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A1 adjective #1,800 most common 11 min read

رخيص

rakhees Top 1,800

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips رخيص in 30 Seconds

Explanation رخيص in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, the word 'رخيص' (rakhis) is introduced as one of the most fundamental and essential adjectives for daily survival and basic communication. At this stage, learners are primarily focused on simple transactions, such as buying food, clothing, or tickets. The word is taught as the direct opposite of 'غالي' (ghali - expensive). Learners at this level need to master the basic pronunciation and the simple masculine and feminine forms: 'رخيص' for masculine nouns (like كتاب - book) and 'رخيصة' for feminine nouns (like سيارة - car). The focus is entirely on the literal meaning of price. A typical A1 learner will use this word in simple nominal sentences (جملة اسمية), such as 'هذا رخيص' (This is cheap) or 'التفاح رخيص اليوم' (Apples are cheap today). They will also learn to use it with basic intensifiers like 'جداً' (very), forming phrases like 'رخيص جداً' (very cheap). Understanding this word empowers beginners to navigate markets, ask about prices, and express their basic preferences regarding cost, which is a critical confidence booster for anyone traveling to or living in an Arabic-speaking environment.

Moving into the A2 elementary level, learners expand their use of 'رخيص' beyond simple, isolated sentences. They begin to integrate the word into more complex structures, particularly focusing on adjective-noun agreement within longer phrases. At this stage, the concept of non-human plurals taking the feminine singular adjective is solidified. Learners will confidently say 'كتب رخيصة' (cheap books) or 'فنادق رخيصة' (cheap hotels). Furthermore, A2 learners are introduced to the comparative form 'أرخص' (arkhas - cheaper). This is a significant milestone, as it allows them to compare two items, a crucial skill for shopping and making decisions. They will construct sentences like 'هذا القميص أرخص من ذلك القميص' (This shirt is cheaper than that shirt). They also start to recognize the word in basic listening exercises, such as simple dialogues in a store or market setting. The vocabulary network around the word expands, connecting it to verbs like 'يشتري' (to buy) and 'يبيع' (to sell), and nouns like 'سعر' (price) and 'سوق' (market).

At the B1 intermediate level, the understanding of 'رخيص' deepens significantly. Learners begin to encounter and use the secondary, figurative meaning of the word: low quality. They learn that a 'cheap' item isn't always a good deal, and they can express this nuance. Sentences become more complex, incorporating conjunctions and contrasting ideas, such as 'هذا الهاتف رخيص، لكن جودته سيئة' (This phone is cheap, but its quality is bad). B1 learners also start using the superlative form 'الأرخص' (the cheapest) to express extremes, like 'أريد الأرخص' (I want the cheapest one). At this level, they are introduced to synonyms like 'اقتصادي' (economical) and 'معقول' (reasonable), allowing them to choose the most appropriate word for the context. They can engage in more extended conversations about budgeting, cost of living, and shopping habits. The cultural context of bargaining in Arab markets is discussed more thoroughly, and learners practice using the word in role-play scenarios that require negotiation and expressing dissatisfaction with a price.

At the B2 upper-intermediate level, learners possess a nuanced and flexible command of 'رخيص'. They are fully aware of its multiple meanings—inexpensive, low quality, and the metaphorical use describing a person's character or actions as undignified or base. They can read and understand articles discussing economics, where terms like 'العمالة الرخيصة' (cheap labor) or 'الإنتاج الرخيص' (cheap production) are common. In spoken Arabic, they can use the word idiomatically and understand its implications in different social contexts. They know that calling a person 'رخيص' is a severe insult and avoid making the common mistake of using it to mean 'stingy' (which is بخيل). B2 learners can write detailed essays or reviews comparing products, using a variety of vocabulary to describe value, cost-effectiveness, and quality. They comfortably navigate complex grammatical structures involving the word, such as conditional sentences: 'لو كان أرخص، لاشتريته' (If it were cheaper, I would have bought it). Their use of the word is natural, contextually appropriate, and grammatically accurate across various registers.

At the C1 advanced level, the word 'رخيص' is used with high precision and rhetorical flair. Learners at this stage encounter the word in complex literary texts, political discourse, and advanced media analysis. They understand how the word is used to manipulate tone and convey subtle criticisms. For example, a C1 learner can analyze an editorial that criticizes 'وعود سياسية رخيصة' (cheap political promises) or 'دعاية رخيصة' (cheap propaganda). They are adept at using the word in abstract contexts, far removed from the physical marketplace. They can effortlessly switch between synonyms like 'بخس' (undervalued), 'زهيد' (meager), and 'رديء' (poor quality) to achieve the exact stylistic effect desired in their writing or speaking. Furthermore, they understand the dialectal variations and cultural idioms associated with the concept of cheapness across different Arab countries. They can engage in high-level debates about global economics, outsourcing, and consumerism, using 'رخيص' and its derivatives as part of a sophisticated academic and professional vocabulary.

At the C2 mastery level, the user's grasp of 'رخيص' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. They possess an intuitive understanding of the word's etymology (from the root ر-خ-ص) and how it connects to other words in the same family, such as 'رخصة' (license/permission) and 'ترخيص' (authorization), understanding the underlying semantic link of 'making something easy or accessible'. C2 users can employ the word in poetry, creative writing, or high-level academic papers with absolute confidence. They can play with the word's double meanings for comedic or dramatic effect. They are fully aware of the historical and sociolinguistic shifts in the word's usage. Whether delivering a keynote speech on macroeconomic trends involving 'cheap capital' or writing a nuanced literary critique of a character's 'cheap morals', the C2 learner utilizes the word flawlessly. They can also deconstruct and explain the grammatical and semantic intricacies of the word to lower-level learners, demonstrating a complete and comprehensive mastery of the Arabic language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

رخيص in 30 Seconds

Primary meaning: Inexpensive or low in price (literal).
Secondary meaning: Poor quality or badly made (figurative).
Tertiary meaning: Lacking moral dignity or value (metaphorical).
Grammar: Adjective that must agree in gender and number with the noun.

The Arabic word رخيص (rakhis) is a fundamental adjective used primarily to describe something that is low in price, inexpensive, or cheap. It is derived from the root letters ر-خ-ص (r-kh-s), which carry the core meaning of being inexpensive, permissible, or soft. Understanding this word is essential for everyday communication, especially in contexts involving shopping, trading, and evaluating the value of items. In its most literal sense, it is the direct opposite of غالي (ghali), which means expensive. However, just like the English word 'cheap', رخيص can also carry a secondary, more figurative meaning. It can be used to describe something of low quality, poorly made, or lacking in durability. Furthermore, in certain social or moral contexts, it can describe a person's character or behavior as base, undignified, or lacking in self-respect, though this usage is more advanced and highly contextual. To fully grasp the depth of this word, one must look at how it interacts with various nouns and situations.

Literal Meaning (Price): Refers to goods, services, or commodities that cost very little money. This is the most common and neutral use of the word, often seen as a positive attribute when seeking a bargain.

هذا القميص رخيص جداً مقارنة بالآخرين.

This shirt is very cheap compared to the others.

Figurative Meaning (Quality): Describes items that are poorly manufactured, fragile, or made with inferior materials. In this context, the word takes on a negative connotation, warning against a bad purchase.

لا تشتري هذا الحذاء، إنه مصنوع من مواد رخيصة.

Do not buy these shoes, they are made of cheap materials.

Metaphorical Meaning (Character): Used to describe actions, words, or individuals that lack moral integrity, dignity, or value. This is a strong insult and should be used with extreme caution.

هذا كلام رخيص ولا يستحق الرد.

These are cheap words and do not deserve a reply.

يبحث دائماً عن الثمن الـرخيص.

He is always looking for the cheap price.

اللحم الـرخيص يفسد المرق.

Cheap meat ruins the broth (Proverb).

In summary, while the primary translation of the word is simply 'inexpensive', its application spans economics, manufacturing quality, and human behavior. Mastering its nuances allows learners to navigate not just commercial transactions, but also complex social evaluations in Arabic-speaking cultures. The word is highly versatile, easily recognizable, and forms a cornerstone of A1-level vocabulary, yet its metaphorical extensions provide rich material for advanced learners.

Using the word رخيص correctly in Arabic requires an understanding of basic Arabic grammar, specifically adjective-noun agreement. In Arabic, adjectives must agree with the nouns they modify in four aspects: gender (masculine or feminine), number (singular, dual, or plural), definiteness (definite or indefinite), and case (nominative, accusative, or genitive). Let us break down how this works in practice. When modifying a masculine singular noun, you use the base form 'رخيص'. When modifying a feminine singular noun, you add the taa marbuta (ة) to make it 'رخيصة' (rakhisa). For plural inanimate objects (like books, cars, houses), Arabic grammar dictates that they are treated as feminine singular, so you will also use 'رخيصة'. For plural rational beings (people), the masculine plural is 'رخيصون' (rakhisun) or 'رخيصين' (rakhisin) depending on the case, and the feminine plural is 'رخيصات' (rakhisat). However, applying this word to people is usually an insult, meaning 'lacking dignity'.

Masculine Singular: Used with masculine nouns like كتاب (book), قلم (pen), or بيت (house). Example: كتاب رخيص (a cheap book).

اشتريت هاتفاً رخيصاً من السوق.

I bought a cheap phone from the market.

Feminine Singular & Non-Human Plural: Used with feminine nouns like سيارة (car) or non-human plurals like كتب (books). Example: سيارة رخيصة (a cheap car) or كتب رخيصة (cheap books).

هذه التذاكر رخيصة جداً.

These tickets are very cheap.

Comparative and Superlative (أفعل التفضيل): To say 'cheaper' or 'the cheapest', use the pattern 'أفعل' (af'al), which makes it 'أرخص' (arkhas). This form does not change for gender or number.

هذا المتجر أرخص من المتجر الآخر.

This store is cheaper than the other store.

أريد أرخص غرفة في الفندق.

I want the cheapest room in the hotel.

السفر بالحافلة رخيص ومريح.

Traveling by bus is cheap and comfortable.

Furthermore, the word can function as a predicate in a nominal sentence (جملة اسمية). For example, 'السعر رخيص' (The price is cheap). Here, 'السعر' is the subject (mubtada) and 'رخيص' is the predicate (khabar). Notice that as a predicate, it is indefinite (no 'ال' prefix) even though the subject is definite. This is a core rule of Arabic sentence structure. Mastering these structural rules ensures that you not only know the vocabulary word but can deploy it accurately across a wide variety of grammatical contexts, from simple descriptions to complex comparisons.

The word رخيص is ubiquitous in the Arabic-speaking world, echoing through traditional markets, modern shopping malls, economic news broadcasts, and everyday casual conversations. Its most natural habitat is undoubtedly the 'Souq' (traditional market), where haggling and negotiating prices are an integral part of the culture. When you walk through the bustling alleys of Khan el-Khalili in Cairo or the Souq Waqif in Doha, you will constantly hear vendors proclaiming their goods as 'رخيص' to attract customers, while buyers might use the term to argue that an item is not worth the asking price. Beyond the marketplace, it is a staple in travel and tourism contexts. Backpackers and budget travelers frequently use it when asking for affordable accommodations, cheap flights, or inexpensive local eateries. It is a survival word for anyone trying to navigate an Arabic-speaking country on a budget.

Traditional Markets (Souqs): Used heavily during bargaining. A vendor might say 'سعر رخيص' (cheap price) to lure you in, while a buyer might complain 'هذا ليس رخيصاً' (this is not cheap).

تعال يا أخي، عندي بضاعة رخيصة وممتازة.

Come my brother, I have cheap and excellent merchandise.

Economic News and Media: In formal contexts, news anchors discuss 'العمالة الرخيصة' (cheap labor) or 'الواردات الرخيصة' (cheap imports) when analyzing market trends and global trade.

تعتمد بعض الصناعات على الأيدي العاملة الـرخيصة.

Some industries rely on cheap labor.

Everyday Social Commentary: Friends discussing the cost of living, sharing tips on where to find the best deals, or criticizing the poor quality of a recent purchase.

المطعم الجديد يقدم طعاماً لذيذاً ورخيصاً.

The new restaurant serves delicious and cheap food.

هذا العذر رخيص جداً ولن أقبله.

This excuse is very cheap and I will not accept it.

وجدت تذاكر طيران رخيصة إلى أوروبا.

I found cheap flight tickets to Europe.

You will also encounter this word frequently in Arabic literature and cinema. In dramatic dialogues, a character might accuse another of having a 'cheap soul' (نفس رخيصة) to denote a lack of morals. In comedy, characters often find themselves in hilarious situations because they opted for the 'cheap' alternative. Whether you are reading a formal newspaper article about inflation, watching a soap opera, or simply buying vegetables from a street vendor, 'رخيص' is a word that bridges the gap between basic survival vocabulary and nuanced cultural expression. Its presence is felt across all registers of the Arabic language, making it indispensable for any serious learner.

While رخيص is a common and relatively simple word, learners often stumble over its usage due to grammatical rules and subtle semantic nuances. One of the most frequent errors involves a failure to apply the correct gender agreement. Because many inanimate objects in Arabic are masculine (like كتاب - book) and others are feminine (like سيارة - car), learners often use the masculine form 'رخيص' universally, resulting in grammatically incorrect phrases like 'سيارة رخيص' instead of the correct 'سيارة رخيصة'. Another major area of confusion is the treatment of non-human plurals. In Arabic, non-human plurals are treated as feminine singular. Therefore, 'cheap books' translates to 'كتب رخيصة' (kutub rakhisa), not 'كتب رخيصون' (which would bizarrely imply the books are cheap male humans). Understanding these agreement rules is critical to sounding natural and proficient.

Mistake: Incorrect Gender Agreement: Using the masculine form for feminine nouns. Always check the gender of the noun you are describing.

خطأ: هذه ساعة رخيص. | صواب: هذه ساعة رخيصة.

Incorrect: This is a cheap (masc) watch. | Correct: This is a cheap (fem) watch.

Mistake: Plural Agreement for Objects: Applying human plural endings (-un/-in) to inanimate objects. Non-human plurals take feminine singular adjectives.

خطأ: بيوت رخيصون. | صواب: بيوت رخيصة.

Incorrect: Cheap (human plural) houses. | Correct: Cheap (fem singular) houses.

Mistake: Definiteness Mismatch: Forgetting to add 'ال' (al-) to the adjective when the noun is definite. If the noun has 'ال', the adjective must have it too, unless it's a predicate.

خطأ: الكتاب رخيص مفيد. | صواب: الكتاب الـرخيص مفيد.

Incorrect: The book cheap is useful. | Correct: The cheap book is useful.

خطأ: هو شخص رخيصة. | صواب: هو شخص رخيص.

Incorrect: He is a cheap (fem) person. | Correct: He is a cheap (masc) person.

خطأ: أريد شيء أرخصاً. | صواب: أريد شيئاً أرخص.

Incorrect use of comparative case endings. The comparative 'أفعل' is diptote (ممنوع من الصرف) and does not take tanwin.

Beyond grammar, semantic mistakes are common. English speakers often translate 'cheap' directly into 'رخيص' when they mean 'stingy' or 'miserly'. In Arabic, 'رخيص' applied to a person means they have no moral worth or dignity. If you want to say someone doesn't like spending money (stingy), the correct word is 'بخيل' (bakhil). This is a crucial cultural and linguistic distinction. Mixing these up can lead to severe misunderstandings and unintended offense. Always be mindful of the context: are you describing the price of a tomato, the build quality of a toy, or the character of a human being? The grammar might be similar, but the social impact is vastly different.

To enrich your Arabic vocabulary, it is highly beneficial to learn words that share similar meanings or occupy the same semantic field as رخيص. While 'رخيص' is the most direct translation for 'cheap', Arabic offers a spectrum of words to describe affordability, value, and low cost, each carrying its own specific nuance. For instance, if you want to emphasize that something is a smart financial choice rather than just low in price, you would use 'اقتصادي' (iqtisadi), which translates to 'economical'. If you are talking about a price that is fair, reasonable, and acceptable to both buyer and seller, the phrase 'سعر معقول' (si'r ma'qul) is perfectly suited. On the other hand, if something is sold for practically nothing, far below its actual value, the word 'بخس' (bakhs) is used. Understanding these alternatives allows for much more precise and sophisticated expression.

اقتصادي (Iqtisadi) - Economical: Used when something saves money or resources efficiently. It has a purely positive connotation, unlike 'رخيص' which can imply low quality.

هذه السيارة اقتصادية في استهلاك الوقود.

This car is economical in fuel consumption.

معقول (Ma'qul) - Reasonable: Often paired with 'سعر' (price) to mean a fair price. It indicates that the price makes sense for the quality provided.

اشتريت هذا الحاسوب بسعر معقول.

I bought this computer at a reasonable price.

بخس (Bakhs) - Undervalued / Dirt Cheap: A more formal or literary word used when something is sold for much less than it is worth, often implying a loss for the seller or an unfair transaction.

باع أرضه بثمن بخس.

He sold his land for a dirt-cheap price.

هناك بدائل منخفضة التكلفة متاحة.

There are low-cost alternatives available.

هذا المنتج زهيد الثمن.

This product is of a meager/trivial price.

When referring to the negative connotation of 'cheap' (as in poor quality), you might use words like 'رديء' (radi') meaning 'poor quality' or 'bad'. If referring to a person's character as 'cheap' or 'vulgar', words like 'مبتذل' (mubtathal) or 'دنيء' (dani') are more precise, though highly insulting. Expanding your vocabulary to include these synonyms allows you to tailor your message precisely to the context, avoiding the ambiguity that sometimes accompanies the multi-purpose word 'رخيص'. This level of vocabulary distinction is a hallmark of advancing from a beginner (A1/A2) to an intermediate (B1/B2) and eventually an advanced (C1/C2) speaker of the Arabic language.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Adjective-Noun Agreement (التطابق بين الصفة والموصوف)

Non-human plurals taking feminine singular adjectives.

The Comparative and Superlative patterns (أفعل التفضيل).

Nominal Sentences (الجملة الاسمية) subject-predicate structure.

Definiteness (التعريف والتنكير) matching between noun and adjective.

Examples by Level

هذا القميص رخيص.

This shirt is cheap.

Masculine singular adjective modifying a masculine singular noun.

السيارة رخيصة جداً.

The car is very cheap.

Feminine singular adjective modifying a feminine singular noun.

التفاح رخيص اليوم.

Apples are cheap today.

Used as a predicate in a nominal sentence.

هل هذا رخيص؟

Is this cheap?

Interrogative sentence using 'هل'.

أريد كتاباً رخيصاً.

I want a cheap book.

Adjective in the accusative case (mansub) with tanwin fatha.

الماء رخيص هنا.

Water is cheap here.

Basic subject-predicate structure.

هذا المطعم رخيص.

This restaurant is cheap.

Demonstrative pronoun + definite noun + indefinite adjective.

الحذاء ليس رخيصاً.

The shoes are not cheap.

Using 'ليس' (is not) which puts the predicate in the accusative case.

هذه كتب رخيصة.

These are cheap books.

Non-human plural noun (كتب) takes a feminine singular adjective (رخيصة).

هذا الفندق أرخص من ذلك الفندق.

This hotel is cheaper than that hotel.

Using the comparative form 'أرخص' (cheaper) + 'من' (than).

اشتريت ملابس رخيصة من السوق.

I bought cheap clothes from the market.

Adjective modifying a non-human plural object.

أين يمكنني إيجاد طعام رخيص؟

Where can I find cheap food?

Using the word in a practical question for travel.

السفر بالحافلة رخيص وممتع.

Traveling by bus is cheap and fun.

Connecting two adjectives with 'و' (and).

هي تبحث عن شقة رخيصة.

She is looking for a cheap apartment.

Adjective modifying a feminine noun in the genitive case (majrur).

الأسعار هنا رخيصة جداً.

The prices here are very cheap.

Plural non-human subject with feminine singular predicate.

أريد أرخص تذكرة إلى القاهرة.

I want the cheapest ticket to Cairo.

Superlative form 'أرخص' used in an idaafa (construct state) construction.

هذا الهاتف رخيص، لكن جودته سيئة.

This phone is cheap, but its quality is bad.

Contrasting ideas using 'لكن' (but).

لا تشتري أشياء رخيصة لأنها تكسر بسرعة.

Do not buy cheap things because they break quickly.

Using the word to imply low quality/durability.

العمالة الرخيصة تجذب الشركات الأجنبية.

Cheap labor attracts foreign companies.

Using the word in a broader economic context.

ابحث عن بديل أرخص إذا كان هذا غالياً.

Look for a cheaper alternative if this is expensive.

Using the comparative form as an adjective.

رغم أن السعر رخيص، إلا أن الخدمة ممتازة.

Although the price is cheap, the service is excellent.

Complex sentence structure using 'رغم أن' (although).

المنتجات الرخيصة غالباً ما تكون مستوردة.

Cheap products are often imported.

Definite adjective modifying a definite plural noun.

فضلنا البقاء في فندق رخيص لتوفير المال.

We preferred to stay in a cheap hotel to save money.

Using the word to explain a reasoning or purpose.

هذا العرض رخيص بشكل لا يصدق!

This offer is unbelievably cheap!

Using an adverbial phrase 'بشكل لا يصدق' for emphasis.

قد يبدو المنتج رخيصاً، لكن تكلفة صيانته عالية.

The product may seem cheap, but its maintenance cost is high.

Using 'يبدو' (seems) which takes an accusative predicate.

لا تنخدع بالأسعار الرخيصة على الإنترنت.

Do not be fooled by cheap prices on the internet.

Passive voice 'تنخدع' with a prepositional phrase.

استخدام مواد رخيصة في البناء يعرض حياة الناس للخطر.

Using cheap materials in construction puts people's lives at risk.

Verbal noun (masdar) 'استخدام' starting a complex sentence.

كانت حجته رخيصة ولم تقنع أحداً في القاعة.

His argument was cheap and did not convince anyone in the hall.

Metaphorical use of 'رخيص' to mean weak or lacking substance.

الاعتماد على الواردات الرخيصة يضر بالصناعة المحلية.

Relying on cheap imports harms local industry.

Advanced economic vocabulary integration.

لو كان السعر أرخص قليلاً، لتمت الصفقة.

If the price had been a little cheaper, the deal would have been closed.

Conditional sentence using 'لو' (if) for hypothetical past.

إنها طريقة رخيصة لكسب تعاطف الجمهور.

It is a cheap way to gain the audience's sympathy.

Metaphorical use meaning manipulative or lacking dignity.

توفر التكنولوجيا الحديثة حلولاً أرخص وأكثر كفاءة.

Modern technology provides cheaper and more efficient solutions.

Using multiple comparatives 'أرخص وأكثر كفاءة'.

اللجوء إلى هذه الأساليب الرخيصة يعكس إفلاساً أخلاقياً.

Resorting to these cheap methods reflects moral bankruptcy.

Highly metaphorical use, paired with advanced vocabulary like 'إفلاس أخلاقي'.

في ظل التضخم، لم يعد هناك شيء يسمى 'رخيص' في هذا البلد.

In light of inflation, there is no longer anything called 'cheap' in this country.

Complex sentence structure expressing a societal observation.

الصحافة الصفراء تعتمد على الإثارة الرخيصة لجذب القراء.

Yellow journalism relies on cheap thrills to attract readers.

Idiomatic expression 'الإثارة الرخيصة' (cheap thrills/sensationalism).

لا تساوم على مبادئك من أجل مكاسب رخيصة ومؤقتة.

Do not compromise your principles for cheap and temporary gains.

Advanced moral/philosophical context.

الاستثمار في العمالة الرخيصة قد يكون مكلفاً على المدى الطويل بسبب ضعف الإنتاجية.

Investing in cheap labor can be costly in the long run due to poor productivity.

Nuanced economic analysis expressing a paradox.

استخدم الكاتب استعارات رخيصة أضعفت من قيمة النص الأدبي.

The writer used cheap metaphors that weakened the value of the literary text.

Literary critique context.

هذا التبرير الرخيص لن يعفيك من المسؤولية القانونية.

This cheap justification will not exempt you from legal responsibility.

Formal legal/argumentative context.

تتميز الأسواق الناشئة بتوفر أصول رخيصة نسبياً للمستثمرين الأجانب.

Emerging markets are characterized by the availability of relatively cheap assets for foreign investors.

Advanced financial and investment terminology.

إن تسليع الثقافة يحول الفن الراقي إلى منتج استهلاكي رخيص.

The commodification of culture turns high art into a cheap consumer product.

Academic sociological discourse using terms like 'تسليع' (commodification).

الخطاب الشعبوي غالباً ما يقتات على المشاعر الرخيصة للغوغاء.

Populist discourse often feeds on the cheap emotions of the mob.

Advanced political analysis with highly specific vocabulary (يقتات، الغوغاء).

في سياق العولمة، أصبحت 'الجغرافيا الرخيصة' محركاً أساسياً لسلاسل التوريد.

In the context of globalization, 'cheap geography' has become a primary driver of supply chains.

Use of academic jargon 'الجغرافيا الرخيصة' (cheap geography).

لا ينبغي الخلط بين الزهد الحقيقي والبحث المبتذل عن كل ما هو رخيص.

True asceticism should not be confused with the vulgar search for everything that is cheap.

Philosophical distinction using precise abstract nouns.

تجلت رخاصة الموقف في تخليه عن رفاقه عند أول اختبار حقيقي.

The cheapness of the situation was manifested in his abandonment of his comrades at the first real test.

Using the abstract noun 'رخاصة' (cheapness/baseness).

الرأسمالية المتوحشة تبحث دائماً عن المورد الأرخص، بغض النظر عن التكلفة البيئية.

Savage capitalism always seeks the cheapest resource, regardless of the environmental cost.

Critical economic theory context.

إنها محاولة رخيصة لابتزاز عواطفنا وتوجيه الرأي العام.

It is a cheap attempt to blackmail our emotions and direct public opinion.

Advanced media criticism and psychological vocabulary.

الجمال الحقيقي لا يقدر بثمن، وكل محاولة لتسعيره تجعله رخيصاً.

True beauty is priceless, and any attempt to price it makes it cheap.

Poetic and philosophical reflection.

Common Collocations

سعر رخيص

عمالة رخيصة

بضاعة رخيصة

فندق رخيص

كلام رخيص

تذكرة رخيصة

مواد رخيصة

عذر رخيص

ثمن رخيص

بديل رخيص

Common Phrases

رخيص جداً

أرخص من

الأرخص على الإطلاق

رخيص الثمن

ليس رخيصاً

رخيص وكويس (Colloquial)

أرخص الأسعار

يبيع برخيص

يشتري برخيص

رخيص ومريح

Often Confused With

رخيص vs بخيل (bakhil - stingy/miserly) - English speakers often use 'cheap' to mean stingy. In Arabic, you must use بخيل for a person who doesn't like spending money.

رخيص vs سهل (sahl - easy) - Because the root originally meant easy/soft, some beginners confuse the concepts, but they are distinct words now.

رخيص vs مجاني (majjani - free) - Cheap means it costs a little; free means it costs nothing.

Idioms & Expressions

"الرخيص يغلى (Cheap becomes expensive)"

"الغالي ثمنه فيه (You get what you pay for)"

"باع نفسه برخيص (Sold himself cheap)"

"كلام رخيص (Cheap talk)"

"دم رخيص (Cheap blood - meaning lives not valued)"

"دموع رخيصة (Crocodile tears/cheap tears)"

"بطولة رخيصة (Cheap heroism/show-off)"

"شهرة رخيصة (Cheap fame)"

"عذر أقبح من ذنب (A cheap excuse is worse than the sin)"

"يسترخص (To seek the cheap option)"

Easily Confused

رخيص vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuance

Can be a compliment (a great bargain) or an insult (poorly made). Tone of voice and context dictate the meaning.

formality

Acceptable in all registers, but synonyms like 'اقتصادي' are preferred in highly formal business contexts.

literal vs figurative

Literal: Low price. Figurative: Low quality or low morals. Context is key.

Common Mistakes

Using 'رخيص' to mean 'stingy' instead of 'بخيل'.
Failing to add the feminine 'ة' when describing feminine nouns (e.g., saying سيارة رخيص instead of سيارة رخيصة).
Using human plural forms (رخيصون) for inanimate objects like books or houses.
Forgetting to match the definiteness (ال) between the noun and the adjective in descriptive phrases.
Mispronouncing the 'ص' as a 'س', which changes the phonetic weight of the word.

Tips

Non-Human Plurals

Always remember the golden rule of Arabic grammar: non-human plurals take feminine singular adjectives. So, 'cheap cars' is سيارات رخيصة (sayyarat rakhisa), not رخيصات.

Avoid Insulting People

Never translate 'He is a cheap guy' (meaning stingy) directly to هو رجل رخيص. You will deeply offend him. Use هو رجل بخيل (He is a stingy man) instead.

Bargaining Phrase

When shopping in a Souq, a great phrase to memorize is 'هل يوجد شيء أرخص؟' (Hal yujad shay' arkhas?), which means 'Is there anything cheaper?'.

Master the 'Sad' (ص)

Make sure to pronounce the final letter as a heavy 'ص' (sad) and not a light 'س' (sin). It should sound deep and resonant: ra-kheeS, not ra-khees.

Comparative Spelling

When writing the comparative 'أرخص', remember it starts with an Alif with a Hamza on top (أ). It is a diptote (ممنوع من الصرف), so it rarely takes tanwin.

The Value of Quality

While everyone loves a bargain, Arab culture highly values hospitality and quality. Offering guests 'cheap' food or gifts is considered poor form. Always aim for 'جودة عالية' (high quality) for guests.

Listen for the Opposite

In listening exercises, 'رخيص' is almost always paired with or contrasted against 'غالي' (expensive). If you hear one, expect the other to appear soon.

Synonym Upgrade

To sound more advanced and professional, swap 'رخيص' for 'اقتصادي' (economical) when discussing cars, appliances, or business solutions.

Definiteness Matching

If the noun has 'ال' (the), the adjective must have it too, unless it's a full sentence. 'The cheap book' = الكتاب الرخيص. 'The book is cheap' = الكتاب رخيص.

Cheap Talk

The phrase 'كلام رخيص' (kalam rakhis) is perfectly equivalent to the English 'cheap talk'—meaning words that have no value or are not backed by action.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a ROCK (ra) that is HIS (khis). A rock is free, so it is very CHEAP. Ra-khis = Cheap.

Word Origin

Arabic root ر-خ-ص (r-kh-s)

Cultural Context

Never use 'رخيص' to describe a person unless you intend to severely insult their moral character. Do not use it to mean 'frugal' or 'stingy'.

Neutral in economic contexts, highly informal/insulting when applied to people.

Universally understood across all dialects. In Egyptian Arabic, it is often paired in the rhyming phrase 'رخيص وكويس' (rakhis wa kwayyes - cheap and good).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"هل تعرف مطعماً رخيصاً هنا؟ (Do you know a cheap restaurant here?)"

"لماذا هذا القميص رخيص جداً؟ (Why is this shirt so cheap?)"

"هل تفضل شراء شيء رخيص أم ذي جودة عالية؟ (Do you prefer buying something cheap or of high quality?)"

"أين يمكنني إيجاد تذاكر طيران رخيصة؟ (Where can I find cheap flight tickets?)"

"هل تعتقد أن الحياة هنا رخيصة أم غالية؟ (Do you think life here is cheap or expensive?)"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you bought something 'رخيص' and regretted it.

Compare two stores in your city using the word 'أرخص'.

Describe your ideal vacation on a 'رخيص' budget.

Discuss the proverb 'الرخيص يغلى' (Cheap becomes expensive) and if you agree with it.

Write a dialogue between a vendor and a buyer arguing over whether a price is 'رخيص'.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, this is a very common mistake for English speakers. In Arabic, if you call a person 'رخيص', it means they have no morals, dignity, or honor. It is a severe insult. If you want to say someone is stingy or tight with their money, you must use the word 'بخيل' (bakhil).

To say 'cheaper', you use the comparative form 'أرخص' (arkhas). For example, 'هذا أرخص من ذاك' means 'This is cheaper than that'. The comparative form does not change based on gender or number; it remains 'أرخص' for masculine, feminine, singular, and plural nouns.

In Arabic grammar, all non-human plural nouns are treated as feminine singular. Since 'كتب' (books) is a plural of an inanimate object, the adjective modifying it must be in the feminine singular form, which is 'رخيصة'.

It depends entirely on the context. If you are talking about the price of a hotel or an apple, it is a positive or neutral word meaning 'inexpensive'. However, if you are talking about the quality of a product, it can mean 'poorly made'. If applied to a person's character, it is highly offensive.

The direct opposite of 'رخيص' (cheap) is 'غالي' (ghali), which means expensive. For example, 'هذا رخيص، ولكن ذاك غالي' (This is cheap, but that is expensive).

The letter 'خ' (kha) is a guttural sound produced at the back of the throat, similar to the 'ch' in the Scottish word 'loch' or the German 'Bach'. It sounds a bit like clearing your throat. The phonetic spelling is ra-KHEES.

'رخيص' is primarily an adjective. However, the root provides nouns like 'رُخْص' (rukhs), which means 'cheapness'. You might hear 'يبيع بالرخص' (he sells with cheapness/at a low price).

This is a very common Arabic proverb that translates literally to 'The cheap becomes expensive'. It is the equivalent of the English saying 'You get what you pay for'. It warns that buying low-quality cheap items will cost you more in the long run because they will break and need replacing.

Yes, 'رخيص' is universally understood and used across almost all Arabic dialects, from Morocco to the Gulf. The pronunciation might vary slightly (e.g., a heavier 'r' in Egypt), but the word and its meanings remain exactly the same.

To say 'the cheapest', you add the definite article 'ال' to the comparative form, making it 'الأرخص' (al-arkhas). For example, 'هذا هو الخيار الأرخص' (This is the cheapest option).