تنبؤ
تنبؤ in 30 Seconds
- A formal Arabic noun meaning 'prediction' or 'forecast', derived from the root N-B-A (news/information).
- Primarily used in scientific, economic, and media contexts to describe logical future estimations.
- Requires the preposition 'bi-' (بـ) when followed by the object being predicted (e.g., predicting the weather).
- Distinguished from 'expectation' (توقع) by its formal tone and reliance on data or systematic methods.
The Arabic word تنبؤ (Tanabbu') is a sophisticated noun derived from the root ن-ب-أ (N-B-A), which fundamentally relates to the transmission of news, information, or significant reports. In modern usage, it specifically refers to the act of 'prediction' or 'forecasting.' Unlike a mere guess, a تنبؤ usually implies a logical process or the presence of underlying data. It is the verbal noun (Masdar) of the Form V verb تنبأ (to predict). This word sits at the intersection of science, daily life, and intellectual analysis, making it indispensable for B1 learners and above.
- Scientific Context
- In fields like meteorology or economics, this word is the standard term for a forecast. It suggests that the conclusion was reached through observation and calculation rather than intuition alone.
يعتمد المزارعون على تنبؤ الأرصاد الجوية لتنظيم مواعيد الحصاد.
Historically, the root is connected to 'prophecy' (نبوءة), but in contemporary Arabic, تنبؤ has been secularized to mean scientific or logical forecasting. When you hear this word on the news, it is almost always followed by a prepositional phrase or another noun in an Idfaa (possessive) construction, such as تنبؤات اقتصادية (economic predictions). The plural form, تنبؤات (Tanabbu'at), is extremely common when discussing multiple possibilities or complex models.
- Linguistic Nuance
- The prefix 'Ta-' and the doubling of the middle radical (the 'ba') signify a process or an intentional action. It is not a passive event; it is an active intellectual endeavor.
صعب الـ تنبؤ بمسار العاصفة بدقة كاملة.
In the digital age, this word has found a new home in 'Predictive Text' (النص التنبؤي) and 'Predictive Analytics' (التحليلات التنبؤية). This reflects its evolution from a human cognitive act to a computational process. Understanding this word allows you to navigate Arabic discussions about technology, climate change, and financial markets with ease. It carries a weight of authority—when someone offers a تنبؤ, they are usually prepared to back it up with a 'why' or a 'how,' distinguishing it from mere speculation (تكهن).
هل تملك هذه الآلة القدرة على الـ تنبؤ بسلوك المستهلك؟
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- Formal and Semi-formal. You will see it in newspapers, hear it in documentaries, and use it in business meetings. It is rarely used in very casual street slang.
الـ تنبؤ بالمستقبل ليس سحراً بل علماً.
Ultimately, تنبؤ is about reducing uncertainty. In a world of chaos, the human mind seeks patterns, and this word is the linguistic label for that pattern-seeking behavior. Whether you are discussing the results of an election, the movements of the stock market, or the potential for rain tomorrow, you are engaging in the act of تنبؤ. By mastering its use, you bridge the gap between basic descriptions of the present and sophisticated analyses of what is yet to come.
Using تنبؤ correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical environment. As a noun, it often functions as the subject or object of a sentence, or as part of an Idfaa (possessive) construction. The most critical grammatical rule to remember is that it is almost always followed by the preposition بـ (bi-) when indicating what is being predicted. For example, 'prediction of the future' is تنبؤ بالمستقبل.
- The Preposition 'Bi-'
- In Arabic, verbs and nouns of prediction 'attach' to their object using 'bi-'. You don't just 'predict the weather'; you 'predict *with* the weather' in a literal sense, though it translates directly to 'predict the weather' in English.
من الصعب الـ تنبؤ بـنتائج الانتخابات الحالية.
Another common usage is as a plural noun, تنبؤات. This is used when referring to a set of forecasts or various possibilities. In news broadcasts, you will frequently hear the phrase تنبؤات حالة الطقس (weather forecasts). Note how the word acts as the first part of the Idfaa, followed by the specific subject being forecasted.
- Adjectival Modifiers
- You can describe a prediction using adjectives like 'accurate' (دقيق), 'wrong' (خاطئ), or 'scientific' (علمي). These adjectives must match the noun in gender (masculine) and number.
كان تنبؤ الخبير الاقتصادي دقيقاً جداً هذا العام.
In academic or technical writing, تنبؤ is often the subject of verbs like 'to fail' (فشل) or 'to succeed' (نجح). For instance, 'The prediction failed to come true' would be فشل التنبؤ في التحقق. This highlights the word's role in formal analysis and critique. It is also used in the context of 'Predictive Modeling' in data science, which is النمذجة التنبؤية.
لا يمكننا الاعتماد على تنبؤ واحد لاتخاذ هذا القرار المصيري.
- Negation
- To say something is 'unpredictable,' Arabic often uses the phrase 'غير قابل للتنبؤ' (not capable of being predicted). This is a very useful structure for B1/B2 learners.
سوق الأسهم متقلب وغير قابل للـ تنبؤ.
Finally, consider the verb form تنبأ - يتنبأ. While the noun is great for titles and general concepts, the verb is used when a specific agent is making the prediction. 'He predicted the crisis' is تنبأ بالأزمة. Using the noun and verb together in your repertoire will significantly improve your fluency and ability to describe complex future-oriented scenarios.
The word تنبؤ is a staple of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and is heard daily in specific professional and media environments. If you tune into an Arabic news channel like Al Jazeera or Al Arabiya, you are guaranteed to hear this word during the weather segment or the financial report. It is the language of experts and commentators who analyze trends and look toward the horizon.
- The Weather Report (النشرة الجوية)
- The most common place to hear 'تنبؤات' is right after the news, when the meteorologist discusses 'تنبؤات الطقس للأيام القادمة' (weather predictions for the coming days). It sounds formal and authoritative.
تشير آخر الـ تنبؤات الجوية إلى هطول أمطار غزيرة غداً.
In the business world, during quarterly meetings or economic summits, تنبؤ is used to discuss market growth, inflation rates, and consumer behavior. Analysts will speak about 'تنبؤات السوق' (market predictions). Here, the word carries a connotation of risk management and strategic planning. You might also encounter it in technology podcasts or articles discussing Artificial Intelligence, specifically in the context of 'Predictive Algorithms' (خوارزميات التنبؤ).
- Academic and Scientific Discourse
- In universities, professors use this word when discussing the scientific method. A hypothesis often leads to a 'تنبؤ علمي' (scientific prediction) that can be tested through experimentation.
يعتمد العلم الحديث على دقة الـ تنبؤ بالظواهر الطبيعية.
Interestingly, you will also hear this word in sports commentary, especially before major matches or tournaments. Commentators and fans engage in تنبؤات about who will win the league or the World Cup. While this is slightly less formal than a scientific forecast, using the word تنبؤ instead of 'guess' gives the speaker's opinion a veneer of expert analysis.
كثرت الـ تنبؤات حول مستقبل المنطقة بعد التطورات الأخيرة.
Finally, in the literary world, science fiction writers use تنبؤ to describe the futuristic technologies they envision. In this sense, the word bridges the gap between imagination and reality. If you are reading a high-level Arabic essay or a technical manual, the presence of this word signals a transition from describing 'what is' to analyzing 'what might be.' It is a word of the intellect, the laboratory, and the newsroom.
For learners of Arabic, the word تنبؤ presents several pitfalls, ranging from spelling and pronunciation to subtle semantic confusion with related terms. Understanding these common errors will help you use the word with the precision of a native speaker.
- Spelling the Hamza
- The most common written mistake is placing the hamza on the wrong 'seat.' Because the 'ba' has a damma, the hamza must sit on a 'waw' (ؤ). Learners often mistakenly write it on an 'alif' (تنبأ) which is actually the past tense verb, not the noun.
خطأ: هذا تنبأ خاطئ. (This is the verb form).
صح: هذا تنبؤ خاطئ. (This is the noun form).
Another frequent error is confusing تنبؤ (Tanabbu') with توقع (Tawaqqu'). While they are often translated as 'prediction' and 'expectation' respectively, they are not always interchangeable. تنبؤ is more formal and implies a basis in data or a systematic method. توقع is broader and can refer to a simple personal expectation or a feeling about what might happen.
- The 'Prophecy' Trap
- Do not confuse 'تنبؤ' with 'نبوءة' (Nubu'ah). While they share the same root, 'نبوءة' is strictly for religious or mystical prophecies. Using 'تنبؤ' for a divine message or 'نبوءة' for a weather report would sound very strange.
لا تستخدم تنبؤ للحديث عن الأنبياء؛ استخدم 'نبوءة'.
Grammatically, learners often forget the preposition بـ (bi-). In English, we say 'predicting the future' (direct object). In Arabic, you must say التنبؤ بالمستقبل. Omitting the 'bi-' is a hallmark of non-native speech. Additionally, ensure you don't confuse the pronunciation with تبني (Tabanni - adoption) or تنبيه (Tanbih - warning), which sound vaguely similar to beginners but have entirely different meanings.
تجنب قول 'تنبؤ المستقبل'؛ قل دائماً 'التنبؤ بالمستقبل'.
Lastly, be careful with the plural. While تنبؤات is the standard plural, some learners try to use a broken plural pattern which does not exist for this word. Stick to the sound feminine plural ending (-at). By keeping these distinctions in mind—spelling the hamza on a 'waw', using the correct preposition, and distinguishing scientific forecasting from religious prophecy—you will avoid the most common traps associated with this word.
Arabic is a language rich in synonyms, each carrying a specific 'flavor' or level of formality. When you want to express the idea of looking into the future, تنبؤ is your most professional tool, but it is helpful to know the alternatives to expand your range.
- توقع (Tawaqqu') vs. تنبؤ
- 'Tawaqqu'' is the most common synonym. It means 'expectation.' While 'Tanabbu'' implies a formal forecast, 'Tawaqqu'' can be as simple as 'I expect him to arrive late.' Use 'Tawaqqu'' for general life and 'Tanabbu'' for science/news.
- تكهن (Takahhun) vs. تنبؤ
- 'Takahhun' means 'speculation' or 'conjecture.' It often has a slightly negative or skeptical connotation, suggesting that the person is just guessing without real evidence. If a journalist calls a report 'مجرد تكهنات' (mere speculations), they are dismissing its validity.
الفرق بين الـ تنبؤ والتكهن هو الدليل العلمي.
Another interesting alternative is استشراف (Istishraf). This word is even more formal than تنبؤ and is often used in the context of 'Strategic Foresight' or 'looking ahead' in a visionary sense. It is common in government documents and high-level corporate strategy (استشراف المستقبل).
- رؤية (Ru'yah)
- While literally meaning 'vision,' in the context of the future, 'Ru'yah' refers to a goal or a long-term plan (e.g., Saudi Vision 2030). It is not a prediction of what *will* happen, but a statement of what *should* happen.
قدم الباحث تنبؤاً منطقياً، لكنه ظل مجرد احتمال.
In some contexts, you might also see تخرص (Takharros), which is a very formal, almost archaic word for 'falsehood' or 'wild guessing,' often used in religious or polemical texts to dismiss someone's claims. For a B1 learner, stick to تنبؤ and توقع as your primary tools. Knowing when to switch to تكهن will add a layer of sophistication to your Arabic, allowing you to express doubt or skepticism about a future claim without being overtly rude.
هذا ليس تنبؤاً؛ إنه استشراف للمستقبل البعيد.
How Formal Is It?
"تشير التنبؤات الاقتصادية إلى نمو مستدام."
"ما هو تنبؤك لنتيجة المباراة؟"
"تنبؤاتك دايمًا غلط!"
"الرجل في التلفاز يقدم تنبؤاً للمطر."
"بلاش تنبؤات فاشلة."
Fun Fact
The words for 'Prophet' (Nabi) and 'News' (Naba') come from the same root. This suggests that in the ancient Arabic mind, telling the future and bringing news were part of the same intellectual category of 'revealing the hidden.'
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the final hamza as a long 'u' without the glottal stop.
- Forgetting the shadda (doubling) on the 'ba'.
- Pronouncing it like 'tanbih' (warning).
- Dropping the first 'ta' sound.
- Confusing the vowel on the 'ba' (should be damma).
Difficulty Rating
The hamza spelling (ؤ) and the shadda can be tricky for beginners to recognize.
Requires knowledge of hamza rules and the use of the preposition 'bi-'.
Pronouncing the final glottal stop and the double 'b' requires practice.
Commonly used in media, so learners will encounter it frequently.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
The preposition 'bi-' after prediction nouns.
التنبؤ بـالنجاح (Predicting success).
Masdar (Verbal Noun) of Form V (Tafa''ul).
تنبأ -> تنبؤ (Tanabba'a -> Tanabbu').
Spelling of Hamza preceded by Damma.
تنبؤ (The hamza sits on a waw).
Sound Feminine Plural for Masdars.
تنبؤ -> تنبؤات (Tanabbu' -> Tanabbu'at).
Idfaa (Possessive) construction with abstract nouns.
تنبؤات الخبراء (The experts' predictions).
Examples by Level
التنبؤ هو مطر اليوم.
The prediction is rain today.
A1 sentence using 'is' (implied) between noun and noun.
أنا أحب تنبؤ الطقس.
I like the weather prediction.
Simple Subject-Verb-Object structure.
ما هو التنبؤ؟
What is the prediction?
Basic question structure.
هذا تنبؤ جيد.
This is a good prediction.
Demonstrative pronoun + noun + adjective.
تنبؤ الطقس يقول شمس.
The weather prediction says sun.
Simple personification of the noun 'prediction'.
لا يوجد تنبؤ الآن.
There is no prediction now.
Negation using 'la yujad' (there is not).
التنبؤ كان صحيحاً.
The prediction was correct.
Using 'kana' (was) for past state.
أسمع تنبؤ الأخبار.
I hear the news prediction.
Verb + noun + noun (Idfaa).
التنبؤ بالطقس مهم للمسافرين.
Weather prediction is important for travelers.
Introduction of the preposition 'bi-' after the noun.
هل التنبؤ دقيق دائماً؟
Is the prediction always accurate?
Use of 'hal' for questions and 'da'iman' (always).
قرأت تنبؤات كثيرة عن المستقبل.
I read many predictions about the future.
Plural form 'tanabbu'at'.
تنبؤ الخبير كان مفاجئاً.
The expert's prediction was surprising.
Idfaa construction: 'Tanabbu' al-khabir'.
لا أصدق هذا التنبؤ.
I don't believe this prediction.
Present tense negation with 'la'.
التنبؤ بالنتائج صعب جداً.
Predicting the results is very difficult.
Subject + prepositional phrase + adjective.
استخدمت التطبيق للتنبؤ بالمطر.
I used the app to predict the rain.
Use of 'li-' (for/to) + definite noun.
توجد تنبؤات جديدة اليوم.
There are new predictions today.
Plural noun matching with feminine singular verb 'tujad'.
يعتمد الاقتصاد الحديث على التنبؤ الدقيق بالأسواق.
The modern economy relies on accurate market prediction.
Verb 'ya'tamid' (relies) followed by 'ala' (on).
فشل التنبؤ في تحديد موعد العاصفة.
The prediction failed to determine the timing of the storm.
Verb 'fashala' (failed) + subject noun.
تساعدنا التنبؤات العلمية على حماية البيئة.
Scientific predictions help us protect the environment.
Plural subject + direct object 'na' (us).
هل يمكن التنبؤ بوقوع الزلازل؟
Is it possible to predict the occurrence of earthquakes?
Passive-like structure with 'yumkin' (is possible).
قدمت الشركة تنبؤات مالية للعام القادم.
The company provided financial predictions for the next year.
Verb 'qaddamat' (provided/presented).
يعتبر التنبؤ بالمستقبل جزءاً من التخطيط الاستراتيجي.
Predicting the future is considered part of strategic planning.
Passive verb 'yu'tabar' (is considered).
هناك فرق كبير بين التنبؤ والتخمين.
There is a big difference between prediction and guessing.
Comparison between two nouns.
أصبحت التنبؤات الجوية أكثر دقة بفضل التكنولوجيا.
Weather forecasts have become more accurate thanks to technology.
Using 'asbahat' (became) for changing states.
تعتمد النماذج الرياضية على بيانات ضخمة لزيادة دقة التنبؤ.
Mathematical models rely on big data to increase prediction accuracy.
Noun-noun Idfaa: 'daqat al-tanabbu'' (accuracy of prediction).
أثارت التنبؤات الاقتصادية المتشائمة قلق المستثمرين.
The pessimistic economic predictions raised investor concern.
Adjective 'al-mutasha'imah' (pessimistic) matching the plural noun.
يصعب التنبؤ بسلوك المستهلك في ظل الأزمات.
It is difficult to predict consumer behavior in light of crises.
Phrase 'fi zill' (in light of/under).
تستخدم خوارزميات الذكاء الاصطناعي للتنبؤ بالنتائج الطبية.
AI algorithms are used to predict medical outcomes.
Technical terminology usage.
كان التنبؤ بانهيار السوق مفاجئاً للجميع.
Predicting the market collapse was surprising to everyone.
Gerund-like use of the noun as a subject.
لا يمكننا الوثوق بتنبؤات غير مبنية على أدلة.
We cannot trust predictions not based on evidence.
Negation + 'al-wuthuq' (trusting) + 'bi-'.
تطورت تقنيات التنبؤ بشكل ملحوظ في العقد الأخير.
Prediction techniques have evolved significantly in the last decade.
Verb 'tatawwarat' (evolved/developed).
يعد التنبؤ بمسار الإعصار أمراً حيوياً لسلامة السكان.
Predicting the hurricane's path is vital for the safety of the population.
Use of 'amran' (a matter/thing) as a predicate.
تتجاوز التنبؤات الديموغرافية مجرد الأرقام لتشمل تحولات اجتماعية عميقة.
Demographic predictions go beyond mere numbers to include deep social shifts.
Verb 'tatajawaz' (transcend/go beyond).
تظل القدرة على التنبؤ بالأزمات السياسية محدودة رغم التقدم التكنولوجي.
The ability to predict political crises remains limited despite technological progress.
Complex subject: 'al-qudrah ala al-tanabbu'' (the ability to predict).
هناك جدل فلسفي حول إمكانية التنبؤ بالسلوك البشري بدقة.
There is a philosophical debate about the possibility of predicting human behavior accurately.
Abstract noun 'imkaniyyah' (possibility).
اعتمدت الدراسة على التنبؤات الإحصائية لتحليل الاتجاهات المستقبلية.
The study relied on statistical predictions to analyze future trends.
Use of 'li-tahlil' (to analyze).
تعرضت التنبؤات المناخية لانتقادات بسبب عدم شموليتها.
Climate predictions faced criticism due to their lack of comprehensiveness.
Passive verb 'ta'arradat' (was exposed to/faced).
يشكل التنبؤ بالنمو الاقتصادي حجر الزاوية في السياسة المالية.
Predicting economic growth constitutes the cornerstone of fiscal policy.
Idiom 'hajar al-zawiyah' (cornerstone).
لا يقتصر التنبؤ على العلم، بل يمتد إلى الخيال الأدبي.
Prediction is not limited to science; it extends to literary imagination.
Structure 'la yaqtasir... bal yamtadd' (not limited to... but extends).
تتطلب دقة التنبؤ فهماً عميقاً للمتغيرات المعقدة.
Prediction accuracy requires a deep understanding of complex variables.
Verb 'tatatallab' (requires).
إن التنبؤ السوسيولوجي يتطلب تفكيكاً للبنى التحتية للمجتمعات المعاصرة.
Sociological prediction requires a deconstruction of the infrastructures of contemporary societies.
Use of 'Inna' for emphasis and complex adjectives.
تتقاطع التنبؤات الجيوسياسية مع المصالح القومية في صياغة الاستراتيجيات.
Geopolitical predictions intersect with national interests in shaping strategies.
Verb 'tataqata'' (intersect).
تجلت براعة التنبؤ في قدرة الخوارزمية على محاكاة الفوضى.
The ingenuity of the prediction was manifested in the algorithm's ability to simulate chaos.
Verb 'tajallat' (manifested/became clear).
يواجه التنبؤ المعرفي معضلة الحتمية مقابل الإرادة الحرة.
Cognitive prediction faces the dilemma of determinism versus free will.
Philosophical terminology 'al-hatmiyyah' (determinism).
ثمة فجوة معرفية بين التنبؤات النظرية والواقع الميداني الملموس.
There is an epistemological gap between theoretical predictions and tangible field reality.
Use of 'thamma' (there is/exists).
أضحت التنبؤات الخوارزمية أداة للهيمنة في العصر الرقمي.
Algorithmic predictions have become a tool for hegemony in the digital age.
Verb 'adhat' (became/started to be).
يتجاوز هذا التنبؤ الاستشرافي الحدود الزمنية المعتادة للتحليل.
This foresightful prediction transcends the usual temporal boundaries of analysis.
Adjective 'istishrafi' (foresightful/visionary).
يظل التنبؤ بـ 'البجعة السوداء' تحدياً قائماً أمام النماذج الإحصائية.
Predicting the 'Black Swan' remains an ongoing challenge for statistical models.
Reference to 'Black Swan' theory.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Based on the predictions. Used to justify a decision.
بناءً على التنبؤات، سنلغي الرحلة.
— Contrary to predictions. Used when something unexpected happens.
خلافاً للتنبؤات، فاز الفريق الضعيف.
— Long-term predictions. Used for the distant future.
نحتاج لتنبؤات بعيدة المدى للمناخ.
— Short-term predictions. Used for the immediate future.
التنبؤات قصيرة المدى أكثر دقة.
— Failed to predict. Used when an event was missed by experts.
فشل الجميع في التنبؤ بالأزمة.
— Conflicting predictions. Used when experts disagree.
هناك تنبؤات متضاربة حول سعر الذهب.
Often Confused With
Means 'warning' or 'alert'. Sounds similar but relates to attention, not the future.
Means 'adoption'. Share some similar sounds but totally different meaning.
Means 'fulfillment' or 'responding'. Often confused by beginners due to the 'T-B' structure.
Idioms & Expressions
— He doesn't have a crystal ball to predict. Used to say someone isn't a magician.
لا أملك كرة بلورية للتنبؤ بما سيفعله.
Informal/Translated Idiom— Predicting the unpredictable. Used for extreme challenges.
محاولة التنبؤ بما لا يمكن التنبؤ به مضيعة للوقت.
Literary— Predictions in the wind. Meaning they are useless or likely to be wrong.
صارت كل تنبؤاته في مهب الريح.
Poetic— Reading coffee grounds to predict. Used to dismiss someone's guess as unscientific.
هو لا يحلل البيانات، بل يقرأ في الفنجان للتنبؤ.
Informal/Cultural— Dark/gloomy predictions. Used for very negative outlooks.
كف عن هذه التنبؤات السوداوية.
Neutral— Rosy predictions. Used for overly optimistic outlooks.
قدم الوزير تنبؤات وردية للمستقبل.
Neutral— A kind of prediction. Used when something acts like a forecast.
تراجع المبيعات هو ضرب من التنبؤ بالكساد.
Formal— Within the circle of prediction. Meaning it is expected.
هذا الحدث يقع في دائرة التنبؤ.
Formal— Hollow predictions. Empty promises or baseless claims.
لا تستمع لتلك التنبؤات الجوفاء.
Literary— Master of prediction. Used for someone very accurate.
يعتبره البعض سيد التنبؤ الاقتصادي.
InformalEasily Confused
Both translate to 'prediction' or 'expectation'.
Tanabbu' is more formal and implies a scientific or systematic basis. Tawaqqu' is more general and can be based on intuition.
أتوقع وصوله قريباً (General). التنبؤ بالزلزال مستحيل (Scientific).
Both involve looking at the future.
Takahhun is often used for guesswork or speculation without solid proof. It can be negative.
هذه مجرد تكهنات لا أساس لها.
Share the same root (N-B-A).
Nubu'ah is a religious prophecy. Tanabbu' is a secular forecast.
تحققت نبوءة النبي. فشل تنبؤ الأرصاد.
Both look forward.
Istishraf is more strategic and visionary, often used for long-term government or corporate planning.
استشراف المستقبل هو هدف الوزارة.
Both involve estimating.
Taqdir is usually about estimating quantities, costs, or value, rather than events.
تقدير المسافة بين المدينتين.
Sentence Patterns
التنبؤ بـ [اسم] [صفة].
التنبؤ بالطقس مفيد.
من الصعب التنبؤ بـ [اسم].
من الصعب التنبؤ بالمستقبل.
تشير التنبؤات إلى [جملة].
تشير التنبؤات إلى أن الجو سيكون حاراً.
[اسم] غير قابل للتنبؤ.
سوق الأسهم غير قابل للتنبؤ.
يعتمد [اسم] على دقة التنبؤ.
يعتمد التخطيط على دقة التنبؤ.
تتجاوز التنبؤات [اسم] لتشمل [اسم].
تتجاوز التنبؤات الأرقام لتشمل البشر.
ثمة شكوك حول صحة التنبؤ بـ [اسم].
ثمة شكوك حول صحة التنبؤ بالنتائج.
يظل التنبؤ بـ [اسم] رهيناً بـ [اسم].
يظل التنبؤ بالنمو رهيناً باستقرار السوق.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High in media and academic contexts.
-
تنبأ بالمستقبل (as a noun)
→
تنبؤ بالمستقبل
Learners often use the past tense verb form (تنبأ) when they mean the noun (تنبؤ). Check the hamza's seat!
-
تنبؤ المستقبل
→
تنبؤ بالمستقبل
Forgetting the preposition 'bi-'. Arabic requires this preposition for the object of prediction.
-
نبوءة الطقس
→
تنبؤ الطقس
Using the word for 'prophecy' (religious) for a scientific forecast. This sounds very odd to native speakers.
-
تنبؤاتات
→
تنبؤات
Trying to double the plural ending. The correct plural is a simple sound feminine plural.
-
تنبؤ الجو
→
التنبؤات الجوية
While 'تنبؤ الجو' is understandable, the standard phrase in media is 'التنبؤات الجوية' (using the adjective).
Tips
The 'Bi-' Rule
Always remember to add the letter 'ba' (بـ) before the object you are predicting. It is the bridge between the word 'prediction' and the thing being predicted.
Use it for Science
If you are writing about science, weather, or economics, use 'تنبؤ' instead of 'توقع' to sound more professional and accurate.
The Waw Seat
Think of the 'waw' in 'تنبؤ' as a chair for the hamza. It only sits there because the 'ba' before it is pushing it with a 'u' sound (damma).
The Double B
Make sure to linger on the 'b' sound slightly. It is 'Ta-nab-bu', not 'Ta-na-bu'. That double 'b' is what gives the word its strength.
News Keywords
When listening to the news, 'تنبؤات' is a signal that the speaker is moving from 'what happened' to 'what might happen next'.
Insha'Allah
When using 'تنبؤ' in a social setting, it is polite to follow it with 'إن شاء الله' to show that you know only God knows the future for certain.
Plural Usage
In titles for articles, use the plural 'تنبؤات' (Predictions) rather than the singular, as it sounds more comprehensive.
Unpredictable People
Use 'غير قابل للتنبؤ' to describe a person with a volatile personality. It is a very expressive and sophisticated phrase.
Root Connection
Link 'Tanabbu' to 'Naba' (News). A prediction is just 'pre-news'.
Research Papers
In academic writing, use 'النماذج التنبؤية' (Predictive Models) to refer to statistical methods used to forecast trends.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Ta-NAB-bu'. The 'NAB' sounds like 'grab'. You are trying to 'grab' a piece of the future (news/Naba') before it happens.
Visual Association
Imagine a weather forecaster pointing at a map with a crystal ball made of data. That forecaster is performing a 'تنبؤ'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to find three 'تنبؤات' (predictions) in today's news headlines. Write them down and check tomorrow if they were 'دقيقة' (accurate).
Word Origin
Derived from the Arabic root N-B-A (ن-ب-أ), which is one of the oldest Semitic roots associated with high-level communication and divine messages.
Original meaning: To bring news or to inform of something significant that was previously unknown.
Semitic / Afro-Asiatic.Cultural Context
Be careful not to use 'تنبؤ' when discussing religious prophets; use 'نبوءة' or 'وحي' (revelation) to avoid sounding secular or disrespectful.
In English, 'prediction' and 'forecast' are often used interchangeably. In Arabic, 'تنبؤ' covers both but leans toward the formal 'forecast' in professional settings.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Weather (الأرصاد الجوية)
- تنبؤات الطقس
- تنبؤ بهطول الأمطار
- تنبؤ بدرجات الحرارة
- دقة التنبؤ الجوي
Finance (المالية والاقتصاد)
- تنبؤات السوق
- تنبؤ بالنمو
- تنبؤ بالأزمة المالية
- تنبؤ بأسعار الأسهم
Technology (التكنولوجيا)
- نص تنبؤي
- تحليلات تنبؤية
- خوارزميات التنبؤ
- تنبؤ بالبيانات
Medicine (الطب)
- تنبؤ بمسار المرض
- تنبؤ جيني
- تنبؤ بالنتائج الصحية
- نماذج تنبؤية طبية
Politics (السياسة)
- تنبؤ بنتائج الانتخابات
- تنبؤ بالصراعات
- تنبؤات جيوسياسية
- فشل التنبؤ السياسي
Conversation Starters
"ما هو تنبؤك لمستقبل الذكاء الاصطناعي؟ (What is your prediction for the future of AI?)"
"هل تعتقد أن التنبؤ بالطقس أصبح دقيقاً جداً الآن؟ (Do you think weather forecasting has become very accurate now?)"
"كيف تؤثر التنبؤات الاقتصادية على قراراتك المالية؟ (How do economic predictions affect your financial decisions?)"
"هل سبق وأن صدق تنبؤ قمت به بخصوص مباراة كرة قدم؟ (Has a prediction you made about a football match ever come true?)"
"ما هي أغرب تنبؤات سمعتها عن نهاية العالم؟ (What are the strangest predictions you've heard about the end of the world?)"
Journal Prompts
اكتب عن تنبؤ قمت به في الماضي وتبين أنه صحيح. كيف شعرت؟ (Write about a prediction you made in the past that turned out to be true. How did you feel?)
هل تفضل العيش في عالم يمكن فيه التنبؤ بكل شيء بدقة؟ ولماذا؟ (Would you prefer to live in a world where everything can be predicted accurately? Why?)
ناقش أهمية التنبؤات الجوية في حياة الناس اليومية. (Discuss the importance of weather forecasts in people's daily lives.)
تخيل مستقبلاً تكون فيه التنبؤات الطبية قادرة على منع كل الأمراض. صف هذا العالم. (Imagine a future where medical predictions can prevent all diseases. Describe this world.)
كيف يمكن للتنبؤات الخاطئة أن تسبب مشاكل كبيرة في المجتمع؟ (How can wrong predictions cause major problems in society?)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsWhile it is the standard term for scientific forecasting, it can be used in sports or general life if the speaker wants to sound more authoritative or logical. For example, 'تنبؤات المباراة' (match predictions).
The first is the singular 'prediction,' and the second is the plural 'predictions.' In weather and news, the plural is much more common because they usually offer multiple data points or scenarios.
The hamza sits on a 'waw' (ؤ) because the letter before it has a 'damma' (u) sound. If you write it on an 'alif' (تنبأ), it becomes the past tense verb 'he predicted'.
In formal Arabic, it is incorrect. You must use the preposition 'bi-': 'التنبؤ بالمستقبل'. This is a common mistake for English speakers who are used to direct objects.
The specific word 'تنبؤ' as a noun is not in the Quran, but other words from the same root like 'نبا' (news) and 'نبوءة' (prophecy) are frequent. The root itself is very prominent.
It is called 'النص التنبؤي' (An-Nass al-Tanabbu'i). It uses the adjective form of the word.
Yes, it is neutral. It can be a 'تنبؤ بالنجاح' (prediction of success) or a 'تنبؤ بالأزمة' (prediction of crisis).
Yes, the verb is 'تنبأ' (tanabba'a - to predict). For example, 'تنبأ العالم بالزلزال' (The scientist predicted the earthquake).
It is generally considered a B1/B2 level word because it is found in news, academic texts, and professional environments.
You can say 'غير قابل للتنبؤ' (not capable of being predicted) or 'صعب التنبؤ به' (difficult to predict).
Test Yourself 200 questions
Write a sentence using 'تنبؤ بالطقس'.
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Translate: 'It is difficult to predict the future.'
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Use 'تنبؤات اقتصادية' in a professional sentence.
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Write a sentence about 'predictive text'.
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Explain the difference between 'تنبؤ' and 'توقع' in Arabic.
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Write a short paragraph about weather forecasting.
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Translate: 'Scientific predictions help protect the environment.'
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Use the plural 'تنبؤات' in a sentence about sports.
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Write a sentence using 'بناءً على التنبؤات'.
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Translate: 'The stock market is unpredictable.'
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Write a sentence using 'دقة التنبؤ'.
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Describe an 'accurate prediction' you once made.
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Translate: 'Contrary to predictions, the prices fell.'
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Write a sentence using 'تنبؤ مبكر'.
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Translate: 'Can we predict human behavior?'
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Write a sentence about 'market predictions'.
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Use 'تنبؤ علمي' in a sentence.
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Translate: 'His prediction was wrong.'
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Write a sentence using 'صعب التنبؤ'.
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Use 'تنبؤات متضاربة' in a sentence.
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Pronounce the word 'تنبؤ' correctly.
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Say: 'I like weather predictions.' in Arabic.
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Ask a friend for their prediction about a football match.
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Explain why weather prediction is important.
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Say: 'The future is unpredictable.'
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Discuss the use of AI in prediction.
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Describe a time a prediction was wrong.
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Say: 'According to the predictions, it will be hot.'
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Talk about economic predictions for next year.
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Ask if it's possible to predict earthquakes.
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Say: 'Scientific prediction is better than guessing.'
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Discuss the limitations of prediction.
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Say: 'I don't trust these predictions.'
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Explain 'predictive text' to a friend.
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Say: 'The expert's prediction was accurate.'
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Discuss if humans can predict their own future.
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Say: 'Contrary to predictions, we won.'
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Describe the role of data in prediction.
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Say: 'Early prediction saves lives.'
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Ask: 'What is your prediction for the price of gold?'
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Listen to a weather report and identify the word 'تنبؤات'.
What did the speaker say about the prediction's accuracy?
Listen for the preposition used after 'تنبؤ'.
Identify the context of the prediction (e.g., weather, finance).
Does the speaker sound confident about the prediction?
Listen for the plural form 'تنبؤات'.
What is being predicted in the audio?
Listen for the phrase 'غير قابل للتنبؤ'.
How many predictions did the expert mention?
Listen for synonyms like 'توقع' or 'تكهن'.
Is the prediction for the short term or long term?
Listen for the verb form 'تنبأ'.
What evidence was cited for the prediction?
Identify the speaker's profession based on their use of 'تنبؤ'.
Listen for the word 'نبوءة' and distinguish it from 'تنبؤ'.
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'تنبؤ' (Tanabbu') is the standard term for a scientific or data-driven prediction. Use it when discussing weather, finance, or technology to sound professional. Example: 'التنبؤ بالطقس' (Weather forecasting).
- A formal Arabic noun meaning 'prediction' or 'forecast', derived from the root N-B-A (news/information).
- Primarily used in scientific, economic, and media contexts to describe logical future estimations.
- Requires the preposition 'bi-' (بـ) when followed by the object being predicted (e.g., predicting the weather).
- Distinguished from 'expectation' (توقع) by its formal tone and reliance on data or systematic methods.
The 'Bi-' Rule
Always remember to add the letter 'ba' (بـ) before the object you are predicting. It is the bridge between the word 'prediction' and the thing being predicted.
Use it for Science
If you are writing about science, weather, or economics, use 'تنبؤ' instead of 'توقع' to sound more professional and accurate.
The Waw Seat
Think of the 'waw' in 'تنبؤ' as a chair for the hamza. It only sits there because the 'ba' before it is pushing it with a 'u' sound (damma).
The Double B
Make sure to linger on the 'b' sound slightly. It is 'Ta-nab-bu', not 'Ta-na-bu'. That double 'b' is what gives the word its strength.
Example
من الصعب التنبؤ بحالة الطقس بدقة.
Related Content
Related Phrases
More science words
علوم
A2The intellectual and practical activity encompassing the study of the natural world.
عَيِّنَة
B2A small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like; a specimen or representative group used in research.
تراكم
B1The gradual gathering or building up of something over time.
تكيف
B1The process of adjusting to new conditions or environment. It is used in both biological contexts (evolution) and social/psychological contexts.
تكيّف
B1The process of changing to suit different conditions or a new environment; adaptation.
اِضْمِحْلَال
B2The process of gradual decline, fading away, or decaying. It is often used in physics for radioactive decay or in history for the decline of empires.
احتكاك
B2The act of two objects rubbing against each other (friction). Metaphorically, it refers to social interaction, contact, or conflict between different groups or ideas.
اِحْتِمَالِيَّة
B2The extent to which something is probable; the likelihood of something happening or being the case.
اِكْتِشَاف
B2The action or process of discovering or being lucky enough to find something for the first time.
آليات
B2The systems or processes by which something takes place or is brought about. Often used to describe biological or mechanical processes.