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B1 verb #1,500 most common 12 min read

يضبط

yadbut Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips يضبط in 30 Seconds

Explanation يضبط in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'يضبط' (Yaḍbiṭu) as a very useful word for daily routines. Even though it's a bit advanced, you will see it on your phone or clock. It simply means 'to set'. For example, when you want to wake up early, you 'يضبط المنبه' (set the alarm). Imagine you have a clock with a little dial; when you move that dial to the right time, you are doing the action of 'ḍabṭ'. It is all about making sure something is at the right number or time. You might also hear it when someone says 'مضبوط' (Maḍbūṭ), which means 'Exactly' or 'Correct'. If your teacher asks 'Is 2+2=4?' and you say 'Yes', they might say 'Maḍbūṭ!'. So, at this level, just remember: 'يضبط' = 'to set a clock' and 'مضبوط' = 'Correct'. It's a word that helps you be on time and be right! You don't need to worry about the complex grammar yet, just focus on these two common uses. Think of it as the 'OK' or 'Set' button on your electronic devices. When you see this word, it usually means something is being put in its correct place or time.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'يضبط' in more sentences about your daily life and technology. You already know it means 'to set' a clock, but now you can use it for other things too. For example, 'يضبط الراديو' (to tune the radio) or 'يضبط التلفاز' (to set the TV). It's about 'adjusting' things so they work perfectly. You can also use it for people in a simple way, like 'يضبط الصف' (the teacher controls the class). It means making sure everyone follows the rules. Another important thing for A2 learners is the word 'مضبوط' used for food. In some places, if you want your coffee with a medium amount of sugar, you ask for 'قهوة مضبوطة'. This shows that the word is about finding the 'perfect balance'. You are moving beyond just clocks and starting to talk about how things are controlled and balanced in your environment. You can also use it for simple self-control, like 'يضبط نفسه' (he controls himself) when he is a little bit angry. It's a very practical verb for describing how you manage the things and people around you.

As a B1 learner, 'يضبط' becomes a key verb for describing processes, precision, and legal actions. You should now understand that its primary meaning is 'to regulate' or 'to control' according to a standard. This is the level where you use it for 'Quality Control' (ضبط الجودة) or 'Budget Control' (ضبط الميزانية). It’s not just about turning a dial anymore; it’s about maintaining a system. You will also encounter it frequently in news reports. When the police 'يضبط' a criminal, they are catching them, usually in the act. This is a very common way to hear the word on TV. You should also be comfortable using it for emotional regulation, specifically the phrase 'يضبط أعصابه' (to control one's nerves/temper). This is a great idiomatic expression to use in discussions or stories. In terms of grammar, you should notice how it takes a direct object. You 'يضبط' the thing (the clock, the criminal, the nerves). You are now using the word to show a higher level of discipline and exactness in your Arabic, moving from simple daily actions to more professional and descriptive contexts.

At the B2 level, you should be able to appreciate the nuances of 'يضبط' compared to its synonyms like 'ينظم' (to organize) or 'يتحكم' (to control). You understand that 'يضبط' implies a specific kind of precision—reaching a predefined benchmark or limit. You can use it in academic or professional discussions about 'ضبط النفس' (self-discipline) as a psychological concept. You should also be familiar with its use in linguistics, specifically 'ضبط النص' (vocalizing a text), which is essential for reading classical Arabic correctly. At this level, you can use the passive voice 'ضُبِطَ' (was caught/seized) fluently in your writing, especially when writing reports or formal essays. You might also use it in technical contexts, like 'ضبط المعايير' (setting the standards/criteria). Your usage should reflect an understanding that 'ḍabṭ' is about the 'accuracy' and 'validity' of an action. It's the difference between just doing something and doing it 'exactly right'. You can also use it metaphorically, such as 'يضبط إيقاع العمل' (setting the pace of work), showing a sophisticated command of the verb's range.

For C1 learners, 'يضبط' is a tool for high-level precision in both legal and philosophical contexts. You should be able to discuss the 'ḍabṭ' of a society—how laws and norms regulate human behavior. You will encounter the root in complex terms like 'الضبط والربط' (discipline and order), often used in military or highly structured organizational contexts. Your understanding of the word should include its historical and etymological roots in 'holding' and 'grasping', which informs its modern meanings of 'seizing' and 'regulating'. You can use it to describe the fine-tuning of an argument or the precise calibration of a scientific experiment. In literature, you might analyze how an author 'يضبط' the tone of a story. You should also be aware of the noun 'ضابط' (criterion/rule) in plural 'ضوابط' (regulations/constraints), and how these form the backbone of legal and ethical systems. Your use of 'يضبط' should be effortless, choosing it over 'يتحكم' or 'ينظم' when you specifically want to emphasize the adherence to a strict standard or the successful apprehension of a deviation from that standard.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'يضبط' involves a deep, intuitive grasp of its role in the architecture of the Arabic language and thought. You understand 'ḍabṭ' as a fundamental principle of 'itqān' (perfection/mastery). You can engage in scholarly debates about 'ضبط المصحف' (the history of the vocalization and punctuation of the Quran) or the 'ḍabṭ' of Hadith narrations (the rigorous verification of transmitters). You use the verb and its derivatives to describe the most subtle forms of regulation, such as the 'ضبط' of a poetic meter or the intricate 'ضبط' of a complex legal code. You are sensitive to the word's resonance in different dialects versus Modern Standard Arabic, and you can use it to convey authority, precision, and absolute correctness. For you, 'يضبط' is not just a verb; it is a descriptor of the human quest for order in a chaotic universe. Whether you are discussing the 'ضبط' of the global economy or the 'ضبط' of a single philosophical term, your usage reflects a profound understanding of how Arabic uses this root to define the boundaries of truth, law, and technical excellence.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

يضبط in 30 Seconds

Core meaning: To set, regulate, or control with precision.
Commonly used for clocks, settings, and self-control.
Legal meaning: To catch or seize (often 'red-handed').
Linguistic meaning: To add diacritics for correct pronunciation.

The Arabic verb يضبط (Yaḍbiṭu) is a multifaceted gem in the linguistic crown of the Arabic language, primarily categorized under the CEFR B1 level due to its essential role in describing regulation, control, and precision. At its core, the root ḍ-b-ṭ (ض ب ط) conveys the idea of grasping something firmly, not just physically, but intellectually and organizationally. When you use this verb, you are talking about bringing order to chaos, whether that is the chaos of a ticking clock, the turbulence of human emotions, or the enforcement of law and order in a bustling city. It is a word of discipline and exactness. In a technical sense, it is the go-to verb for 'setting' or 'calming' devices. If you are adjusting your watch, you are performing the act of ḍabṭ. If a technician is calibrating a sensitive medical instrument, they are 'ضبط'ing it. This sense of precision extends into the realm of linguistics where 'ḍabṭ' refers to the precise vocalization of words using diacritics (harakat), ensuring that the meaning is preserved and unambiguous.

Core Meaning: To regulate, adjust, or control something to meet a specific standard or requirement.
Legal Context: To apprehend or catch someone in the act of committing a crime (flagrante delicto).
Emotional Context: To exercise self-control, particularly over one's temper or impulses (يضبط أعصابه).

يجب عليك أن تضبط ساعتك قبل الموعد.
You must set your watch before the appointment.

Furthermore, the word carries a weight of authority. When the police 'يضبط' a suspect, it implies a successful operation where the law has successfully exerted its control over an individual's actions. In the world of finance, 'ضبط الميزانية' (balancing or controlling the budget) is a critical task that requires the same level of meticulous attention to detail as a watchmaker. The beauty of this verb lies in its transition from the physical (holding something) to the abstract (governing a system). It suggests a state of 'in-tuneness'. When a musical instrument is tuned, it is 'مضبوط' (the passive participle), indicating it has reached its perfect state of readiness. This concept of 'perfection' or 'correctness' is why you will often hear Arabs say 'مضبوط' to mean 'Exactly!' or 'Correct!' in response to a statement. It is the linguistic equivalent of a perfectly calibrated machine.

الشرطة تضبط المهربين عند الحدود.
The police catch the smugglers at the border.

In academic and formal writing, the word is used to describe the standardization of processes. For instance, 'ضبط الجودة' (Quality Control) is a standard term in manufacturing and services. It implies a rigorous checking mechanism that ensures every output meets a predefined benchmark. Without 'ḍabṭ', there is 'fawḍā' (chaos). Therefore, this verb is not just an action; it is a philosophy of order. It covers everything from the micro (setting a phone alarm) to the macro (regulating a nation's economy). When you learn to use 'يضبط', you are learning how to describe the very mechanisms that keep society and technology functioning smoothly. It is a high-frequency verb that appears in news headlines, technical manuals, and daily conversations alike, making it an indispensable part of your B1 vocabulary journey.

المعلم يضبط الصف بحزم.
The teacher controls the class with firmness.

Using the verb يضبط correctly requires an understanding of its transitive nature and the specific nouns it typically governs. As a Form I verb (though often associated with precision that feels more complex), it follows the standard conjugation patterns for sound roots. However, its usage is heavily dependent on the context of the 'object' being controlled. When the object is a device, like a radio, television, or thermostat, the verb means 'to tune' or 'to set'. You are adjusting the settings to reach a desired state. In this context, it is often followed by the preposition 'على' (on/to) to indicate the specific setting. For example, 'يضبط الراديو على إذاعة الأخبار' (He tunes the radio to the news station). This structure is vital for learners to master as it bridges the gap between a simple action and a specific result.

With Devices: يضبط المنبه (Sets the alarm), يضبط الإعدادات (Adjusts the settings).
With People/Behavior: يضبط النفس (Self-control), يضبط السلوك (Regulates behavior).
With Abstract Concepts: يضبط الوقت (Manages time), يضبط الميزانية (Controls the budget).

حاول أن تضبط أعصابك أثناء النقاش.
Try to control your nerves during the discussion.

Another crucial usage involves the legal or observational sense. When someone is 'caught' doing something, 'يضبط' is used in the active voice for the authority figure and often appears in the passive voice 'ضُبِطَ' (was caught) for the perpetrator. A common phrase is 'ضُبِطَ متلبساً' (caught red-handed). This is a high-level expression that adds a lot of flavor to your Arabic. It shows that the control exerted was not just a setting, but a capture. Furthermore, in the realm of linguistics and literature, you will encounter the phrase 'ضبط النص' (editing or vocalizing a text). This refers to the meticulous process of adding vowel marks (tashkeel) to ensure the text is read exactly as intended. It reflects the broader cultural value of precision in the Arabic language, where a single vowel change can alter the meaning of a word entirely.

المحقق يضبط الأدلة في مسرح الجريمة.
The investigator secures the evidence at the crime scene.

In modern professional contexts, 'يضبط' is used for management and administration. 'يضبط العمل' means to streamline or regulate work processes. It implies creating a system where everything runs like clockwork. If you are working in an office, you might 'تضبط المواعيد' (organize/set the appointments). The versatility of this verb means it can be applied to almost any situation where a standard needs to be met or a limit needs to be enforced. From the kitchen (adjusting the salt in a dish - though 'يعدل' is also common there) to the laboratory (calibrating sensors), 'يضبط' is the verb of the disciplined mind. Mastering its various collocations will significantly elevate your ability to describe complex actions in Arabic.

هل يمكنك أن تضبط درجة حرارة الغرفة؟
Can you adjust the room temperature?

The verb يضبط is a staple in several distinct environments, each utilizing a specific shade of its meaning. Perhaps the most common place a learner will encounter it is in the world of technology and digital interfaces. Every smartphone, computer, and application in Arabic uses this root. The 'Settings' menu is called 'الإعدادات' (Al-I'dadat), but the act of adjusting those settings is described using 'ضبط'. You will see buttons or instructions like 'ضبط الوقت والتاريخ' (Set time and date) or 'ضبط السطوع' (Adjust brightness). In these contexts, it is a neutral, functional term that every modern speaker uses daily. If you are helping a friend with their phone, you might say, 'دعني أضبط لك هذا الخيار' (Let me set this option for you).

In the News: Often used in reports about police operations catching criminals or seizing illegal goods.
In the Workplace: Used when discussing quality control, budgeting, or time management.
In Education: Used by teachers to describe maintaining discipline or correcting the pronunciation of a student.

نشرت الصحف خبراً عن ضبط كمية كبيرة من المواد المهربة.
The newspapers published a report about the seizure of a large amount of smuggled goods.

Another frequent setting is the news media. Headlines often feature 'يضبط' when reporting on law enforcement. Phrases like 'ضبط عصابة' (catching a gang) or 'ضبط مصنع غير مرخص' (raiding/shutting down an unlicensed factory) are standard. Here, the verb carries a tone of success and legal authority. It’s not just about 'finding' something; it’s about the official act of taking control over it. If you listen to Arabic news broadcasts, pay attention to the crime and economy segments; you will hear this verb repeatedly. It conveys a sense of the state or the law functioning as it should, bringing order to the public sphere.

عليك أن تضبط إعدادات الخصوصية في حسابك.
You should adjust the privacy settings on your account.

In social and domestic settings, the verb is used for managing the household and personal life. A parent might tell a child, 'اضبط سلوكك' (Behave yourself/Regulate your behavior). In a kitchen, while 'يعدل' (to adjust) is common for seasoning, 'يضبط' is used for the more 'technical' aspects of cooking, like 'ضبط النار' (adjusting the flame/heat) or 'ضبط المقادير' (ensuring the ingredients are exactly measured). This highlights the verb's association with precision. Whether you are in a high-tech lab or a traditional home, 'يضبط' is the word that describes the human effort to make things 'just right'. It is the sound of a society that values order, accuracy, and control.

الموسيقي يضبط أوتار العود بدقة.
The musician tunes the strings of the oud with precision.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with يضبط is confusing it with similar verbs like ينظم (to organize) or يرتب (to arrange). While they all relate to order, 'يضبط' is specifically about precision and control according to a standard. You 'ترتب' (arrange) books on a shelf, but you 'تضبط' (set) the time on a clock. If you use 'ينظم' for a clock, an Arabic speaker will understand you, but it will sound slightly off—as if you are organizing the clock's schedule rather than setting its current time. Precision is the key differentiator here. Another mistake is failing to use the correct preposition when one is required. While 'يضبط' is often transitive, when it means 'to tune to', it needs 'على'. Forgetting this can make the sentence feel incomplete.

Confusing with 'ينظم': 'ينظم' is for systems and organization; 'يضبط' is for specific settings and control.
Overusing for 'Catch': Don't use it for 'catching a ball' (use يمسك); use it for 'catching a criminal' or 'seizing' something.
Passive Voice Confusion: Learners often forget the internal vowels for the passive 'ضُبِطَ' (was caught), which is very common in news.

خطأ: يضبط الولد الكرة.
صح: يمسك الولد الكرة.
Mistake: The boy 'sets' the ball. Correct: The boy 'catches' the ball.

A subtle mistake occurs in the emotional realm. While 'يضبط أعصابه' (controls his nerves) is a standard idiom, learners sometimes try to translate 'control' literally using 'يتحكم' in all situations. While 'يتحكم في أعصابه' is also correct, 'يضبط' implies a more disciplined, internal regulation. Furthermore, in the context of 'catching' someone, learners might use 'يمسك' (to hold/catch). While 'يمسك' is physically catching someone, 'يضبط' is the legal, formal term for apprehending them. Using 'يمسك' in a formal report about a police raid would sound too colloquial and simplistic. Understanding the 'register' or level of formality is essential for using 'يضبط' effectively.

خطأ: ينظم الساعة.
صح: يضبط الساعة.
Mistake: Organizes the clock. Correct: Sets the clock.

Lastly, be careful with the word 'ضبط' as a noun. It can mean 'accuracy', 'regulation', or 'seizure'. Learners sometimes confuse it with 'ضابط' (officer). While they share the same root, a 'ḍābiṭ' is the person who performs the 'ḍabṭ' (regulation/control). In your writing, ensure that you are using the verb form 'يضبط' when you want to describe the action, and the noun 'ضبط' for the concept. Mixing these up can lead to confusing sentences like 'The regulation caught the thief' instead of 'The officer caught the thief' or 'The officer regulated the thief'. Pay close attention to the patterns of the root to avoid these common pitfalls.

الموظف يضبط مواعيد الاجتماعات بدقة.
The employee sets the meeting times precisely.

To truly master يضبط, one must understand its neighbors in the semantic field of 'control' and 'order'. The most prominent relative is ينظم (Yunaẓẓimu - to organize/regulate). While 'يضبط' focuses on the precision of a single setting or the act of catching, 'ينظم' focuses on the creation of a system or a schedule. You 'ينظم' a conference, but you 'يضبط' the microphone levels for that conference. Another close synonym is يتحكم (Yataḥakkamu - to control/dominate). 'يتحكم' often implies a more powerful, sometimes external control, like 'يتحكم في البلد' (controls the country). In contrast, 'يضبط' is more about technical or self-imposed regulation. It is the difference between 'ruling' something and 'calibrating' something.

يضبط vs. ينظم: Precision/Setting (يضبط) vs. System/Organization (ينظم).
يضبط vs. يتحكم: Technical Regulation (يضبط) vs. Power/Dominance (يتحكم).
يضبط vs. يعدل: Setting to a standard (يضبط) vs. Modifying/Amending (يعدل).

هو يتحكم في الجهاز عن بعد، لكنه لا يعرف كيف يضبط إعداداته.
He controls the device remotely, but he doesn't know how to adjust its settings.

Then there is يعدل (Yu'addilu - to adjust/modify). This verb is very close to 'يضبط' when talking about settings, but 'يعدل' implies making a change to something that already exists to make it better or more suitable. 'يضبط' is more about reaching the correct, standard point. If your chair is uncomfortable, you 'تعدل' its position. If you want the chair to be at exactly 90 degrees according to a manual, you 'تضبط' it. In legal contexts, 'يقبض على' (Yaqbiḍu 'ala - to arrest) is a synonym for 'يضبط' in the sense of catching a criminal. However, 'يقبض على' is the physical act of arrest, while 'يضبط' often refers to the discovery and apprehension during the act itself.

المهندس يعدل التصميم ليصبح أفضل.
The engineer modifies the design to make it better.

Finally, consider يقنن (Yuqanninu - to codify/legislate). This is a much more formal, legalistic term. While 'يضبط' might describe the day-to-day regulation of traffic, 'يقنن' describes the act of writing the laws that govern that traffic. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the word that fits the exact 'flavor' of the situation. Are you setting a dial? (يضبط). Are you organizing a library? (ينظم). Are you modifying a document? (يعدل). Are you ruling a kingdom? (يتحكم). By placing 'يضبط' within this constellation of verbs, you gain a deeper appreciation for its specific role as the guardian of precision and the enforcer of standards in the Arabic language.

الحكومة تنظم السوق وتضبط الأسعار.
The government organizes the market and regulates the prices.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Informal

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

أنا أضبط المنبه كل يوم.

I set the alarm every day.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

هو يضبط ساعته الآن.

He is setting his watch now.

Present tense, 3rd person masculine singular.

هل تضبط الوقت؟

Do you set the time?

Interrogative sentence.

هي تضبط الراديو.

She sets/tunes the radio.

Present tense, 3rd person feminine singular.

اضبط الساعة من فضلك.

Set the clock, please.

Imperative mood (command).

نحن نضبط الموعد.

We set the appointment.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

أريد أن أضبط هاتفي.

I want to set my phone.

Subjunctive mood after 'أن'.

هذا الوقت مضبوط.

This time is correct/set.

Passive participle used as an adjective.

المعلم يضبط الصف بهدوء.

The teacher controls the class quietly.

Subject-Verb-Object structure.

يجب أن تضبط درجة الحرارة.

You must adjust the temperature.

Modal 'يجب أن' followed by present tense.

الأم تضبط سلوك أطفالها.

The mother regulates her children's behavior.

Genitive construction (Idafa) for 'سلوك أطفالها'.

أضبط التلفاز على القناة الأولى.

I tune the TV to the first channel.

Use of preposition 'على' for tuning.

هو يضبط نفسه عند الغضب.

He controls himself when angry.

Reflexive use with 'نفسه'.

هل ضبطت المنبه للصلاة؟

Did you set the alarm for prayer?

Past tense, 2nd person masculine singular.

نحن نضبط ميزانية البيت.

We are controlling the house budget.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

هذه القهوة مضبوطة جداً.

This coffee is very well-made (perfect sugar).

Idiomatic use of 'مضبوطة'.

الشرطة تضبط اللص في المتجر.

The police catch the thief in the store.

Active voice indicating apprehension.

عليك أن تضبط أعصابك في العمل.

You have to control your nerves at work.

Idiomatic phrase 'تضبط أعصابك'.

المهندس يضبط إعدادات المصنع.

The engineer adjusts the factory settings.

Technical context.

تم ضبط كمية من المخدرات.

A quantity of drugs was seized.

Passive structure with 'تم' + Masdar.

يضبط الكاتب النص بالحركات.

The writer vocalizes the text with diacritics.

Linguistic context.

المدير يضبط سير العمل بدقة.

The manager regulates the workflow precisely.

Abstract regulation.

حاول أن تضبط سرعة السيارة.

Try to control the car's speed.

Imperative 'حاول' + 'أن'.

هذا الجهاز يضبط الضغط تلقائياً.

This device adjusts the pressure automatically.

Adverb 'تلقائياً' (automatically).

ضُبِطَ المتهم متلبساً بالجريمة.

The suspect was caught red-handed with the crime.

Passive voice 'ضُبِطَ' and circumstantial 'متلبساً'.

تعمل الشركة على ضبط الجودة.

The company is working on quality control.

Noun 'ضبط' in a compound term.

يجب ضبط النفس أمام الاستفزاز.

One must exercise self-control in the face of provocation.

Infinitive (Masdar) as a subject.

يضبط القانون العلاقة بين الناس.

The law regulates the relationship between people.

Legal context.

الموسيقي يضبط إيقاع الفرقة.

The musician sets the rhythm of the band.

Metaphorical/Artistic use.

تم ضبط الميزانية لتجنب العجز.

The budget was controlled to avoid a deficit.

Economic context.

يضبط الباحث المتغيرات في التجربة.

The researcher controls the variables in the experiment.

Scientific context.

من الصعب ضبط تدفق المعلومات.

It is difficult to regulate the flow of information.

Modern/Digital context.

يعد ضبط المصطلحات أساس البحث العلمي.

Defining/regulating terminology is the basis of scientific research.

Academic use of 'ضبط'.

تسعى الدولة لضبط الأسواق ومكافحة الاحتكار.

The state seeks to regulate markets and combat monopolies.

Political/Economic context.

يضبط الفقيه الأحكام بناءً على الأدلة.

The jurist regulates rulings based on evidence.

Religious/Legal context.

إن ضبط الانفعالات يتطلب تدريباً طويلاً.

Regulating emotions requires long training.

Psychological context.

تم ضبط الحدود لمنع التسلل.

The borders were secured to prevent infiltration.

Security context.

يضبط الناقد الأدبي معايير الجمال.

The literary critic sets the standards of beauty.

Abstract/Artistic context.

لا يمكن ضبط مسار التاريخ بسهولة.

The course of history cannot be easily controlled.

Philosophical context.

يضبط النظام الجديد آليات التوظيف.

The new system regulates recruitment mechanisms.

Administrative context.

يتجلى إعجاز القرآن في ضبط ألفاظه ومعانيه.

The inimitability of the Quran is evident in the precision of its words and meanings.

Theological/Linguistic context.

إن الضبط والربط هما ركيزتا العمل العسكري.

Discipline and order are the two pillars of military work.

Idiomatic pair 'الضبط والربط'.

يصعب ضبط الظواهر الاجتماعية في قوانين ثابتة.

It is difficult to confine social phenomena within fixed laws.

Sociological context.

قام المحقق بضبط زوايا الرؤية في القضية.

The investigator adjusted the perspectives in the case.

Metaphorical use for 'perspectives'.

يضبط الفيلسوف مفاهيمه قبل البدء في الجدل.

The philosopher defines his concepts before starting the debate.

Philosophical precision.

تعتمد الحوكمة الرشيدة على ضبط السلطات.

Good governance depends on the regulation of powers.

Political theory.

تم ضبط إيقاع القصيدة بدقة متناهية.

The rhythm of the poem was set with extreme precision.

Literary/Prosodic context.

يضبط العقل الغرائز البشرية ويرتقي بها.

The mind regulates human instincts and elevates them.

Existential/Psychological context.

Common Collocations

يضبط المنبه

يضبط الوقت

يضبط النفس

يضبط الأعصاب

يضبط الجودة

يضبط الميزانية

يضبط الإعدادات

يضبط اللص

يضبط النص

يضبط الإيقاع

Common Phrases

ضُبِطَ متلبساً

ضبط النفس

ضبط الجودة

بكل ضبط وإتقان

ضبط المصنع

ضبط الزوايا

ضبط المسار

ضبط النغمة

ضبط المصطلحات

ضبط المواعيد

Often Confused With

يضبط vs ينظم

Organization of a system vs. precision of a setting.

يضبط vs يمسك

Physical catching vs. legal apprehension.

يضبط vs يعدل

Modifying for improvement vs. setting to a standard.

Idioms & Expressions

"يضبط أعصابه"

— To keep one's cool / control one's temper.

"ضُبِطَ متلبساً"

— Caught red-handed.

"بالضبط"

— Exactly / Precisely.

"ضبط النفس"

— Self-restraint / Self-discipline.

"على الضبط"

— On the dot / Exactly on time.

"ضبط الإيقاع"

— To set the pace or tone.

"غير مضبوط"

— Inaccurate or out of control.

"ضبط المصنع"

— Factory settings (often used for starting over).

"ضبط وربط"

— Strict discipline and order.

"مضبوط تماماً"

— Perfectly accurate.

Easily Confused

يضبط vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuance

It implies a movement toward a specific, correct point, not just any change.

frequency

High in news, tech, and formal education.

Common Mistakes

Using it for catching a ball (use يمسك).
Confusing it with 'ينظم' (organize).
Forgetting the preposition 'على' when tuning a device.
Mispronouncing the 'Ḍ' as a 'D'.
Using the active voice when the passive 'ضُبِطَ' is more appropriate in news.

Tips

Direct Object

Always remember that 'يضبط' usually needs an object. You are always setting or catching *something*.

Root Power

Learn the root Ḍ-B-Ṭ to unlock words like 'ضابط' (officer) and 'انضباط' (discipline).

Dialect Check

In many dialects, 'مضبوط' is the most common way to say 'Correct!'.

News Style

Use 'تم ضبط' for a professional, journalistic tone when reporting seizures.

Coffee Order

Use 'مضبوطة' when you want your coffee not too sweet and not too bitter.

Tech Terms

Look for this word in the 'Settings' menu of any Arabic app.

The 'Control' Key

Think of 'يضبط' as the 'Control' key on a keyboard.

Heavy Ḍ

Make sure the 'Ḍ' (ض) is deep and resonant, not like a light English 'D'.

Precision

Use it when you want to emphasize that something is 'just right'.

Self-Control

Compliment someone by saying they have 'ضبط نفس' (great self-control).

Memorize It

Word Origin

Arabic root Ḍ-B-Ṭ

Cultural Context

The term 'ضابط' (officer) comes from this root, as they are the regulators of law.

The science of 'Dabt' in Tajweed ensures the correct pronunciation of the Quran.

When ordering coffee, 'مضبوط' means medium sugar.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"كيف تضبط وقتك في رمضان؟"

"هل تضبط المنبه على هاتفك أم ساعة عادية؟"

"كيف تضبط أعصابك عندما تكون غاضباً؟"

"هل تعرف كيف تضبط إعدادات هذا التطبيق؟"

"ما رأيك في ضبط الأسعار من قبل الحكومة؟"

Journal Prompts

اكتب عن يوم حاولت فيه ضبط جدولك المزدحم.

صف شعورك عندما تضبط شخصاً يكذب عليك.

لماذا يعد ضبط النفس مهماً في حياتنا؟

تحدث عن جهاز تقني تجد صعوبة في ضبطه.

كيف تضبط ميزانيتك الشهرية؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it has many meanings including catching a criminal, controlling emotions, and vocalizing text.

'يضبط' is about precision and standards, while 'يتحكم' is about power and dominance.

You say 'بالضبط' (Bi-ḍ-ḍabṭ).

No, 'يمسك' is better for physical objects like balls.

It means self-control or self-discipline.

It is used in both, but it is the standard word in formal news and technical contexts.

It is coffee with a medium, balanced amount of sugar.

The past tense is 'ضَبَطَ' (Ḍabaṭa).

The noun (Masdar) is 'ضبط' (Ḍabṭ).

Yes, 'ضبط النص' means to edit and vocalize a text for accuracy.