you are divorced, you will select or write 'مطلق'.

Root Learning

Learn the root T-L-Q. It will help you understand words like 'talaqa' (divorce) and 'atlaqa' (release), which are all related.

Spelling

In unvocalized text, 'مطلق' is spelled Meem-Tah-Lam-Qaf. Don't add an extra Lam; the shadda takes care of the doubling.

Dialect Variations

In some dialects, the 'Qaf' is dropped. Listen for 'mutal-la' in places like Cairo or Beirut.

Predicate Use

You can use 'mutallaq' as a simple one-word answer to 'What is his status?'

Memory Hook

Think of 'Mutallaq' as 'Man Un-Tied'. Both start with 'M' and 'U', and the meaning is the same.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'MUT-TAL-LAQ'. The 'TAL' sounds like 'TALL'—imagine a man standing 'TALL' and 'free' after being 'released' from a knot.

Visual Association

Imagine a pair of scissors cutting a thick rope (the marriage bond). The man walking away from the cut rope is 'mutallaq'.

Word Web

Marriage Court Release Freedom Ex-wife Alimony Children Single

Challenge

Try to write three sentences describing different men: one married (mutazawwij), one single (a'zab), and one divorced (mutallaq).

Word Origin

From the Arabic root T-L-Q (ط-ل-ق), which originally meant to untie a knot or release a tethered animal (like a camel). It appears in the Quran and classical poetry to denote the end of a marital bond.

Original meaning: To be set free or released from a physical or metaphorical binding.

Semitic -> Afroasiatic.

Cultural Context

Always use the term factually. Avoid using it as a label to judge someone, as divorce can be a painful or private subject.

In English, 'divorced' is a very direct word. In Arabic, 'mutallaq' is equally direct but often carries a heavier religious and legal connotation due to the specific laws surrounding the act.

The Quranic Surah 'At-Talaq' (The Divorce). The Egyptian film 'I Want a Solution' (Oreedo Hallan) which deals with divorce laws. Modern pop songs that talk about 'al-farraq' (separation) and 'al-talaq'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Legal Documents

وثيقة طلاق (divorce document)
حكم محكمة (court ruling)
الحالة المدنية (civil status)
تاريخ الطلاق (date of divorce)

Social Gatherings

هو مطلق الآن (he is divorced now)
هل هو متزوج؟ (is he married?)
يعيش وحده (he lives alone)
عنده أطفال؟ (does he have kids?)

Job Applications

البيانات الشخصية (personal data)
متزوج أو مطلق (married or divorced)
عدد المعالين (number of dependents)
السكن الحالي (current residence)

News/Media

نسبة الطلاق (divorce rate)
حقوق المطلقين (rights of the divorced)
قانون الأسرة (family law)
المجتمع والطلاق (society and divorce)

Literature/Drama

حياة جديدة (a new life)
الحرية المرة (bitter freedom)
ذكريات الزواج (marriage memories)
البحث عن شريك (searching for a partner)

Conversation Starters

"هل تعرف أحداً في عائلتك مطلق؟ (Do you know someone in your family who is divorced?)"

"ما هي نظرة المجتمع للرجل المطلق في بلدك؟ (What is the society's view of the divorced man in your country?)"

"هل تعتقد أن كلمة 'مطلق' تحمل وصمة عار؟ (Do you think the word 'divorced' carries a stigma?)"

"كيف تتغير حياة الرجل عندما يصبح مطلقاً؟ (How does a man's life change when he becomes divorced?)"

"ما هي التحديات التي يواجهها المطلق مع أطفاله؟ (What are the challenges a divorced man faces with his children?)"

Journal Prompts

اكتب عن الفرق بين أن يكون الشخص أعزباً أو مطلقاً. (Write about the difference between being single or divorced.)

تخيل قصة رجل أصبح مطلقاً بعد عشرين سنة زواج. (Imagine the story of a man who became divorced after 20 years of marriage.)

هل القوانين في بلدك عادلة للرجل المطلق؟ (Are the laws in your country fair to the divorced man?)

صف مشاعرك إذا سألك أحدهم في استمارة: هل أنت مطلق؟ (Describe your feelings if someone asked you on a form: Are you divorced?)

ناقش كيف يمكن للمجتمع دعم المطلقين والمطلقات بشكل أفضل. (Discuss how society can better support divorced men and women.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'Talaq' is the noun meaning 'divorce' (the act or process), while 'mutallaq' is the adjective meaning 'divorced' (the status of the person). For example, 'وقع الطلاق' (The divorce happened) and 'هو مطلق' (He is divorced).

You add the 'ta marbuta' to the end of the masculine word, making it 'مطلقة' (mutallaqa). For example, 'هي مطلقة' (She is divorced).

No, it is a neutral, factual, and legal term. However, because divorce can be a sensitive topic, it should be used with appropriate empathy and context.

The 'Q' (ق - Qaf) is a deep, uvular consonant produced at the back of the throat. In some dialects like Egyptian, it might sound like a glottal stop, but in Standard Arabic, it is a distinct, deep 'K'-like sound.

Yes, but only if it is vocalized as 'مُطْلَق' (mutlaq). The word for 'divorced' is 'مُطَلَّق' (mutallaq). The difference is in the vowels and the doubling of the 'L'.

The plural for men is 'مطلقون' (mutallaqun) in the nominative case and 'مطلقين' (mutallaqin) in the accusative and genitive cases.

Yes, as a linguistic and legal descriptor of marital status, it is used regardless of the person's religion, although the legal processes for reaching that status may differ.

You would say 'أنا مطلق' (Ana mutallaq).

No, 'mutallaq' is the standard and most efficient way to express this status in Arabic.

Yes! The root T-L-Q is used for many things related to 'releasing,' such as 'atlaqa' (to fire a gun or release a prisoner) and 'intalaqa' (to start or launch).