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B1 noun #4,000 most common 9 min read

شَكْوَى

shakwa
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips شَكْوَى in 30 Seconds
Explanation شَكْوَى in your Level:
At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'shakwa' means 'complaint'. You might use it in very simple sentences like 'I have a complaint' (لَدَيَّ شَكْوَى). At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complex grammar or the plural forms. Just focus on the basic meaning and how to say it. You might hear it in a restaurant or a shop if someone is unhappy. It's a useful word to know for survival situations. Think of it as a 'red flag' word—when you hear it, it means something is wrong. You can combine it with simple adjectives like 'big' (kabira) or 'small' (saghira). For example, 'shakwa saghira' means a small complaint. This level is about building the foundation. You should be able to recognize the word in print and understand its general negative connotation. You don't need to write long letters yet. Just knowing that 'shakwa' is the thing you do when you are not happy is enough. It is also helpful to know the verb 'ishtaka' (he complained) in its simplest form, but the noun is often easier to use with 'ladayya' (I have).
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At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'shakwa' in basic complete sentences and understand who is complaining to whom. You can start using the preposition 'min' (from/about). For example, 'I have a complaint about the room' (لَدَيَّ شَكْوَى مِنَ الغُرْفَةِ). You should also recognize the feminine nature of the word and ensure your adjectives match. You might encounter this word in simple dialogues about travel or shopping. You should be able to ask where to go if you have a problem: 'Where is the complaints office?' (أَيْنَ مَكْتَبُ الشَّكَاوَى؟). At this stage, you are moving from just knowing the word to using it in functional contexts. You should also be aware of the possessive forms, like 'shakwaya' (my complaint) and 'shakwaka' (your complaint). This level requires you to handle short, routine social exchanges where you might need to express dissatisfaction. You are not expected to use high-level legal terms, but you should be able to tell a friend that you submitted a complaint to a manager. It's about practical, everyday usage.
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At the B1 level, 'shakwa' becomes a key tool for more complex communication. This is the level where you are expected to write 'letters of complaint' (رَسَائِل شَكْوَى). You should know the formal verbs that go with it, like 'qaddama' (to submit) and 'rafa'a' (to file/raise). You should be able to describe the reason for the complaint in detail using connectors like 'because' (li-anna) and 'due to' (bi-sabab). For example, 'I am writing to submit a complaint because the service was slow.' You should also be comfortable with the plural form 'shakawa' and understand its use in organizational contexts like 'Complaints Department'. At B1, you start to see 'shakwa' in news articles or slightly more formal emails. You should understand the difference between a personal complaint and a professional one. Your ability to use this word correctly in a formal letter is often a benchmark for passing B1 exams. You should also be able to understand the main points of a complaint if you hear one in a clear, standard speech. This is the level of 'functional independence' where you can handle most situations where a complaint is necessary.
At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'shakwa' and be able to use it in professional and academic settings. You can discuss the 'justification' (tabrir) of a complaint and its 'consequences' (nata'ij). You should be able to use 'shakwa' in the context of consumer rights, labor laws, and social issues. For example, you might discuss 'the increase in complaints about environmental pollution'. At this level, you should also be familiar with synonyms like 'tadhallum' and 'i'tirad' and know when to use each. Your writing should show a sophisticated command of the word, using it in complex sentence structures like 'Despite the numerous complaints, no action was taken.' You should also be able to follow fast-paced discussions or news reports where 'shakwa' is used in a legal or political sense. You understand the cultural implications of filing a complaint in different Arab societies. You can argue for or against the validity of a particular grievance in a debate. This is the level of 'vantage', where you can use the word flexibly and effectively in a wide range of topics.
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At the C1 level, you are exploring the deeper linguistic and literary aspects of 'shakwa'. You should be able to understand its use in classical poetry, religious texts, and high-level legal documents. You understand the philosophical concept of 'shakwa' as an expression of the human condition. You can analyze how the word's meaning has evolved from its root 'to reveal' to its modern bureaucratic usage. In professional life, you can draft complex legal complaints or policy documents regarding grievance procedures. You are sensitive to the tone and register, knowing exactly how to frame a 'shakwa' to achieve a specific result. You can understand subtext and irony when the word is used in literature or political satire. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use 'shakwa' alongside rare or specialized terms. You can discuss the psychological impact of 'frequent complaining' (kathrat al-shakwa) in a sociological context. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are mastering its history, its emotional weight, and its strategic utility in the Arabic language.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'shakwa' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You can appreciate the most subtle nuances of the word in the most demanding contexts. Whether it's a Supreme Court filing, a complex philosophical treatise, or a masterpiece of classical Arabic prose, you navigate the use of 'shakwa' with ease. You can discuss the etymological links between 'shakwa' and other words in the Semitic family. You can write critiques of literature that focus on the theme of 'shakwa' and its role in shaping cultural identity. You are able to use the word in puns, metaphors, and highly stylized rhetoric. You understand the legal precedents involving 'shakawa' in various Arab jurisdictions. You can facilitate high-level negotiations where 'shakawa' are being mediated. At this stage, 'shakwa' is just one thread in a vast tapestry of language that you control perfectly. You can switch between the most formal legal 'shakwa' and the most informal dialectal usage without hesitation. You have reached a level of 'mastery' where the word is a tool for total self-expression and professional excellence.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

شَكْوَى in 30 Seconds

  • Shakwa means complaint or grievance in Arabic.
  • It is used in both formal legal settings and informal personal contexts.
  • The word is a feminine noun and usually takes the preposition 'min' or 'didda'.
  • It is a key word for B1 learners writing formal letters.
The Arabic word شَكْوَى (shakwa) is a multifaceted noun that primarily translates to 'complaint' or 'grievance' in English. At its core, it represents the act of expressing dissatisfaction, pain, or a sense of injustice to an authority, a friend, or even to a higher power. In a formal context, such as business or law, it refers to a structured, official statement detailing a problem. For example, if you receive a faulty product from an online store in Cairo, you would submit a شَكْوَى رَسْمِيَّة (formal complaint). Historically, the root of this word (sh-k-w) relates to the idea of 'opening up' or 'revealing' what is inside the heart, specifically sorrow or distress. This is why in classical Arabic literature, you often find poets making a 'shakwa' to the stars or to their beloved about the pains of separation. In the modern world, the term is ubiquitous in customer service, legal proceedings, and administrative bureaucracy. Understanding this word is crucial for B1 learners because it bridges the gap between daily emotional expression and the formal requirements of professional life.
Legal Context
In a court of law, a 'shakwa' is the initial filing that triggers an investigation. It is the formal accusation made by a plaintiff.
Customer Service
When a consumer is unhappy with a service, they lodge a 'shakwa' to seek a refund or an apology.

قَدَّمَ الزَّبُونُ شَكْوَى ضِدَّ المَطْعَمِ. (The customer submitted a complaint against the restaurant.)

هَذِهِ شَكْوَى جِدِّيَّةٌ. (This is a serious complaint.)

Emotional Expression
Beyond paperwork, 'shakwa' can describe the outpouring of one's troubles to a close friend, acting as a form of catharsis.

لَدَيَّ شَكْوَى بَسِيطَةٌ. (I have a simple complaint.)

تَمَّ رَفْضُ الـشَّكْوَى. (The complaint was rejected.)

أَيْنَ قِسْمُ الـشَّكَاوَى؟ (Where is the complaints department?)

It is also important to distinguish between a 'shakwa' and 'i'tirad' (objection). A 'shakwa' is about a problem or suffering, while an 'i'tirad' is a disagreement with a decision or rule. When you are writing a letter of complaint for an exam like the FCE or an Arabic proficiency test, 'shakwa' is the anchor word you will use to frame your entire argument. It carries a weight of legitimacy that 'tadhallum' (feeling wronged) might lack in a purely corporate setting. In social settings, complaining too much is often discouraged in Arab culture, but the formal right to 'shakwa' is respected as a means of maintaining justice and quality in public services.
Using شَكْوَى correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a noun and the prepositions that typically accompany it. The most common verb used with 'shakwa' is قَدَّمَ (qaddama - to submit/present). You don't just 'say' a complaint; you 'submit' it. When you want to specify who you are complaining against, you use the preposition ضِدَّ (didda - against) or عَلَى (ala - on/against). If you are complaining *about* something, you use مِنْ (min - from/about). For instance, 'I submitted a complaint about the noise' would be 'قَدَّمْتُ شَكْوَى مِنَ الضَّوْضَاءِ'.
Verb Pairing
Use 'qaddama' for formal submission and 'rafa'a' (to raise) for legal contexts.
Adjective Agreement
Since 'shakwa' is feminine, adjectives must be feminine (e.g., shakwa rasmiyya, shakwa 'ajila).

رَفَعَ الـمُوَاطِنُ شَكْوَى قَانُونِيَّةً. (The citizen filed a legal complaint.)

هَلْ تَمَّ الـتَّعَامُلُ مَعَ شَكْوَاكَ؟ (Was your complaint handled?)

Possessive Forms
When adding a suffix like 'ka' (your), the 'alif maqsura' changes to a regular 'alif' (shakwaka).

سَأَكْتُبُ رِسَالَةَ شَكْوَى الآنَ. (I will write a letter of complaint now.)

لَمْ يَتَلَقَّ الـمُدِيرُ أَيَّ شَكْوَى. (The manager did not receive any complaint.)

كَانَتْ شَكْوَاهُ مُبَرَّرَةً. (His complaint was justified.)

In the context of exams, being able to manipulate 'shakwa' into complex sentences is a sign of B1-B2 proficiency. For example, using it as the subject of a passive verb or in a conditional sentence: 'If you don't improve the service, I will be forced to file a complaint' (إِذَا لَمْ تُحَسِّنُوا الخِدْمَةَ، سَأَضْطَرُّ لِتَقْدِيمِ شَكْوَى). Notice how 'shakwa' functions here as a tool for negotiation and asserting rights. It is not just a word; it is a functional unit of communication that demands a response from the listener or reader. Always ensure that the tone surrounding 'shakwa' remains professional unless you are using it in a personal, poetic, or informal context where it might imply whining or venting.
You will encounter شَكْوَى in a variety of environments, ranging from the highly formal to the deeply personal. In the Arab world, government offices often have a dedicated 'Box of Complaints and Suggestions' (صُنْدُوق الشَّكَاوَى وَالمُقْتَرَحَات). This is a physical or digital space where citizens can voice their concerns. On the news, you will hear news anchors talking about international 'shakawa' filed at the United Nations or the International Court of Justice. In a hospital, a patient’s 'shakwa' refers to their 'chief complaint'—the primary symptom that brought them to the doctor.
News & Media
Headlines often read: 'The Ministry receives thousands of complaints about electricity prices.'
Medical Field
Doctors ask: 'Mā hiya shakwāka?' (What is your complaint/symptom?)

سَمِعْتُ شَكْوَى الجِيرَانِ. (I heard the neighbors' complaint.)

تُوجَدُ شَكْوَى ضِدَّ هَذَا الـمُوَظَّفِ. (There is a complaint against this employee.)

Religious & Spiritual
The Quran mentions 'the one who complains to God' (Al-Mujadila), highlighting the word's spiritual depth.

إِنَّمَا أَشْكُو بَثِّي وَحُزْنِي إِلَى اللَّهِ. (I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah.)

نَحْنُ نَسْتَقْبِلُ الـشَّكَاوَى عَبْرَ الـهَاتِفِ. (We receive complaints via phone.)

لا فَائِدَةَ مِنَ الـشَّكْوَى الآنَ. (There is no use in complaining now.)

You will also see this word in literature. Many famous Arabic songs and poems revolve around the 'shakwa' of the heart. For example, Umm Kulthum or Abdel Halim Hafez might sing about 'shakwa' from the cruelty of time or the abandonment of a lover. This duality—between a cold, bureaucratic document and a warm, emotional outpouring—is what makes 'shakwa' such a rich word to master. Whether you are navigating a legal dispute in Dubai or reading a classical poem from Andalusia, 'shakwa' will be your guide to understanding the expression of grievance.
Learners of Arabic often stumble over شَكْوَى due to its spelling, its gender, and its prepositions. One of the most frequent errors is confusing it with the word شَكّ (shakk), which means 'doubt'. While they sound somewhat similar to a beginner's ear, their meanings are entirely unrelated. Another common mistake is using the wrong preposition. English speakers tend to say 'shakwa *about*' and translate it literally, but in Arabic, 'shakwa *min*' (complaint from/about) or 'shakwa *didda*' (complaint against) are more natural depending on whether you are describing the source of the problem or the person responsible.
Spelling Error
Do not write it with a regular 'ya' (ي); it must be an 'alif maqsura' (ى).
Gender Confusion
Because it doesn't end in 'ta marbuta', many students assume it is masculine. It is feminine.

Mistake: شَكْوَى كَبِير (Wrong gender) -> Correct: شَكْوَى كَبِيرَةٌ.

Mistake: قَدَّمْتُ شَكْوَى فِي الـمُدِيرِ (Wrong preposition) -> Correct: ضِدَّ الـمُدِيرِ.

Pluralization
Students often try to say 'shakwayaat', but the correct plural is 'shakawa' (شَكَاوَى).

قَرَّرْتُ الـتَّنَازُلَ عَنِ الـشَّكْوَى. (I decided to drop the complaint.)

لا تَجْعَلْ حَيَاتَكَ مُجَرَّدَ شَكْوَى. (Don't make your life just a complaint.)

الـشَّكْوَى لِغَيْرِ اللَّهِ مَذَلَّةٌ. (Complaining to other than God is humiliation - a famous proverb.)

Avoid using 'shakwa' when you mean 'pain' (alam) or 'disease' (marad), even though a patient's complaint relates to these. 'Shakwa' is the *expression* of the pain, not the pain itself. Also, be careful with the verb 'ishtaka' (to complain); it is the verbal form and is used much more frequently in spoken Arabic than the noun. However, for formal writing, the noun 'shakwa' is indispensable. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you will sound more like a native speaker and ensure your formal letters are taken seriously.
While شَكْوَى is the most common word for a complaint, Arabic offers a rich palette of synonyms that carry different nuances. Understanding these will help you choose the right word for the right situation. For instance, تَظَلُّم (tadhallum) specifically refers to a complaint about being treated unfairly or oppressed. It comes from the root 'dhulm' (injustice). If you feel your boss is picking on you, you file a 'tadhallum'. Another alternative is اِحْتِجَاج (ihtijaj), which means 'protest'. This is more about disagreeing with a policy or action in a public or collective way.
Shakwa vs. Tadhallum
Shakwa is general; Tadhallum is specifically about injustice or unfair treatment.
Shakwa vs. I'tirad
Shakwa focuses on the problem/suffering; I'tirad focuses on the disagreement/objection.

قَدَّمَ الـمُوَظَّفُ تَظَلُّمًا لِلإِدَارَةِ. (The employee submitted a grievance to the management.)

سَجَّلْتُ اِحْتِجَاجِي عَلَى القَرَارِ. (I registered my protest against the decision.)

Anin (أَنِين)
This means 'moaning' or 'groaning'. It is a physical 'shakwa' of pain, often used in medical or poetic contexts.

كَانَتْ شَكْوَاهُ بِمَثَابَةِ صَرْخَةٍ. (His complaint was like a scream.)

هَذَا بَلَاغٌ رَسْمِيٌّ. (This is an official report/complaint.)

لَدَيْنَا مَظْلَمَةٌ قَدِيمَةٌ. (We have an old grievance.)

In legal terminology, you might also hear دَعْوَى (da'wa), which means a 'lawsuit'. While a 'shakwa' is the act of complaining, a 'da'wa' is the legal case itself. If you are writing a formal letter, sticking to 'shakwa' is safest unless you are specifically referring to injustice (tadhallum) or a legal suit (da'wa). By expanding your vocabulary with these alternatives, you can express your dissatisfaction with precision, showing that you understand the subtle social and legal hierarchies of the Arabic language.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word originally described someone opening their water skin to show it was empty, metaphorically showing their need or suffering.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈʃæk.wə/
US /ˈʃæk.wə/
The stress is on the first syllable: SHAK-wa.
Rhymes With
Najwa (نَجْوَى) Salwa (سَلْوَى) Fahwa (فَحْوَى) Halwa (حَلْوَى) Adwa (أَضْوَى) Aqwa (أَقْوَى) Arwa (أَرْوَى) Ahwa (أَهْوَى)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the final 'y' like 'ee' (shak-wee). It should be 'a'.
  • Adding a 't' sound at the end like 'shak-wat'.
  • Confusing it with 'shakk' (doubt).
  • Making the 'sh' sound too soft.
  • Skipping the 'k' sound in the middle.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word is easy to recognize but its plural and possessive forms can be tricky.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of formal verbs and correct preposition usage.

Speaking 3/5

Common in daily interactions, but needs correct pronunciation of the final vowel.

Listening 2/5

Very distinct sound, usually easy to pick out in clear speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

مُشْكِلَة (Problem) حَزِين (Sad) مُدِير (Manager) رِسَالَة (Letter) خِدْمَة (Service)

Learn Next

تَظَلُّم (Grievance) اِحْتِجَاج (Protest) تَعْوِيض (Compensation) تَحْقِيق (Investigation) مَحْكَمَة (Court)

Advanced

اِسْتِئْنَاف (Appeal) دَعْوَى (Lawsuit) تَسْوِيَة (Settlement) نِزَاع (Dispute) تَحْكِيم (Arbitration)

Grammar to Know

Alif Maqsura

The word ends in ى, which sounds like 'a'. When a pronoun is added, it becomes a regular alif: شَكْوَاكَ.

Feminine Nouns

Even without a ta marbuta, 'shakwa' is feminine. Adjectives must be feminine: شَكْوَى كَبِيرَة.

Broken Plural

The plural is 'shakawa' (شَكَاوَى), following a common pattern for words ending in alif maqsura.

Prepositions with Verbs

Use 'min' for the cause of complaint and 'didda' for the target of complaint.

Verbal Noun (Masdar)

'Shakwa' is a masdar, but 'ishtika' is more commonly used as the formal verbal process.

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Examples by Level

1

لَدَيَّ شَكْوَى.

I have a complaint.

Ladayya means 'I have' for abstract things.

2

هَذِهِ شَكْوَى صَغِيرَةٌ.

This is a small complaint.

The adjective 'saghira' is feminine to match 'shakwa'.

3

أَيْنَ الشَّكْوَى؟

Where is the complaint?

Definite article 'al-' is added to 'shakwa'.

4

لا أُحِبُّ الشَّكْوَى.

I do not like complaining.

The noun 'shakwa' can act as a gerund here.

5

شَكْوَى مِنَ الطَّعَامِ.

A complaint about the food.

Preposition 'min' is used for the object of complaint.

6

هَلْ عِنْدَكَ شَكْوَى؟

Do you have a complaint?

'Indaka' is another way to say 'you have'.

7

شَكْوَى جَدِيدَةٌ.

A new complaint.

Feminine adjective 'jadida'.

8

كَتَبْتُ شَكْوَى.

I wrote a complaint.

Past tense verb 'katabtu'.

1

قَدَّمْتُ شَكْوَى لِلْمُدِيرِ.

I submitted a complaint to the manager.

Verb 'qaddama' is commonly used with 'shakwa'.

2

شَكْوَايَ عَنِ الضَّوْضَاءِ.

My complaint is about the noise.

Notice 'shakwa' becomes 'shakwaya' with the suffix.

3

هَلْ هَذِهِ شَكْوَاكَ؟

Is this your complaint?

'Shakwaka' means 'your complaint'.

4

مَكْتَبُ الشَّكَاوَى هُنَاكَ.

The complaints office is there.

'Shakawa' is the plural of 'shakwa'.

5

سَمِعَ الـمُوَظَّفُ الشَّكْوَى.

The employee heard the complaint.

Subject-Verb-Object order.

6

لَدَيْنَا شَكْوَى مِنَ الخِدْمَةِ.

We have a complaint about the service.

'Ladayna' means 'we have'.

7

هِيَ كَثِيرَةُ الشَّكْوَى.

She complains a lot (She is a frequent complainer).

Idafa construction: 'kathirat al-shakwa'.

8

شَكْوَى رَسْمِيَّةٌ ضِدَّ الشَّرِكَةِ.

A formal complaint against the company.

Use 'didda' for 'against'.

1

قَرَّرَ الزَّبُونُ تَقْدِيمَ شَكْوَى رَسْمِيَّةٍ.

The customer decided to submit a formal complaint.

Masdar 'taqdim' followed by 'shakwa'.

2

إِذَا لَمْ تَعْتَذِرْ، سَأَرْفَعُ شَكْوَى.

If you don't apologize, I will file a complaint.

Conditional 'idha' and future 'sa-'.

3

تَمَّ إِرْسَالُ الشَّكْوَى عَبْرَ البَرِيدِ.

The complaint was sent via mail.

Passive construction 'tamma irsal'.

4

هَذِهِ الشَّكْوَى غَيْرُ مُبَرَّرَةٍ.

This complaint is unjustified.

'Ghayr' is used for negation of adjectives.

5

يَجِبُ أَنْ نَرُدَّ عَلَى كُلِّ شَكْوَى.

We must respond to every complaint.

'Yajib an' followed by subjunctive verb.

6

كَانَتْ شَكْوَاهُ تَتَعَلَّقُ بِالجَوْدَةِ.

His complaint was related to quality.

'Tata'allaq bi-' means 'relates to'.

7

رَفَضَتِ الإِدَارَةُ الشَّكْوَى الـمُقَدَّمَةَ.

The management rejected the submitted complaint.

Passive participle 'al-muqaddama' acting as an adjective.

8

سَأَكْتُبُ رِسَالَةَ شَكْوَى لِلْبَلَدِيَّةِ.

I will write a letter of complaint to the municipality.

Genitive construction 'risalat shakwa'.

1

تَزَايَدَتِ الشَّكَاوَى بِشَأْنِ ارْتِفَاعِ الأَسْعَارِ.

Complaints regarding high prices have increased.

Verb 'tazayada' in the feminine past tense.

2

يُمْكِنُكَ تَقْدِيمُ شَكْوَى إِلَى جِهَاتِ الِاخْتِصَاصِ.

You can submit a complaint to the relevant authorities.

'Jihat al-ikhtisas' is a formal phrase for authorities.

3

لَمْ تَلْقَ الشَّكْوَى أَيَّ اهْتِمَامٍ مِنَ الـمَسْؤُولِينَ.

The complaint did not receive any attention from the officials.

Jussive verb 'talqa' after 'lam'.

4

الشَّكْوَى الكَيْدِيَّةُ تُعَرِّضُ صَاحِبَهَا لِلـمُسَاءَلَةِ.

A malicious complaint exposes its owner to accountability.

'Kaydiyya' means malicious or vexatious.

5

هَلْ قُمْتَ بِتَوْثِيقِ الشَّكْوَى بِالأَدِلَّةِ؟

Did you document the complaint with evidence?

'Tawthiq' means documentation.

6

تَعْتَبِرُ الشَّكْوَى حَقًّا مَشْرُوعًا لِكُلِّ مُوَاطِنٍ.

A complaint is considered a legitimate right for every citizen.

Passive verb 'tu'tabar'.

7

نَظَرَتِ الـمَحْكَمَةُ فِي الشَّكْوَى الـمَرْفُوعَةِ إِلَيْهَا.

The court looked into the complaint filed with it.

'Nadhara fi' means to look into or investigate.

8

أَدَّتِ الشَّكْوَى إِلَى فَتْحِ تَحْقِيقٍ شَامِلٍ.

The complaint led to the opening of a comprehensive investigation.

'Addat ila' means 'led to'.

1

تَضَمَّنَتِ الشَّكْوَى ادِّعَاءَاتٍ بِسُوءِ الِائْتِمَانِ.

The complaint included allegations of breach of trust.

Formal verb 'tadammanat'.

2

تَمَّ حِفْظُ الشَّكْوَى لِعَدَمِ كِفَايَةِ الأَدِلَّةِ.

The complaint was filed away (dismissed) due to insufficient evidence.

'Hifdh' in legal context means to shelve or dismiss a case.

3

تُعَدُّ الشَّكْوَى مِحْوَرَ النِّزَاعِ القَانُونِيِّ.

The complaint is considered the pivot of the legal dispute.

'Mihwar' means axis or pivot.

4

كَانَتْ شَكْوَاهُ بِمَثَابَةِ صَرْخَةٍ فِي وَادٍ.

His complaint was like a cry in a valley (falling on deaf ears).

Idiomatic expression 'sarkha fi wadin'.

5

يَنْبَغِي صِيَاغَةُ الشَّكْوَى بِدِقَّةٍ لُغَوِيَّةٍ.

The complaint should be drafted with linguistic precision.

'Siyagha' means drafting or phrasing.

6

أَعْرَبَ الـمُدَّعِي عَنْ شَكْوَاهُ بِمَرَارَةٍ.

The plaintiff expressed his complaint with bitterness.

'A'raba 'an' means to express.

7

تَمَّ بَتُّ الشَّكْوَى بَعْدَ مُدَاوَلَاتٍ طَوِيلَةٍ.

The complaint was settled after long deliberations.

'Battu' means to decide or settle a matter.

8

تُجَسِّدُ هَذِهِ القَصِيدَةُ شَكْوَى الشَّاعِرِ مِنَ الزَّمَانِ.

This poem embodies the poet's complaint against time.

'Tujassidu' means embodies or personifies.

1

تَتَمَحْوَرُ الأَدَبِيَّاتُ الكِلَاسِيكِيَّةُ حَوْلَ شَكْوَى الذَّاتِ.

Classical literature revolves around the complaint of the self.

'Tatamahwar' means to revolve around.

2

اسْتَفَاضَ الفَيْلَسُوفُ فِي تَشْرِيحِ مَفْهُومِ الشَّكْوَى.

The philosopher elaborated on dissecting the concept of complaint.

'Istafada' means to go into great detail.

3

تُعْتَبَرُ الشَّكْوَى إِلَى اللَّهِ فِي المَفْهُومِ الصُّوفِيِّ تَبَتُّلًا.

Complaining to God in the Sufi concept is considered a form of devotion.

'Tabattul' refers to total devotion/asceticism.

4

لَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ مَنَاصٌ مِنْ تَقْدِيمِ تِلْكَ الشَّكْوَى الـمَرِيرَةِ.

He had no choice but to submit that bitter complaint.

'Manas' means escape or alternative.

5

تَتَجَلَّى بَرَاعَةُ الـمُحَامِي فِي دَحْضِ الشَّكْوَى الخَصْمِ.

The lawyer's skill is manifested in refuting the opponent's complaint.

'Dahd' means refutation.

6

أَضْحَتِ الشَّكْوَى ظَاهِرَةً سُوسْيُولُوجِيَّةً تَسْتَحِقُّ الدِّرَاسَةَ.

Complaining has become a sociological phenomenon worthy of study.

'Adhat' is a sister of 'kana' meaning 'became'.

7

ثَمَّةَ خَيْطٌ رَفِيعٌ بَيْنَ الشَّكْوَى الـمُبَرَّرَةِ وَالتَّذَمُّرِ الـمُزْمِنِ.

There is a thin line between a justified complaint and chronic whining.

'Thammata' means 'there is'.

8

إِنَّ الشَّكْوَى فِي مَنْظُورِهِ لَيْسَتْ إِلَّا انْعِكَاسًا لِلْعَجْزِ.

Complaint, in his view, is nothing but a reflection of helplessness.

'Laysat illa' is a structure of restriction (nothing but).

Antonyms

مَدِيح رِضَا شُكْر

Common Collocations

قَدَّمَ شَكْوَى
رَفَعَ شَكْوَى
شَكْوَى رَسْمِيَّة
مَكْتَبُ الشَّكَاوَى
شَكْوَى كَيْدِيَّة
صُنْدُوقُ الشَّكَاوَى
شَكْوَى جَمَاعِيَّة
تَلَقَّى شَكْوَى
مَوْضُوعُ الشَّكْوَى
رَدُّ الشَّكْوَى

Common Phrases

شَكْوَى مِنَ الضَّوْضَاءِ

— A complaint about noise. Used frequently in residential contexts.

لَدَيْنَا شَكْوَى مِنَ الضَّوْضَاءِ فِي اللَّيْلِ.

شَكْوَى ضِدَّ مَجْهُول

— A complaint against an unknown person. Common in police reports.

سَجَّلْتُ شَكْوَى ضِدَّ مَجْهُولٍ بَعْدَ السَّرِقَةِ.

كَثِيرُ الشَّكْوَى

— Someone who complains a lot. Describes a personality trait.

لا تَكُنْ رَجُلًا كَثِيرَ الشَّكْوَى.

شَكْوَى عُرْفِيَّة

— An informal or customary complaint. Used in tribal or local disputes.

تَمَّ حَلُّ الـمُشْكِلَةِ عَبْرَ شَكْوَى عُرْفِيَّةٍ.

بِدُونِ شَكْوَى

— Without complaint. Used to describe patience or endurance.

عَمِلَ طَوَالَ اليَوْمِ بِدُونِ شَكْوَى.

شَكْوَى عَمَّالِيَّة

— A labor complaint. Related to employment disputes.

قَدَّمَ العُمَّالُ شَكْوَى عَمَّالِيَّةً لِلْوِزَارَةِ.

شَكْوَى طِبِّيَّة

— A medical complaint. Refers to the patient's symptoms.

مَا هِيَ الشَّكْوَى الطِّبِّيَّةُ الرَّئِيسِيَّةُ؟

مَحَلُّ شَكْوَى

— A subject of complaint. Something that causes people to complain.

هَذَا الطَّرِيقُ مَحَلُّ شَكْوَى دَائِمَةٍ.

رِسَالَةُ شَكْوَى

— A letter of complaint. The physical or digital document.

ارْسِلْ رِسَالَةَ شَكْوَى لِقِسْمِ الـمُبِيعَاتِ.

شَكْوَى كَيْرِيَّة

— A massive or serious complaint. Often used for widespread issues.

هُنَاكَ شَكْوَى كَبِيرَةٌ مِنَ السُّكَّانِ.

Often Confused With

شَكْوَى vs شَكّ

Means 'doubt'. Students confuse them because they share the first two letters.

شَكْوَى vs شَوْك

Means 'thorns'. The pronunciation is different but the spelling is visually similar to beginners.

شَكْوَى vs شِيك

Means 'check/cheque'. Sounds vaguely similar in fast speech.

Idioms & Expressions

"الشَّكْوَى لِغَيْرِ اللَّهِ مَذَلَّة"

— Complaining to anyone but God is a form of humiliation. Emphasizes self-reliance and faith.

اصْبِرْ، فَإِنَّ الشَّكْوَى لِغَيْرِ اللَّهِ مَذَلَّةٌ.

Proverbial
"شَكْوَى الـمُرِّ مِنَ الأَمَرّ"

— A complaint of the bitter against the even more bitter. Used when things go from bad to worse.

حَالُهُمْ كَشَكْوَى الـمُرِّ مِنَ الأَمَرِّ.

Literary
"لا حَيَاةَ لِمَنْ تُنَادِي"

— There is no life in the one you are calling. Often used when a complaint is ignored.

قَدَّمْتُ شَكْوَى وَلَكِنْ لا حَيَاةَ لِمَنْ تُنَادِي.

Informal/Idiomatic
"يَشْكُو لِلطُّوب"

— He complains to the bricks. Means someone complains to everyone and everything.

إِنَّهُ رَجُلٌ يَشْكُو لِلطُّوبِ.

Dialectal/Slang
"صَمَّتِ الآذَانُ عَنِ الشَّكْوَى"

— Ears have become deaf to the complaint. Used when an authority refuses to listen.

صَمَّتِ الآذَانُ عَنْ شَكَاوَى الفُقَرَاءِ.

Formal/Literary
"شَكْوَى صَامِتَة"

— A silent complaint. Used for suffering that is not vocally expressed.

فِي عَيْنَيْهِ شَكْوَى صَامِتَةٌ.

Poetic
"رَفَعَ عَقِيرَتَهُ بِالشَّكْوَى"

— To raise one's voice loudly in complaint.

رَفَعَ الجِيرَانُ عَقِيرَتَهُمْ بِالشَّكْوَى.

Classical/Formal
"شَكْوَى اليَتِيمِ عَلَى مَائِدَةِ اللِّئَامِ"

— The complaint of an orphan at the table of the mean. Used for helpless people in a cruel environment.

كَانَتْ كَلِمَاتُهُ كَشَكْوَى اليَتِيمِ.

Literary
"فَاضَ بِهِ الكَيْلُ مِنَ الشَّكْوَى"

— The cup overflowed with complaints. Used when someone can no longer tolerate a situation.

فَاضَ بِهِ الكَيْلُ فَقَدَّمَ شَكْوَى رَسْمِيَّةً.

Neutral/Formal
"يَشْكُو بَثَّهُ وَحُزْنَهُ"

— To complain of one's deep sorrow and grief. Originates from the Quran.

إِنَّهُ يَشْكُو بَثَّهُ وَحُزْنَهُ إِلَى خَالِقِهِ.

Religious/Formal

Easily Confused

شَكْوَى vs شَكَا

It is the verb form of the noun.

Shakwa is the noun (complaint); Shaka is the verb (he complained). Use the noun after 'ladayya'.

شَكَا الرَّجُلُ لِلشُّرْطَةِ (The man complained to the police).

شَكْوَى vs اِشْتَكَى

Another verb form, more formal.

Ishtaka is the Form VIII verb. It is very common in MSA for 'to lodge a complaint'.

اِشْتَكَى الزَّبُونُ مِنَ السِّعْرِ (The customer complained about the price).

شَكْوَى vs تَظَلُّم

Synonym.

Tadhallum is specifically about feeling wronged or oppressed, whereas shakwa is general dissatisfaction.

قَدَّمَ تَظَلُّمًا بَعْدَ طَرْدِهِ مِنَ العَمَلِ.

شَكْوَى vs اِعْتِرَاض

Synonym.

I'tirad is an objection to a specific decision, not necessarily a complaint about suffering or service.

سَجَّلَ الـمُحَامِي اِعْتِرَاضَهُ.

شَكْوَى vs بَلَاغ

Synonym in police contexts.

Balagh is an official notification or report of a crime, while shakwa can be personal or commercial.

عَمِلَ بَلَاغًا عَنِ السَّرِقَةِ.

Sentence Patterns

A1

لَدَيَّ شَكْوَى.

لَدَيَّ شَكْوَى عَنِ الأَكْلِ.

A2

قَدَّمْتُ شَكْوَى لِـ [Person].

قَدَّمْتُ شَكْوَى لِلـمُدِيرِ.

B1

أَكْتُبُ لِتَقْدِيمِ شَكْوَى رَسْمِيَّةٍ ضِدَّ [Company].

أَكْتُبُ لِتَقْدِيمِ شَكْوَى رَسْمِيَّةٍ ضِدَّ الـمَتْجَرِ.

B2

تَمَّ الـتَّعَامُلُ مَعَ الشَّكْوَى بِـ [Method].

تَمَّ الـتَّعَامُلُ مَعَ الشَّكْوَى بِسُرْعَةٍ.

C1

رَفَعَ الـمُدَّعِي شَكْوَى قَانُونِيَّةً تَتَضَمَّنُ [Details].

رَفَعَ الـمُدَّعِي شَكْوَى قَانُونِيَّةً تَتَضَمَّنُ أَدِلَّةً جَدِيدَةً.

C2

تَتَجَلَّى الشَّكْوَى فِي [Abstract Concept].

تَتَجَلَّى الشَّكْوَى فِي نُصُوصِهِ الأَدَبِيَّةِ.

B1

لا فَائِدَةَ مِنَ الشَّكْوَى دُونَ [Requirement].

لا فَائِدَةَ مِنَ الشَّكْوَى دُونَ دَلِيلٍ.

B2

أَدَّتِ الشَّكْوَى إِلَى [Result].

أَدَّتِ الشَّكْوَى إِلَى تَحْسِينِ الـخِدْمَةِ.

Word Family

Nouns

شَكْوَى (Complaint)
شَاكٍ (Complainer/Plaintiff)
مَشْكُوّ (The one complained against)
تَشَاكٍ (Mutual complaining)

Verbs

شَكَا (To complain - past)
يَشْكُو (To complain - present)
اِشْتَكَى (To complain - formal/reflexive)
تَشَاكَى (To complain to each other)

Adjectives

شَكَّاء (Constant complainer)
مَشْكِيّ (Complained about)

Related

تَظَلُّم (Grievance)
أَلَم (Pain)
حُزْن (Sadness)
قَضِيَّة (Case)
مَحْكَمَة (Court)
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How to Use It

frequency

Highly common in both written and spoken Arabic.

Common Mistakes
  • شَكْوَى كَبِير → شَكْوَى كَبِيرَةٌ

    The noun 'shakwa' is feminine, so the adjective must also be feminine.

  • قَدَّمْتُ شَكْوَى فِي الشَّرِكَةِ → قَدَّمْتُ شَكْوَى ضِدَّ الشَّرِكَةِ

    Use 'didda' (against) when complaining about a person or entity.

  • شَكْوَيَات كَثِيرَة → شَكَاوَى كَثِيرَةٌ

    The correct plural of 'shakwa' is 'shakawa', not a regular feminine plural.

  • شَكْوِي → شَكْوَايَ

    When adding the first-person pronoun, the alif maqsura becomes a regular alif.

  • شَكّ رَسْمِيَّة → شَكْوَى رَسْمِيَّةٌ

    Don't confuse 'shakk' (doubt) with 'shakwa' (complaint).

Tips

Adjective Agreement

Always remember that 'shakwa' is feminine. Your adjectives must end with a 'ta marbuta'. Example: 'shakwa 'ajila' (urgent complaint).

Formal Verbs

Use 'qaddama' (to submit) or 'rafa'a' (to file) to sound more professional in your writing.

Religious Nuance

The phrase 'al-shakwa lillah' (complaint is to God) is a common way to express patience in the face of hardship.

Email Subjects

When emailing a company, start your subject line with 'شَكْوَى:' followed by the issue to ensure it is routed correctly.

Softening the Blow

If you want to be polite, start with 'لَدَيَّ شَكْوَى بَسِيطَةٌ' (I have a simple/small complaint) before explaining the issue.

Malicious Complaints

Be aware of the term 'shakwa kaydiyya' (malicious complaint), which is a legal term for a false accusation.

Doctor Visits

When a doctor asks 'Ma shakwaka?', they want to know your symptoms, not your opinion of the hospital!

FCE/Arabic Exams

Mastering the 'Letter of Complaint' format using 'shakwa' is a high-yield task for B1 and B2 exams.

Alif Maqsura

Never put dots under the final ى in 'shakwa'. If you do, it becomes a 'ya' and is a spelling mistake.

Plural Usage

Use 'shakawa' when referring to multiple issues or a general department of complaints.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'SHAK' (shack) that is 'WA' (way) too small. You would have a 'SHAKWA' about living there!

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing in front of a counter holding a paper with a giant red 'X' on it, representing a complaint.

Word Web

Complaint Service Manager Formal Letter Grievance Authority Rights

Challenge

Try to write three sentences using 'shakwa' with different prepositions: 'min', 'didda', and 'bi-sha'n'.

Word Origin

From the Arabic root ش-ك-و (Sh-K-W). This root fundamentally relates to the physical act of opening a small leather bag to reveal its contents.

Original meaning: To reveal, to open up, or to show one's inner distress or pain.

Semitic

Cultural Context

Be careful when complaining in a social setting; it can sometimes be seen as lacking patience (sabr).

In English, 'complaint' can range from a tiny whine to a legal suit. 'Shakwa' covers a similarly broad range but feels slightly more formal in MSA.

The Quranic Surah 'Al-Mujadila' (The Woman who Pleads/Complains). Iqbal's famous poem 'Shakwa' and 'Jawab-e-Shakwa' (Complaint to God and the Response). Umm Kulthum's songs often mention 'shakwa' from love.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Customer Service

  • أُرِيدُ تَقْدِيمَ شَكْوَى.
  • أَيْنَ مَكْتَبُ الشَّكَاوَى؟
  • شَكْوَايَ بِخُصُوصِ الـمُنْتَجِ.
  • لَمْ يَتِمَّ الـرَّدُّ عَلَى شَكْوَايَ.

Legal/Police

  • رَفَعَ شَكْوَى قَانُونِيَّةً.
  • شَكْوَى ضِدَّ مَجْهُولٍ.
  • سَحَبَ الشَّكْوَى.
  • الأَدِلَّةُ تُؤَيِّدُ الشَّكْوَى.

Medical

  • مَا هِيَ شَكْوَاكَ؟
  • الشَّكْوَى الرَّئِيسِيَّةُ هِيَ الصُّدَاعُ.
  • تَارِيخُ الشَّكْوَى.
  • شَكْوَى مُزْمِنَةٌ.

Workplace

  • قَدَّمَ شَكْوَى ضِدَّ زَمِيلِهِ.
  • تَحْقِيقٌ فِي شَكْوَى عَمَّالِيَّةٍ.
  • شَكْوَى بِسَبَبِ الرَّاتِبِ.
  • حَلُّ الشَّكَاوَى وُدِّيًّا.

Social/Personal

  • كَفَاكَ شَكْوَى!
  • لا أُحِبُّ كَثْرَةَ الشَّكْوَى.
  • شَكْوَى لِلَّهِ.
  • سَمِعْتُ شَكْوَاهُ بِصَبْرٍ.

Conversation Starters

"هَلْ سَبَقَ لَكَ أَنْ قَدَّمْتَ شَكْوَى رَسْمِيَّةً ضِدَّ شَرِكَةٍ مَا؟"

"مَاذَا تَفْعَلُ إِذَا كَانَتْ خِدْمَةُ الـمَطْعَمِ سَيِّئَةً؟ هَلْ تُقَدِّمُ شَكْوَى؟"

"هَلْ تَعْتَقِدُ أَنَّ النَّاسَ فِي بَلَدِكَ يُكْثِرُونَ مِنَ الشَّكْوَى؟"

"كَيْفَ يَتِمُّ التَّعَامُلُ مَعَ الشَّكَاوَى فِي مَكَانِ عَمَلِكَ؟"

"مَا هِيَ أَغْرَبُ شَكْوَى سَمِعْتَ عَنْهَا فِي حَيَاتِكَ؟"

Journal Prompts

اكْتُبْ عَنْ مَوْقِفٍ اضْطُرِرْتَ فِيهِ لِتَقْدِيمِ شَكْوَى. مَاذَا حَدَثَ؟

هَلْ تَعْتَقِدُ أَنَّ الشَّكْوَى تُسَاعِدُ فِي تَحْسِينِ الـخِدْمَاتِ؟ لِمَاذَا؟

تَخَيَّلْ أَنَّكَ مُدِيرُ مَطْعَمٍ، كَيْفَ سَتَتَعَامَلُ مَعَ شَكْوَى زَبُونٍ غَاضِبٍ؟

اكْتُبْ رِسَالَةَ شَكْوَى خَيَالِيَّةً إِلَى شَرِكَةِ طَيَرَانٍ فَقَدَتْ حَقَائِبَكَ.

نَاقِشْ مَقُولَةَ 'الشَّكْوَى لِغَيْرِ اللَّهِ مَذَلَّةٌ' مِنْ وُجْهَةِ نَظَرِكَ.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is feminine. This is important for adjective agreement. You say 'shakwa kabira' (a big complaint), not 'shakwa kabir'.

The plural is 'shakawa' (شَكَاوَى). It is a broken plural commonly used in phrases like 'complaints department'.

You can say 'أُرِيدُ تَقْدِيمَ شَكْوَى رَسْمِيَّةٍ' (I want to submit a formal complaint).

Use 'min' (from/about) for the cause: 'shakwa min al-dawda' (complaint about noise). Use 'didda' (against) for the person: 'shakwa didda al-mudir'.

In a medical context, it refers to the patient's 'chief complaint'—the symptoms they are describing to the doctor.

Shakwa is general dissatisfaction. Tadhallum is a specific grievance where you feel you have been treated unjustly (from 'dhulm').

It is written as 'شَكْوَايَ' (shakwaya). The final 'alif maqsura' turns into a regular alif when the pronoun is added.

Yes, but the verb 'ishtaka' is often used more frequently in spoken dialects. The noun remains very common for formal situations.

It is 'صُنْدُوقُ الشَّكَاوَى' (sunduq al-shakawa). You see these in many government and private offices.

Absolutely. It is a major theme in Arabic poetry, often referring to the poet's complaint to fate, time, or a beloved.

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Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write 'I have a complaint' in Arabic.

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Write 'A small complaint about the food' in Arabic.

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Write a sentence using 'qaddama' and 'shakwa rasmiyya'.

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Write 'I filed a complaint against the airline company'.

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Write 'The complaint was dismissed due to lack of evidence'.

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Write 'This is a new complaint'.

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Write 'Where is the complaints department?'.

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Write 'The customer is writing a letter of complaint'.

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Write 'Complaints about prices are increasing'.

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Write 'His complaint was a cry in the wilderness'.

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Write 'My complaint' in Arabic.

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Write 'Your complaint (male)' in Arabic.

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Write 'We received many complaints'.

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Write 'Is the complaint justified?'.

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Write 'She expressed her complaint with bitterness'.

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Write 'A big complaint'.

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Write 'Complaint against the neighbors'.

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Write 'I want to submit a complaint'.

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Write 'Document your complaint with evidence'.

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Write 'The court investigated the complaint'.

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speaking

Say 'I have a complaint' in Arabic.

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speaking

Ask 'Where is the complaints office?'

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speaking

Say 'I want to submit a formal complaint'.

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speaking

Say 'My complaint is about the bad service'.

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speaking

Explain why a complaint might be rejected.

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speaking

Say 'A small complaint' in Arabic.

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speaking

Say 'This is my complaint'.

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speaking

Say 'I wrote a letter of complaint yesterday'.

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speaking

Say 'The company received many complaints'.

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speaking

Discuss the proverb 'Shakwa to other than God is humiliation'.

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speaking

Say 'The food complaint'.

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Ask 'Is there a complaint?'.

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Say 'I will file a complaint against you'.

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Say 'We must respond to all complaints'.

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Draft a verbal opening for a legal complaint.

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Say 'No complaint'.

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Say 'My complaint is simple'.

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Say 'The manager read the complaint'.

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Say 'The complaint was justified'.

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Analyze the impact of social media on complaints.

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listening

Listen and identify: شَكْوَى. What does it mean?

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listening

Listen: أَيْنَ مَكْتَبُ الشَّكَاوَى؟ What is the speaker looking for?

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listening

Listen: قَدَّمْتُ شَكْوَى رَسْمِيَّةً. What did the speaker do?

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listening

Listen: الشَّكْوَى ضِدَّ الـمُدِيرِ. Who is the complaint against?

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listening

Listen: تَمَّ حِفْظُ الشَّكْوَى. What was the outcome?

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listening

Listen: لَدَيَّ شَكْوَى. Does the speaker have a problem?

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Listen: شَكْوَى مِنَ الضَّوْضَاءِ. What is the cause?

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listening

Listen: سَأَكْتُبُ رِسَالَةَ شَكْوَى. What will the speaker write?

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listening

Listen: هَلِ الشَّكْوَى مُبَرَّرَةٌ؟ What is being asked?

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listening

Listen: أَعْرَبَ عَنْ شَكْوَاهُ بِمَرَارَةٍ. How did he feel?

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listening

Listen: شَكْوَى كَبِيرَة. Is it small?

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listening

Listen: هَذِهِ شَكْوَاكَ. Is it my complaint?

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Listen: تَلَقَّيْنَا مِئَاتِ الشَّكَاوَى. How many complaints?

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listening

Listen: رَفَعَ الـمُحَامِي شَكْوَى. Who filed it?

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listening

Listen: صِيَاغَةُ الشَّكْوَى. What is being done to the complaint?

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