يعيل in 30 Seconds
- To provide financial support for dependents, especially family.
- The act of being a provider for a household.
- Ensuring the material needs of others are met.
- Carries a strong sense of duty and responsibility.
- Literal Meaning
- To support, to provide for, to maintain.
- Figurative/Common Usage
- This verb is predominantly used in the context of providing for one's family or dependents, specifically concerning financial and material sustenance. It implies a responsibility and an ongoing commitment to ensure the well-being of those one supports.
- Contextual Nuance
- When someone 'يعيل' (ya'eel), it signifies that they are the primary earner or provider for their household. This can include spouses, children, elderly parents, or any other individuals who are financially dependent on them. The term carries a strong sense of duty and often reflects societal expectations regarding family roles and responsibilities. It's a word that speaks to the core of familial support systems and the economic realities that underpin them. The act of 'إعالة' (i'alah), the noun form, is a fundamental aspect of many cultures, emphasizing the importance of collective well-being within a family unit. It's not just about handing over money; it's about ensuring that basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, and education are met. The verb 'يعيل' encapsulates this comprehensive act of provision, highlighting the active role of the provider.
The father works hard to يعيل his family.
She has to يعيل her younger siblings after her parents passed away.
- Basic Structure
- The verb 'يعيل' (ya'eel) typically takes a subject (who is doing the supporting) and an object (who is being supported). The structure is often: Subject + يعيل (ya'eel) + Object.
- Examples with Different Subjects
- - **A man:** الرجل يعيل أسرته. (Ar-rajul ya'eel usratahu.) - The man provides for his family. - **A woman:** الأم تعيل أطفالها. (Al-umm ta'eel atfalaha.) - The mother provides for her children. - **The government:** الحكومة تعيل اللاجئين. (Al-hukuma ta'eel al-laji'een.) - The government supports the refugees. - **An organization:** الجمعية تعيل الأيتام. (Al-jam'iyyah ta'eel al-aytām.) - The association supports the orphans. - **I (as a provider):** أنا أعيل والدي. (Ana u'eel waliday.) - I support my parents. - **We (as providers):** نحن نعيل إخوتنا الصغار. (Nahnu na'eel ikhwatana as-sighar.) - We support our younger siblings.
- Adding Context and Detail
- You can add more information to specify the nature of the support or the reasons behind it. - **Reason for support:** هو يعيل عائلته لأنه المسؤول الوحيد. (Huwa ya'eel 'a'ilatahu li'annahu al-mas'ul al-waheed.) - He supports his family because he is the sole responsible person. - **Extent of support:** الشركة تعيل موظفيها بتوفير التأمين الصحي. (Ash-sharika ta'eel muwazzafeeha bitawfeer at-ta'meen as-siḥḥi.) - The company supports its employees by providing health insurance. - **Ongoing nature:** هي تعيل جدتها منذ سنوات. (Hiya ta'eel jaddataha mundhu sanawat.) - She has been supporting her grandmother for years.
- Using with Prepositions
- While 'يعيل' can directly take an object, sometimes prepositions are used for emphasis or to specify the recipient more clearly, though this is less common than direct object usage. - **To support someone:** هو يعيل على أهله. (Huwa ya'eel 'ala ahlihi.) - This usage is less common for financial support and can sometimes imply relying on or leaning on them. The primary meaning of financial support is usually direct.
- Imperative and Future Tenses
- - **Imperative (Command):** أعِلْ أباك! (A'il abak!) - Support your father! (Addressed to a male) - **Future:** سأعيلك دائمًا. (Sa'u'eeluka da'iman.) - I will always support you.
The government يعيل citizens who cannot work.
It is a duty to يعيل one's parents in their old age.
- Family Discussions
- This is perhaps the most common place to hear 'يعيل'. Conversations about who is providing for the family, the financial burdens, and the responsibilities of different family members frequently use this verb. You might hear it when discussing a son who has started working and is now helping to 'يعيل' his parents, or a husband discussing his efforts to 'يعيل' his wife and children. The phrase 'رجل يعول أسرته' (a man who provides for his family) is a very common sentiment.
- News and Current Affairs
- News reports and discussions about economic policies, poverty, social welfare programs, and support for vulnerable groups will often employ 'يعيل'. For instance, a report might state that 'الحكومة تعيل ملايين المواطنين' (the government supports millions of citizens) or discuss the challenges faced by individuals who are struggling to 'يعيل' themselves and their families. It's a key term when discussing the state's role in providing for its populace.
- Religious and Ethical Discourses
- In Islamic teachings and sermons, the concept of providing for one's family is highly emphasized. The verb 'يعيل' is frequently used in religious contexts to highlight the religious obligation and reward associated with supporting one's dependents. Preachers might remind congregants of their duty to 'يعيل' their families justly and compassionately.
- Legal and Social Services
- When discussing legal matters like divorce settlements, child support, or inheritance, the term 'يعيل' might appear. Social workers and counselors also use it when assessing a person's ability to provide for themselves or others, or when discussing financial assistance programs. For example, they might ask if someone is able to 'يعيل' themselves independently.
- Everyday Conversations about Work and Livelihood
- Even in casual conversations, people might mention their work in relation to providing for their family. Someone might say, 'أعمل بجد لكي أعيل عائلتي' (I work hard so that I can provide for my family), or comment on someone else's situation, 'هو يعيل ثلاثة أطفال بمفرده' (He supports three children by himself).
News anchor: "The new economic plan aims to help those who struggle to يعيل their families.".
A son telling his mother: "Don't worry, I am here now to يعيل you and Father.".
- Confusing with 'يحتمل' (Yaḥtamil - To bear/endure)
- A common mistake is to confuse 'يعيل' (ya'eel - to provide for) with 'يحتمل' (yaḥtamil - to bear or endure). While both involve a sense of responsibility, 'يعيل' specifically refers to providing material or financial support, whereas 'يحتمل' refers to tolerating hardship, pain, or a burden. For example, saying 'هو يحتمل أسرته' (He endures his family) would imply he is suffering because of them, which is the opposite of the intended meaning of providing support.
- Incorrect Tense or Conjugation
- Learners might use the wrong conjugation for the subject. For instance, using 'يعيل' (ya'eel) when the subject is feminine singular ('she') instead of 'تعيل' (ta'eel). Or using the past tense ('عال' - 'āla') when the action is ongoing in the present. It's crucial to match the verb form to the subject's gender and number, and to use the correct tense (present for ongoing action, past for completed action).
- Overuse or Misapplication in Non-Financial Contexts
- 'يعيل' is primarily about financial and material provision. While it implies care and responsibility, it's not typically used for emotional support or general encouragement. For example, saying 'أنا أعيلك عاطفياً' (I emotionally support you) is not the standard usage. For emotional support, other verbs like 'أدعم' (ad'am - to support) or 'أساند' (usānid - to back up/support) are more appropriate.
- Confusing with 'يعول' (Yu'awwil - To depend on/rely on)
- There's a similar-sounding verb 'يعول' (yu'awwil), which means 'to depend on' or 'to rely on'. This can lead to confusion. For instance, saying 'هو يعول على أبيه' (He depends on his father) is different from 'هو يعيل أبيه' (He provides for his father). The meaning is reversed. The verb 'يعيل' (ya'eel) is active (provider), while 'يعول' (yu'awwil) is passive (dependent).
- Ignoring the Noun Form 'إعالة' (I'ālah)
- While the verb is 'يعيل', the noun form 'إعالة' (i'ālah - provision, sustenance) is also very common and often used in legal or formal contexts. Forgetting to learn the noun form can limit understanding of related discussions. For example, a court might order 'إعالة' for a divorced spouse or children.
Incorrect: He يحتمل his family. Correct: He يعيل his family.
Incorrect: The child يعيل his parents. Correct: The child يعول على his parents (depends on).
- يدعم (yad'am - to support)
- - **Meaning:** 'يدعم' is a broader term for support. It can mean financial support, but also emotional, moral, or physical support. It's like 'to back' or 'to bolster'. - **Usage:** 'هو يدعم فكرتي.' (He supports my idea.) - This is emotional/moral support. - **Usage:** 'الشركة تدعم المبادرات البيئية.' (The company supports environmental initiatives.) - This can be financial or organizational support. - **Contrast with 'يعيل':** While 'يدعم' can include financial support, 'يعيل' specifically focuses on the provision of sustenance and livelihood, especially for family. You wouldn't typically say 'هو يعيل فكرتي' (He provides sustenance for my idea).
- يكفل (yakful - to guarantee, sponsor, provide for)
- - **Meaning:** 'يكفل' implies a more formal or contractual form of support, often involving a guarantee or sponsorship. It can mean to take responsibility for someone's welfare, especially in a legal or official capacity. - **Usage:** 'الكفيل يكفل اليتيم.' (The sponsor provides for the orphan.) - This is a common phrase in charity work. - **Usage:** 'الضامن يكفل الدين.' (The guarantor guarantees the debt.) - This is a financial guarantee. - **Contrast with 'يعيل':** 'يكفل' often has a more specific, sometimes legal or charitable, connotation. 'يعيل' is more general for providing for one's own family or dependents as a matter of duty or necessity.
- يقوم على (yaqūm 'alā - to be in charge of, to manage, to support)
- - **Meaning:** This phrase means to be responsible for, to manage, or to take care of something or someone. It implies active management and oversight. - **Usage:** 'هو يقوم على رعاية كبار السن.' (He takes care of the elderly.) - This implies active management of their care. - **Usage:** 'المنظمة تقوم على تقديم المساعدات.' (The organization is in charge of providing aid.) - This implies management and operation. - **Contrast with 'يعيل':** 'يقوم على' is broader and can include management and caretaking duties beyond just financial provision. While providing financial support might be part of 'يقوم على', 'يعيل' is specifically about the sustenance itself.
- يُعنى بـ (yu'nā bi - to care for, to look after, to be concerned with)
- - **Meaning:** This phrase means to take care of, to look after, or to be concerned with someone or something. It emphasizes attention and care. - **Usage:** 'الأم تعنى بأطفالها.' (The mother cares for her children.) - This highlights her attentiveness and nurturing. - **Contrast with 'يعيل':** 'يعنى بـ' focuses on the act of caring and paying attention, which can include providing for, but is not limited to it. 'يعيل' is more directly tied to the provision of livelihood.
He يدعم his family financially and emotionally, but he specifically يعيل them by providing food and shelter.
The organization يكفل orphans, meaning they take full responsibility for their upbringing and sustenance.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The root ع-و-ل also gives rise to words related to 'excess' or 'deviation' in certain contexts, highlighting a semantic breadth where 'leaning' or 'supporting' can sometimes imply going beyond a norm or expectation, or conversely, providing the necessary support to prevent deviation or collapse.
Pronunciation Guide
- Mispronouncing the pharyngeal 'ع' (ayn) sound.
- Not lengthening the 'ee' sound.
- Incorrectly stressing the first syllable.
Difficulty Rating
The verb itself is common and straightforward in meaning. However, understanding its nuances, especially in formal contexts or when used with specific collocations, might require a slightly higher level. Recognizing the root and its related forms can also add complexity.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Verb Conjugation for Gender and Number
هو يعيل (He supports) vs. هي تعيل (She supports) vs. هم يعيلون (They support).
Use of Subjunctive Particle 'أن'
يجب أن تعيل أسرتك. (You must support your family.)
Past Habitual Action with 'كان'
كان يعيل إخوته. (He used to support his brothers.)
Purpose Clause with 'لـ'
عمل ليُعيل أطفاله. (He worked to support his children.)
Noun Form Derivation (Root ع-و-ل)
إعالة (provision) and معيل (provider).
Examples by Level
أبي يعيلنا.
My father supports us.
Simple present tense, masculine singular subject 'أبي' (my father) conjugated with 'يعيل' (supports).
هو يعيل أخته.
He supports his sister.
Present tense, masculine singular subject 'هو' (he) conjugated with 'يعيل' (supports) and feminine singular object 'أخته' (his sister).
أنا أعيل نفسي.
I support myself.
Present tense, first person singular subject 'أنا' (I) conjugated with 'أعيل' (I support) and reflexive object 'نفسي' (myself).
هي تعيل صغارها.
She supports her young ones.
Present tense, feminine singular subject 'هي' (she) conjugated with 'تعيل' (supports) and plural object 'صغارها' (her young ones).
الرجل يعيل عائلته.
The man supports his family.
Present tense, masculine singular subject 'الرجل' (the man) conjugated with 'يعيل' (supports) and possessive object 'عائلته' (his family).
نحن نعيل والدينا.
We support our parents.
Present tense, first person plural subject 'نحن' (we) conjugated with 'نعيل' (we support) and plural possessive object 'والدينا' (our parents).
الجد يعيل الأحفاد.
The grandfather supports the grandchildren.
Present tense, masculine singular subject 'الجد' (the grandfather) conjugated with 'يعيل' (supports) and plural object 'الأحفاد' (the grandchildren).
الزوجة تعيل زوجها.
The wife supports her husband.
Present tense, feminine singular subject 'الزوجة' (the wife) conjugated with 'تعيل' (supports) and masculine singular object 'زوجها' (her husband).
من واجب الابن أن يعيل والديه.
It is the son's duty to support his parents.
Uses the subjunctive particle 'أن' (an) before the verb 'يعيل' (to support), indicating purpose or obligation.
المجتمع يجب أن يعيل الأفراد المحتاجين.
Society must support needy individuals.
Uses 'يجب أن' (must) followed by the verb 'يعيل' (to support) in the subjunctive mood.
هل تعيلون أطفالكم بشكل جيد؟
Do you (plural) support your children well?
Question form using 'هل' (hal), second person plural subject 'أنتم' (you plural, implied) conjugated with 'تعيلون' (you support).
المنظمة تعيل اللاجئين في المخيم.
The organization supports the refugees in the camp.
Present tense, feminine singular subject 'المنظمة' (the organization) conjugated with 'تعيل' (supports) and plural object 'اللاجئين' (the refugees).
هو يعيل أربعة أطفال بمفرده.
He supports four children by himself.
Adverbial phrase 'بمفرده' (by himself) emphasizes the sole responsibility.
كم يكلف أن تعيل أسرة؟
How much does it cost to support a family?
Uses the interrogative 'كم' (how much) and the infinitive-like structure with 'أن تعيل' (to support).
أنا أحاول أن أعيل نفسي وأجد عملاً.
I am trying to support myself and find a job.
Uses 'أحاول أن' (I try to) followed by the verb 'أعيل' (I support).
المرأة القوية تعيل عائلتها بشرف.
A strong woman supports her family with honor.
Adverbial phrase 'بشرف' (with honor) adds a qualitative aspect to the support.
لقد بذل قصارى جهده ليعيل أسرته بعد فقدان وظيفته.
He did his utmost to support his family after losing his job.
Uses 'لقد' (indeed) to emphasize the past action, and 'ليعيل' (in order to support) to show purpose.
تتحمل الدولة مسؤولية إعالة المواطنين غير القادرين على العمل.
The state bears the responsibility of supporting citizens unable to work.
Uses the noun form 'إعالة' (support/provision) and the phrase 'تتحمل مسؤولية' (bears the responsibility).
في بعض الثقافات، يُتوقع من الابن الأكبر أن يعيل إخوته الصغار.
In some cultures, the eldest son is expected to support his younger siblings.
Uses the passive voice 'يُتوقع من' (is expected from) and 'أن يعيل' (to support).
كان يعيل والديه المسنين بكل تفانٍ ورعاية.
He used to support his elderly parents with all dedication and care.
Past tense 'كان يعيل' (used to support) indicates a habitual action in the past. Adverbs 'بتفانٍ ورعاية' (with dedication and care) add detail.
تعتبر القدرة على إعالة النفس مؤشراً على الاستقلال.
The ability to support oneself is considered an indicator of independence.
Uses the noun form 'إعالة' (support) and the phrase 'القدرة على' (the ability to).
إذا لم تستطع أن تعيل نفسك، فقد تحتاج إلى مساعدة.
If you cannot support yourself, you may need help.
Conditional sentence using 'إذا لم تستطع أن' (if you cannot) followed by 'تعيل' (support).
الجمعيات الخيرية تسعى جاهدة لتعيل الأسر الفقيرة.
Charitable organizations strive hard to support poor families.
Uses 'تسعى جاهدة لـ' (strive hard to) followed by 'تعيل' (support).
يعتبر إعالة الأبناء واجباً دينياً واجتماعياً.
Supporting children is considered a religious and social duty.
Uses the gerund-like form 'إعالة' (supporting) as the subject of the sentence.
في ظل الظروف الاقتصادية الراهنة، يواجه الكثيرون صعوبة في إعالة أسرهم.
In light of the current economic conditions, many face difficulty in supporting their families.
Uses the phrase 'في ظل' (in light of) and 'يواجه صعوبة في' (face difficulty in) followed by the noun form 'إعالة' (supporting).
يجب على الآباء أن يدركوا حجم المسؤولية الملقاة على عاتقهم لإعالة أطفالهم.
Parents must realize the magnitude of the responsibility placed upon them to support their children.
Uses 'يدركوا حجم المسؤولية الملقاة على عاتقهم' (realize the magnitude of the responsibility placed upon them) before 'لإعالة' (to support).
كانت محاولاته ليعيل نفسه في بلد أجنبي محفوفة بالمخاطر.
His attempts to support himself in a foreign country were fraught with risks.
Uses 'محاولاته لـ' (his attempts to) followed by 'يعيل' (support) and 'محفوفة بالمخاطر' (fraught with risks).
تتطلب عملية إعالة كبار السن توفير الدعم المادي والمعنوي.
The process of supporting the elderly requires providing material and moral support.
Uses the noun phrase 'عملية إعالة' (process of supporting) and 'تتطلب توفير' (requires providing).
لا يمكن التقليل من أهمية الدور الذي يلعبه المعيل الرئيسي في استقرار الأسرة.
The importance of the role played by the primary provider in family stability cannot be underestimated.
Uses 'لا يمكن التقليل من أهمية' (cannot be underestimated) and 'المعيل الرئيسي' (the primary provider - noun form).
تضطر بعض النساء إلى إعالة أسرهن بالكامل بسبب غياب الأزواج.
Some women are forced to support their families entirely due to the absence of husbands.
Uses 'تضطر إلى' (are forced to) and 'بشكل كامل' (entirely) to emphasize the burden.
إن إعالة الأقارب المحتاجين تعتبر من أعظم القربات إلى الله.
Supporting needy relatives is considered one of the greatest acts of devotion to God.
Uses 'تعتبر من أعظم القربات إلى الله' (considered one of the greatest acts of devotion to God).
الحكومات تلتزم بإعالة مواطنيها في أوقات الأزمات.
Governments commit to supporting their citizens in times of crisis.
Uses 'تلتزم بـ' (commit to) followed by the noun form 'إعالة' (supporting).
تعتمد استدامة المجتمعات على قدرة أفرادها على إعالة أنفسهم والآخرين.
The sustainability of communities depends on the ability of their members to support themselves and others.
Uses complex sentence structure with 'تعتمد على قدرة' (depends on the ability) and 'إعالة أنفسهم والآخرين' (supporting themselves and others).
إن إشكالية إعالة الأجيال القادمة في ظل التغيرات المناخية تتطلب حلولاً مبتكرة.
The problem of supporting future generations in the face of climate change requires innovative solutions.
Uses abstract nouns like 'إشكالية' (problematic nature) and 'استدامة' (sustainability), and the phrase 'في ظل' (in the face of).
تتجاوز مسؤولية إعالة الأبناء مجرد توفير الاحتياجات المادية لتشمل التنشئة السليمة.
The responsibility of supporting children goes beyond merely providing material needs to include sound upbringing.
Uses 'تتجاوز ... مجرد ... لتشمل' (goes beyond merely ... to include) and emphasizes the multifaceted nature of 'إعالة'.
يُساء فهم مفهوم إعالة الوالدين أحياناً، حيث يُنظر إليه كعبء وليس كواجب مقدس.
The concept of supporting parents is sometimes misunderstood, being viewed as a burden rather than a sacred duty.
Uses 'يُساء فهم' (is misunderstood) and contrasts 'عبء' (burden) with 'واجب مقدس' (sacred duty).
تستدعي التحديات الاقتصادية العالمية إعادة تقييم استراتيجيات إعالة الفئات الأكثر ضعفاً.
Global economic challenges necessitate a reassessment of strategies for supporting the most vulnerable groups.
Uses formal vocabulary like 'تستدعي' (necessitate), 'إعادة تقييم' (reassessment), and 'الفئات الأكثر ضعفاً' (the most vulnerable groups).
إن القدرة على إعالة الذات هي حجر الزاوية في بناء شخصية قوية ومستقلة.
The ability to support oneself is the cornerstone of building a strong and independent personality.
Uses the metaphor 'حجر الزاوية' (cornerstone) and abstract concepts like 'شخصية قوية ومستقلة' (strong and independent personality).
تتطلب سياسات الرعاية الاجتماعية الحديثة برامج فعالة لإعالة الأسر المتضررة من الكوارث.
Modern social welfare policies require effective programs for supporting families affected by disasters.
Uses specific policy-related terms like 'سياسات الرعاية الاجتماعية' (social welfare policies) and 'برامج فعالة' (effective programs).
لعبت التقاليد دوراً محورياً في تحديد مسؤوليات إعالة كبار السن داخل الأسرة.
Traditions have played a pivotal role in defining the responsibilities of supporting the elderly within the family.
Uses 'دوراً محورياً' (pivotal role) and discusses the influence of 'التقاليد' (traditions) on 'مسؤوليات إعالة' (responsibilities of support).
تتسم المجتمعات التي تولي اهتماماً بالغاً بإعالة أفرادها بالتكافل والازدهار.
Societies that give great attention to supporting their members are characterized by solidarity and prosperity.
Uses sophisticated vocabulary like 'تتسم بـ' (are characterized by), 'اهتماماً بالغاً' (great attention), 'التكافل' (solidarity), and 'الازدهار' (prosperity).
إن التحدي المعاصر يكمن في كيفية الموازنة بين إعالة الأجيال الحالية وضمان استدامة الموارد للأجيال القادمة.
The contemporary challenge lies in how to balance supporting current generations and ensuring the sustainability of resources for future generations.
Uses abstract concepts like 'التحدي المعاصر' (contemporary challenge), 'الموازنة بين' (balancing between), and 'استدامة الموارد' (sustainability of resources).
تترتب على مفهوم إعالة الأقارب مسؤوليات أخلاقية وقانونية معقدة تتطلب فهماً عميقاً للسياقات الثقافية.
The concept of supporting relatives entails complex ethical and legal responsibilities that require a deep understanding of cultural contexts.
Uses formal phrasing like 'تترتب على' (entails/results in), 'مسؤوليات أخلاقية وقانونية معقدة' (complex ethical and legal responsibilities), and 'فهماً عميقاً للسياقات الثقافية' (deep understanding of cultural contexts).
إن التحول من الاعتماد على الآخرين إلى إعالة الذات يمثل مرحلة حاسمة في النضج الإنساني.
The transition from dependence on others to self-support represents a crucial stage in human maturation.
Uses metaphorical language like 'التحول من ... إلى' (transition from ... to) and 'مرحلة حاسمة في النضج الإنساني' (crucial stage in human maturation).
تستلزم مبادئ العدالة الاجتماعية إعادة هيكلة الأنظمة الاقتصادية لضمان إعالة كريمة لجميع أفراد المجتمع.
Principles of social justice require restructuring economic systems to ensure dignified support for all members of society.
Uses advanced terminology like 'مبادئ العدالة الاجتماعية' (principles of social justice), 'إعادة هيكلة الأنظمة الاقتصادية' (restructuring economic systems), and 'إعالة كريمة' (dignified support).
غالباً ما تنبع التوترات الأسرية من خلافات حول كيفية توزيع أعباء إعالة الأسرة.
Family tensions often stem from disagreements about how to distribute the burdens of family support.
Uses 'غالباً ما تنبع من' (often stem from), 'خلافات حول' (disagreements about), and 'أعباء إعالة' (burdens of support).
إن إعالة الأجيال السابقة هي استثمار في مستقبل الأمة، حيث تنقل الخبرات والقيم.
Supporting previous generations is an investment in the nation's future, as it transfers experiences and values.
Uses metaphorical language 'استثمار في مستقبل الأمة' (investment in the nation's future) and highlights the transfer of 'الخبرات والقيم' (experiences and values).
تتطلب معالجة قضايا الفقر المدقع وضع آليات مستدامة لإعالة الفئات المهمشة اقتصادياً.
Addressing extreme poverty issues requires establishing sustainable mechanisms for supporting economically marginalized groups.
Uses precise terminology like 'معالجة قضايا' (addressing issues), 'الفقر المدقع' (extreme poverty), 'آليات مستدامة' (sustainable mechanisms), and 'الفئات المهمشة اقتصادياً' (economically marginalized groups).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— The costs associated with providing for someone.
تكاليف الإعالة في المدينة مرتفعة جداً.
— Difficulty in providing support.
يواجه الكثيرون صعوبة الإعالة في ظل الأوضاع الاقتصادية.
— To be self-sufficient and provide for oneself.
من المهم أن يتعلم الشباب كيف يعيلون أنفسهم.
Often Confused With
This verb means 'to depend on' or 'to rely on'. The meaning is reversed. Example: 'هو يعول على أخيه' (He depends on his brother) vs. 'هو يعيل أخاه' (He supports his brother).
This means 'to bear' or 'to endure'. It does not imply providing support but rather tolerating hardship.
While 'يدعم' can mean financial support, it's broader and includes moral or emotional support. 'يعيل' is specifically about material sustenance.
Idioms & Expressions
— Literally 'to put a morsel of living into the mouth', meaning to provide sustenance and ensure someone eats. It's a vivid way of saying someone is being provided for.
الأب يضع لقمة العيش في فم أبنائه كل يوم.
Colloquial/Figurative— To carry the burden of making a living, implying the effort and worry involved in providing for oneself and others.
هو يحمل همّ العيش وحده منذ وفاة والده.
Colloquial/Figurative— Literally 'to feed his mouth', meaning to provide for someone's basic needs, especially food.
هو يعمل بجد ليُطعم فمه وفم عائلته.
Colloquial/Figurative— To satisfy hunger, to provide just enough food to keep someone alive. It implies providing the bare minimum for survival.
كان بالكاد يستطيع أن يُسدّ رمق أطفاله.
Figurative/Emphasizing basic needs— To look after the affairs of someone, which includes providing for their needs.
هي ترعى شؤون أسرتها بالكامل.
General/Formal— To provide for someone with very little, just enough to survive (bread and salt).
كان قادراً على أن يعيلهم بخبز وملح.
Figurative/Emphasizing scarcity— To meet the need, to provide what is necessary.
إنه يعمل بجد ليُسدّد حاجة أسرته.
Figurative/Emphasizing fulfillment of need— To secure a livelihood, to provide the means for living.
هدفه الأسمى هو أن يؤمّن العيش لأولاده.
Figurative/Emphasizing security— To steer the boat of livelihood, meaning to manage and provide for the family's living.
هي تدير دفّة العيش بعد وفاة زوجها.
Figurative/Metaphorical— To provide sustenance or food.
المزارع يقدم القوت لأسرته والمجتمع.
Figurative/Emphasizing essential foodEasily Confused
Similar pronunciation and root letters.
The verb 'يعيل' (ya'eel) is active and means 'to provide for' or 'to support financially'. The verb 'يعول' (yu'awwil) is also active but means 'to depend on' or 'to rely on'. The roles are reversed.
الطفل يعيل أمه (The child supports his mother). vs. الطفل يعول على أمه (The child depends on his mother).
Both involve providing support.
'يعيل' is a general term for providing sustenance, especially for family. 'يكفل' implies a more formal sponsorship or guarantee, often in a charitable or legal context (e.g., sponsoring an orphan, guaranteeing a debt).
هو يعيل أسرته (He provides for his family). vs. هو يكفل يتيماً (He sponsors an orphan).
Both mean 'to support'.
'يعيل' specifically refers to providing financial and material sustenance. 'يدعم' is broader and can include moral, emotional, or political support, as well as financial support. You 'يعيل' a family, but you 'تدعم' an idea or a friend.
هو يعيل أطفاله (He provides for his children). vs. هو يدعم حملة التوعية (He supports the awareness campaign).
Both imply responsibility and care.
'يقوم على' means to be in charge of, manage, or take care of something or someone. It's a broader term that can include provision but also oversight and management. 'يعيل' is specifically about providing the means of living.
هي تقوم على رعاية جدتها (She takes care of her grandmother). vs. هي تعيل جدتها (She provides for her grandmother - financially).
Both involve care and attention.
'يعنى بـ' means to care for, look after, or be concerned with. It emphasizes attentiveness and nurturing. While providing support might be part of 'يعنى بـ', 'يعيل' is directly about the act of providing sustenance.
المعلم يعنى بطلابه (The teacher cares for his students). vs. الأب يعيل طلابه (The father provides for his students - if they were dependents).
Sentence Patterns
Subject + يعيل + Object
أبي يعيلنا.
Subject + يجب أن + يعيل + Object
يجب أن تعيل والديك.
Subject + كان + يعيل + Object + Adverbial
كان يعيل أسرته بجد.
لـ + Subject + يعيل + Object
نحن نعمل لـنعيل عائلاتنا.
Subject + يواجه صعوبة في + إعالة + Object
يواجه صعوبة في إعالة أطفاله.
Subject + تلتزم بـ + إعالة + Object
الحكومة تلتزم بإعالة مواطنيها.
إن + إعالة + Object + تعتبر + Noun phrase
إن إعالة الأبناء تعتبر واجباً.
تستدعي + Noun phrase + إعادة تقييم + استراتيجيات + إعالة + Object
تستدعي التحديات إعادة تقييم استراتيجيات إعالة الفئات الضعيفة.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Common, especially in contexts related to family, economics, and social responsibility.
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Confusing 'يعيل' (to provide for) with 'يعول' (to depend on).
→
He supports his family (هو يعيل أسرته). vs. He depends on his family (هو يعول على أسرته).
The pronunciation is very similar, but the meanings are opposite. 'يعيل' is active provision, while 'يعول' implies reliance.
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Using the wrong conjugation for the subject.
→
She supports her children (هي تعيل أطفالها). vs. He supports his children (هو يعيل أطفاله).
The verb must agree in gender and number with the subject. 'يعيل' is masculine singular, 'تعيل' is feminine singular.
-
Confusing 'يعيل' (financial support) with 'يدعم' (general support).
→
He provides for his family (هو يعيل أسرته). vs. He supports his friend's idea (هو يدعم فكرة صديقه).
'يعيل' is specifically about material and financial sustenance. 'يدعم' is broader and can include moral or emotional support.
-
Mispronouncing the 'ع' (ayn) sound.
→
Proper pronunciation of 'يعيل' requires the pharyngeal 'ع' sound.
This sound is unique to Arabic and requires practice. Incorrect pronunciation can lead to misunderstanding or make the word sound foreign.
-
Using 'يعيل' for emotional support only.
→
He supports his family financially (هو يعيل أسرته مادياً).
'يعيل' strongly implies financial and material provision. For emotional support, other verbs like 'يدعم' or 'يساند' are more appropriate.
Tips
Master the 'ع'
The pharyngeal 'ع' (ayn) sound is crucial for accurate pronunciation of 'يعيل'. Practice making a sound from the back of your throat, like a slight gargle. Listen to native speakers and imitate them.
Subject-Verb Agreement
Always ensure your verb conjugation matches the subject. 'يعيل' is for a masculine singular subject, 'تعيل' for a feminine singular or non-human plural subject, and 'يعيلون' for a masculine plural subject.
Learn the Noun Forms
Understanding 'إعالة' (provision) and 'معيل' (provider) will significantly enhance your comprehension and usage of this word family.
Identify the Provider and Dependent
When you hear or read 'يعيل', try to pinpoint who is doing the supporting and who is being supported. This context is key to fully grasping the meaning.
Distinguish from 'يدعم'
'يعيل' is specifically about material sustenance. If the support is emotional or moral, 'يدعم' might be more appropriate.
Create Mnemonics
Connect 'يعيل' to English words like 'aid' or 'ailment' (requiring aid) to remember its core meaning of providing essential support.
Sentence Building
Write your own sentences using 'يعيل' in different tenses and with various subjects and objects. This active practice solidifies your understanding.
Understand the Cultural Weight
Recognize that providing for one's family is a highly valued concept in many Arab cultures. This cultural context adds depth to the word's meaning.
Avoid Confusing with 'يعول'
Be careful not to confuse 'يعيل' (to provide for) with 'يعول' (to depend on). The pronunciation is similar but the meanings are opposite.
Use in Conversation
Don't be afraid to use 'يعيل' in your Arabic conversations. Start with simple sentences and gradually incorporate it into more complex expressions as you gain confidence.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'AIL' in 'يعيل' sounding like 'aid'. The verb 'يعيل' is about providing aid or support to your family.
Visual Association
Imagine a strong pillar (the provider) holding up a roof (the family). The pillar 'يعيل' the roof.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to write three sentences about someone you know who 'يعيل' others, using the verb correctly in each sentence.
Word Origin
The verb 'يعيل' originates from the Arabic root ع-و-ل (ʿ-w-l). This root generally pertains to concepts of support, maintenance, sustenance, and leaning upon something or someone.
Original meaning: The core meaning relates to providing what is needed for survival and well-being, akin to holding something up or sustaining it.
SemiticCultural Context
When discussing 'يعيل', be mindful that it can touch upon sensitive topics like poverty, financial hardship, and gender roles within families. Frame discussions respectfully.
While the English term 'to support' can be broad, 'to provide for' or 'to be the breadwinner' captures the specific financial and material aspect of 'يعيل'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Family finances and responsibilities
- المعيل الرئيسي
- إعالة الأبناء
- تكاليف المعيشة
Social welfare and aid
- إعالة المحتاجين
- برامج الإعالة
- الدولة تعيل
Legal and financial obligations
- نفقة الإعالة
- حق الإعالة
- طلب الإعالة
Personal independence and self-sufficiency
- يعيل نفسه
- القدرة على الإعالة
- الاستقلال المالي
Charitable work and sponsorship
- كفالة يتيم
- إعالة الأرامل
- توفير الإعالة
Conversation Starters
"What does it mean to be the main provider in a family?"
"How do societies support individuals who cannot provide for themselves?"
"What are the biggest challenges in supporting a large family today?"
"Is it more important to provide financially or emotionally for loved ones?"
"How has the concept of 'providing for' changed over generations?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time someone provided for you or your family, and how it made you feel.
Reflect on the responsibilities involved in being a provider. What are the joys and the burdens?
If you were to describe the ideal way to support someone, what qualities would that involve?
Consider a situation where someone had to support themselves or others under difficult circumstances. What can we learn from their experience?
How important is self-sufficiency (being able to provide for oneself) in your opinion?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'يعيل' specifically refers to providing financial and material sustenance for dependents, like family members. It implies being the primary provider. 'يدعم', on the other hand, is a broader term for support, which can include financial, moral, emotional, or political backing. You would 'يعيل' your children, but you might 'تدعم' a political candidate or a friend's decision.
Primarily, 'يعيل' is used for family members or other individuals who are financially dependent on someone. However, it can also be used for organizations supporting groups (e.g., 'The organization supports refugees') or even for a government supporting its citizens, especially those in need. The core idea remains provision for dependents.
The most common noun form related to 'يعيل' is 'إعالة' (i'ālah), which means 'provision', 'sustenance', or 'financial support'. Another related noun is 'معيل' (mu'īl), meaning 'provider' or 'breadwinner'.
Yes, absolutely. The verb conjugates based on the subject. If the subject is feminine singular (she), the verb becomes 'تعيل' (ta'eel). For example, 'هي تعيل أسرتها' (She supports her family).
To 'يعيل نفسه' (ya'eel nafsahu) means to support oneself financially, to be self-sufficient, and to provide for one's own needs without relying on others.
'يعيل' is a standard Arabic verb used across various registers, from formal to neutral. It's not typically considered slang, although informal speech might use colloquial alternatives. In formal writing or speeches, 'إعالة' (provision) is also frequently used.
The most direct antonym in terms of roles is 'يعتمد على' (ya'tamid 'alā), meaning 'to depend on' or 'to rely on'. If someone 'يعيل' (supports), another 'يعتمد على' (depends on) them. Neglect ('يهمل' - yuhmil) is also an opposite action.
It is pronounced roughly as 'ya-AY-il'. The 'ع' (ayn) sound is a voiced pharyngeal fricative made in the back of the throat. The stress is on the second syllable.
Yes, very common phrases include 'المعيل الرئيسي' (the primary provider), 'إعالة الأسرة' (supporting the family), and 'يعيل نفسه' (to support oneself).
Related words come from the same root 'ع-و-ل', such as 'إعالة' (provision), 'معيل' (provider), and 'معال' (one who is supported). Be careful not to confuse it with 'يعول' (to depend on).
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Summary
The verb 'يعيل' (ya'eel) is central to discussions about family responsibility and financial provision. It specifically refers to the act of supporting one's dependents, primarily through material and financial means, highlighting the role of a provider.
- To provide financial support for dependents, especially family.
- The act of being a provider for a household.
- Ensuring the material needs of others are met.
- Carries a strong sense of duty and responsibility.
Master the 'ع'
The pharyngeal 'ع' (ayn) sound is crucial for accurate pronunciation of 'يعيل'. Practice making a sound from the back of your throat, like a slight gargle. Listen to native speakers and imitate them.
Subject-Verb Agreement
Always ensure your verb conjugation matches the subject. 'يعيل' is for a masculine singular subject, 'تعيل' for a feminine singular or non-human plural subject, and 'يعيلون' for a masculine plural subject.
Learn the Noun Forms
Understanding 'إعالة' (provision) and 'معيل' (provider) will significantly enhance your comprehension and usage of this word family.
Identify the Provider and Dependent
When you hear or read 'يعيل', try to pinpoint who is doing the supporting and who is being supported. This context is key to fully grasping the meaning.
Example
يعيل الأب أسرته الكبيرة.
Related Content
More family words
عاق
A2Undutiful, especially to parents (disobedient).
اِعْتَنَى
A2To care for, to look after.
عائلي
A2Familial, family-related; relating to a family.
أعزب
A1Single, unmarried (male, alternative).
عضو
A2Member; a person belonging to a group or family.
عم
A1Paternal uncle; the brother of one's father.
عمّ
A2paternal uncle
عمّة
A2paternal aunt
عمة
A1Paternal aunt
عناق
A2Hug, an embrace.
