At the A1 level, you might not use the word 'متطلبات' (mutatallabāt) very often, as it is a bit formal. However, it is good to know that it means 'things you need' for something specific. Think of it like a shopping list for a project or a school class. For example, if you want to go to school, your 'mutatallabāt' might be a pen and a notebook. At this level, just remember that this word is a plural noun and it usually comes at the beginning of a list of things you must have. You can think of it as a more formal version of 'ashyaa' (things) that are necessary.
At the A2 level, you can start using 'متطلبات' in simple sentences about your daily life and studies. You might see it on a classroom syllabus or a simple job advertisement. It's important to know that this word is the plural of 'mutatallab,' but we almost always use the plural form. You can use it to talk about 'متطلبات المدرسة' (school requirements) or 'متطلبات السفر' (travel requirements). Remember that because it is a non-human plural, any adjective you use with it should be feminine singular, like 'متطلبات كثيرة' (many requirements).
At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'متطلبات' comfortably in professional and academic contexts. This is the level where you start applying for jobs or internships, and you will see 'متطلبات الوظيفة' (job requirements) everywhere. You should also know the common verbs that go with it, like 'استوفى' (to meet/fulfill) and 'لبى' (to satisfy). For example, 'يجب أن أستوفي متطلبات القبول' (I must meet the admission requirements). You are moving beyond simple 'needs' and starting to talk about formal 'obligations' and 'standards' required by systems.
At the B2 level, you should understand the nuances between 'متطلبات' and its synonyms like 'شروط' (conditions) or 'مستلزمات' (supplies). You can use the word to discuss more abstract topics, such as 'متطلبات النجاح' (the requirements for success) or 'متطلبات العصر الحديث' (the requirements of the modern age). You should also be comfortable using it in complex sentence structures, such as 'Idafa' constructions and with various prepositions. You can participate in debates about whether certain 'متطلبات' are fair or necessary in a given situation.
At the C1 level, you use 'متطلبات' with precision in specialized fields like law, economics, or technical writing. You understand that the word implies a systemic necessity. You can distinguish between 'متطلبات قانونية' (legal requirements) and 'متطلبات تقنية' (technical requirements) without hesitation. Your vocabulary includes sophisticated collocations like 'تلبية متطلبات السوق' (meeting market demands) or 'تجاوز المتطلبات' (exceeding requirements). You can also use the word rhetorically to discuss the 'demands' of a particular philosophy or political movement.
At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'متطلبات' and its root 'ط-ل-ب'. You can appreciate its use in high-level academic papers, legal codes, and classical-style modern literature. You understand the subtle difference in tone it brings compared to more archaic or highly specific terms. You can use it to describe complex socio-economic phenomena, such as the 'متطلبات البنية التحتية' (infrastructure requirements) for a developing nation. You can also use the singular 'mutatallab' in philosophical contexts to refer to a single, essential prerequisite for a state of being.

متطلبات in 30 Seconds

  • Mutatallabat means 'requirements' or 'prerequisites' in formal Arabic contexts.
  • It is commonly used for job qualifications, school courses, and legal documents.
  • The word is a non-human plural, so it takes feminine singular adjectives.
  • It differs from 'needs' (ihtiyajat) by being more formal and systemic.

The Arabic word متطلبات (mutatallabāt) is a cornerstone of professional, academic, and administrative Arabic. At its core, it refers to the essential conditions, prerequisites, or items that must be satisfied or present for a specific outcome to be achieved. Derived from the root ط-ل-ب (T-L-B), which relates to seeking or requesting, the word functions as the plural passive participle of the Form V verb تطلب (tataṭallaba), meaning 'to require' or 'to necessitate.' When you use this word, you are not just talking about 'wants' or 'desires'; you are discussing 'necessities' that are often dictated by a system, a law, or a logical sequence of events.

Professional Context
In the workplace, this word frequently appears in job descriptions to list the qualifications, years of experience, and skills required for a role. It is the formal way to say 'what we need from you.'

تتضمن الوظيفة عدة متطلبات تقنية معقدة. (The job includes several complex technical requirements.)

Beyond the office, متطلبات is used in academia to describe the courses a student must complete before graduating or the documents needed for admission. It carries a sense of obligation. If a university states that a high GPA is one of its متطلبات, it means that without that GPA, the 'request' for admission cannot be fulfilled. It is a structural word that defines the boundaries of a process.

Legal and Administrative
When dealing with government agencies, such as applying for a visa or a building permit, the list of documents you must submit is referred to as 'متطلبات قانونية' (legal requirements).

يجب توفير كافة متطلبات السلامة في المصنع. (All safety requirements must be provided in the factory.)

In a more abstract sense, the word can describe the 'demands' of a situation. For example, the 'requirements of modern life' (متطلبات الحياة الحديثة) might include a fast internet connection, a mobile phone, and a high level of adaptability. Here, the word shifts from a strict checklist to a broader description of what is necessary to function effectively in a given environment. It is a versatile noun that bridges the gap between the concrete (a passport for travel) and the abstract (patience for success).

Technical and Engineering
In software development, 'متطلبات النظام' (system requirements) specifies the hardware and software needed to run an application.

هل قرأت متطلبات التشغيل قبل تثبيت البرنامج؟ (Did you read the operating requirements before installing the software?)

النجاح له متطلبات لا يمكن تجاهلها. (Success has requirements that cannot be ignored.)

Using متطلبات correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its common associations with verbs like 'meet,' 'fulfill,' or 'provide.' Because it is a sound feminine plural (ending in -āt), it is treated as a non-human plural, which in Arabic grammar often takes feminine singular adjectives. For example, you would say متطلبات كثيرة (many requirements) rather than using a masculine plural adjective.

Meeting Requirements
The verb 'استوفى' (istawfā) is the most formal and common verb used with this word to mean 'to meet' or 'to fulfill' requirements.

يجب على المتقدم أن يستوفي جميع متطلبات القبول. (The applicant must meet all the admission requirements.)

In daily conversation, you might use the verb 'لبى' (labbā), which means 'to respond to' or 'to satisfy.' This is often used when talking about satisfying the needs or demands of a market or a person. For instance, 'to satisfy the market requirements' would be تلبية متطلبات السوق. This phrasing suggests a dynamic response to an external demand.

Daily Life Demands
When talking about the costs and needs of living, 'متطلبات المعيشة' (living requirements/costs) is a standard phrase used in news and social discussions.

زادت متطلبات المعيشة بشكل ملحوظ هذا العام. (Living requirements have increased significantly this year.)

Another important grammatical structure is the Idafa construction (possessive phrase). You will often see متطلبات followed by another noun that specifies what the requirements are for. Examples include متطلبات المشروع (project requirements), متطلبات الوظيفة (job requirements), and متطلبات التخرج (graduation requirements). In these cases, the word acts as the 'possessed' noun and loses its definite article 'al-'.

هذه هي الـمتطلبات الأساسية للحصول على الرخصة. (These are the basic requirements to obtain the license.)

Finally, consider the use of the word in the context of 'demanding' situations. If a task 'requires' a lot of effort, you can say it is كثير المتطلبات (demanding/high-maintenance). This can apply to people as well. A 'demanding person' might be described as شخص كثير المتطلبات, implying they have many needs or expectations that must be met.

Educational Context
Universities often list 'متطلبات سابقة' (prerequisites), which are courses you must take before you can enroll in a more advanced one.

عليك إنهاء متطلبات السنة الأولى أولاً. (You must finish the first-year requirements first.)

You will encounter متطلبات in almost every formal setting in the Arabic-speaking world. If you are watching the news, specifically the economic or social segments, you will hear journalists discussing the متطلبات of the youth, the متطلبات of the labor market, or the متطلبات of the national economy. It is a word that signals a transition into serious, objective discussion about needs and standards.

In the News
News anchors often use this word when reporting on government policies or international agreements. 'The government is working to meet the requirements of the IMF' would be a typical sentence.

ناقش البرلمان متطلبات الإصلاح الاقتصادي. (The parliament discussed the requirements for economic reform.)

In the corporate world, this word is ubiquitous. From the moment you look for a job on LinkedIn (where you'll see a section titled متطلبات الوظيفة) to the internal meetings where project managers discuss متطلبات العميل (client requirements), the word is the standard for defining scope and expectations. It is less about 'asking' and more about 'defining what is necessary for success.'

Academic Environments
On university campuses, students frequently use this word when talking about their degree plans. 'I still have three requirements left to graduate' is a common sentiment.

ما هي متطلبات الحصول على المنحة الدراسية؟ (What are the requirements for getting the scholarship?)

In technology and gaming, you will see this word on the back of software boxes or on download pages. متطلبات النظام الأدنى (minimum system requirements) tells you if your computer can run a specific game or program. This technical usage is very precise and refers to hardware specifications like RAM, processor speed, and storage space.

تأكد من توفر متطلبات النظام قبل الشراء. (Ensure system requirements are available before purchasing.)

Lastly, you might hear it in social or family contexts, though it sounds slightly more formal there. A parent might talk about the متطلبات الأبناء (the requirements/needs of the children), referring to school supplies, clothing, and other necessities. In this context, it highlights the responsibility of the provider to meet those needs.

Travel and Tourism
Travel agencies and airline websites use this word to list visa rules, vaccination requirements, and baggage limits.

تغيرت متطلبات السفر إلى تلك الدولة مؤخراً. (The travel requirements to that country have changed recently.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using متطلبات is confusing it with the word احتياجات (ihtiyājāt), which means 'needs.' While they are related, احتياجات is more about what is necessary for survival or personal comfort (like food, water, or love), whereas متطلبات is about what is required by a rule, a system, or a specific task (like a degree for a job or a password for a site).

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Needs'
Saying 'متطلباتي الغذائية' (my nutritional requirements) sounds very clinical, like a doctor's report. In a casual setting, 'احتياجاتي الغذائية' is more natural.

خطأ: أحتاج إلى متطلبات كثيرة من السوبر ماركت. (Wrong: I need many requirements from the supermarket.)

Another common error is using the singular متطلب (mutatallab) when the plural is intended. In English, we often use 'requirement' as a collective idea, but in Arabic, if there is more than one item on the list, you must use the plural. Using the singular can make the sentence sound incomplete or overly specific to just one condition.

Mistake 2: Singular vs. Plural
If a job has five requirements, you must say 'متطلبات الوظيفة'. Saying 'متطلب الوظيفة' implies there is only one single requirement for the whole job.

صح: استوفيت جميع متطلبات التخرج. (Correct: I met all the graduation requirements.)

Grammatically, learners often forget that متطلبات is a non-human plural. In Arabic, non-human plurals are treated as feminine singular for the purposes of adjective agreement and verb conjugation. A common mistake is to use a masculine plural adjective like متطلبات أساسيون instead of the correct feminine singular متطلبات أساسية.

خطأ: هذه متطلبات صعبون. (Wrong: These are difficult requirements - using masculine plural adjective.)

Finally, avoid confusing متطلبات with طلبات (ṭalabāt). While they share the same root, طلبات means 'orders' (like at a restaurant) or 'requests' (like a favor). If you are at a restaurant, you have طلبات, not متطلبات. Using the latter would imply that you have a set of formal requirements for the waiter to fulfill before you can eat!

Mistake 3: Orders vs. Requirements
Use 'طلبات' for things you ask for, and 'متطلبات' for things that are mandatory for a process.

صح: هل انتهيت من تحضير طلبات الزبائن؟ (Correct: Have you finished preparing the customers' orders?)

Arabic is a rich language with many words that overlap with the concept of 'requirements.' Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the specific context of the necessity. While متطلبات is the most general and widely used term for formal requirements, other words like شروط, لوازم, and مستلزمات offer different nuances.

شروط (Shurūṭ) - Conditions
This word specifically refers to 'conditions' or 'terms.' While a requirement is something you need, a condition is something that must be true for an agreement to be valid. For example, 'شروط العقد' (terms of the contract).

If you are talking about the physical items needed for a task, مستلزمات (mustalzamāt) is often a better choice than متطلبات. For instance, 'مستلزمات مدرسية' refers to physical school supplies like pens and notebooks. متطلبات would refer more to the abstract requirements like 'passing grades' or 'attendance.'

لوازم (Lawāzim) - Necessities/Supplies
This is a more informal or traditional word for things that are necessary. It is often used for household items or tools needed for a specific job, like 'لوازم الخياطة' (sewing supplies).

اشتريت كل مستلزمات الرحلة. (I bought all the trip supplies/essentials.)

Another alternative is حاجات (ḥājāt), which is the plural of 'need.' This is used for more personal or basic needs. If you say 'حاجات المجتمع' (the needs of society), it sounds more compassionate and human-centric than 'متطلبات المجتمع' (the requirements of society), which sounds like a sociological or economic analysis.

Comparison Table
  • متطلبات: Formal, systemic, administrative (e.g., job requirements).
  • شروط: Legal, conditional, terms (e.g., contract conditions).
  • مستلزمات: Physical, tangible supplies (e.g., medical supplies).
  • احتياجات: Basic, essential, human needs (e.g., food, shelter).

هل تنطبق عليك شروط المسابقة؟ (Do the competition conditions apply to you?)

In summary, while متطلبات is your 'go-to' word for most scenarios involving requirements, being aware of these alternatives will help you sound more like a native speaker. Use مستلزمات for physical things you can touch, شروط for rules you must follow, and احتياجات for things you cannot live without.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"يجب على كافة الموظفين الالتزام بمتطلبات الأمن."

Neutral

"ما هي متطلبات السفر إلى لندن؟"

Informal

"الحياة في هذه المدينة لها متطلبات كثيرة."

Child friendly

"هذه هي متطلبات اللعبة الجديدة."

Slang

"صاحبي، متطلباتك واجد!"

Fun Fact

The root T-L-B is the same root for the word 'Taliban' (students/seekers) and 'Talab' (an order at a restaurant).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mu.ta.tˤal.la.baːt/
US /mu.tə.tɑl.lə.bɑːt/
The primary stress is on the final syllable '-baat', with a secondary stress on the third syllable '-tal-'.
Rhymes With
إجراءات (ijra'at) سياسات (siyasat) معلومات (ma'lumat) قرارات (qararat) نجاحات (najahat) دراسات (dirasat) مهارات (maharat) ابتكارات (ibtikarat)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the emphatic 'T' (ط) as a regular 't' (ت).
  • Shortening the long 'aa' (ا) at the end.
  • Missing the double 'l' (shadda) on the 'lam'.
  • Confusing the 'u' at the start with an 'a'.
  • Swapping the 't' and 'd' sounds.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in text due to the common '-at' ending.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct spelling of the emphatic 'Taa' and 'Shadda'.

Speaking 4/5

Pronouncing the emphatic 'Taa' correctly can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 3/5

Clearly articulated in formal speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

طلب مطلوب شروط لازم حاجة

Learn Next

مستلزمات مقتضيات استيفاء تلبية معايير

Advanced

استحقاق أهلية تشريعات بروتوكول لوائح

Grammar to Know

Non-human Plural Agreement

متطلبات أساسية (Feminine singular adjective for non-human plural).

Idafa Construction

متطلباتُ المشروعِ (The first word loses 'al-' and 'tanween').

Form V Verb Patterns

تطلب - يتطلب - تطلباً (The verb pattern from which the word is derived).

Passive Participle (Ism Maf'ul)

متطلب (The thing that is required).

Sound Feminine Plural Ending

ات (The suffix used for this plural).

Examples by Level

1

هذه متطلبات المدرسة.

These are the school requirements.

Demonstrative pronoun 'hadhihi' is used because 'mutatallabat' is a non-human plural.

2

ما هي متطلبات الرحلة؟

What are the trip requirements?

Interrogative 'ma' is used for non-human nouns.

3

عندي متطلبات كثيرة.

I have many requirements.

The adjective 'kathira' is feminine singular.

4

هذه متطلبات بسيطة.

These are simple requirements.

Adjective agreement: non-human plural + feminine singular.

5

أين قائمة المتطلبات؟

Where is the requirements list?

Idafa construction: 'qa'imat al-mutatallabat'.

6

متطلبات البيت قليلة.

The house requirements are few.

Subject-predicate agreement.

7

هل هذه متطلباتك؟

Are these your requirements?

Possessive suffix '-ka' (your, masculine).

8

أريد معرفة المتطلبات.

I want to know the requirements.

Definite noun with 'al-'.

1

متطلبات الوظيفة صعبة جداً.

The job requirements are very difficult.

Adjective 'sa'ba' is feminine singular.

2

يجب إحضار متطلبات المختبر.

The lab requirements must be brought.

Passive-like construction with 'yajibu'.

3

هل قرأت متطلبات الفيزا؟

Did you read the visa requirements?

Past tense verb 'qara'ta'.

4

هذه هي متطلبات التسجيل.

These are the registration requirements.

Idafa: 'mutatallabat al-tasjil'.

5

نحن نوفر كل المتطلبات.

We provide all the requirements.

Present tense verb 'nuwaffiru'.

6

ما هي متطلبات النجاح في الامتحان؟

What are the requirements for success in the exam?

Complex Idafa.

7

ليست لدي كل المتطلبات.

I don't have all the requirements.

Negation with 'laysat'.

8

متطلبات المشروع واضحة.

The project requirements are clear.

Adjective 'wadiha' is feminine singular.

1

يجب استيفاء متطلبات القبول الجامعي.

University admission requirements must be met.

The verb 'istifa'' is formal for 'meeting' requirements.

2

تتغير متطلبات السوق باستمرار.

Market requirements change constantly.

Present tense verb 'tataghayyaru' (feminine singular).

3

هل تلتزم الشركة بمتطلبات السلامة؟

Does the company adhere to safety requirements?

Preposition 'bi-' used with the verb 'taltazimu'.

4

هذه الوظيفة لها متطلبات تقنية عالية.

This job has high technical requirements.

Adjective 'aliya' (high) matches the non-human plural.

5

نحتاج إلى مراجعة متطلبات العميل.

We need to review the client's requirements.

Infinitive 'muraja'at' (reviewing).

6

متطلبات الحياة تزداد يوماً بعد يوم.

Life's requirements increase day after day.

Metaphorical use of 'mutatallabat'.

7

لم يكمل الطالب متطلبات التخرج بعد.

The student has not completed the graduation requirements yet.

Negation with 'lam' + jussive verb.

8

تأكد من فهم متطلبات النظام.

Make sure to understand the system requirements.

Imperative 'ta'akkad'.

1

يواجه الشباب صعوبة في تلبية متطلبات الزواج.

Young people face difficulty in meeting marriage requirements.

Verbal noun 'talbiya' (meeting/satisfying).

2

تعتبر هذه الوثيقة من متطلبات العقد الأساسية.

This document is considered one of the basic contract requirements.

Passive verb 'tu'tabaru'.

3

يجب تحديث متطلبات الأمن السيبراني دورياً.

Cybersecurity requirements must be updated periodically.

Adverb 'dawriyyan' (periodically).

4

تختلف متطلبات البيئة من منطقة لأخرى.

Environmental requirements differ from one region to another.

Verb 'takhtalifu' (differs).

5

المشروع ضخم وله متطلبات مالية كبيرة.

The project is huge and has large financial requirements.

Adjective 'maliya' (financial).

6

هل يمكنك تلخيص متطلبات المرحلة القادمة؟

Can you summarize the requirements of the next phase?

Infinitive 'talkhis' (summarizing).

7

تتضمن متطلبات الجودة معايير صارمة.

Quality requirements include strict standards.

Verb 'tatadamman' (includes).

8

علينا الموازنة بين متطلبات العمل والحياة.

We must balance work and life requirements.

Infinitive 'muwazana' (balancing).

1

تقتضي متطلبات المصلحة العامة اتخاذ هذا القرار.

The requirements of public interest necessitate making this decision.

Formal verb 'taqtadi' (necessitates).

2

هناك فجوة بين مخرجات التعليم ومتطلبات سوق العمل.

There is a gap between education outcomes and labor market requirements.

Sophisticated economic terminology.

3

يجب مراعاة متطلبات التنمية المستدامة.

The requirements of sustainable development must be taken into account.

Verbal noun 'mura'at' (taking into account).

4

تجاوزت الشركة كافة متطلبات الأداء المتوقعة.

The company exceeded all expected performance requirements.

Verb 'tajawazat' (exceeded).

5

تخضع هذه العملية لمتطلبات قانونية معقدة.

This process is subject to complex legal requirements.

Verb 'takhda'u' (is subject to).

6

يعد الابتكار من أهم متطلبات المنافسة العالمية.

Innovation is considered one of the most important requirements for global competition.

Passive participle 'yu'ad' (is considered).

7

نعمل على مواءمة منتجاتنا مع متطلبات العصر.

We are working on aligning our products with the requirements of the era.

Verbal noun 'muwa'ama' (alignment/harmonization).

8

تفرض متطلبات البروتوكول قواعد معينة للتعامل.

Protocol requirements impose certain rules for interaction.

Verb 'tafridu' (imposes).

1

إن متطلبات الوجود الإنساني تتجاوز مجرد البقاء المادي.

The requirements of human existence transcend mere physical survival.

Philosophical usage with 'Inna' for emphasis.

2

تتجلى متطلبات الحداثة في التحولات البنيوية للمجتمع.

The requirements of modernity are manifested in the structural transformations of society.

Verb 'tatajalla' (manifests).

3

يستوجب النص الأدبي متطلبات نقدية خاصة.

The literary text necessitates special critical requirements.

Verb 'yastawjibu' (necessitates/requires).

4

لا يمكن إغفال متطلبات السياق التاريخي عند التحليل.

The requirements of the historical context cannot be overlooked during analysis.

Infinitive 'igfal' (overlooking).

5

تتقاطع متطلبات الأمن القومي مع الحريات الفردية.

National security requirements intersect with individual freedoms.

Verb 'tataqata'u' (intersects).

6

تتطلب الحوكمة الرشيدة استيفاء متطلبات الشفافية.

Good governance requires meeting transparency requirements.

Political science terminology.

7

إن صياغة متطلبات المشروع بدقة هي مفتاح النجاح.

Formulating project requirements accurately is the key to success.

Verbal noun 'siyagha' (formulating).

8

تفرض العولمة متطلبات ثقافية جديدة على المجتمعات.

Globalization imposes new cultural requirements on societies.

Sociological usage.

Synonyms

Antonyms

كماليات إضافات

Common Collocations

استيفاء المتطلبات
تلبية المتطلبات
متطلبات النظام
متطلبات الوظيفة
متطلبات القبول
متطلبات قانونية
متطلبات أساسية
متطلبات فنية
متطلبات المعيشة
تحديد المتطلبات

Common Phrases

حسب المتطلبات

— According to the requirements. Used when following a specific set of rules.

تم التنفيذ حسب المتطلبات.

بناءً على متطلبات

— Based on the requirements of. Used to justify an action.

بناءً على متطلبات العمل.

كافة المتطلبات

— All the requirements. Emphasizes completeness.

وفرنا كافة المتطلبات.

متطلبات العصر

— Requirements of the era. Refers to modern trends.

يجب مواكبة متطلبات العصر.

متطلبات سابقة

— Prerequisites. Common in university settings.

هذه المادة لها متطلبات سابقة.

أدنى المتطلبات

— Minimum requirements. The baseline needed.

هذا هو أدنى المتطلبات.

متطلبات الأمن

— Security requirements. Common in airports or IT.

التزم بمتطلبات الأمن.

متطلبات خاصة

— Special requirements. Used for unique needs.

هل لديك متطلبات خاصة؟

متطلبات البيئة

— Environmental requirements. Used in ecology.

نحترم متطلبات البيئة.

متطلبات التخرج

— Graduation requirements. Used by students.

أنهيت متطلبات التخرج.

Often Confused With

متطلبات vs طلبات

Means 'orders' or 'requests'. Use this at a restaurant or for favors.

متطلبات vs احتياجات

Means 'needs'. Use this for basic human necessities like food or air.

متطلبات vs مستلزمات

Means 'supplies'. Use this for physical items like pens or medical tools.

Idioms & Expressions

"كثير المتطلبات"

— High-maintenance or demanding. Used for people or tasks.

هذا المدير كثير المتطلبات.

Informal
"على قدر المتطلبات"

— Up to the task or meeting the requirements.

كان الموظف على قدر المتطلبات.

Neutral
"خارج المتطلبات"

— Beyond what is required or irrelevant.

هذا الكلام خارج المتطلبات.

Neutral
"تجاوز المتطلبات"

— To go above and beyond what was asked.

لقد تجاوزت متطلباتنا.

Formal
"في صلب المتطلبات"

— At the heart of the requirements; essential.

هذه النقطة في صلب المتطلبات.

Formal
"دون المتطلبات"

— Below the required standard.

أداؤه كان دون المتطلبات.

Formal
"متطلبات لا تنتهي"

— Endless demands. Often used for children or life.

الحياة لها متطلبات لا تنتهي.

Informal
"بحد أدنى من المتطلبات"

— With minimum requirements; barely enough.

نجح بحد أدنى من المتطلبات.

Neutral
"مواكبة المتطلبات"

— Keeping up with requirements/demands.

صعب مواكبة متطلبات السوق.

Business
"فرض متطلبات"

— To impose requirements on someone.

لا تفرض علي متطلباتك.

Informal

Easily Confused

متطلبات vs شروط

Both imply something mandatory.

'Shurut' are conditions or terms of an agreement, while 'mutatallabat' are the items or skills needed.

شروط العقد (Contract terms) vs متطلبات الوظيفة (Job requirements).

متطلبات vs مقتضيات

Both mean requirements.

'Muqtadayat' is more abstract and refers to what is necessitated by a situation or logic.

مقتضيات المصلحة (Requirements of interest).

متطلبات vs لوازم

Both mean things needed.

'Lawazim' is more informal and usually refers to household or manual tools.

لوازم المطبخ (Kitchen necessities).

متطلبات vs واجبات

Both imply obligation.

'Wajibat' means 'duties'—things you must *do*, while 'mutatallabat' are things you must *have*.

واجبات الموظف (Employee duties).

متطلبات vs معايير

Both are used in evaluation.

'Ma'ayir' are standards or benchmarks used for measurement.

معايير النجاح (Success standards).

Sentence Patterns

A2

ما هي متطلبات [الاسم]؟

ما هي متطلبات الفيزا؟

B1

يجب [فعل] متطلبات [الاسم].

يجب استيفاء متطلبات القبول.

B1

هذه [الاسم] لها متطلبات [صفة].

هذه الوظيفة لها متطلبات كثيرة.

B2

بناءً على متطلبات [الاسم]، قمنا بـ[فعل].

بناءً على متطلبات العمل، قمنا بتغيير الجدول.

B2

تختلف متطلبات [الاسم] من [اسم] لآخر.

تختلف متطلبات السفر من بلد لآخر.

C1

تقتضي متطلبات [الاسم] [فعل].

تقتضي متطلبات المصلحة العامة الصمت.

C1

هناك فجوة بين [الاسم] ومتطلبات [الاسم].

هناك فجوة بين المهارات ومتطلبات السوق.

C2

تتجلى متطلبات [الاسم] في [الاسم].

تتجلى متطلبات الحداثة في العمارة.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in professional, academic, and news contexts.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'mutatallabat' for restaurant orders. طلبات (Talabat)

    Mutatallabat is for formal requirements; Talabat is for requests or orders.

  • Using a masculine plural adjective. متطلبات أساسية (Feminine singular)

    Non-human plurals in Arabic take feminine singular adjectives.

  • Pronouncing the 'T' as a soft 't'. Emphatic 'Taa' (ط)

    The word uses the letter Taa, which is deeper and more emphatic than the regular Taa.

  • Confusing it with 'needs' in a personal context. احتياجات (Ihtiyajat)

    Mutatallabat is too formal for personal feelings or basic survival needs.

  • Adding 'al-' to the first word of an Idafa. متطلبات الوظيفة

    The first part of a possessive construction cannot have the definite article.

Tips

Adjective Agreement

Always use a feminine singular adjective with 'mutatallabat'. For example: 'متطلبات جديدة' (new requirements).

Professionalism

Use 'mutatallabat' in your CV to list your skills or to describe what you are looking for in a job.

The Shadda

Don't forget the double 'L' sound (shadda) on the letter 'Lam'. It's 'mutatal-labat', not 'mutatalabat'.

Bureaucracy

When at a government office, ask for 'qa'imat al-mutatallabat' (the list of requirements) to get a checklist of documents.

Root Learning

Connect it to 'Talib' (student). A student is someone who 'seeks' knowledge; 'mutatallabat' are things 'sought' by a system.

Idafa

In an Idafa, the word 'mutatallabat' never takes 'al-'. Example: 'متطلبات المشروع' (The project requirements).

Confidence

Using 'istawfaytu al-mutatallabat' (I met the requirements) makes you sound very fluent in professional settings.

News Keywords

When you hear 'mutatallabat', get ready to hear a list of conditions or items.

Social Demands

Use 'mutatallabat al-hayat' to talk about the general pressures of modern living.

Mnemonic

Remember: Mutatallabat = Mandatory Tasks List.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Mutatallabat' as 'Must-all-be-at'. You 'must' have 'all' these things 'at' the location to succeed.

Visual Association

Imagine a long checklist with red checkmarks next to each item. Each checkmark is a 'mutatallab'.

Word Web

Job Visa University System Safety Legal Market Success

Challenge

Write down three 'mutatallabat' for your favorite hobby in Arabic using the word 'mutatallabat' at least once.

Word Origin

Derived from the Arabic root T-L-B (ط-ل-ب), which primarily means to seek, search for, or request something.

Original meaning: The Form V verb 'tataṭallaba' means 'to necessitate' or 'to call for.' 'Mutatallabāt' is the plural passive participle, meaning 'the things that are called for.'

Semitic (Arabic).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use 'mutatallabat' when talking about a person's basic rights, as it can make rights sound like something they must 'earn' rather than something they are 'entitled' to.

In English, we use 'requirements' for both formal and informal things. Arabic speakers prefer 'mutatallabat' for the formal and 'ihtiyajat' for the informal.

Used in the Arab Human Development Reports. Commonly found in the 'Conditions of Service' for major Arab airlines like Emirates or Qatar Airways. Appears in the titles of many modern Arabic management books.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Application

  • متطلبات الوظيفة
  • استيفاء الشروط
  • الخبرة المطلوبة
  • المؤهلات العلمية

University

  • متطلبات التخرج
  • متطلبات القبول
  • الساعات المعتمدة
  • المواد الإجبارية

Travel

  • متطلبات التأشيرة
  • جواز السفر
  • التأمين الصحي
  • فحص كورونا

Technology

  • متطلبات النظام
  • الذاكرة العشوائية
  • مساحة التخزين
  • نظام التشغيل

Business

  • متطلبات العميل
  • تلبية السوق
  • دراسة الجدوى
  • المعايير الدولية

Conversation Starters

"ما هي أهم متطلبات النجاح في رأيك؟ (What are the most important requirements for success in your opinion?)"

"هل تعتقد أن متطلبات الوظائف اليوم مبالغ فيها؟ (Do you think job requirements today are exaggerated?)"

"ما هي متطلبات السفر إلى بلدك؟ (What are the requirements to travel to your country?)"

"كيف توازن بين متطلبات العمل وحياتك الخاصة؟ (How do you balance work requirements and your private life?)"

"هل استوفيت جميع متطلبات التخرج؟ (Did you meet all the graduation requirements?)"

Journal Prompts

اكتب عن متطلبات وظيفة أحلامك. (Write about the requirements of your dream job.)

ما هي متطلبات السعادة الحقيقية بالنسبة لك؟ (What are the requirements for true happiness for you?)

صف يوماً مليئاً بالمتطلبات وكيف تعاملت معه. (Describe a day full of demands and how you dealt with it.)

هل تعتقد أن متطلبات العصر الحديث تزيد من التوتر؟ (Do you think modern requirements increase stress?)

تحدث عن متطلبات مشروع قمت به مؤخراً. (Talk about the requirements of a project you recently did.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is a sound feminine plural (ending in -at), but it refers to non-human things, so it is treated as feminine singular for grammar purposes.

It's better to use 'talabat' (orders) or 'ihtiyajat' (needs). 'Mutatallabat' sounds too formal for a grocery list.

The singular is 'mutatallab' (متطلب), but it is much less common than the plural.

The most formal way is 'istifa' al-mutatallabat' (استيفاء المتطلبات).

Yes, but it often sounds more formal. In dialects, people might use 'shuroot' or 'lawazim' more frequently.

Yes, a 'demanding person' is 'shakhs kathir al-mutatallabat'.

The root is T-L-B (ط-ل-ب), which means to seek or request.

Yes, 'mustalzamāt' usually refers to physical supplies, while 'mutatallabat' can be abstract (like skills or grades).

مُتَطَلَّبَات (Mu-ta-ṭal-la-bāt).

Yes, extremely common when discussing government policies, economy, and international requirements.

Test Yourself 185 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'متطلبات الوظيفة'.

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writing

Translate: 'I met all the requirements.'

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writing

Write a sentence about travel requirements.

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writing

Use 'متطلبات أساسية' in a sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'The project has many requirements.'

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writing

Write a sentence about system requirements.

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writing

Use 'تلبية متطلبات' in a sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence about graduation requirements.

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writing

Translate: 'Legal requirements are important.'

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writing

Write a sentence about a demanding person.

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writing

Use 'متطلبات العصر' in a sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'What are the admission requirements?'

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writing

Write a sentence about safety requirements.

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writing

Use 'قائمة المتطلبات' in a sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'Minimum requirements for the game.'

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writing

Write a sentence about financial requirements.

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writing

Use 'تجاوز المتطلبات' in a sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'The requirements of life are increasing.'

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writing

Write a sentence about technical requirements.

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writing

Use 'استيفاء' and 'متطلبات' together.

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speaking

Say: 'Job requirements' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'I have many requirements.'

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speaking

Say: 'What are the requirements?'

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speaking

Say: 'System requirements' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say: 'Basic requirements' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say: 'I met the requirements.'

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speaking

Say: 'Travel requirements' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say: 'Satisfying requirements' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say: 'Graduation requirements' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say: 'Legal requirements' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say: 'Safety requirements' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say: 'Minimum requirements' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say: 'Technical requirements' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say: 'Financial requirements' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say: 'He is very demanding.'

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speaking

Say: 'Market requirements' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say: 'Prerequisites' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say: 'Exceeding requirements' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say: 'Requirements of the era' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say: 'Defining requirements' in Arabic.

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listening

Listen and identify the word: 'متطلبات'.

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listening

Listen and identify the phrase: 'متطلبات الوظيفة'.

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listening

Listen and identify the phrase: 'استيفاء المتطلبات'.

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listening

Listen and identify the phrase: 'متطلبات النظام'.

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listening

Listen and identify the phrase: 'تلبية المتطلبات'.

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listening

Listen and identify the phrase: 'متطلبات قانونية'.

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listening

Listen and identify the phrase: 'متطلبات التخرج'.

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listening

Listen and identify the phrase: 'متطلبات السلامة'.

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listening

Listen and identify the phrase: 'أدنى المتطلبات'.

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listening

Listen and identify the phrase: 'متطلبات السوق'.

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listening

Listen and identify the phrase: 'متطلبات المعيشة'.

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listening

Listen and identify the phrase: 'متطلبات فنية'.

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listening

Listen and identify the phrase: 'تجاوز المتطلبات'.

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listening

Listen and identify the phrase: 'متطلبات العصر'.

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listening

Listen and identify the phrase: 'كثير المتطلبات'.

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/ 185 correct

Perfect score!

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