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متطلب

B1 noun #2,000 most common 15 min read

متطلب

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips متطلب in 30 Seconds

Explanation متطلب in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to navigate the Arabic language. While the word متطلب (mutatallab) is technically a B1 level word due to its formal nature and morphological complexity, an A1 learner might encounter it visually if they are trying to use Arabic websites, fill out simple forms, or look at university materials. At this stage, it is not expected that an A1 learner can produce this word in conversation, but recognizing its shape and general meaning is highly beneficial. If you see the word متطلبات (mutatallabat - requirements) on a form, you should know that the section below it lists things you must provide, like a passport copy or a photo. It acts as a signpost word. Think of it like a stop sign in a document; it tells you that you cannot proceed until you have whatever is listed there. For A1 learners, the focus should be on recognizing the root letters ط-ل-ب (T-L-B), which you will also see in much simpler words like طالب (talib - student) and طلب (talab - request). Recognizing these root letters helps you guess that the word has something to do with asking or needing. Do not worry about pronouncing the complex shadda (doubled letter) perfectly yet, just associate the visual shape of the word with the concept of 'things I need to bring'.

At the A2 level, learners are starting to handle more practical, everyday situations in Arabic, such as talking about their studies, their jobs, or basic administrative tasks. Here, the word متطلب (mutatallab) becomes more relevant. You might need to understand this word when reading a simple job advertisement or when a teacher explains what is needed for a class. At this level, you should try to learn the plural form, متطلبات (mutatallabat), as it is actually more common than the singular. You can start using it in very simple sentences, such as 'ما هي المتطلبات؟' (What are the requirements?) when asking about a visa or a course. You should also start noticing that it is often paired with the word أساسية (asasiyya - basic). So, 'متطلبات أساسية' means 'basic requirements'. While you might still rely on simpler words like 'أحتاج' (I need) or 'لازم' (must/necessary) in your own speaking, understanding 'mutatallab' when spoken to you by an official or a teacher is a key A2 comprehension skill. It marks the transition from purely conversational survival Arabic to dealing with structured systems and rules.

The B1 level is where متطلب (mutatallab) truly belongs and where you are expected to actively master it. At this intermediate stage, you are likely discussing your education, career plans, and navigating bureaucratic processes independently. You must be able to use both the singular and plural forms correctly. You should know how to say 'هذا متطلب سابق' (This is a prerequisite) when discussing university courses. You should be comfortable reading a list of 'متطلبات الوظيفة' (Job requirements) and assessing if you meet them. Crucially, at B1, you need to master the grammar associated with it: knowing that the plural 'mutatallabat' takes singular feminine adjectives (e.g., mutatallabat kathira - many requirements). You should also start using the correct verbs with it, transitioning away from simple verbs like 'to do' and moving towards 'استوفى' (istawfa - to fulfill) or 'لبّى' (labba - to meet). For example, 'هل استوفيت كل المتطلبات؟' (Have you fulfilled all the requirements?). Mastering this word at B1 gives you a significant boost in professional and academic communication, allowing you to sound serious, organized, and capable of handling official procedures in an Arabic-speaking environment.

At the B2 level, your use of متطلب (mutatallab) should become highly nuanced and fluid. You are no longer just using it for concrete things like passport copies or specific university courses; you are using it to discuss abstract concepts, societal needs, and complex professional scenarios. You should be able to engage in debates or write essays using phrases like 'متطلبات التنمية الاقتصادية' (the requirements of economic development) or 'متطلبات سوق العمل' (the requirements of the job market). At this upper-intermediate level, you understand that a 'mutatallab' can be a soft skill, a legal condition, or a structural necessity. You should be perfectly comfortable with complex Idafa (genitive) constructions involving this word. Furthermore, your listening comprehension should be sharp enough to catch this word in fast-paced news broadcasts or professional meetings. You should also be able to contrast it accurately with similar words like 'شرط' (shart - condition) and 'ضرورة' (daroura - necessity), knowing exactly when 'mutatallab' is the most precise choice. It becomes a tool for analytical and formal discourse, demonstrating your ability to speak about systems and structures.

At the C1 advanced level, the word متطلب (mutatallab) is fully integrated into your active, high-register vocabulary. You use it effortlessly in formal writing, academic papers, and professional presentations. You are aware of its precise morphological derivation (Form V active participle used as a noun) and how that implies an active, demanding nature of the requirement itself. You can read complex legal or bureaucratic texts where 'mutatallabat' are listed with dense, technical stipulations, and you understand every nuance. You might use it in sophisticated rhetorical structures, such as 'إن تلبية هذه المتطلبات ليس خياراً بل حتمية' (Meeting these requirements is not an option but an imperative). At C1, you also understand the cultural weight of the word in the Arab world, where navigating bureaucratic 'mutatallabat' is a shared societal experience. You can use it with a touch of irony or frustration when discussing red tape. Your command of the word is native-like, meaning you never make errors with its plural agreement, pronunciation, or verb collocations. It is simply a natural part of your advanced expressive toolkit.

At the C2 mastery level, your understanding of متطلب (mutatallab) encompasses its full etymological depth, its historical usage, and its subtle stylistic variations across different registers of Arabic. You recognize how the Form V pattern (تَفَعُّل) inherently carries the meaning of taking something upon oneself or a process that requires sustained effort, which perfectly encapsulates the modern bureaucratic meaning of a prerequisite. You can analyze texts where the word might be used in a slightly less conventional way, perhaps in modern literature or political philosophy, where 'mutatallabat' refer to the existential demands of a certain era or ideology (e.g., متطلبات العصر - the requirements of the age). You are also fully aware of how the term is translated and localized in highly specialized fields, such as software engineering (system requirements) or international law. At C2, you don't just use the word correctly; you can explain why it is used, how it compares to classical synonyms, and how its usage might vary slightly between different Arab countries' administrative dialects, even though it remains a Standard Arabic term. Your usage is flawless, elegant, and deeply informed by the structural logic of the Arabic language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

متطلب in 30 Seconds

A necessary condition or prerequisite.
Commonly used in universities and jobs.
Plural form is 'mutatallabat'.
Often paired with 'istawfa' (to fulfill).

To truly understand the Arabic word متطلب (mutatallab), we must embark on a comprehensive journey through the intricate and fascinating landscape of Arabic morphology, root systems, and modern semantic application. The Arabic language is profoundly mathematical and logical in its structure, relying on a system of triconsonantal roots from which hundreds of related words can be derived. The root for متطلب is ط-ل-ب (Ta-Lam-Ba). In its most basic Form I verb, طلب (talaba), it means to seek, to request, to ask for, or to demand. This root is incredibly productive and forms the basis of many common words you will encounter early in your Arabic learning journey, such as طالب (talib), meaning student or seeker of knowledge, and طلب (talab), meaning a request or an application. However, when we move to the Form V verb pattern, تطلب (tatallaba), the meaning shifts to imply something that requires effort, necessitates a condition, or demands a certain state of affairs. The word متطلب is the active participle (اسم فاعل) or noun of place/time/passive participle derived from this Form V verb, though in modern usage, it functions almost exclusively as a noun meaning a requirement, a prerequisite, or a necessary condition for something else to happen.

هذا متطلب أساسي للتخرج من الجامعة.

When you see or hear this word, you should immediately think of a barrier or a gateway that must be passed before proceeding to the next step. It is not merely a polite request; it is a structural necessity.

Morphological Breakdown: The prefix 'mu-' indicates a participle form, while the 'ta-' and the shadda (doubling) on the middle root letter 'lam' are characteristic of Form V, indicating a reflexive or intensive action that has become a standardized noun of requirement.

In academic contexts, which is where learners most frequently encounter this term first, it translates directly to 'prerequisite'. For example, if you want to take Advanced Arabic Grammar, Intermediate Arabic Grammar is a متطلب سابق (previous requirement/prerequisite).

اللغة الإنجليزية هي متطلب للحصول على هذه الوظيفة.

The plural form is extremely common: متطلبات (mutatallabat), meaning requirements. You will see this on job postings, visa applications, and university syllabi. The concept of requirements is deeply embedded in modern bureaucratic and professional Arabic. Whether you are navigating the complex requirements of opening a bank account in Dubai, applying for a residency permit in Cairo, or registering for classes at a university in Amman, the word متطلب will be front and center.

Semantic Nuance: Unlike the word 'shart' (condition), which can be hypothetical, 'mutatallab' usually refers to a concrete, documented necessity that is part of a formal process or system.

الخبرة السابقة ليست متطلب في هذا التدريب.

Understanding this word also opens the door to understanding the passive and active nature of Arabic vocabulary. A requirement is something that 'demands' fulfillment. The system demands it, the job demands it, the university demands it. Therefore, the requirement itself is an active participant in the process of your application or progression. Let us look at another example to solidify this concept.

ما هو أهم متطلب للنجاح في هذا المشروع؟

In this sentence, the word is used in a slightly more abstract sense. It is not a literal document you must submit, but rather an essential quality or action needed for success. This demonstrates the versatility of the word. It can be a hard, physical requirement like a passport copy, or a soft, abstract requirement like patience or dedication.

Abstract vs Concrete: While frequently used for concrete administrative documents, do not hesitate to use mutatallab for abstract necessities like 'patience is a requirement for learning'.

توفير بيئة آمنة هو متطلب قانوني للشركات.

By mastering the word متطلب, you are not just learning a single vocabulary item; you are unlocking a crucial piece of the puzzle that is formal and professional Arabic communication. You are equipping yourself with the linguistic tools necessary to navigate the adult world of the Middle East and North Africa, where understanding what is required of you is the first step to achieving your goals.

Using the word متطلب (mutatallab) correctly in Arabic requires an understanding of its syntactic behavior, its common collocations, and the specific contexts in which it thrives. As a noun, it follows all the standard rules of Arabic grammar regarding case endings, definite articles, and pluralization. It is a masculine noun in its singular form, but it takes the feminine sound plural ending (ات -aat) to become متطلبات (mutatallabat). This is a very common pattern for verbal nouns and participles derived from derived verb forms (Forms II through X) that refer to non-human entities. When you want to use this word, you will most often find yourself constructing an Idafa (genitive construction) or using an adjective to describe the nature of the requirement.

يجب عليك إكمال كل متطلب قبل الموعد النهائي.

In an Idafa construction, you might say متطلبات العمل (mutatallabat al-amal), meaning 'the requirements of the work' or 'job requirements'. Here, the word acts as the mudaf (the possessed item), and the following noun is the mudaf ilayh (the possessor). This is arguably the most frequent syntactic environment for this word.

The Idafa Construction: Mastering the use of mutatallab in an Idafa is essential. Phrases like mutatallabat al-wazifa (job requirements) or mutatallabat al-najah (requirements of success) are ubiquitous in formal Arabic.

اجتياز الامتحان هو متطلب إجباري.

Another highly common way to use this word is with descriptive adjectives. You will frequently hear about a متطلب أساسي (mutatallab asasi - a basic/fundamental requirement), a متطلب سابق (mutatallab sabiq - a prerequisite), or a متطلب إجباري (mutatallab ijbari - a compulsory requirement). This rule of non-human plural agreement is a classic stumbling block for learners, but applying it correctly to a high-frequency word like متطلبات will instantly elevate the perceived fluency of your Arabic. Let us observe this in action.

هذه هي المتطلبات الأساسية للحصول على التأشيرة، وكل متطلب مهم جداً.

Notice how the plural 'al-mutatallabat' is followed by the singular feminine adjective 'al-asasiyya'. In professional correspondence, such as writing an email to a university admissions office or a potential employer, using this vocabulary correctly shows that you possess a B1 or higher level of proficiency. You might write: 'أرجو إعلامي بجميع المتطلبات' (I request you to inform me of all the requirements).

Professional Correspondence: Using mutatallab in emails and formal letters is highly recommended. It sets a professional tone and demonstrates competence in bureaucratic Arabic.

لقد استوفيت كل متطلب مذكور في الإعلان.

The verb most commonly associated with fulfilling a requirement is استوفى (istawfa), meaning to fulfill, satisfy, or meet (conditions/requirements). Saying 'istawfaytu al-mutatallabat' (I have fulfilled the requirements) is the standard, highly articulate way to express that you have done what was asked of you. Another common verb is لبّى (labba), meaning to meet or respond to (a need or requirement). In spoken Arabic (Amiya), the formal word متطلب is still widely understood and used, especially in educational or official contexts, though people might sometimes substitute it with simpler words like شروط (shuroot - conditions) or حاجات (hajat - things needed) depending on the dialect and the exact situation. However, in any written text, news broadcast, or formal speech, متطلب is the undisputed champion of expressing a prerequisite.

Spoken vs Written: While highly formal, mutatallab crosses over into spoken Arabic whenever the topic turns to official procedures, university life, or job hunting.

عدم وجود هذا الـ متطلب سيؤدي إلى رفض الطلب.

By integrating these syntactic structures and collocations into your active vocabulary, you will be able to discuss complex procedural matters with confidence and precision, marking a significant step forward in your Arabic language acquisition journey.

The word متطلب (mutatallab) and its plural متطلبات (mutatallabat) are ubiquitous in specific domains of life in the Arab world, primarily those involving administration, education, employment, and technology. If you are consuming Arabic media or interacting with Arabic-speaking institutions, you are guaranteed to encounter this word frequently. Let us explore the primary environments where this vocabulary item is most active. First and foremost is the educational sector. From high school through university and into postgraduate studies, the academic journey is paved with requirements.

مادة الرياضيات هي متطلب إجباري لطلاب الهندسة.

When students are registering for their courses at the beginning of a semester, they must carefully check the course catalog to see if a class has a متطلب سابق (prerequisite). University websites, student handbooks, and academic advisors use this term constantly. You will hear students anxiously discussing whether they have met the mutatallabat to graduate on time.

University Life: In any Arab university, 'mutatallab' is part of the daily vocabulary. It dictates course progression, major selection, and graduation eligibility.

The second major domain is the professional world and job market. Whenever a company posts a job vacancy on LinkedIn, Bayt.com, or in a local newspaper, there will inevitably be a section titled متطلبات الوظيفة (Job Requirements).

إتقان الحاسوب هو متطلب رئيسي لهذه الوظيفة.

This section will list the necessary degrees, years of experience, language skills, and technical competencies required of the applicant. During a job interview, an HR manager might ask you how your background aligns with a specific متطلب of the role. The third critical area is government bureaucracy and legal procedures. The Arab world, like many regions, has complex administrative systems for visas, residency permits, business licenses, and property registration.

جواز السفر الساري هو متطلب للسفر إلى الخارج.

If you visit a government portal to apply for a service, you will find a list of متطلبات الخدمة (Service Requirements). This will detail the forms you need to fill out, the fees you need to pay, and the supporting documents you must provide. Failing to provide a single متطلب can result in your application being rejected or delayed.

Bureaucratic Navigation: Understanding this word is crucial for expats and citizens alike when dealing with ministries, embassies, and municipal offices.

Furthermore, in the realm of technology and software development, the term is used to translate 'system requirements'. When you buy a new video game or download a heavy software application, you must check the متطلبات النظام (System Requirements) to ensure your computer's hardware can handle it.

هذا البرنامج يحتاج إلى متطلب ذاكرة عالي جداً.

Project managers in IT also speak of متطلبات المشروع (Project Requirements), detailing the scope and necessary features of a software build before coding begins. Finally, you will hear this word in news broadcasts discussing macro-level issues. Politicians and analysts will talk about the متطلبات السلام (requirements for peace), متطلبات التنمية (requirements for development), or the متطلبات المرحلة (requirements of the current phase/era).

Political Discourse: In journalism, the word elevates the discourse, turning simple needs into formal, structural necessities for societal progress.

الاستقرار الأمني هو متطلب للنمو الاقتصادي.

In all these diverse contexts, the core meaning remains the same: a non-negotiable condition that must be met for a subsequent action or state to occur. Recognizing the environments where this word is used will help you anticipate its appearance and understand the formal, conditional nature of the conversation or text.

Even intermediate and advanced learners of Arabic can stumble when using the word متطلب (mutatallab) due to its morphological complexity, its specific pluralization rules, and its semantic proximity to other words derived from the same root. By analyzing these common pitfalls, you can refine your usage and sound much more natural and precise. The most frequent mistake learners make is confusing متطلب (mutatallab - requirement) with طلب (talab - request/application). While they share the same root (ط-ل-ب), their meanings and functions in a sentence are distinctly different.

قدمت طلب التوظيف، ولكنني أفتقد متطلب الخبرة.

A 'talab' is something you actively generate and submit, like a job application or a request for a day off. A 'mutatallab', on the other hand, is a condition imposed upon you by an external system or authority. You submit a talab, but you fulfill a mutatallab. Using them interchangeably leads to confusing sentences like 'I submitted my requirement' instead of 'I submitted my application'.

Talab vs Mutatallab: Never use mutatallab when you mean a piece of paper you are handing in to ask for something. Mutatallab is the rule; talab is your request to be considered under that rule.

Another major area of error involves pluralization and adjective agreement. As mentioned previously, the plural of متطلب is متطلبات (mutatallabat). Because it ends in the feminine plural suffix '-aat', learners often mistakenly assume it should take plural feminine adjectives, or worse, plural human adjectives.

هناك أكثر من متطلب يجب التركيز عليه.

The correct rule in Arabic is that plural non-human nouns are treated grammatically as singular feminine. Therefore, you must say المتطلبات الأساسية (al-mutatallabat al-asasiyya) and never المتطلبات الأساسيات (al-mutatallabat al-asasiyyat). This is a fundamental grammar rule, but the length and formal nature of the word متطلبات often causes learners to forget it in the heat of conversation or writing. Pronunciation also presents a challenge. The word contains two emphatic consonants or near-emphatic sounds depending on dialectal influence, but the real trick is the shadda (doubling) on the letter Lam (ل).

كل متطلب له وزن في التقييم النهائي.

It must be pronounced mu-ta-TAL-lab, with a clear, lingering emphasis on the L sound. Failing to pronounce the shadda makes it sound like a different, non-existent word and marks the speaker as a novice. Furthermore, the first vowel is a Damma (u), making it 'mu-', not 'ma-'. Saying 'matallab' is a common dialectal corruption or learner error that should be avoided in formal speech.

Pronunciation Precision: Ensure the 'mu' prefix is clear, and hold the 'L' sound for a split second longer to articulate the shadda correctly. Mu-ta-tal-lab.

A fourth mistake is using the wrong verb to describe fulfilling a requirement. Learners often use generic verbs like عمل (to do) or خلص (to finish). While understandable, these are colloquial and imprecise.

إذا نقص أي متطلب، فلن يتم قبولك.

The highly preferred verbs in formal Arabic are استوفى (istawfa - to fulfill) or حقق (haqqaqa - to achieve/realize). Saying 'istawfaytu al-mutatallabat' is the hallmark of a proficient speaker. Finally, learners sometimes overuse the word in situations where a simpler word like حاجة (haja - need) or ضرورة (daroura - necessity) would be more appropriate.

Contextual Overuse: Mutatallab is a heavy, formal word. Don't use it for simple daily needs like 'Water is a requirement for making tea'. Use it for systemic, official, or academic prerequisites.

هذا ليس مجرد خيار، بل هو متطلب حتمي.

By being mindful of these distinctions—separating it from 'talab', mastering its plural agreement, perfecting its pronunciation, pairing it with the right verbs, and reserving it for appropriate contexts—you will master one of the most useful words in intermediate and advanced Arabic.

The Arabic language is incredibly rich in vocabulary related to conditions, necessities, and requirements. While متطلب (mutatallab) is the go-to word for formal prerequisites, understanding its synonyms and related terms will allow you to express subtle nuances in meaning and avoid repetitive language. This semantic field is crucial for anyone engaging in legal, academic, or professional discourse in Arabic. The most immediate synonym that comes to mind is شرط (shart), which translates to 'condition' or 'stipulation'.

النجاح في هذه المادة هو متطلب للتسجيل في المادة التالية.

While a mutatallab is a specific type of condition (usually a prerequisite that must be actively fulfilled), a shart can be broader. A shart can be a clause in a contract, a hypothetical condition in grammar (like an 'if' statement), or a general rule. You can often substitute mutatallab with shart asasi (basic condition), but mutatallab carries a stronger connotation of an administrative or systemic hurdle.

Mutatallab vs Shart: Use mutatallab for prerequisites in systems (universities, software). Use shart for contractual stipulations or logical conditions.

Another closely related word is ضرورة (daroura), meaning 'necessity'. This word is derived from the root for harm or damage, implying that the absence of this thing will cause a negative outcome.

يعتبر هذا التدريب متطلب مهني لا غنى عنه.

A daroura is often more abstract or urgent than a mutatallab. For example, 'Food is a necessity (daroura) for life', but 'A passport is a requirement (mutatallab) for travel'. You wouldn't usually call a university course a daroura unless you are speaking poetically about how badly you need the knowledge. We also have the word حاجة (haja), which simply means 'need'. This is a much more common, everyday word. If you need to buy milk, you have a haja for milk.

هل هناك أي متطلب إضافي لم أقم بتلبيته؟

While a mutatallab is technically a type of need (the system needs you to do it), haja is too informal and broad to be used in official documentation. However, in spoken Arabic, people might ask 'Shu al-hajat?' (What are the needs/things required?) instead of 'Ma hiya al-mutatallabat?'.

Formality Levels: Haja (Need) -> Low formality. Shart (Condition) -> Medium formality. Mutatallab (Requirement) -> High formality.

Another interesting word is التزام (iltizam), which means 'obligation' or 'commitment'.

الالتزام بالوقت هو متطلب أساسي في ثقافتنا المؤسسية.

An iltizam is something you are morally or legally bound to do. Fulfilling a mutatallab can be seen as an iltizam. If a job requires a certain certification (mutatallab), obtaining it becomes your obligation (iltizam) if you want the job. Finally, there is the word فريضة (fareeda), which is a very strong, often religious term for an absolute obligation or duty, like the five daily prayers in Islam.

لا يمكن تجاوز أي متطلب من هذه القائمة.

You would never use fareeda for a university prerequisite; it is far too weighty. By understanding this spectrum—from the everyday 'haja' to the systemic 'mutatallab', the contractual 'shart', the urgent 'daroura', the dutiful 'iltizam', and the sacred 'fareeda'—you gain immense precision in your Arabic expression.

Vocabulary Spectrum: Mapping words by their intensity and domain (secular vs religious, formal vs informal) is a key strategy for advanced fluency.

Choosing the exact right word for the context demonstrates a deep, native-like command of the language.

How Formal Is It?

Slang

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

أين متطلبات الفيزا؟

Where are the visa requirements?

Simple question using the plural form.

هذا متطلب مهم.

This is an important requirement.

Basic noun-adjective phrase.

عندي متطلب واحد.

I have one requirement.

Using numbers with the singular noun.

ما هو المتطلب؟

What is the requirement?

Simple 'what is' question.

أريد ورقة المتطلبات.

I want the requirements paper.

Basic Idafa (possession) construction.

هذه متطلبات المدرسة.

These are the school requirements.

Using demonstrative pronoun with plural.

لا أعرف المتطلب.

I don't know the requirement.

Simple negative sentence.

متطلب جديد هنا.

A new requirement is here.

Basic sentence structure.

يجب أن تقرأ كل متطلب بعناية.

You must read every requirement carefully.

Using 'kull' (every) with the singular noun.

هناك متطلبات كثيرة للعمل في هذه الشركة.

There are many requirements to work in this company.

Plural non-human noun taking singular feminine adjective (kathira).

هل فهمت متطلبات المشروع؟

Did you understand the project requirements?

Past tense question with an Idafa.

هذا المتطلب صعب جداً بالنسبة لي.

This requirement is very difficult for me.

Using an adjective to describe the requirement.

نحتاج إلى تلبية متطلب واحد فقط.

We need to meet only one requirement.

Using the verb 'talbiya' (to meet/fulfill).

متطلبات السفر تغيرت أمس.

Travel requirements changed yesterday.

Plural subject with a feminine singular verb (taghayyarat).

سأرسل لك قائمة المتطلبات غداً.

I will send you the list of requirements tomorrow.

Future tense with an Idafa.

ليس لدي المتطلب الأساسي.

I do not have the basic requirement.

Negative possession.

اجتياز هذا الامتحان هو متطلب سابق للتسجيل في الدورة المتقدمة.

Passing this exam is a prerequisite for registering in the advanced course.

Using the specific phrase 'mutatallab sabiq' (prerequisite).

لقد استوفيت جميع المتطلبات المذكورة في الإعلان.

I have fulfilled all the requirements mentioned in the advertisement.

Using the formal verb 'istawfa' (to fulfill).

تعتبر اللغة الإنجليزية متطلباً إجبارياً للحصول على هذه الوظيفة.

The English language is considered a compulsory requirement to get this job.

Using 'tu'tabar' (is considered) and accusative case for the object.

قامت الجامعة بتحديث متطلبات القبول للعام الدراسي الجديد.

The university updated the admission requirements for the new academic year.

Idafa construction 'mutatallabat al-qubool' (admission requirements).

عدم توفير أي متطلب سيؤدي إلى رفض الطلب فوراً.

Failing to provide any requirement will lead to the immediate rejection of the application.

Conditional structure implying consequence.

يجب على المتقدمين مراجعة متطلبات النظام قبل تحميل البرنامج.

Applicants must review the system requirements before downloading the software.

Tech context 'mutatallabat al-nizam' (system requirements).

هذا المتطلب يهدف إلى ضمان جودة العمل.

This requirement aims to ensure the quality of the work.

Explaining the purpose of a requirement.

هل يمكنك توضيح هذا المتطلب الإضافي من فضلك؟

Can you clarify this additional requirement, please?

Polite request using 'tawdeeh' (clarification).

إن تلبية متطلبات سوق العمل المتغيرة يشكل تحدياً كبيراً للجامعات.

Meeting the changing requirements of the job market poses a major challenge for universities.

Complex subject phrase and abstract usage.

ينص العقد على ضرورة الالتزام بكافة المتطلبات القانونية والبيئية.

The contract stipulates the necessity of adhering to all legal and environmental requirements.

Legal context with multiple adjectives modifying the plural noun.

الشفافية والمساءلة هما من أهم متطلبات الحكم الرشيد.

Transparency and accountability are among the most important requirements of good governance.

Political/administrative context using abstract concepts.

تم تصميم هذا النظام ليتوافق مع متطلبات الأمان الصارمة.

This system was designed to comply with strict security requirements.

Using 'yatawafaq ma'a' (to comply with).

لا يمكننا المضي قدماً في المشروع حتى يتم استيفاء كل متطلب فني.

We cannot move forward with the project until every technical requirement is fulfilled.

Passive voice 'yutamma istifa'' (is fulfilled).

تجاهل هذه المتطلبات قد يعرض الشركة لمساءلة قانونية وغرامات مالية.

Ignoring these requirements may expose the company to legal accountability and financial fines.

Discussing consequences of non-compliance.

تعمل الحكومة على تبسيط متطلبات الاستثمار لجذب رؤوس الأموال الأجنبية.

The government is working on simplifying investment requirements to attract foreign capital.

Economic context 'mutatallabat al-istithmar'.

يعد الابتكار متطلباً حتمياً للبقاء في هذه السوق التنافسية.

Innovation is considered an imperative requirement to survive in this competitive market.

Using 'hatmi' (imperative/inevitable) as a strong adjective.

إن المواءمة بين مخرجات التعليم ومتطلبات التنمية المستدامة تعد ركيزة أساسية في التخطيط الاستراتيجي.

Aligning educational outcomes with the requirements of sustainable development is a fundamental pillar in strategic planning.

Highly formal academic/governmental register.

تقتضي المرحلة الراهنة إعادة تقييم شاملة لكافة المتطلبات التشغيلية لضمان استمرارية الأعمال.

The current phase necessitates a comprehensive re-evaluation of all operational requirements to ensure business continuity.

Corporate jargon 'mutatallabat tashghiliyya' (operational requirements).

لا ينبغي النظر إلى هذه اللوائح كعقبات، بل كمتطلبات تنظيمية تهدف إلى حماية المصلحة العامة.

These regulations should not be viewed as obstacles, but rather as regulatory requirements aimed at protecting the public interest.

Rhetorical contrast using 'bal' (but rather).

لقد أثبتت التجربة أن الديمقراطية الحقيقية لها متطلبات ثقافية واجتماعية تسبق آلياتها الانتخابية.

Experience has proven that true democracy has cultural and social requirements that precede its electoral mechanisms.

Philosophical/political discourse.

يتعين على الجهات المانحة أن تخفف من صرامة متطلبات التمويل لدعم المشاريع الناشئة في الدول النامية.

Donor agencies must ease the strictness of funding requirements to support emerging projects in developing countries.

International development context.

إن استيفاء المتطلبات الشكلية للدعوى لا يغني عن قوة الدفوع الموضوعية أمام هيئة المحكمة.

Fulfilling the formal requirements of the lawsuit does not substitute for the strength of the substantive defenses before the court.

Highly specialized legal terminology 'mutatallabat shakliyya' (formal/procedural requirements).

تتجلى عبقرية التصميم في قدرته على تلبية متطلبات المستخدمين المتناقضة في آن واحد.

The genius of the design is manifested in its ability to meet the contradictory requirements of users simultaneously.

Advanced descriptive language.

بات من الواضح أن التحول الرقمي لم يعد ترفاً، بل متطلباً وجودياً للمؤسسات في القرن الحادي والعشرين.

It has become clear that digital transformation is no longer a luxury, but an existential requirement for institutions in the 21st century.

Using 'mutatallab wujoodi' (existential requirement) for dramatic emphasis.

إن تفكيك البنية المفاهيمية للنص الأدبي يفرض متطلبات نقدية تتجاوز القراءة السطحية المباشرة.

Deconstructing the conceptual structure of the literary text imposes critical requirements that go beyond direct superficial reading.

Literary criticism context.

في خضم التحولات الجيوسياسية، تبرز الحاجة إلى صياغة عقيدة أمنية جديدة تستجيب لمتطلبات الردع المعاصر.

Amidst geopolitical shifts, the need emerges to formulate a new security doctrine that responds to the requirements of contemporary deterrence.

Advanced geopolitical and military discourse.

إن الإيغال في تعقيد المتطلبات البيروقراطية لا يفرز سوى بيئة خصبة للفساد الإداري والترهل المؤسسي.

Delving too deeply into the complexity of bureaucratic requirements produces nothing but a fertile environment for administrative corruption and institutional flabbiness.

Critical essay style using sophisticated vocabulary like 'iyghal' and 'tarahul'.

لا يمكن مقاربة الإشكالية الفلسفية للحرية دون استيفاء متطلبات البحث الإبستمولوجي في طبيعة الإرادة الإنسانية.

The philosophical problematic of freedom cannot be approached without fulfilling the requirements of epistemological research into the nature of human will.

Academic philosophical register.

تتضافر الجهود الأممية لبلورة إطار قانوني ملزم يحدد متطلبات الامتثال البيئي للشركات العابرة للقارات.

UN efforts are joining forces to crystallize a binding legal framework that defines the environmental compliance requirements for transnational corporations.

International law and diplomacy context.

إن استنطاق التراث المعماري يتطلب وعياً عميقاً بمتطلبات التكيف المناخي التي حكمت عبقرية البناء القديم.

Interrogating the architectural heritage requires a deep awareness of the climate adaptation requirements that governed the genius of ancient construction.

Academic architectural history.

لقد أضحى الأمن السيبراني متطلباً سيادياً لا يقبل المساومة في ظل حروب الجيل الخامس.

Cybersecurity has become a sovereign requirement that accepts no compromise in the shadow of fifth-generation warfare.

Modern security and strategic studies.

إن تجليات الحداثة في المجتمع تفرض متطلبات سيكولوجية قاسية على الفرد الممزق بين الأصالة والمعاصرة.

The manifestations of modernity in society impose harsh psychological requirements on the individual torn between authenticity and contemporaneity.

Sociological and psychological analysis.

Synonyms

شرط حاجة ضرورة لازمة مستلزم

Antonyms

كماليات اختيارات

Common Collocations

متطلب سابق

متطلب أساسي

متطلب إجباري

استوفى المتطلبات

لبّى المتطلبات

متطلبات الوظيفة

متطلبات النظام

متطلبات التخرج

متطلبات السوق

متطلبات قانونية

Common Phrases

حسب المتطلبات

بناءً على المتطلبات

دون استيفاء المتطلبات

قائمة المتطلبات

الحد الأدنى من المتطلبات

متطلبات المرحلة

متطلبات الحياة

متطلبات العمل

متطلبات السلامة

متطلبات الجودة

Often Confused With

متطلب vs طلب (Talab - Request/Application)

متطلب vs شرط (Shart - Condition)

متطلب vs مطلوب (Matloob - Wanted/Required)

Idioms & Expressions

"فرض متطلباته"

"على قدر المتطلبات"

"تجاوز المتطلبات"

"غرق في المتطلبات"

"متطلبات لا حصر لها"

"خارج نطاق المتطلبات"

"متطلبات العصر"

"متطلبات الواقع"

"متطلبات المرحلة الراهنة"

"لبى نداء المتطلبات"

Easily Confused

متطلب vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

legal

Legal texts use it to denote necessary conditions for a contract or procedure to be valid, often paired with 'qanuniyya' (legal).

academic

In universities, 'mutatallab sabiq' (prerequisite) and 'mutatallab jami'i' (university requirement) are standard terms on every syllabus.

business

HR departments use 'mutatallabat al-wazifa' extensively. Project managers use 'mutatallabat al-mashrou''.

technology

Used for hardware and software prerequisites: 'mutatallabat al-nizam' (system requirements).

Common Mistakes

Confusing 'متطلب' (requirement) with 'طلب' (request/application).
Using plural feminine adjectives with 'متطلبات' instead of singular feminine adjectives.
Failing to pronounce the shadda on the Lam (saying mutatalab instead of mutatallab).
Using informal verbs like 'عمل' (to do) instead of 'استوفى' (to fulfill) with this word.
Using 'متطلب' for simple, everyday personal needs instead of systemic or formal requirements.

Tips

Non-Human Plural Agreement

Always remember the golden rule of Arabic grammar: plural non-human nouns are treated as singular feminine. When you use the plural 'متطلبات' (mutatallabat), any adjectives following it must be singular feminine. Say 'متطلبات كثيرة' (many requirements), never 'متطلبات كثيرات'.

The 'Prerequisite' Collocation

If you are a student, memorize the phrase 'متطلب سابق' (mutatallab sabiq). It is the exact translation of 'prerequisite'. You will need this phrase constantly when discussing your course schedule, registering for classes, or talking to your academic advisor.

Hit the Shadda Hard

The double 'L' (shadda) in 'mutatallab' is not optional. If you say 'mutatalab' with a single L, it sounds incorrect and marks you as a beginner. Practice holding the 'L' sound for a fraction of a second longer: mu-ta-TAL-lab. It gives the word its necessary rhythm.

Upgrade Your Verbs

Stop saying 'I did the requirements' (عملت المتطلبات). Instead, use the professional verb 'استوفى' (istawfa). Saying 'استوفيت المتطلبات' (I fulfilled the requirements) sounds incredibly fluent, professional, and precise. It is the verb native speakers expect in formal contexts.

Scan for it in Job Ads

When reading Arabic job postings on sites like LinkedIn or Bayt, scan the text for the word 'متطلبات'. This section ('متطلبات الوظيفة') is the most important part of the ad, listing the experience, education, and skills you need to apply.

Don't Confuse with Talab

Never use 'mutatallab' when you mean 'application'. An application is a 'talab' (طلب). A requirement is a 'mutatallab' (متطلب). You submit a talab to prove you meet the mutatallabat. Keep these two distinct in your mind.

Use in Formal Emails

When writing to a government office, a university, or a company, asking for the 'متطلبات' shows respect for their procedures. Write 'الرجاء تزويدي بقائمة المتطلبات' (Please provide me with the list of requirements). It sets a polite, formal tone.

Listen for the Plural

In spoken Arabic, you will hear the plural 'متطلبات' (mutatallabat) far more often than the singular. Train your ear to catch this long, five-syllable word in fast speech, especially in news reports or official announcements.

Systemic vs Personal Need

Use 'mutatallab' for systemic, official, or structural needs. If you personally need a cup of coffee, use 'أحتاج' (I need) or 'حاجة' (haja). Save 'mutatallab' for when a system, a job, or a law demands something.

System Requirements

If you are into tech or gaming, look for 'متطلبات النظام' (System Requirements) before downloading software. It is a great way to learn technical Arabic vocabulary (like RAM, processor, etc.) in a context you already understand.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a MUTANT TALL LAB (Mu-ta-tal-lab) assistant blocking the door. He is the REQUIREMENT you must pass to enter the laboratory.

Word Origin

Arabic root ط-ل-ب (T-L-B)

Cultural Context

Highly formal, but widely understood and used in everyday administrative contexts.

Standard across all Arab countries. In local dialects, people might substitute it with 'shuroot' (conditions) or 'hajat' (needs) in casual speech, but 'mutatallab' remains the official term everywhere.

Using this word correctly signals that you are educated and capable of handling official business. It commands respect in professional environments.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"ما هي أهم متطلبات الحصول على تأشيرة لبلدك؟ (What are the most important requirements to get a visa to your country?)"

"هل تعتقد أن متطلبات سوق العمل اليوم تختلف عن الماضي؟ (Do you think the requirements of the job market today are different from the past?)"

"ما هو أصعب متطلب واجهته في دراستك الجامعية؟ (What is the hardest requirement you faced in your university studies?)"

"كيف يمكن للشركات تبسيط متطلبات التوظيف؟ (How can companies simplify hiring requirements?)"

"هل تعتقد أن بعض المتطلبات الحكومية معقدة أكثر من اللازم؟ (Do you think some government requirements are overly complicated?)"

Journal Prompts

اكتب عن متطلب صعب كان عليك استيفاؤه لتحقيق هدف مهم في حياتك. (Write about a difficult requirement you had to fulfill to achieve an important goal in your life.)

تخيل أنك تدير شركة. ما هي متطلبات التوظيف التي ستضعها؟ (Imagine you run a company. What hiring requirements would you set?)

كيف تؤثر متطلبات المجتمع على قراراتنا الشخصية؟ (How do societal requirements affect our personal decisions?)

صف متطلبات النظام لبرنامجك أو لعبتك المفضلة. (Describe the system requirements for your favorite software or game.)

اكتب رسالة رسمية تستفسر فيها عن متطلبات القبول في جامعة عربية. (Write a formal letter inquiring about the admission requirements at an Arab university.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

A 'talab' is a request or an application that you initiate and submit, such as a job application or a request for leave. A 'mutatallab', on the other hand, is a requirement or a prerequisite set by an authority or a system that you must fulfill. You submit a talab, but you fulfill a mutatallab. They share the same root but have opposite directional flows of demand. Using them interchangeably is a very common learner mistake.

The plural of متطلب (mutatallab) is متطلبات (mutatallabat). It takes the sound feminine plural ending (-aat). This is standard for non-human nouns derived from advanced verb forms. Remember that when you use adjectives with this plural form, the adjectives must be in the singular feminine form, according to Arabic grammar rules for non-human plurals. For example, say 'mutatallabat asasiyya' (basic requirements).

The most professional and accurate verb to use is استوفى (istawfa), which means to fulfill or satisfy a requirement. You can say 'استوفيت المتطلبات' (I fulfilled the requirements). Another excellent verb is لبّى (labba), meaning to meet or respond to a requirement. Avoid using basic verbs like عمل (to do) or خلص (to finish) in formal contexts, as they sound colloquial and imprecise.

Yes, it is widely understood and used in spoken Arabic, especially when discussing formal topics like university, jobs, or government paperwork. However, in very casual conversation about everyday needs, people might use simpler words like شروط (shuroot - conditions) or حاجات (hajat - needs). But if you are at a university registration desk, even in dialect, you will hear and use 'mutatallabat'.

The exact translation for an academic prerequisite is متطلب سابق (mutatallab sabiq), which literally means 'a previous requirement'. This phrase is standard across all Arab universities. If a course requires you to take another course first, that first course is the 'mutatallab sabiq'.

Absolutely. While it is frequently used for concrete documents like passports or certificates, it is equally valid for abstract necessities. For example, you can say 'الصبر متطلب للنجاح' (Patience is a requirement for success) or discuss 'متطلبات السلام' (the requirements for peace). It is a versatile word that works in both bureaucratic and philosophical contexts.

The word is derived from the Form V verb pattern (تَفَعَّلَ - tafa'ala). This pattern inherently includes a shadda (doubling) on the middle root letter to indicate intensity, effort, or a reflexive action. In the case of the root ط-ل-ب, the Form V verb is تطلب (tatallaba), and the noun derived from it retains this doubled Lam. Pronouncing it correctly is crucial for sounding fluent.

This is a specific technical phrase that translates to 'System Requirements'. You will see it on software packaging, video games, and IT documentation. It refers to the minimum hardware specifications (like RAM, CPU, or storage space) needed for a program to run correctly on a computer or device.

In its singular form, متطلب (mutatallab) is a masculine noun. Therefore, it takes masculine adjectives, like متطلب أساسي (mutatallab asasi). However, its plural form, متطلبات (mutatallabat), is treated grammatically as a singular feminine noun because it refers to non-human objects. So, the plural takes feminine adjectives, like متطلبات أساسية (mutatallabat asasiyya).

To sound advanced, use it in complex Idafa (genitive) constructions, such as 'متطلبات التنمية المستدامة' (requirements of sustainable development). Pair it with high-register verbs like 'استوفى' (istawfa). Also, use it to contrast ideas, for example: 'هذا ليس خياراً، بل متطلب حتمي' (This is not an option, but an imperative requirement). Perfecting the pronunciation of the shadda also instantly elevates your spoken Arabic.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence stating that English is a basic requirement for a specific job.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use 'mutatallab asasi' for basic requirement.