يُقْلِع in 30 Seconds
- Primary meaning: Airplane takes off.
- Secondary meaning: To quit or stop (often with عن).
- Grammar: Feminine subject (plane) uses تُقْلِع.
- Context is key to distinguish meanings.
- Core Meaning
- The Arabic verb يُقْلِع (yuqli') primarily means 'to take off' when referring to aircraft. It signifies the action of an airplane lifting from the ground and beginning its flight. This is the most common and widely understood meaning in modern Arabic.
- Beyond Airplanes
- While less frequent in everyday conversation, يُقْلِع can also metaphorically mean 'to cease,' 'to stop,' or 'to give up' something. This usage is more formal or literary. For instance, one might say someone is 'giving up' a bad habit, though other verbs are more common for this specific nuance in everyday speech.
- Context is Key
- The context in which you encounter يُقْلِع will almost always clarify its meaning. If you are discussing travel, airports, or flying, it invariably refers to an airplane taking off. If the context is about personal habits or stopping an activity, it might carry the secondary meaning of ceasing, but this is less common and often signaled by additional words or phrases.
- Grammatical Form
- يُقْلِع is the third-person masculine singular present tense form of the verb. It belongs to Form VIII (اِفْتَعَلَ - ifta'ala) of Arabic verbs, which often implies an action that is either reflexive, reciprocal, or, as in this case, denotes a specific type of action like 'taking off' or 'ceasing'. The root is ق-ل-ع (q-l-' ).
- Common Scenarios
- You will most commonly hear or read يُقْلِع in news reports about flights, travel announcements at airports, discussions about air travel, or in stories and descriptions involving airplanes. It's a direct and precise verb for this action.
The plane is ready to take off soon. يُقْلِع قريباً.
The pilot announced that the plane will take off in ten minutes. يُقْلِع بعد عشر دقائق.
- Figurative Use Example
- It is difficult for him to stop smoking. من الصعب عليه أن يُقْلِع عن التدخين.
We are waiting for the plane to take off. ننتظر الطائرة أن تُقْلِع.
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- The verb يُقْلِع changes based on the subject. For a male subject, it remains يُقْلِع. For a female subject, it becomes تُقْلِع (tuqli'). For plural subjects, different forms are used depending on gender and number. For example, الطائرات (the planes - feminine plural) would use تُقْلِع (tuqli').
- Prepositions
- When referring to the act of taking off, يُقْلِع typically does not require a preposition before the subject (the plane). However, when used in its secondary meaning of 'to quit' or 'to stop,' it is almost always followed by the preposition عن (an). For instance, 'to quit smoking' is أن يُقْلِع عن التدخين (an yuqli' 'an al-tadkhin).
- Tenses
- The current form يُقْلِع is in the present tense. To talk about past takeoffs, you would use the past tense form أقلَعَ (aqla'a). For example, الطائرة أقلعت (al-ṭā'irah aqla'at - The plane took off). Future tense can be formed by adding سـ (sa-) or سوف (sawfa) before the present tense verb: سَتُقْلِع (satuqli' - It will take off).
- Common Sentence Structures
- 1. Subject (Aircraft) + Verb (يُقْلِع/تُقْلِع) + Time/Location: الطائرة الكبيرة تُقْلِع الآن من المطار. (Al-ṭā'irah al-kabīrah tuqli' al-ān min al-maṭār. - The big plane is taking off now from the airport.)
2. Verb (يُقْلِع/تُقْلِع) + Subject (Aircraft) + Time/Location: يُقْلِعُ الطائرةُ الجديدةُ غداً. (Yuqli'u al-ṭā'irah al-jadīdah ghadan. - The new plane takes off tomorrow.)
3. Pronoun + Verb (يُقْلِع/تُقْلِع) + عن (an) + Object (Activity): هو يريد أن يُقْلِع عن هذه العادة السيئة. (Huwa yurīd an yuqli' 'an hādhihi al-'ādah al-sayyi'ah. - He wants to quit this bad habit.) - Using with Different Pronouns
- * I take off: أقلِع (uqli') - This form is not used for aircraft, but if a person were metaphorically 'taking off' in a sense of leaving quickly.
* You (masc.) take off: تُقْلِع (tuqli')
* You (fem.) take off: تُقْلِع (tuqli')
* He takes off: يُقْلِع (yuqli')
* She takes off: تُقْلِع (tuqli')
* We take off: نُقْلِع (nuqli')
* They (masc.) take off: يُقْلِعُون (yuqli'ūn)
* They (fem.) take off: يُقْلِعْنَ (yuqli'na)
* You (pl.) take off: تُقْلِعُون (tuqli'ūn) / تُقْلِعْنَ (tuqli'na)
The flight is scheduled to take off at 3 PM. رحلة الطيران من المقرر أن تُقْلِع الساعة الثالثة بعد الظهر.
He decided to quit his job. قرر أن يُقْلِع عن وظيفته.
- Figurative Usage with عن
- The phrase يُقْلِع عن (yuqli' 'an) is crucial for the 'quit/stop' meaning. Examples: يُقْلِع عن التدخين (yuqli' 'an al-tadkhin - to quit smoking), يُقْلِع عن عادته السيئة (yuqli' 'an 'ādatih al-sayyi'ah - to quit his bad habit), يُقْلِع عن ارتكاب الأخطاء (yuqli' 'an irtikāb al-akhṭā' - to stop making mistakes).
The passengers are boarding, and the plane will take off soon. الركاب يصعدون، والطائرة ست ُقْلِع قريباً.
- Airports and Travel
- The most frequent place you'll hear يُقْلِع is in contexts related to air travel. This includes: announcements at airports (e.g., "Flight XYZ is now boarding and will take off from Gate 5"), news reports about aviation, travel vlogs, conversations between travelers, and travel agency descriptions. The phrase 'الطائرة تقلع' (al-ṭā'irah tuqli' - the plane is taking off) is very common.
- News and Media
- News anchors and reporters discussing air traffic, flight schedules, or aviation incidents will use يُقْلِع. For example, a report might state: "The plane was delayed and is expected to take off in an hour." (تأخرت الطائرة ومن المتوقع أن تُقْلِع بعد ساعة). This is standard vocabulary in broadcast journalism.
- Literature and Formal Writing
- In more formal or literary Arabic, يُقْلِع can be used in its secondary meaning of 'to cease' or 'to give up.' For example, a novel might describe a character deciding to 'quit' a destructive path: "He decided to take off from his old ways." (قرر أن يُقْلِع عن طرقه القديمة). However, for everyday conversations about quitting habits, other verbs are more common.
- Documentaries and Educational Content
- Documentaries about aviation, the history of flight, or engineering marvels will frequently use يُقْلِع to describe the mechanics and actions of airplanes. Educational materials for pilots or aviation enthusiasts will also employ this term.
- General Conversation (Less Common for 'Quit')
- While the 'take off' meaning is universal, the 'quit/stop' meaning is less common in casual conversation. If someone is talking about quitting smoking, they might more naturally say: "أنا أحاول أن أتوقف عن التدخين" (Anā uḥāwil an atawaqqaf 'an al-tadkhīn - I am trying to stop smoking) or "أريد أن أترك التدخين" (Urīd an atruk al-tadkhīn - I want to leave smoking). However, if they use يُقْلِع عن, it will be understood in that context.
The announcer said the plane will take off in five minutes. قال المذيع إن الطائرة ست ُقْلِع بعد خمس دقائق.
The news reported that the plane took off safely. أفادت الأخبار أن الطائرة أقلعت بسلام.
- Confusing Gender Agreement
- A very common mistake for learners is not applying the correct gender agreement. Since الطائرة (al-ṭā'irah - the plane) is grammatically feminine, the verb should be تُقْلِع (tuqli'), not يُقْلِع (yuqli'). While يُقْلِع is the base form for masculine subjects, it's incorrect when the subject is a feminine noun like 'plane'. Example: Incorrect: الطائرة يُقْلِع. Correct: الطائرة تُقْلِع.
- Overusing the 'Quit' Meaning
- Learners might incorrectly use يُقْلِع for any action of stopping or quitting. While technically possible in formal contexts, it's often not the most natural or common verb for everyday situations. For instance, saying 'He is quitting work' as 'هو يُقْلِع عن عمله' is less common than 'هو يترك عمله' (huwa yatruk 'amalahu) or 'هو يتوقف عن العمل' (huwa yatawaqqaf 'an al-'amal). Stick to the primary meaning of 'take off' for aircraft unless the context strongly suggests otherwise.
- Forgetting the Preposition عن
- When attempting to use the 'quit' meaning, forgetting the preposition عن (an) is a frequent error. The phrase is يُقْلِع عن (yuqli' 'an). Omitting عن makes the sentence grammatically incorrect or shifts the meaning. Example: Incorrect: هو يُقْلِع التدخين. Correct: هو يُقْلِع عن التدخين.
- Confusing with Similar Roots/Forms
- The root ق-ل-ع (q-l-' ) has other related verbs. For instance, أقلَعَ (aqla'a) is the past tense for 'take off.' Learners might mix up the present and past forms or confuse it with other verbs from different roots that sound similar. Always ensure you are using the correct verb form for the intended tense and meaning.
- Assuming 'Take Off' for Non-Aircraft
- While يُقْلِع can metaphorically mean 'to take off' in the sense of starting something new or leaving quickly, this is rare and highly context-dependent. Most often, 'take off' with يُقْلِع refers strictly to aircraft. Do not assume it applies to a person 'taking off' in a hurry without strong contextual clues.
Incorrect: The plane takes off. الطائرة يُقْلِع. Correct: الطائرة تُقْلِع.
Incorrect: He quits smoking. هو يُقْلِع التدخين. Correct: هو يُقْلِع عن التدخين.
- For 'To Take Off' (Aircraft)
- * أقلَعَ (aqla'a): This is the past tense of the same verb root. It means 'took off'. For example, الطائرة أقلعت (al-ṭā'irah aqla'at - The plane took off). It's the direct past equivalent of يُقْلِع (yuqli') for aircraft.
* انطلقَ (inṭalaqa): This verb means 'to set off,' 'to launch,' or 'to start moving.' While it can be used for vehicles starting their journey, it's less specific to the act of an aircraft lifting off the ground. It's more general for starting movement. Example: انطلقت السيارة (inṭalaqat al-sayyārah - The car set off). - For 'To Quit' / 'To Stop' (Figurative Use of يُقْلِع)
- * تَرَكَ (taraka): Means 'to leave,' 'to abandon,' or 'to quit.' This is a very common alternative for quitting habits or jobs. Example: ترك التدخين (taraka al-tadkhīn - He quit smoking). It's generally more common than يُقْلِع عن for everyday quitting.
* تَوَقَّفَ عن (tawaqqafa 'an): Means 'to stop' doing something. This is also a very common and direct alternative for stopping an activity or habit. Example: توقف عن الكلام (tawaqqafa 'an al-kalām - He stopped talking). This is very natural for ceasing an action.
* امتنعَ عن (imtana'a 'an): Means 'to refrain from' or 'to abstain from.' This is a more formal or stronger way of saying 'to stop' or 'to quit.' Example: امتنع عن تناول السكر (imtana'a 'an tanāwul al-sukkar - He abstained from eating sugar). - Other Related Concepts
- * صَعَدَ (ṣa'ida): Means 'to ascend' or 'to go up.' While an airplane ascends, صَعَدَ is a more general term for rising. It's not specific to flight take-off. Example: صعد إلى الجبل (ṣa'ida ilā al-jabal - He ascended the mountain).
Comparison: Plane took off vs. Plane set off. الطائرة أقلعت (aqla'at) vs. الطائرة انطلقت (inṭalaqat).
Comparison: He quit smoking vs. He stopped smoking. هو ترك التدخين (taraka al-tadkhīn) vs. هو توقف عن التدخين (tawaqqafa 'an al-tadkhīn).
- Choosing the Right Word
- When talking about planes, use يُقْلِع or أقلَعَ. When talking about quitting habits, ترك or توقف عن are often more natural in everyday speech than يُقْلِع عن, though يُقْلِع عن is perfectly correct and more formal/emphatic.
How Formal Is It?
"لقد تم الإعلان عن تأجيل إقلاع الرحلة بسبب ظروف جوية غير مواتية."
"الطائرة جاهزة للإقلاع."
"يلا، الطيارة راح تقلع!"
"انظر، الطائرة الصغيرة تطير بعيداً!"
Fun Fact
The sense of 'uprooting' or 'detaching' from the root ق-ل-ع is cleverly applied to the concept of an airplane 'detaching' itself from the ground to fly. Similarly, 'quitting' or 'giving up' is a metaphorical detachment from a habit or activity.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'q' as a 'k' or 'g'.
- Omitting the 'ʕ' sound entirely, making it sound like 'yuqli'.
- Incorrectly stressing the first syllable.
- Confusing it with similar-sounding verbs.
Difficulty Rating
The primary meaning of 'take off' for aircraft is straightforward and common. The secondary meaning of 'quit/stop' requires attention to context and the preposition 'عن'. Understanding the root meaning can aid comprehension.
Correctly applying gender agreement (تُقْلِع for الطائرة) and using the preposition 'عن' for the figurative meaning are key challenges. Differentiating between the two meanings based on context is also important.
Pronouncing the 'q' and especially the 'ʕ' can be difficult. Using the correct verb form and conjugation, especially for feminine subjects, is crucial for natural speech.
Distinguishing between the 'take off' and 'quit' meanings based on surrounding words and context is essential. Recognizing the feminine conjugation تُقْلِع is also important.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Gender Agreement with Verbs
For feminine subjects like 'الطائرة' (the plane), the present tense verb becomes تُقْلِع (tuqli') instead of يُقْلِع (yuqli').
Preposition 'عن' (ʿan)
The verb يُقْلِع used in the sense of 'quitting' or 'stopping' is almost always followed by the preposition عن. Example: يُقْلِع عن التدخين (quit smoking).
Past Tense Formation
The past tense of يُقْلِع is أقلَعَ (aqlaʿa). For a feminine subject, it becomes أقلَعَت (aqlaʿat). Example: الطائرة أقلعت (The plane took off).
Future Tense Formation
The future tense is formed by adding سـ (sa-) or سوف (sawfa) before the present tense verb. Example: الطائرة ستقلع (The plane will take off).
Verb Forms (Awzan)
يُقْلِع belongs to Form VIII (افتعل - ifta'ala) of Arabic verbs, which often implies a specific type of action or a reflexive/reciprocal sense. The root is ق-ل-ع.
Examples by Level
الطائرة كبيرة.
The plane is big.
Simple noun and adjective.
متى تطير؟
When does it fly?
Question word 'when', verb 'to fly'.
أنا ذاهب إلى المطار.
I am going to the airport.
Present continuous tense, preposition 'to'.
هل الطائرة جاهزة؟
Is the plane ready?
Question with 'is', adjective 'ready'.
أحب السفر بالطائرة.
I like traveling by plane.
Verb 'to like', noun 'travel', preposition 'by'.
السماء زرقاء.
The sky is blue.
Simple noun and adjective.
أنا أنتظر.
I am waiting.
Present continuous tense.
الرحلة طويلة.
The flight is long.
Noun 'flight', adjective 'long'.
الطائرة تستعد لـِ أن تُقْلِع.
The plane is preparing to take off.
Present continuous, infinitive structure 'to take off'.
متى ستقلع الطائرة؟
When will the plane take off?
Future tense with 'will', question word 'when'.
الطائرة أقلعت قبل ساعة.
The plane took off an hour ago.
Past tense, time expression 'an hour ago'.
أريد أن أقلع عن هذه العادة.
I want to quit this habit.
Verb 'to want', infinitive structure, verb 'to quit' with preposition 'about/from'.
هل أقلع الطيار بأمان؟
Did the pilot take off safely?
Past tense question, adverb 'safely'.
سننتظر حتى تقلع الطائرة.
We will wait until the plane takes off.
Future tense, conjunction 'until'.
من الصعب أن أقلع عن التدخين.
It is difficult to quit smoking.
Adjective 'difficult', infinitive structure, verb 'to quit' with preposition 'about/from'.
الطائرة تقلع الآن.
The plane is taking off now.
Present continuous tense, time expression 'now'.
كان من المتوقع أن تُقْلِع الطائرة في تمام الساعة الثامنة صباحاً.
The plane was expected to take off at exactly 8 AM.
Past passive expectation, precise time.
بعد فترة طويلة من المحاولات، قرر أن يُقْلِع عن عاداته السيئة.
After a long period of attempts, he decided to quit his bad habits.
Past tense decision, figurative use of 'quit' with 'about/from'.
إذا لم تتوقف الأمطار، فقد تتأخر الطائرة في الإقلاع.
If the rain doesn't stop, the plane's takeoff might be delayed.
Conditional sentence, noun form 'takeoff' (الإقلاع).
يجب على الركاب ربط أحزمة الأمان قبل أن تُقْلِع الطائرة.
Passengers must fasten their seatbelts before the plane takes off.
Obligation 'must', conjunction 'before'.
في بعض الثقافات، يُعْتَبَر الإقلاع عن التدخين علامة على القوة.
In some cultures, quitting smoking is considered a sign of strength.
Passive voice, noun form 'takeoff' (الإقلاع) used figuratively.
هل سمعت صوت الطائرة وهي تُقْلِع؟
Did you hear the sound of the plane as it was taking off?
Past tense question, present participle usage.
من الضروري أن يُقْلِع الشباب عن استخدام وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي بشكل مفرط.
It is necessary for young people to quit using social media excessively.
Necessity, figurative use of 'quit' with 'about/from'.
تُقْلِع الرحلة رقم 747 من البوابة 12.
Flight number 747 takes off from Gate 12.
Specific flight details, location.
أفادت مصادر مطلعة أن عملية إقلاع الطائرة قد تأجلت بسبب عطل فني مفاجئ.
Informed sources reported that the plane's takeoff has been postponed due to a sudden technical malfunction.
Formal reporting, noun form 'takeoff' (إقلاع), passive voice.
لم يتمكن الطيار من الإقلاع في الظروف الجوية السيئة، مما استدعى تغيير المسار.
The pilot was unable to take off in the bad weather conditions, which necessitated a change of course.
Negation of ability, consequential clause.
يُعتبر الإقلاع عن التدخين خطوة حاسمة نحو تحسين الصحة العامة.
Quitting smoking is considered a decisive step towards improving public health.
Formal figurative use, abstract concepts.
تُقْلِع الطائرات الحديثة بأنظمة تحكم متطورة تضمن سلامة الإقلاع والهبوط.
Modern aircraft take off with advanced control systems that ensure the safety of takeoff and landing.
Describing technology, ensuring safety.
كان القرار بالإقلاع عن العمل الحر صعباً، لكنه كان ضرورياً للتركيز على مساره الأكاديمي.
The decision to quit freelance work was difficult, but it was necessary to focus on his academic path.
Figurative use of 'quit', contrastive conjunction.
أحدثت التكنولوجيا ثورة في كيفية إقلاع الطائرات، مما قلل من زمن الانتظار.
Technology has revolutionized how planes take off, reducing waiting times.
Impact of technology, comparative statement.
يواجه العديد من المدمنين صعوبة بالغة في الإقلاع عن تعاطي المخدرات.
Many addicts face extreme difficulty in quitting drug use.
Figurative use of 'quit' in a serious context.
تسعى شركات الطيران جاهدة لضمان إقلاع سلس وآمن لجميع رحلاتها.
Airlines strive to ensure a smooth and safe takeoff for all their flights.
Corporate goals, emphasis on smooth operation.
لقد أثرت التغييرات الهيكلية في الشركة على قدرتها على الإقلاع في أسواق جديدة.
The company's structural changes have affected its ability to launch into new markets.
Metaphorical use of 'take off' for market entry.
يُعد الإقلاع عن التدخين ليس مجرد قرار فردي، بل هو استثمار في صحة المجتمع ككل.
Quitting smoking is not merely an individual decision, but an investment in the health of the community as a whole.
Elevated figurative language, abstract societal benefit.
كانت الأجواء المضطربة سبباً في تعليق عملية الإقلاع، مما أثار قلق الركاب.
The turbulent weather was the reason for suspending the takeoff operation, which raised passengers' concerns.
Formal vocabulary, cause and effect, emotional impact.
تسعى الحكومات إلى تشجيع الإقلاع عن استخدام الوقود الأحفوري والتحول إلى الطاقة المتجددة.
Governments seek to encourage the cessation of fossil fuel use and the transition to renewable energy.
Figurative use of 'quit' for a policy shift, complex sentence structure.
إن قدرة الطائرة على الإقلاع بكفاءة تعتمد بشكل كبير على تصميم المحركات والديناميكا الهوائية.
An aircraft's ability to take off efficiently depends significantly on engine design and aerodynamics.
Technical description, complex dependency.
كانت فترة التغيير والتكيف صعبة، لكنه نجح في الإقلاع عن عاداته القديمة وتبني أسلوب حياة صحي.
The period of change and adaptation was difficult, but he succeeded in quitting his old habits and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Figurative use of 'quit' in a narrative of personal growth.
يُعد الإقلاع عن الإدمان رحلة شاقة تتطلب دعماً نفسياً واجتماعياً قوياً.
Quitting addiction is an arduous journey that requires strong psychological and social support.
Figurative use of 'quit' for addiction, complex abstract concept.
تُقْلِع الطائرات العمودية بشكل مختلف عن الطائرات التقليدية، مما يمنحها مرونة أكبر في العمليات.
Helicopters take off differently from traditional aircraft, giving them greater flexibility in operations.
Comparison of different types of aircraft, highlighting operational advantages.
إن إصرار الأمة على الإقلاع عن الاعتماد على الموارد الخارجية هو مفتاح سيادتها الحقيقية.
The nation's insistence on disengaging from reliance on external resources is the key to its true sovereignty.
Figurative use of 'quit' for national policy, abstract concepts of sovereignty.
تجاوزت الطائرة حاجز الصوت عند الإقلاع، مما أحدث موجة صوتية قوية.
The aircraft broke the sound barrier upon takeoff, creating a powerful sonic boom.
Technical aviation term, cause and effect of sonic boom.
يُشكل الإقلاع عن الأنماط السلوكية المتجذرة تحدياً وجودياً يتطلب إعادة بناء للهوية.
Quitting deeply ingrained behavioral patterns poses an existential challenge that requires a reconstruction of identity.
Philosophical and psychological figurative use, existential challenge.
إن التحدي الأكبر في عصرنا هو إقلاع المجتمعات عن نهج الاستهلاك المفرط نحو استدامة بيئية.
The greatest challenge of our era is for societies to disengage from the pattern of excessive consumption towards environmental sustainability.
Societal transformation, complex abstract goal.
كانت عملية الإقلاع من المدرج المبلل بالكامل محفوفة بالمخاطر، لكن خبرة الطاقم حالت دون وقوع كارثة.
The takeoff operation from the completely wet runway was fraught with peril, but the crew's expertise averted a disaster.
Detailed description of a hazardous situation, emphasis on expertise.
يُعد الإقلاع عن استخدام المواد الضارة بالبيئة التزاماً أخلاقياً يتجاوز المصالح الاقتصادية الآنية.
Disengaging from the use of environmentally harmful substances is an ethical commitment that transcends immediate economic interests.
Ethical considerations, long-term vs. short-term interests.
إن قدرة الحضارة على الإقلاع نحو آفاق جديدة تتطلب رؤية استشرافية تتجاوز حدود الحاضر.
Civilization's capacity to take off towards new horizons requires a forward-looking vision that transcends the boundaries of the present.
Metaphorical 'take off' for civilizational progress, visionary language.
تُقْلِع الطائرات الشبحية بتقنيات متقدمة لتقليل بصمتها الرادارية، مما يجعل اكتشافها شبه مستحيل.
Stealth aircraft take off using advanced technologies to reduce their radar signature, making their detection nearly impossible.
Technical military aviation, advanced technology description.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
This is the past tense of the same verb. Learners might confuse the present tense يُقْلِع with the past tense أقلع.
This verb means 'to uproot' or 'extract.' While related by root, its meaning is distinct from 'take off' or 'quit' unless used metaphorically.
This verb means 'to set off' or 'start moving.' It's often confused with 'take off' but is more general for vehicles starting their journey.
Idioms & Expressions
— To uproot a tree. This idiom uses the root ق-ل-ع to emphasize the complete removal or eradication of something.
لقد تم قلع الشجرة القديمة من جذورها.
Literal/Figurative— To lift off from the ground. This is a more descriptive way of saying 'take off'.
شاهدنا الطائرة وهي تقوم بالإقلاع عن الأرض.
Descriptive— To extract teeth. Again, using the root's sense of removal.
اضطر طبيب الأسنان لقلع ضرس مسوس.
Medical/Literal— Launching a project. This uses 'take off' metaphorically for starting something new and ambitious.
كان إقلاع المشروع الجديد مليئاً بالتحديات.
Metaphorical— To stop talking abruptly. While 'stop talking' is more common, this emphasizes a sudden cessation.
فجأة، أقلع عن الكلام ونظر حوله.
Figurative/Emphatic— To remove a stone. Literal use of the root.
كان علينا قلع الحجر الكبير من الطريق.
Literal— Abandoning old beliefs. Metaphorical use of 'quitting'.
كان الإقلاع عن المعتقدات القديمة خطوة جريئة.
Figurative/Intellectual— To pull out fingernails. Literal, often associated with pain or distress.
من شدة القلق، بدأ يقلع أظافره.
Literal/Figurative— The rise or takeoff of a civilization. A grand metaphorical use.
شهد التاريخ إقلاع حضارات عظيمة.
Metaphorical/Historical— To extract nectar. Literal, relating to plants and bees.
كانت النحلة تقلع الرحيق من الزهرة.
Literal/NatureEasily Confused
Both verbs share the same root and relate to departure or cessation.
يُقْلِع is the present tense verb, primarily meaning 'to take off' (for planes) or 'to quit' (with عن). أقلع is the past tense form of the same verb, meaning 'took off' or 'quit'. They are tense variations of the same core concept.
الطائرة تُقْلِع الآن. (The plane is taking off now.) vs. الطائرة أقلعت قبل قليل. (The plane took off a little while ago.)
They share the same root letters (ق-ل-ع).
قلع means 'to uproot,' 'to extract,' or 'to pull out' something physically. يُقْلِع (Form VIII) has evolved to mean 'to take off' (like a plane detaching from the ground) or 'to quit' (detaching from a habit). The meaning is derived but distinct.
قلع الطبيب السن. (The dentist extracted the tooth.) vs. الطائرة تُقْلِع. (The plane is taking off.)
Both relate to starting a movement or journey.
انطلق is a general verb for 'setting off,' 'launching,' or 'starting to move.' It can apply to cars, trains, or even people starting an activity. يُقْلِع is more specific; for planes, it means lifting off the ground, and figuratively, it means to quit. انطلق is about beginning motion, while يُقْلِع is about detaching or ceasing.
انطلقت السيارة بسرعة. (The car started moving quickly.) vs. الطائرة تُقْلِع. (The plane is taking off.)
Both can mean 'to stop' or 'to quit' in certain contexts.
توقف عن is a very common and direct verb for 'to stop' doing something. يُقْلِع عن is also used for 'to quit' or 'stop,' but it often carries a stronger sense of making a decisive break or abandoning something entirely. While both can translate to 'quit,' توقف عن is more frequent for general cessation.
توقف عن الكلام. (He stopped talking.) vs. يُقْلِع عن الكلام (less common, implies a more decisive stop).
Both can mean 'to quit' or 'leave.'
ترك means 'to leave,' 'to abandon,' or 'to quit.' It's a very versatile verb. يُقْلِع عن, when meaning 'to quit,' often implies a more deliberate and complete abandonment of a habit or activity, sometimes with a sense of overcoming it. ترك is more general for leaving something behind.
ترك العمل. (He quit his job.) vs. يُقْلِع عن عادته السيئة. (He is quitting his bad habit - stronger sense of overcoming.)
Sentence Patterns
Subject (Feminine Noun) + تُقْلِع + Time/Location
الطائرة تُقْلِع الآن من المطار.
سـ/سوف + تُقْلِع + Subject + Time/Location
الطائرة ستقلع غداً.
أقلع + Subject (Feminine Noun) + Time
أقلعت الطائرة قبل ساعة.
أريد أن + يُقْلِع + عن + Noun
أريد أن أقلع عن هذه العادة.
كان من المتوقع أن + تُقْلِع + Subject
كان من المتوقع أن تقلع الطائرة في الموعد.
يجب على + Noun + أن + يُقْلِع + عن + Noun
يجب على المدخن أن يقلع عن التدخين.
تُقْلِع + Subject + بـ + Noun
تقلع الطائرة ببطء.
عملية + إقلاع + Noun
عملية إقلاع الطائرة كانت ناجحة.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
High for 'take off' meaning, Medium for 'quit/stop' meaning.
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Using يُقْلِع for a feminine subject like الطائرة.
→
Using تُقْلِع for الطائرة.
Arabic verbs must agree in gender with their subjects. Since الطائرة (plane) is feminine, the verb must be in the feminine form, تُقْلِع.
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Forgetting the preposition 'عن' when meaning 'quit'.
→
Using يُقْلِع عن.
When يُقْلِع is used to mean 'to quit' or 'to stop' a habit, it requires the preposition عن (an) to follow it. Example: هو يُقْلِع عن التدخين.
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Confusing the present tense يُقْلِع with the past tense أقلع.
→
Using the appropriate tense based on the time of the action.
يُقْلِع is present tense (takes off/quits), while أقلع is past tense (took off/quit). Ensure you use the correct tense for the intended meaning.
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Using يُقْلِع for general 'stopping' when ترك or توقف عن are more natural.
→
Using ترك or توقف عن for general stopping/quitting in casual contexts.
While يُقْلِع عن can mean 'quit,' verbs like ترك and توقف عن are often more common and natural-sounding in everyday conversations about stopping habits or activities.
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Mispronouncing the 'q' or 'ʕ' sounds.
→
Practicing the distinct Arabic sounds for these letters.
The Arabic 'q' is guttural, and the 'ʕ' (ʿayn) is a pharyngeal constriction. Incorrect pronunciation can lead to misunderstandings or make the word sound foreign.
Tips
Feminine Subject Agreement
Remember that الطائرة (plane) is feminine. Thus, the verb must also be in the feminine form: تُقْلِع (tuqli'). This is a crucial rule to avoid common errors.
Context is King
Always consider the context. If you're talking about planes, it's 'take off.' If you're talking about habits and see 'عن', it's likely 'quit' or 'stop.'
Master the 'ʕ' Sound
The final sound 'ʕ' (ʿayn) is a guttural sound made by constricting the throat. Practice this sound diligently, as it's distinctive to Arabic and important for clear pronunciation of يُقْلِع.
Use 'عن' for Quitting
When using يُقْلِع to mean 'quit' or 'stop,' always follow it with the preposition عن (an). Forgetting this preposition is a common mistake.
Alternatives for 'Quit'
While يُقْلِع عن is correct for 'quit,' verbs like ترك (taraka) and توقف عن (tawaqqafa ʿan) are often more common and natural in everyday Arabic for stopping habits.
Root Meaning Connection
Connect the root ق-ل-ع ('uproot', 'detach') to both 'taking off' (detaching from the ground) and 'quitting' (detaching from a habit) for a deeper understanding.
Airport Vocabulary
Familiarize yourself with common airport phrases using يُقْلِع, as this is where you'll hear it most frequently. For example, 'وقت الإقلاع' (takeoff time).
Sentence Building
Actively create sentences using both meanings of يُقْلِع. This active recall will solidify your understanding and usage.
Origin of the Word
Understanding that the root implies 'uprooting' helps explain why it's used for both airplanes leaving the ground and people abandoning habits.
Metaphorical Extension
Be aware that يُقْلِع can be used metaphorically for launching projects or societal progress, but these are less common and typically found in formal or literary contexts.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine an airplane that is so powerful it can 'uproot' itself from the ground! The sound 'qul' in يُقْلِع sounds a bit like 'pull,' so think of 'pulling up' from the ground.
Visual Association
Picture a large airplane with its wheels digging into the ground, and then with a great force, it 'uproots' itself and ascends into the sky. Or, visualize a tree being pulled out of the ground, and then imagine that force applied to an airplane lifting off.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'يُقْلِع' in sentences about both airplanes taking off and someone quitting a habit. For example, 'The plane will take off soon' and 'He decided to quit his bad habit.'
Word Origin
The verb يُقْلِع (yuqli') stems from the triliteral root ق-ل-ع (q-l-ʿ). This root generally conveys the meaning of 'uprooting,' 'pulling out,' 'extracting,' or 'detaching.'
Original meaning: The core meaning of the root q-l-ʿ is related to the physical act of removing something from its place, like uprooting a plant or pulling out a tooth. This sense of detachment and removal is foundational to its various derived meanings.
Semitic languages, specifically Arabic.Cultural Context
When discussing quitting habits, especially addiction, it's important to use respectful and supportive language. The verb يُقْلِع عن can be used, but context and tone are crucial.
In English, we use 'take off' for airplanes and 'quit,' 'stop,' or 'give up' for habits. The Arabic verb يُقْلِع uniquely bridges these concepts through its root meaning of detachment.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Airport Announcements
- الطائرة تُقْلِع الآن.
- موعد إقلاع الرحلة.
- نرجو من الركاب التوجه إلى البوابة.
- سيتم الإعلان عن أي تغييرات في موعد الإقلاع.
News Reports on Aviation
- أقلعت الطائرة بسلام.
- تأخر إقلاع الطائرة بسبب.
- التحضير للإقلاع.
- تقلع الطائرات الحديثة بتقنيات متطورة.
Discussions about Quitting Habits
- أريد أن أُقْلِع عن التدخين.
- من الصعب الإقلاع عن العادات السيئة.
- هل نجحت في الإقلاع عن؟
- الإقلاع عن المخدرات يتطلب دعماً.
Travel Conversations
- متى تُقْلِع طائرتنا؟
- هل أقلعت الطائرة بعد؟
- نتمنى لك إقلاعاً مريحاً.
- أحب مشاهدة الطائرات وهي تُقْلِع.
Literary or Formal Writing
- كان الإقلاع عن مساره القديم تحدياً.
- تسعى الشركة للإقلاع في أسواق جديدة.
- يُعد الإقلاع عن الاستهلاك المفرط ضرورة.
- شهد التاريخ إقلاع حضارات عظيمة.
Conversation Starters
"What time does your flight take off?"
"Have you ever experienced a delayed takeoff?"
"What's the most challenging habit you've tried to quit?"
"Do you enjoy watching planes take off?"
"What are your thoughts on people trying to quit smoking?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you were on a plane as it took off. What did you see, hear, and feel?
Think about a habit you'd like to quit. Write about why it's difficult and what steps you could take to 'take off' from it.
Imagine you are an air traffic controller. Describe the process of a plane taking off.
Write a short story where a character has to 'take off' from their old life to start anew.
Reflect on the importance of 'taking off' from negative patterns for personal growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe primary and most common meaning of يُقْلِع is 'to take off,' specifically referring to an airplane lifting off the ground to begin its flight. For example, 'الطائرة تُقْلِع الآن' means 'The plane is taking off now.'
Yes, يُقْلِع can also mean 'to quit,' 'to stop,' or 'to cease' an activity or habit. This meaning is typically used with the preposition عن (an), as in 'يُقْلِع عن التدخين' (to quit smoking). However, this usage is less frequent in casual conversation compared to the 'take off' meaning.
Context is key. If the subject is an airplane or related to aviation, it means 'to take off.' If the context is about habits, actions, or behaviors, and the verb is followed by عن, it likely means 'to quit' or 'stop.'
The past tense is أقلَعَ (aqlaʿa). So, if a plane took off, you would say 'الطائرة أقلعت' (al-ṭāʾirah aqlaʿat).
The word 'plane' in Arabic is الطائرة (al-ṭāʾirah), which is grammatically feminine. Therefore, you use the feminine form of the verb, which is تُقْلِع (tuqli'). So, it's 'الطائرة تُقْلِع' (the plane takes off), not 'الطائرة يُقْلِع'.
Yes, other common verbs for 'to quit' or 'stop' include ترك (taraka - to leave/quit) and توقف عن (tawaqqafa ʿan - to stop). These are often used more frequently in everyday speech than يُقْلِع عن for general habits.
The root is ق-ل-ع (q-l-ʿ), which generally relates to the idea of 'uprooting,' 'pulling out,' or 'detaching.' This core meaning helps explain both 'taking off' (detaching from the ground) and 'quitting' (detaching from a habit).
Figuratively, yes. It can be used for launching a project ('إقلاع مشروع') or for a nation's progress ('إقلاع الأمة'). However, these are more advanced or literary uses.
The noun form is إقلاع (iqlāʿ), which means 'takeoff' (for planes) or 'cessation'/'quitting' (when used figuratively).
The pronunciation can be challenging, especially the Arabic 'q' sound and the 'ʕ' (ʿayn) sound at the end of the verb. Practicing with native speakers or audio resources is recommended.
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Summary
The verb يُقْلِع (yuqli') is most commonly used to describe an airplane taking off. Remember to use the feminine form تُقْلِع (tuqli') when the subject is الطائرة (the plane). It can also mean 'to quit' or 'stop' when followed by the preposition عن, but this usage is less frequent in everyday conversation.
- Primary meaning: Airplane takes off.
- Secondary meaning: To quit or stop (often with عن).
- Grammar: Feminine subject (plane) uses تُقْلِع.
- Context is key to distinguish meanings.
Feminine Subject Agreement
Remember that الطائرة (plane) is feminine. Thus, the verb must also be in the feminine form: تُقْلِع (tuqli'). This is a crucial rule to avoid common errors.
Context is King
Always consider the context. If you're talking about planes, it's 'take off.' If you're talking about habits and see 'عن', it's likely 'quit' or 'stop.'
Master the 'ʕ' Sound
The final sound 'ʕ' (ʿayn) is a guttural sound made by constricting the throat. Practice this sound diligently, as it's distinctive to Arabic and important for clear pronunciation of يُقْلِع.
Use 'عن' for Quitting
When using يُقْلِع to mean 'quit' or 'stop,' always follow it with the preposition عن (an). Forgetting this preposition is a common mistake.
Related Content
More travel words
عاد
A1Returned, to return; to come or go back to a place.
عَادَ
A1To return, to go back.
أعود
A1I return, to come or go back to a previous place.
عاصمة
A1Capital city.
عَبَرَ
A2To go across or pass over something, such as a road or border.
عمرة
A2Minor pilgrimage (to Mecca).
عودة
A1Return, coming back (the act of going or coming back).
إِجَازَة
B1A period of time away from work or school for rest or recreation. It can also mean a permit or license in some contexts.
أغادر
A1I leave, to go away from a place or person.
إقلاع
A2Takeoff, the act of ascending into the air.
