At the A1 level, you should learn 'yuqaddir' primarily as a way to say 'to appreciate' in simple thank-you contexts. It is a slightly more advanced way of showing gratitude than just saying 'shukran'. You might use it in a phrase like 'I appreciate your help'. At this stage, focus on the present tense 'uqaddir' (I appreciate). You don't need to worry about the 'estimation' meaning yet. Just remember that it is a 'nice' word to use when someone does something for you. Think of it as a tool for politeness. It helps you sound more polite and educated even with a limited vocabulary. Try to recognize the sound of the word when others say it to you in response to a favor. It is one of those 'magic' words that opens doors in social interactions.
At the A2 level, you begin to see the dual nature of 'yuqaddir'. You use it to 'appreciate' (like valuing a person's work) and also to 'estimate' simple things like time or price. You should be able to conjugate it in the past (qaddara) and present (yuqaddir). You will start to see it in short news clips or simple stories. For example, 'The teacher appreciates the student' or 'I estimate the price is ten riyals'. You should also be aware of the noun form 'taqdeer' (appreciation/estimation/grade). In many Arab schools, 'Taqdeer' is the word used for your final grade or evaluation. This level requires you to distinguish between 'yuqaddir' (to estimate) and 'yaqdir' (to be able), which is a common point of confusion for beginners.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'yuqaddir' in professional and academic settings. You can use it to talk about project timelines, budget estimations, and assessing situations. You will encounter the passive voice 'yuqaddar bi' (is estimated at) frequently in news reports. You should also understand how it relates to the concept of 'Qadar' (fate) in cultural and religious contexts. You can start using it to express more complex emotions, such as 'appreciating the circumstances' someone is going through. This level involves mastering the prepositions that follow the verb, especially using 'bi-' for numerical estimations. You should be able to write a short paragraph explaining why you appreciate a certain person or how you estimated a specific cost for a task.
At the B2 level, you use 'yuqaddir' to discuss abstract concepts and nuanced evaluations. You might use it in a debate to 'assess' the validity of an argument. You will recognize it in literature where it might describe how a character 'estimates' their chances of success. You are expected to use the word with various subjects and in complex sentence structures, such as 'It was estimated that the impact would be...' (Kāna min al-muqaddar anna...). You also begin to use related forms like 'muqaddir' (appreciative) and 'muqaddar' (destined/estimated) as adjectives. Your understanding of the word now includes its role in idioms and more formal diplomatic language. You can distinguish it from synonyms like 'yuthammin' (to value highly) or 'yuqayyim' (to evaluate) based on the specific context.
At the C1 level, you have a deep mastery of 'yuqaddir' and its philosophical implications. You can use it to discuss the 'estimation' of risks in high-level financial contexts or the 'appreciation' of fine art and literature. You understand the subtle difference between 'taqdeer' as an administrative grade and 'taqdeer' as a moral virtue. You can use the verb in rhetorical ways, such as 'Who can estimate the depth of this tragedy?'. You are familiar with its usage in classical texts and how the meaning has evolved into Modern Standard Arabic. You can seamlessly switch between the technical meaning (statistical estimation) and the emotional meaning (profound appreciation) without hesitation. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker's in terms of placement and collocations.
At the C2 level, 'yuqaddir' is a tool for precision and elegance in your speech and writing. You use it to navigate the most complex social hierarchies, knowing exactly when 'taqdeer' is required to maintain 'maqaam' (status). You can analyze the etymological roots of the word and its connection to Islamic theology (Al-Qada' wa al-Qadar). You use the verb in sophisticated legal, philosophical, or scientific discourse where 'estimation' is not just a guess but a calculated methodology. You can appreciate the word's use in high poetry where it might signify the divine measurement of the soul. At this level, you also understand the dialectal variations across the Arab world and how they subtly shift the weight of the word in conversation. You are a master of the 'shadda' and the nuance it brings.

يقدّر in 30 Seconds

  • Used for both 'appreciating' people and 'estimating' values.
  • A Form II verb (shadda on the middle letter) derived from the root Q-D-R.
  • Essential for professional reports and polite social interactions.
  • Often used in the passive voice 'yuqaddar' for statistics.

The Arabic verb يقدّر (yuqaddir) is a versatile and essential term that sits at the intersection of emotional intelligence and technical precision. Derived from the root q-d-r, which relates to power, destiny, and measurement, this Form II verb carries a causative or intensive weight. In a social context, it translates to 'to appreciate' or 'to value' someone's efforts or presence. In a technical or mathematical context, it means 'to estimate', 'to assess', or 'to calculate' a value. Understanding this word requires recognizing that in Arabic thought, to 'measure' something accurately is a form of giving it its due respect. When you appreciate a friend, you are essentially 'measuring' their worth and acknowledging it. This dual meaning makes it a favorite in both professional project management and heartfelt personal letters. It is used daily to express gratitude and to discuss logistical expectations.

Social Appreciation
Used when acknowledging the kindness or hard work of others. It goes beyond a simple 'thank you' to signify deep recognition of value.
Technical Estimation
Common in business and science to provide approximate figures, costs, or timeframes where exact data is not yet available.
Moral Judgment
To judge a situation or a person's character, implying a thoughtful evaluation of their circumstances.

أنا أقدّر كل ما فعلته من أجلي اليوم.

Translation: I appreciate everything you have done for me today.

The word is deeply rooted in the concept of Qadar (fate/measure). When we use يقدّر, we are actively participating in the process of defining the scope of something. In the Gulf dialects, you might hear it used to describe the hospitality of a host who 'estimates' the status of their guest by providing generous food. In formal Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), it is the standard verb for budgetary estimations. The verb follows the pattern fa''ala, which implies a deliberate action. You don't just happen to appreciate; you actively perform the act of valuation. This distinction is vital for learners who want to sound more intentional in their speech. Whether you are a manager estimating a project's cost or a student thanking a teacher, this verb bridges the gap between the heart and the mind.

المهندس يقدّر تكلفة البناء بمليون دولار.

Translation: The engineer estimates the construction cost at one million dollars.

Using يقدّر correctly requires an understanding of its transitive nature. It usually takes a direct object—the thing or person being valued. However, when used to mean 'estimate at', it is often followed by the preposition بـ (bi-) to indicate the value or amount. For example, 'estimated at five hours' would be yuqaddaru bi-khams sa'at. In its passive form, yuqaddar (it is estimated), it is a staple of news reporting and academic writing. Learners should practice the conjugation carefully, as the presence of the shadda changes the vowel patterns compared to simpler verbs. In everyday conversation, the active participle muqaddir (appreciative) is less common than the verb itself.

Direct Object Usage
Verbing the object directly: 'He appreciates the teacher' -> 'Yuqaddir al-mu'allim'. No preposition needed for 'appreciation'.
Prepositional Usage
When estimating numerical values, use 'bi-': 'He estimates the distance at 10km' -> 'Yuqaddir al-masafa bi-ashara km'.

نحن نقدّر جهودكم العظيمة في هذا المشروع.

Translation: We appreciate your great efforts in this project.

When speaking to someone directly to show gratitude, you might say 'Uqaddir laka dhalik' (I appreciate that for you/from you). This adds a layer of formal politeness that is highly respected in Arab culture. In professional settings, using this verb shows that you are a person of discernment and 'taqdeer' (estimation/respect). It is also frequently used in the context of time management, such as 'I estimate we need two more days'. The flexibility of this verb across different registers—from the street to the boardroom—makes it a high-frequency target for A2 and B1 learners. Mastering it allows for more nuanced expressions of both logic and emotion.

لا يمكنني أن أقدّر الوقت الكافي لإنهاء المهمة.

Translation: I cannot estimate the time sufficient to finish the task.

You will encounter يقدّر in a variety of real-world scenarios. On Al Jazeera or BBC Arabic news, journalists often use the passive form يُقدّر (yuqaddar) when discussing casualty counts, economic losses, or the number of protesters. For instance, 'The number of attendees is estimated at five thousand.' In a business meeting in Dubai or Riyadh, a manager might ask you to 'estimate the budget' (taqdeer al-mizaniyya). Socially, if you help an Arabic-speaking friend with a difficult task, they might respond with 'Ana uqaddir dhalik jiddan' (I really appreciate that), which sounds more profound than a simple 'shukran'. It signals that they recognize the weight of your favor.

News & Media
Reporting statistics: 'The losses are estimated at millions.'
Professional Environment
Project planning: 'We need to estimate the risks before starting.'

يُقدّر عدد السياح هذا العام بمليوني شخص.

Translation: The number of tourists this year is estimated at two million people.

In literature and poetry, يقدّر is used to discuss the divine estimation or fate. The Quran uses variations of this root to describe how the universe is measured and designed with purpose. In modern self-help or psychology books in Arabic, you will see it in the context of 'self-esteem' (taqdeer al-dhat). Hearing this word in a movie or TV show often happens during a moment of reconciliation or professional evaluation. It is a word that carries 'wazn' (weight). When someone uses it, they are being serious and thoughtful. For a learner, hearing the shadda on the 'dal' is the key audio cue to distinguish it from other related words like 'qadara' (he was able) or 'qadara' (he decreed).

The most frequent mistake learners make with يقدّر is confusing it with its Form I cousin, يقدر (yaqdir). While they share the same root, yaqdir means 'to be able to' (can), whereas yuqaddir means 'to estimate/appreciate'. The difference is entirely in the 'shadda' (the doubling of the 'd' sound) and the vowels. Saying 'I can do this' using uqaddir would actually mean 'I estimate/appreciate this', which would confuse your listener. Another common error is using the wrong preposition. Remember that for 'appreciation', you don't need a preposition, but for 'estimation of a value', you almost always need bi-.

Confusion with 'Can'
Mistake: 'Ana uqaddir amshi' (I appreciate walking?) instead of 'Ana aqdir amshi' (I can walk).
Missing Preposition
Mistake: 'Yuqaddir al-thaman khamsa' instead of 'Yuqaddir al-thaman bi-khamsa'.

Furthermore, learners often struggle with the passive voice yuqaddar. In English, we say 'It is estimated that...', but in Arabic, we often say 'Yuqaddar bi...' or 'Min al-muqaddar an...'. Misplacing the emphasis on the vowels can also change the meaning to 'fate' or 'destiny' (qadar). Ensure that the 'u' sound at the beginning (yu-) is clear, as this identifies it as a Form II present tense verb. Finally, avoid using yuqaddir for purely physical measurements like height or weight where yaqees (to measure) might be more appropriate. Yuqaddir implies an element of judgment or approximation, not just reading a scale.

Arabic is rich with synonyms that vary based on the specific nuance of 'valuing' or 'calculating'. If your goal is to express pure respect, يحترم (yahtarim) is often a better choice. While yuqaddir means you value their work, yahtarim means you respect their person. If you are calculating something precisely, يحسب (yahsub) or يقيس (yaqees) are more accurate. Yahsub is for mathematical calculation, while yaqees is for physical measurement with a tool. For evaluation in a formal sense (like a performance review), use يقيّم (yuqayyim).

يقيّم (Yuqayyim)
Used for evaluating quality or performance. Think 'appraisal'.
يحترم (Yahtarim)
Standard word for 'to respect'. Focuses on the status or character of a person.
يثمّن (Yuthammin)
Literally 'to put a price on'. Used for highly valuing something precious or rare.

In the context of 'guessing' or 'assuming', you might use يخمّن (yukhammin). While yuqaddir is based on some evidence or logic, yukhammin is a pure guess. If you want to say you 'consider' someone to be something, يعتبر (ya'tabir) is the correct choice. Understanding these distinctions helps you move from basic communication to eloquent expression. For instance, in a business report, you would yuqaddir the costs but yuqayyim the results. In a thank-you note, you would yuqaddir the effort and yahtarim the person. Choosing the right word demonstrates a high level of linguistic competence.

هو لا يحترم أحداً، لكنه يقدّر المال فقط.

Translation: He respects no one, but he only values money.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word for 'pot' in Arabic is 'qidr' (قدر), from the same root, because it has a specific measured capacity!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /juːˈkæd.dɪər/
US /juːˈkæd.dər/
The stress is on the second syllable (qad).
Rhymes With
Mudabbir Musakhkhir Mufakkir Munawwir Mu'aththir Mushammir Mukabbir Musawwir
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing it as 'yaqdir' (failing to double the 'd' and using the wrong prefix vowel).
  • Using a soft English 'q' (k) instead of the deep Arabic 'qaf'.
  • Omitting the 'shadda' which changes the meaning to 'to be able'.
  • Pronouncing the final 'r' as a soft 'w' sound.
  • Confusing the 'u' prefix (present tense Form II) with 'a' (present tense Form I).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to read but requires identifying the shadda to distinguish from other words.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct spelling of the 'qaf' and 'dal'.

Speaking 5/5

Challenging to pronounce the shadda correctly in the flow of a sentence.

Listening 4/5

Must distinguish between 'yaqdir' and 'yuqaddir' by ear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

شكر عرف قال وقت مال

Learn Next

يقيّم يثمّن يحترم يحسب يقيس

Advanced

استحقاق جدارة معيار إحصاء تنبؤ

Grammar to Know

Form II Verbs (Fa''ala)

يقدّر follow the pattern of doubling the middle root letter for intensive meaning.

Passive Voice in Present Tense

Change 'yuqaddir' to 'yuqaddar' (it is estimated) by changing the vowel on the second to last letter.

Transitive Verbs

يقدّر takes a direct object (e.g., يقدّر المعلم الطالب).

Preposition 'Bi-' with Numbers

When estimating a specific value, use 'bi-' (e.g., يقدّر بمائة).

Masdar (Verbal Noun)

The verbal noun of 'yuqaddir' is 'taqdeer'.

Examples by Level

1

أنا أقدّر مساعدتك.

I appreciate your help.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

2

أمي تقدّر الورد.

My mother appreciates flowers.

Present tense, 3rd person feminine singular.

3

هل تقدّر عملي؟

Do you appreciate my work?

Interrogative sentence.

4

نحن نقدّر الطعام الجيد.

We appreciate good food.

1st person plural.

5

هو يقدّر صديقه.

He appreciates his friend.

3rd person masculine singular.

6

أنا أقدّر وقتك.

I appreciate your time.

Common polite phrase.

7

المعلم يقدّر الطلاب.

The teacher appreciates the students.

Subject-Verb-Object.

8

هي تقدّر الهدية.

She appreciates the gift.

Direct object 'al-hadiyya'.

1

يقدّر المهندس تكلفة البيت.

The engineer estimates the cost of the house.

Verb meaning 'estimate' here.

2

كم تقدّر المسافة إلى مكة؟

How much do you estimate the distance to Mecca?

Using 'kam' for estimation.

3

قَدّرَ المدير مجهود الموظف.

The manager appreciated the employee's effort.

Past tense 'qaddara'.

4

نحن نقدّر أن الرحلة ستستغرق ساعة.

We estimate that the trip will take an hour.

Followed by a clause starting with 'anna'.

5

يقدّر ثمن السيارة بألف دولار.

The price of the car is estimated at a thousand dollars.

Passive voice 'yuqaddar'.

6

عليك أن تقدّر قيمة المال.

You have to appreciate/estimate the value of money.

Modal 'alayka an' + subjunctive.

7

هو يقدّر الوقت جيداً.

He values/estimates time well.

Adverb 'jayyidan'.

8

الطبيب يقدّر حالة المريض.

The doctor assesses/estimates the patient's condition.

Context of medical assessment.

1

يُقدّر الخبراء أن الاقتصاد سينمو.

Experts estimate that the economy will grow.

Passive voice 'yuqaddar' with experts as perceived agents.

2

أنا أقدّر لك صراحتك في هذا الموضوع.

I appreciate your honesty in this matter.

Using 'laka' for personal appreciation.

3

يجب علينا تقدير المخاطر قبل البدء.

We must estimate the risks before starting.

Masdar 'taqdeer' used as a noun.

4

يُقدّر عدد السكان بعشرة ملايين.

The population is estimated at ten million.

Passive voice with 'bi-' preposition.

5

لم يقدّر أحد حجم المشكلة في البداية.

No one estimated the size of the problem at the beginning.

Negation with 'lam' + jussive.

6

تقدّر الشركة ولاء عملائها.

The company appreciates its customers' loyalty.

Corporate context.

7

كيف تقدّر نجاح هذا المشروع؟

How do you evaluate/estimate the success of this project?

Abstract estimation.

8

أقدّر فيك شجاعتك الدائمة.

I appreciate in you your constant courage.

Idiomatic 'uqaddir feeka'.

1

يُقدّر العلماء عمر الأرض بمليارات السنين.

Scientists estimate the age of the Earth at billions of years.

Scientific estimation.

2

من الصعب تقدير الخسائر النفسية للحرب.

It is difficult to estimate the psychological losses of war.

Abstract masdar usage.

3

أنا أقدّر الظروف الصعبة التي تمر بها.

I appreciate the difficult circumstances you are going through.

Empathy and social support.

4

قُدّرت ميزانية الفيلم بملايين الدولارات.

The movie's budget was estimated at millions of dollars.

Past passive 'quddirat'.

5

لا يقدّر قيمة الصحة إلا المرضى.

No one appreciates the value of health except the sick.

Negative restriction 'la... illa'.

6

يقدّر المفكرون دور الثقافة في المجتمع.

Thinkers appreciate the role of culture in society.

Intellectual context.

7

هل يمكنك تقدير كمية الوقود المطلوبة؟

Can you estimate the amount of fuel required?

Technical query.

8

أقدّر عالياً جهودكم في نشر السلام.

I highly appreciate your efforts in spreading peace.

Adverbial 'aliyan' (highly).

1

يُقدّر أن الفجوة الطبقية ستتسع في المستقبل.

It is estimated that the class gap will widen in the future.

Sociological estimation.

2

عليك أن تقدّر عواقب أفعالك قبل فوات الأوان.

You must estimate the consequences of your actions before it is too late.

Moral foresight.

3

يقدّر الناقد الأدبي جماليات النص.

The literary critic appreciates the aesthetics of the text.

Literary analysis context.

4

قُدّر لي أن ألتقي بك في هذا المكان.

It was destined for me to meet you in this place.

Passive usage relating to fate/destiny.

5

لا يمكن تقدير مدى تأثيره على الجيل القادم.

The extent of his influence on the next generation cannot be estimated.

Incalculable impact.

6

أقدّر لك سعة صدرك وتحملك للمسؤولية.

I appreciate your magnanimity and your shouldering of responsibility.

High-level social praise.

7

يقدّر الفلكيون المسافات بين المجرات بالسنين الضوئية.

Astronomers estimate the distances between galaxies in light-years.

Scientific precision.

8

إن تقدير الذات هو مفتاح النجاح الشخصي.

Self-esteem is the key to personal success.

Psychological term 'taqdeer al-dhat'.

1

يقدّر الفيلسوف أن الوجود يسبق الماهية.

The philosopher estimates/posits that existence precedes essence.

Philosophical postulation.

2

قُدّرت التكلفة الإجمالية للمشروع بما يفوق التوقعات.

The total cost of the project was estimated at more than expected.

Complex passive structure.

3

إنني أقدّر فيكم هذا النبل والترفع عن الصغائر.

I appreciate in you this nobility and rising above trivialities.

Highly formal/classical register.

4

يُقدّر أن التغير المناخي سيؤدي إلى كوارث بيئية.

It is estimated that climate change will lead to environmental disasters.

Global scientific discourse.

5

لا يستطيع أحد أن يقدّر حجم التضحية التي قدمتها.

No one can estimate the scale of the sacrifice you made.

Emotional depth.

6

يقدّر القاضي العقوبة بناءً على حيثيات القضية.

The judge determines/estimates the penalty based on the merits of the case.

Legal determination.

7

أقدّر لك هذه الالتفاتة الكريمة في هذا الوقت العصيب.

I appreciate this kind gesture of yours during this difficult time.

Nuanced social gratitude.

8

يقدّر المؤرخون أن الحضارة بدأت في بلاد الرافدين.

Historians estimate that civilization began in Mesopotamia.

Historical estimation.

Common Collocations

يقدّر التكلفة
يقدّر الوقت
يُقدّر بـ
يقدّر الجهود
يقدّر المسافة
يقدّر الموقف
يقدّر عالياً
تقدير الذات
سوء تقدير
يقدّر المخاطر

Common Phrases

أنا أقدّر ذلك

— I appreciate that. Used to show gratitude.

شكراً لمساعدتي، أنا أقدّر ذلك.

كما هو مُقدّر

— As estimated. Used in reports.

سير العمل يسير كما هو مقدر.

يُقدّر عدد الـ...

— The number of ... is estimated. Standard news opening.

يُقدّر عدد الحضور بألف.

تقدير واحترام

— Appreciation and respect. Common closing in letters.

مع خالص التقدير والاحترام.

بقدر الإمكان

— As much as possible. Related root usage.

سأحاول المساعدة بقدر الإمكان.

على أقل تقدير

— At the very least.

سيستغرق الأمر أسبوعاً على أقل تقدير.

في تقديري

— In my estimation / In my opinion.

في تقديري، الخطة ناجحة.

تقدير ممتاز

— Excellent grade/rating.

حصلت على تقدير ممتاز في الامتحان.

عدم تقدير

— Lack of appreciation.

أشعر بعدم تقدير لجهودي.

يقدّر بثمن

— Worth a price (usually used in 'la yuqaddar bi-thaman' - priceless).

هذه اللوحة لا تقدّر بثمن.

Often Confused With

يقدّر vs يقدر (yaqdir)

Means 'to be able to'. Lacks the shadda and has different vowels.

يقدّر vs يقرر (yuqarrir)

Means 'to decide'. Often sounds similar to beginners.

يقدّر vs يقدّم (yuqaddim)

Means 'to present' or 'to offer'. Also a Form II verb.

Idioms & Expressions

"لا يُقدّر بثمن"

— Priceless. Used for things of immense value.

الصداقة الحقيقية لا تقدر بثمن.

General
"يضع في تقديره"

— To take into consideration.

عليك أن تضع في تقديرك كل الاحتمالات.

Formal
"يقدّر الأمور حق قدرها"

— To give matters their due importance.

الحكيم هو من يقدّر الأمور حق قدرها.

Literary
"سوء تقدير للموقف"

— Misjudgment of the situation.

ما حدث كان نتيجة سوء تقدير للموقف.

Formal
"يقدّر لكل ذي حق حقه"

— To give everyone their due credit.

المدير العادل يقدّر لكل ذي حق حقه.

Formal
"بقدر معلوم"

— In a known/fixed measure.

كل شيء في الكون يسير بقدر معلوم.

Religious/Literary
"يقدّر الموقف"

— To read the room / assess the situation.

عليك أن تقدّر الموقف قبل أن تتكلم.

Neutral
"على أبعد تقدير"

— At the very latest.

سأعود غداً على أبعد تقدير.

Neutral
"ألف حساب وتقدير"

— Great consideration (literally: a thousand calculations).

نحن نضع لهذا الأمر ألف حساب وتقدير.

Idiomatic
"بقدر ما"

— As much as / To the extent that.

أحبك بقدر ما تحبني.

Neutral

Easily Confused

يقدّر vs يقدر (yaqdir)

Same root letters.

Yaqdir is Form I (can), Yuqaddir is Form II (estimate).

أنا أقدر أن أمشي (I can walk) vs أنا أقدّر مشيك (I appreciate your walking).

يقدّر vs يقيّم (yuqayyim)

Similar meaning (evaluate).

Yuqayyim is more about quality/appraisal, Yuqaddir is more about value/quantity.

يقيّم المعلم الطالب (The teacher evaluates the student).

يقدّر vs يحسب (yahsub)

Both involve numbers.

Yahsub is exact calculation, Yuqaddir is approximation.

يحسب المحاسب الأرقام (The accountant calculates the numbers).

يقدّر vs يقيس (yaqees)

Both involve measurement.

Yaqees is physical measurement with tools, Yuqaddir is mental estimation.

يقيس الخياط القماش (The tailor measures the cloth).

يقدّر vs يخمّن (yukhammin)

Both involve guessing.

Yukhammin is a blind guess, Yuqaddir is an evidence-based estimate.

خمّن ما في يدي (Guess what is in my hand).

Sentence Patterns

A1

أنا أقدّر [Noun]

أنا أقدّر المساعدة.

A2

هو يقدّر [Noun] بـ [Number]

هو يقدّر الثمن بعشرة.

B1

يُقدّر أن [Sentence]

يُقدّر أن المطر سيسقط.

B2

من الصعب تقدير [Noun]

من الصعب تقدير النتائج.

C1

أقدّر لك [Noun]

أقدّر لك صبرك.

C2

قُدّر لـ [Person] أن [Verb]

قُدّر لي أن أنجح.

B1

في تقديري الشخصي...

في تقديري الشخصي، هذا خطأ.

A2

يجب أن تقدّر [Noun]

يجب أن تقدّر النعمة.

Word Family

Nouns

تقدير (Taqdeer) - Appreciation/Estimation
قدر (Qadar) - Fate/Destiny
مقدار (Miqdar) - Amount/Quantity
قدرة (Qudra) - Ability
قيمة (Qeema) - Value

Verbs

قدر (Qadara) - To be able
تقدر (Taqaddara) - To be estimated/decreed
استقدر (Istaqdara) - To seek power/ability

Adjectives

مقدّر (Muqaddir) - Appreciative
مقدّر (Muqaddar) - Estimated/Destined
قدير (Qadeer) - Powerful/Capable

Related

قوة
حساب
قياس
ثمن
احترام

How to Use It

frequency

Highly frequent in both spoken and written Arabic.

Common Mistakes
  • أنا أقدر مساعدتك (Ana aqdir...) أنا أقدّر مساعدتك (Ana uqaddir...)

    The first one means 'I can help you' or is grammatically incomplete. The second means 'I appreciate your help'.

  • يقدّر الثمن مائة دولار يقدّر الثمن بـمائة دولار

    You must use the preposition 'bi-' when stating the estimated value.

  • Using 'yuqaddir' for physical length. Using 'yaqees' for physical length.

    Use 'yuqaddir' for mental estimation, 'yaqees' for using a ruler or tape measure.

  • Confusing 'taqdeer' with 'taqreer'. Taqdeer is estimation; Taqreer is a report.

    They sound similar but have very different functions in an office.

  • Pronouncing 'yuqaddir' as 'yukaddir'. Pronounce the 'qaf' from the throat.

    Using a 'kaf' (k) sound is a common non-native error.

Tips

Master the Shadda

The shadda on the 'dal' is not optional. It defines the verb's meaning and form. Practice the 'double-tap' sound.

Beyond Shukran

Use 'أنا أقدّر مجهودك' (I appreciate your effort) to show deeper gratitude than a simple 'thank you'.

Learn the Root

Knowing the root Q-D-R helps you understand related words like 'Qudra' (ability) and 'Qadar' (fate).

News Context

When you hear 'yuqaddar' on the news, get ready to hear a number or a statistic right after.

Passive Voice

Use the passive 'يُقدّر' (yuqaddar) in reports to sound more objective and professional.

Intonation

When expressing appreciation, use a warm tone. When estimating, use a more analytical, flat tone.

Hospitality

Remember that 'taqdeer' is linked to how you treat guests. It's a key part of Arab identity.

Academic Grades

If you study in an Arabic university, your grade will be called a 'Taqdeer'.

Project Management

Use this verb when discussing 'milestones' and 'budgets' in Arabic business meetings.

Look for 'bi-'

A quick tip: if you see 'bi-' after the verb, it's almost certainly the 'estimate' meaning.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'QUantity' that you 'ADD' value to. Q-ADD-IR. You are adding value by estimating or appreciating.

Visual Association

Imagine a person holding a scale (estimating) in one hand and a trophy (appreciating) in the other.

Word Web

Estimation Appreciation Value Fate Ability Measure Respect Calculate

Challenge

Try to use 'yuqaddir' in three different ways today: once for a price, once for a friend's help, and once for a period of time.

Word Origin

From the Semitic root Q-D-R, which fundamentally means 'to measure' or 'to have power over'. This root is shared with Hebrew 'qadar'.

Original meaning: The original meaning involved physical measurement and the capacity or power to do something based on that measurement.

Afroasiatic -> Semitic -> Central Semitic -> Arabic.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using it for people; always ensure the context is positive to avoid sounding like you are 'calculating' them for profit.

In English, we use two different words (Appreciate/Estimate), but Arabic combines them into one concept of 'assigning value'.

The concept of 'Al-Qadar' in the Quran. Modern Arabic songs often use 'Ma bit-qaddir' (You don't appreciate). Academic transcripts in the Middle East.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Work

  • يقدّر الميزانية
  • يقدّر الوقت
  • يقدّر الجهود
  • تقدير سنوي

Social Events

  • أقدّر حضوركم
  • أقدّر دعوتكم
  • تقدير المضيف
  • كلام تقدير

Academic

  • تقدير ممتاز
  • يقدّر الباحث
  • تقدير النتائج
  • شهادة تقدير

News

  • يُقدّر عدد الضحايا
  • يُقدّر حجم الدمار
  • يُقدّر النمو
  • تقديرات أولية

Personal Feelings

  • أنا أقدّر صراحتك
  • أنت لا تقدّرني
  • تقدير الذات
  • أقدّر تضحيتك

Conversation Starters

"كيف تقدّر نجاح الشخص في حياته؟ (How do you estimate a person's success in life?)"

"هل تقدّر العمل في فريق أكثر من العمل الفردي؟ (Do you appreciate team work more than individual work?)"

"كم تقدّر الوقت الذي تحتاجه لتعلم العربية؟ (How much do you estimate the time you need to learn Arabic?)"

"هل تشعر أن الناس يقدّرون مجهودك؟ (Do you feel that people appreciate your effort?)"

"ما هو الشيء الذي لا يقدّر بثمن بالنسبة لك؟ (What is the thing that is priceless to you?)"

Journal Prompts

اكتب عن شخص تقدّره كثيراً في حياتك ولماذا. (Write about someone you appreciate a lot in your life and why.)

قدّر إنجازاتك في العام الماضي. (Estimate/Assess your achievements in the past year.)

هل تعتقد أن المال هو أهم مقياس لتقدير النجاح؟ (Do you think money is the most important measure to estimate success?)

تحدث عن موقف شعرت فيه بعدم التقدير. (Talk about a situation where you felt unappreciated.)

كيف تقدّر قيمة الوقت في يومك المزدحم؟ (How do you value/estimate the value of time in your busy day?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it also means 'to estimate' or 'to assess' a value or quantity. The context determines the meaning.

'Yaqdir' means 'he can' or 'he is able to'. 'Yuqaddir' means 'he estimates' or 'he appreciates'. The shadda on the 'd' is the key difference.

Yes, it means you value their efforts or their character. It is a very polite and common way to show respect.

Use the preposition 'bi-'. For example: 'Yuqaddir al-thaman bi-mi'a' (He estimates the price at one hundred).

'Taqdeer' is the noun (appreciation/estimation), while 'yuqaddir' is the verb (he appreciates/estimates).

You say 'la yuqaddar bi-thaman' (لا يقدّر بثمن), which literally means 'cannot be estimated with a price'.

Yes, but the pronunciation might change slightly, like 'bi'addir' in Levantine or 'yigaddir' in some Gulf dialects.

It is 'taqdeer al-dhat' (تقدير الذات), using the noun form of the verb.

Yes, 'yuqaddir al-waqt' means to estimate the time or to value/appreciate time.

It is used in all registers, but it sounds particularly professional and polite in formal Modern Standard Arabic.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'yuqaddir' to mean 'appreciate'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Write a sentence estimating the cost of a car at 5000 dollars.

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writing

Translate: 'I appreciate your honesty.'

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writing

Use the word 'taqdeer' in a sentence about a student.

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writing

Write a sentence using the passive voice 'yuqaddar'.

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writing

How do you say 'priceless' in a sentence?

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writing

Write a sentence about self-esteem.

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writing

Translate: 'The engineer estimates the time at two days.'

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writing

Use 'uqaddir عالياً' in a formal sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence about misjudgment.

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writing

Translate: 'We appreciate your presence.'

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writing

Estimate the distance between two cities in a sentence.

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writing

Write a short thank you note using 'yuqaddir'.

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writing

Use the past tense 'qaddara' in a sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'Experts estimate that growth will increase.'

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writing

Write a sentence about valuing time.

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writing

Use 'على أقل تقدير' in a sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'I appreciate your patience.'

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writing

Write a sentence about estimating risks.

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writing

Use 'muqaddir' (appreciative) in a sentence.

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speaking

Say 'I appreciate your help' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The price is estimated at 10 dollars'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I appreciate your honesty'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'We appreciate your efforts'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'How much do you estimate the distance?'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I highly appreciate that'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Self-esteem is important'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'It is estimated that it will rain'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I appreciate your time'.

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speaking

Say 'At the very least, one hour'.

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speaking

Say 'The doctor assesses the condition'.

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speaking

Say 'I appreciate your courage'.

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speaking

Say 'Don't underestimate the problem'.

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speaking

Say 'He does not appreciate anyone'.

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speaking

Say 'I appreciate your invitation'.

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speaking

Say 'The company values its employees'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Priceless'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'In my estimation, you are right'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The budget is estimated at a million'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I appreciate your patience with me'.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen to the word: 'يُقدّر' (passive). What does it mean?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'أنا أقدّر ذلك'. What is being expressed?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'يُقدّر الثمن بـ...'. What follows?

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listening

Listen to the difference between 'yaqdir' and 'yuqaddir'. Which one means 'to estimate'?

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listening

Listen to: 'تقدير ممتاز'. What is this about?

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listening

Listen to: 'سوء تقدير'. Is this positive or negative?

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listening

Listen to: 'لا يُقدّر بثمن'. How much does it cost?

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listening

Listen to: 'أقدّر عالياً'. How much appreciation is there?

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listening

Listen to: 'يُقدّر أن...'. What kind of statement follows?

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listening

Listen to: 'تقدير الذات'. What is the topic?

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listening

Listen to: 'نقدّر جهودكم'. Who is being thanked?

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listening

Listen to: 'قُدّر لنا'. What does it imply?

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listening

Listen to: 'يقدّر المهندس'. What is his job here?

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listening

Listen to: 'على أقل تقدير'. What does it mean?

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listening

Listen to: 'أقدّر صراحتك'. What quality is appreciated?

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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