At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'yuqirru' (يُقِرّ) in your own speaking, but you might see it in very simple news headlines or formal signs. Think of it as a very serious way of saying 'yes' or 'this is true.' At this stage, just recognize that it starts with the 'q-r' sound and usually appears in serious places like a TV news ticker or a government building. It is much more formal than the 'na'am' (yes) you learned in your first week. If you see it, just think: 'Something official is happening.' You might see it on a document where you need to 'approve' or 'confirm' your name. Even though it is a B1 level word, knowing its 'vibe' as a formal 'OK' helps you understand the world around you in an Arabic-speaking country. Focus on the fact that it is a verb and usually describes an action taken by a leader or a boss. Don't worry about the grammar yet; just link the sound 'yu-qir' with the idea of 'official confirmation.'
By A2, you are starting to see more complex verbs. 'Yuqirru' (يُقِرّ) is important because it appears in the news which you might start watching to practice. You should know that 'yuqirru' means 'to approve' or 'to say it is true.' For example, if you see 'Al-mudir yuqirru al-mashru' (The manager approves the project), you can understand that the project is now ready to start. At this level, you should also notice the preposition 'bi' (بـ). When you see 'yuqirru bi...', it means someone is admitting something, usually a mistake or a fact. For example, 'yuqirru bi-khata'ihi' (he admits his mistake). You are beginning to distinguish between simple verbs like 'qara'a' (to read) and this more complex verb. Try to remember that 'yuqirru' has a double 'r' sound at the end, which makes it feel strong and firm. This 'firmness' is the key to its meaning. It is not a suggestion; it is a final decision or a solid admission. Start looking for it in newspapers or on news websites like BBC Arabic.
At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'yuqirru' (يُقِرّ) in your formal writing and more serious conversations. You should understand its primary functions: 1) To formally approve a law, budget, or plan, and 2) To acknowledge or confess a truth (usually with the preposition 'bi'). You should be able to conjugate it correctly in the present tense for most subjects. It is essential to distinguish it from 'qarrara' (to decide). For instance, 'The committee decided to meet' (qarrarat) vs 'The committee approved the law' (aqarrat). You should also be comfortable using it in the 'yuqirru bi-anna...' (acknowledges that...) structure. This allows you to express complex thoughts, such as 'The expert acknowledges that the situation is difficult.' This word will significantly elevate your formal Arabic, making you sound more professional and precise. You should also recognize the noun form 'iqrar' (confession/acknowledgment) and how it is used in legal or official contexts. Practice using it when discussing news, politics, or formal workplace decisions.
At B2, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'yuqirru' (يُقِرّ) and its various shades of meaning. You should be able to use it in passive forms ('yuqarru' - is approved) and understand its role in diplomatic and legal discourse. You should be aware of its etymological roots in the concept of 'stability' (qarar) and 'coolness' (qurra), which helps you understand why it is used in phrases like 'qarrat 'aynahu' (to be delighted/settled in eye). In your writing, you should use 'yuqirru' to provide a formal tone, choosing it over 'ya'tarif' or 'yuwafiq' when appropriate. You should also be able to handle complex sentence structures involving multiple clauses. For example, 'Despite the initial denial, the company finally acknowledged its responsibility for the leak.' (يُقرّ بمسؤوليته). You should also be familiar with collocations like 'yuqirru al-mizaniya' (approves the budget) or 'yuqirru al-haqq' (acknowledges the right). At this level, your use of the word should be natural and correctly reflect the formal register of the situation.
For C1 learners, 'yuqirru' (يُقِرّ) is a tool for precision in high-level discourse. You should understand its use in classical texts as well as modern legal codes. You should be able to discuss the nuances between 'iqrar' (confession in law) and 'i'tiraf' (general admission). You should also be familiar with the various forms of the root Q-R-R and how 'yuqirru' (Form IV) differs from 'yuqarriru' (Form II) and 'yaqarru' (Form I - to settle). In your professional life, whether in law, journalism, or academia, you will use this verb to describe the ratification of international treaties or the validation of scientific findings. You should be sensitive to the rhetorical power of the word—how using 'yuqirru' instead of 'yaqul' (says) adds a layer of authority and finality to a statement. You should also be able to interpret the word in complex legal documents where its presence or absence can change the legal standing of a claim. Your mastery should include the ability to use the word in sophisticated metaphorical contexts, acknowledging abstract truths or historical realities.
At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of 'yuqirru' (يُقِرّ). You understand its deep historical and linguistic resonance, from its Quranic usage to its role in the evolution of Modern Standard Arabic legal terminology. You can use it with absolute precision in any context, from writing a legal brief to delivering a keynote speech. You are aware of the subtle differences in how the word might be used across different Arabic-speaking regions in their formal media. You can analyze the stylistic choice of a writer who uses 'yuqirru' to create a sense of inevitability or 'settledness.' You are also a master of the root's entire family, comfortably using terms like 'mustaqirr' (stable), 'qarar' (decision/resolution), and 'qari' (bottom/depth). For you, 'yuqirru' is not just a vocabulary item but a reflection of the Arabic language's ability to combine physical concepts (stability, coolness) with abstract legal and moral ones (approval, confession). You can use the word to navigate the most complex intellectual debates, acknowledging the validity of opposing arguments while maintaining your own position with authority.

يقر in 30 Seconds

  • A formal verb for 'to approve' or 'to ratify' used in legal and news contexts.
  • Used with 'bi' to mean 'to confess' or 'to acknowledge' a fault or fact.
  • Indicates a sense of finality and making something firm or settled.
  • Commonly found in headlines regarding laws, budgets, and official statements.

The Arabic verb يُقِرّ (yuqirru), derived from the root q-r-r (ق ر ر), is a sophisticated and multifaceted term primarily used in formal, legal, and administrative contexts. At its core, the word conveys the idea of making something firm, stable, or settled. When an individual yuqirru a fact, they are essentially 'settling' the matter by acknowledging its truth. In a legal sense, it translates to 'to ratify,' 'to approve,' or 'to validate.' Understanding this word is crucial for navigating Arabic news, legal documents, and high-level academic discourse. It isn't just about saying 'yes'; it's about providing a formal stamp of recognition or a confession that carries weight and consequence.

Legal Context
In the halls of parliament or within a courtroom, يقر is the standard verb for the formal adoption of laws or the official confession of a defendant. For instance, when a committee approves a new budget, they are said to tuqirru al-mizaniya.

المجلس الوطني يُقِرّ قانوناً جديداً لحماية البيئة.
(The National Council approves a new law for environmental protection.)

Personal Acknowledgment
When used with the preposition بـ (bi), the verb shifts toward 'confessing' or 'admitting.' To yuqirru bi-dhanbihi means to admit one's guilt or mistake, suggesting a transition from denial to a settled state of truth.

المتهم يُقِرّ بمسؤوليته عن الحادث.
(The accused acknowledges his responsibility for the accident.)

Historically, the root qarra relates to 'coolness' and 'stability.' In the scorching heat of the Arabian Peninsula, 'coolness' (qurra) was synonymous with comfort and being at peace. Therefore, to yuqirru something is to bring it to a state of 'cool' stability where it is no longer disputed or moving. This deep cultural layer explains why the word carries such a heavy sense of finality and officialdom in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA).

Diplomatic Usage
In international relations, countries tuqirru treaties. This is the act of ratification that makes a treaty binding under international law. It is a step beyond mere signing; it is the formal internal validation of the agreement.

الدول الموقعة تُقِرّ بنود الاتفاقية التجارية.
(The signatory states ratify the terms of the trade agreement.)

المدير يُقِرّ الخطة السنوية للشركة.
(The manager approves the company's annual plan.)

Mastering the use of يُقِرّ involves understanding its grammatical patterns and its relationship with direct and indirect objects. As a Form IV verb (Af'ala pattern), it is transitive, meaning it usually acts upon an object. However, its meaning changes significantly based on whether that object is a physical entity (like a law) or an abstract concept (like an admission).

The 'Aqarra bi...' Pattern
When you want to say someone 'admits' to something, you must use the preposition بـ (bi). This is the most common way to express confession or acknowledgment of a status or a fault.

العلماء يُقِرّون بصعوبة إيجاد حل سريع.
(Scientists acknowledge the difficulty of finding a quick solution.)

Direct Object Approval
When the verb is followed directly by a noun without a preposition, it typically means to 'pass' or 'ratify' something. This is very common in news headlines regarding legislation or corporate decisions.

البرلمان يُقِرّ الزيادة في الأجور.
(The parliament approves the wage increase.)

In more complex sentences, yuqirru can be followed by a 'that' clause (bi-anna). This structure is used to acknowledge a specific fact or reality. It is a hallmark of high-level academic writing and diplomatic correspondence where nuance is required.

The 'Bi-anna' Clause
Using يقر بأن... allows for detailed descriptions of what is being acknowledged. It is often used to state a consensus among experts or leaders.

التقرير يُقِرّ بأن التغير المناخي خطر حقيقي.
(The report acknowledges that climate change is a real danger.)

هل تُقِرّ بصحة هذه الوثائق؟
(Do you acknowledge the authenticity of these documents?)

You will encounter يُقِرّ in environments where precision and authority are paramount. It is not a word you would typically use with friends over coffee to say you 'agree' with their choice of restaurant. Instead, it is the language of the news anchor, the judge, and the historian.

News and Media
Every day on Al Jazeera or Al Arabiya, you will hear this word. It is used to describe governments passing laws, leaders admitting to policy failures, or international bodies confirming facts on the ground.

المتحدث الرسمي يُقِرّ بوجود ثغرات أمنية.
(The official spokesperson acknowledges the existence of security loopholes.)

Legal and Judicial Systems
In a courtroom, the 'Iqrar' (noun form) is the 'confession.' The judge might ask the defendant: 'Hal tuqirru bi-hadha?' (Do you confess to this?). It is the definitive moment of legal admission.

القاضي يسأل: هل تُقِرّ بالتهم المنسوبة إليك؟
(The judge asks: Do you plead guilty to the charges against you?)

Furthermore, in the world of finance and business, yuqirru is used for the approval of audits and financial statements. When a board of directors meets, they tuqirru the results of the fiscal year. This implies that the results are now official and cannot be changed.

Academic and Formal Writing
In research papers, authors use this verb to acknowledge the limitations of their study or to admit that previous theories were correct. It lends an air of professional humility and objectivity to the writing.

الباحث يُقِرّ بفضل أساتذته في إنجاز هذا البحث.
(The researcher acknowledges the credit of his professors in completing this research.)

الحكومة تُقِرّ ميزانية التعليم الجديدة.
(The government approves the new education budget.)

Because يُقِرّ (yuqirru) looks similar to several other high-frequency verbs, it is a common stumbling block for intermediate learners. The most frequent errors involve confusing it with Form II verbs or failing to use the correct preposition.

Confusing with 'Qarrara' (يقرر)
This is the #1 mistake. يُقَرِّر (yuqarriru - Form II) means 'to decide.' While they share the same root, their meanings are distinct. You 'decide' to do something, but you 'approve' a decision that has already been made.

خطأ: هو يُقِرّ السفر غداً.
صواب: هو يُقَرِّر السفر غداً.
(Correct: He decides to travel tomorrow.)

Omitting the 'Bi' Preposition
When using the verb to mean 'confess' or 'acknowledge,' many learners forget the بـ. Without it, the sentence can sound like you are 'approving' your mistake rather than 'admitting' it.

خطأ: يقر ذنبه.
صواب: يُقِرّ بذنبه.
(Correct: He confesses his sin.)

Another error is confusing yuqirru with yaqra'u (يقرأ - to read). While they look somewhat similar in script if the hamza is missed, their pronunciations and meanings are entirely unrelated. Pay close attention to the shadda on the final letter in yuqirru.

Register Mismatch
Using yuqirru in a very casual setting can sound overly dramatic or stiff. If you just want to say 'I admit I was wrong' to a friend, you might use 'ana mu'tarif' instead of the formal 'uqirru'.

المسؤول يُقِرّ بحق الشعب في التظاهر.
(The official acknowledges the people's right to protest.)

اللجنة تُقِرّ التعديلات الدستورية.
(The committee approves the constitutional amendments.)

To truly master يُقِرّ, you must see how it fits into the broader landscape of Arabic verbs related to agreement, approval, and confession. Arabic is rich with synonyms, each carrying a slightly different 'flavor' or register.

Yaqirru vs. Ya'tarif (يعترف)
يعترف is the most common synonym for 'to confess' or 'to recognize.' While yaqirru is more formal and legalistic, ya'tarif is versatile and used in both daily life and formal settings. You 'recognize' a friend's talent (ta'tarif), but a state 'ratifies' a treaty (tuqirru).
Yaqirru vs. Yusadiqu (يصادق)
يصادق على specifically means 'to ratify' or 'to certify.' It is used almost exclusively for documents, signatures, and agreements. Yaqirru is broader; it can mean to approve a law but also to acknowledge a truth or confess a crime.

الرئيس يصادق على مرسوم التعيين.
(The President ratifies the appointment decree.)

Yaqirru vs. Yuwafiqu (يوافق)
يوافق is the general word for 'to agree' or 'to accept.' It lacks the legal weight of yaqirru. If you agree with an opinion, you use yuwafiqu. If a legislative body makes a law official, they tuqirru it.

المدير يُقرّ بصحة البيانات الواردة.
(The manager acknowledges the accuracy of the provided data.)

In summary, choose yaqirru when you want to emphasize the formal, final, or legal nature of an acknowledgment or approval. It is the 'heavyweight' of the agreement verbs, carrying the history of things being 'settled' and 'made firm.'

العالم كله يُقرّ بجمال العمارة الأندلسية.
(The whole world acknowledges the beauty of Andalusian architecture.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Arabic, 'qurra' (coolness) was a blessing because it meant relief from the desert heat. This is why 'to make someone's eye cool' (aqarra 'aynahu) means to make them happy.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /juːˈqɪr.ruː/
US /juˈkɪr.ru/
Stress is on the second syllable 'qir'.
Rhymes With
مستقر (mustaqirr) مستمر (mustamirr) يمر (yamurr) يضر (yadurr) يقرر (yuqarrir - partial) حر (hurr) سر (sirr) بر (birr)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'q' as 'k' (common for English speakers).
  • Failing to roll the 'r'.
  • Missing the shadda on the 'r'.
  • Confusing with 'yuqarriru' (three syllables for 'r').
  • Pronouncing it as 'yaqra'u' (read).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Requires recognizing the shadda and context to distinguish from 'qarrara'.

Writing 5/5

Requires correct preposition use (bi) and Form IV conjugation.

Speaking 4/5

The deep 'q' and rolled 'r' with shadda can be tricky.

Listening 4/5

Must distinguish from 'yaqra'u' (read) in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

نعم وافق قال قانون خطأ

Learn Next

صادق على اعتمد اعترف مرسوم تشريع

Advanced

استقر تقرير مستقر قرة عين إقرار

Grammar to Know

Form IV Verbs (Af'ala)

أقر (Aqarra) follows the pattern of making something happen.

Geminate Verbs (Mudha'af)

The root Q-R-R has two identical letters, affecting conjugation.

Preposition 'Bi'

Essential for the meaning 'to confess'.

Subjunctive Mood

يجب أن يقرَّ (yastakhdima al-fatha).

Jussive Mood

لم يقرَّ (the shadda remains).

Examples by Level

1

المدير يُقِرّ الخطة.

The manager approves the plan.

Simple Subject + Verb + Object structure.

2

هو يُقِرّ بالخطأ.

He admits the mistake.

Use of 'bi' for admission.

3

هل تُقِرّ بهذا؟

Do you acknowledge this?

Question form with 'hal'.

4

أنا أُقِرّ بالحقيقة.

I acknowledge the truth.

First person singular 'uqirru'.

5

هي تُقِرّ بالجميل.

She acknowledges the favor.

Feminine singular 'tuqirru'.

6

نحن نُقِرّ بالحق.

We acknowledge the right.

First person plural 'nuqirru'.

7

الأب يُقِرّ الهدية.

The father approves the gift.

Verb following a masculine noun.

8

المعلم يُقِرّ النتيجة.

The teacher approves the result.

Formal approval of a result.

1

الوزير يُقِرّ ميزانية العام الجديد.

The minister approves the new year's budget.

Common news collocation 'yuqirru al-mizaniya'.

2

المحكمة تُقِرّ براءة المتهم.

The court confirms the defendant's innocence.

Formal judicial confirmation.

3

هل تُقِرّ بأنك كنت هناك؟

Do you admit that you were there?

Use of 'bi-anna' clause.

4

الشركة تُقِرّ سياسة جديدة.

The company approves a new policy.

Direct object 'siyasa' (policy).

5

هو لا يُقِرّ بذنبه أبداً.

He never admits his guilt.

Negative form using 'la'.

6

اللجنة تُقِرّ التعديلات المطلوبة.

The committee approves the required amendments.

Plural feminine verb form 'tuqirru'.

7

المسؤول يُقِرّ بصعوبة الموقف.

The official acknowledges the difficulty of the situation.

Acknowledgment of a state.

8

العالم يُقِرّ بنجاح التجربة.

The world acknowledges the success of the experiment.

Global consensus context.

1

البرلمان يُقِرّ قانوناً جديداً للضرائب.

Parliament approves a new tax law.

Formal legislative context.

2

يُقِرّ الباحثون بأن النتائج مذهلة.

Researchers acknowledge that the results are amazing.

Verb preceding a plural subject.

3

عليك أن تُقِرّ بمسؤوليتك تجاه العمل.

You must acknowledge your responsibility toward the work.

Subjunctive mood after 'an'.

4

الحكومة تُقِرّ خطة الطوارئ.

The government approves the emergency plan.

Direct object 'khittat al-tawari'.

5

هل يُقِرّ القانون بهذا النوع من العقود؟

Does the law recognize this type of contract?

Law as the subject of the verb.

6

المتهم يُقِرّ أمام القاضي بكل شيء.

The defendant confesses everything before the judge.

Use of 'amama' (before) for location.

7

المنظمة تُقِرّ بوجود أزمة إنسانية.

The organization acknowledges the existence of a humanitarian crisis.

Formal organizational statement.

8

يجب أن نُقِرّ بأننا بحاجة إلى مساعدة.

We must admit that we need help.

Modal 'yajibu an' with 'nuqirra'.

1

يُقِرّ المجتمع الدولي بضرورة السلام.

The international community acknowledges the necessity of peace.

Diplomatic register.

2

مجلس الأمن يُقِرّ قراراً بوقف إطلاق النار.

The Security Council approves a ceasefire resolution.

Formal resolution terminology.

3

الفنان يُقِرّ بتأثره بالمدرسة التكعيبية.

The artist acknowledges being influenced by the Cubist school.

Acknowledgment of influence.

4

تُقِرّ الاتفاقية بحقوق الملكية الفكرية.

The agreement recognizes intellectual property rights.

Abstract legal recognition.

5

لم يُقِرّ المدير الميزانية بعد.

The manager has not approved the budget yet.

Jussive mood after 'lam'.

6

يُقِرّ التاريخ بفضل هؤلاء العلماء.

History acknowledges the merit of these scientists.

Personification of 'history' as a subject.

7

هل تُقِرّ بأن هذا هو توقيعك؟

Do you acknowledge that this is your signature?

Verification context.

8

يُقِرّ التقرير الطبي بتحسن حالة المريض.

The medical report confirms the improvement of the patient's condition.

Technical/medical confirmation.

1

تُقِرّ الفلسفة الحديثة بتعدد الهويات.

Modern philosophy acknowledges the multiplicity of identities.

Academic/Philosophical register.

2

يُقِرّ الدستور بحرية التعبير كحق أصيل.

The constitution recognizes freedom of expression as an inherent right.

Constitutional law terminology.

3

رفضت المعارضة أن تُقِرّ بشرعية الانتخابات.

The opposition refused to recognize the legitimacy of the elections.

Political legitimacy context.

4

يُقِرّ النقاد بعبقرية الكاتب في روايته الأخيرة.

Critics acknowledge the author's genius in his latest novel.

Literary criticism register.

5

من الضروري أن نُقِرّ بالواقع المرير.

It is necessary to acknowledge the bitter reality.

Idiomatic 'al-waqi' al-marir'.

6

تُقِرّ القوانين الدولية بسيادة الدول.

International laws recognize the sovereignty of states.

Sovereignty as a legal concept.

7

هل يُقِرّ الضمير بمثل هذه الأفعال؟

Does the conscience approve of such actions?

Metaphorical subject 'conscience'.

8

يُقِرّ البروتوكول باتباع هذه الإجراءات.

The protocol mandates following these procedures.

Administrative/Protocol context.

1

يُقِرّ العقل الجمعي بضرورة التغيير الجذري.

The collective consciousness acknowledges the need for radical change.

Sociological terminology.

2

تُقِرّ المعاهدات المبرمة بحقوق الأقليات.

The concluded treaties recognize the rights of minorities.

High-level treaty language.

3

يُقِرّ النص الأدبي بتداخل الأجناس الأدبية.

The literary text acknowledges the interweaving of literary genres.

Advanced literary theory.

4

لا يمكن للمرء إلا أن يُقِرّ بعظمة الخالق.

One cannot but acknowledge the greatness of the Creator.

Theological/Sublime register.

5

يُقِرّ الفقهاء بجواز هذا الأمر في حالات الضرورة.

Jurists acknowledge the permissibility of this matter in cases of necessity.

Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) context.

6

تُقِرّ النظرية النسبية بانحناء الزمكان.

Relativity theory acknowledges the curvature of spacetime.

Scientific/Physics terminology.

7

يُقِرّ الوجدان الإنساني بقيم العدالة والمساواة.

Human sentiment recognizes the values of justice and equality.

Abstract moral discourse.

8

يُقِرّ التحليل النفسي بتأثير اللاوعي على السلوك.

Psychoanalysis acknowledges the influence of the unconscious on behavior.

Psychological terminology.

Common Collocations

يقر الميزانية
يقر بذنبه
يقر قانوناً
يقر بالهزيمة
يقر بصحة
يقر بفضل
يقر عيناً
يقر بالواقع
يقر اتفاقية
يقر مشروعاً

Common Phrases

لا يقر له قرار

— To be restless or unable to settle down.

منذ الحادث، لا يقر له قرار.

يقر بلسانه

— To admit verbally (often followed by 'what is in the heart').

يقر بلسانه ما ليس في قلبه.

أقر عيناً

— To be deeply happy and satisfied.

أقر الله عينك برؤية أهلك.

إقرار ضريبي

— A tax return or declaration.

يجب تقديم الإقرار الضريبي قبل نهاية الشهر.

سيد الأدلة الإقرار

— Confession is the master of all evidence (legal maxim).

في القانون، الإقرار سيد الأدلة.

يقر بالمسؤولية

— To take/admit responsibility.

الشركة تقر بالمسؤولية عن الخطأ.

يقر بالتهمة

— To plead guilty to a charge.

هل يقر المتهم بالتهمة الموجهة إليه؟

يقر بوجود

— To acknowledge the existence of something.

العالم يقر بوجود ثقوب سوداء.

يقر بالحق

— To acknowledge the truth/right.

الرجوع إلى الحق خير من التمادي في الباطل.

يقر الخطة

— To approve the plan.

اللجنة تقر الخطة الخمسية.

Often Confused With

يقر vs يقرر (Yuqarriru)

Means 'to decide'. You decide on a plan, but you approve (يقر) a law.

يقر vs يقرأ (Yaqra'u)

Means 'to read'. Only sounds similar to beginners.

يقر vs يقدر (Yuqaddiru)

Means 'to appreciate' or 'to estimate'.

Idioms & Expressions

"أقر عينه"

— To make someone happy and content.

أقر الله عين الوالدين بنجاح ابنهما.

Formal/Literary
"لا يقر له قرار"

— To be in a state of constant anxiety or movement.

لا يقر له قرار حتى ينهي عمله.

Neutral
"يقر بالجميل"

— To show gratitude and acknowledge a favor.

هو رجل وفيّ يقر بالجميل دائماً.

Neutral
"سيد الأدلة"

— Referring to 'Iqrar' (confession) as the ultimate proof.

القاضي اعتمد على اعترافه لأنه سيد الأدلة.

Legal
"بارد القرة"

— An old idiom for a happy, peaceful state (related to 'qurr').

عاش في بلده بارد القرة.

Archaic
"يقر بالهزيمة"

— To concede defeat gracefully.

بعد فرز الأصوات، أقر بالهزيمة.

Formal
"يقر في مكانه"

— To stay put or remain stable.

لم يقر في مكانه من شدة الفرح.

Neutral
"يقر بلسانه"

— To say something without necessarily believing it.

يقر بالحق بلسانه فقط.

Religious/Moral
"يقر بالواقع"

— To be pragmatic and accept things as they are.

علينا أن نقر بالواقع المر.

Neutral
"يقر عيناً بالمولود"

— To be delighted by a new baby.

أقر الله أعينكم بالمولود الجديد.

Social/Formal

Easily Confused

يقر vs قرر

Same root (Q-R-R).

Form II (Qarrara) is 'to decide'. Form IV (Aqarra) is 'to approve/admit'.

قرر السفر (He decided to travel) vs أقر بالحق (He admitted the truth).

يقر vs استقر

Same root.

Form X means 'to settle down' or 'become stable'.

استقر في البيت.

يقر vs قر

Base form.

Form I means 'to stay' or 'to be cold'.

قر في مكانه.

يقر vs كرر

Sounds similar.

K-R-R means 'to repeat'.

كرر السؤال.

يقر vs قرأ

Visual similarity.

Q-R-' means 'to read'.

قرأ الكتاب.

Sentence Patterns

A2

[Subject] + يُقِرّ + [Object]

المدير يقر الخطة.

B1

[Subject] + يُقِرّ + بـ + [Noun]

هو يقر بخطئه.

B1

[Subject] + يُقِرّ + بأن + [Sentence]

يقر العالم بأن الأرض كروية.

B2

لم + يُقِرّ + [Subject] + [Object]

لم يقر المجلس القانون.

C1

يُقِرّ + [Subject/Institution] + بـ + [Abstract Concept]

تقر الفلسفة بجمال الروح.

C2

لا يسعنا إلا أن + نُقِرّ + بـ...

لا يسعنا إلا أن نقر بعبقريته.

B2

[Passive Subject] + يُقَرّ

القانون يُقَرّ غداً.

B1

هل + تُقِرّ + بـ...؟

هل تقر بالذنب؟

Word Family

Nouns

إقرار (Acknowledgment/Confession)
قرار (Decision/Resolution)
مقر (Headquarters/Location)
استقرار (Stability)
قرة (Coolness/Delight)

Verbs

قر (To settle/Stay)
قرر (To decide)
استقر (To become stable)
تقرر (To be decided)

Adjectives

مقر (Acknowledged)
مستقر (Stable)
تقريري (Report-based/Descriptive)

Related

اعتراف
تصديق
موافقة
ثبات
سكون

How to Use It

frequency

High in news, medium in daily speech.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'yuqirru' for 'deciding' to go to the gym. يقرر (yuqarriru)

    Yuqirru is for formal approval or confession, not personal decisions.

  • Saying 'يقر الخطأ' instead of 'يقر بالخطأ'. يقر بالخطأ

    Admitting a mistake requires the preposition 'bi'.

  • Confusing 'yuqirru' with 'yaqra'u' (to read). يقرأ الكتاب vs يقر القانون

    The 'q' and 'r' are the same, but the ending is totally different.

  • Using it in a very slangy conversation. اعترف / وافق

    'Yuqirru' is too formal for a casual chat with friends.

  • Forgetting the shadda in pronunciation. Yuqir-ru

    Without the shadda, the word loses its grammatical structure and meaning.

Tips

Check the Preposition

If you see 'bi', think 'admission'. If you don't, think 'approval of a law'.

Root Power

Remember Q-R-R means 'stable'. Everything 'yuqirru' does makes a situation stable.

The Shadda

Don't rush the 'r'. Give it that extra beat to show it is a double letter.

Formal Tone

Use this word in essays about politics or law to immediately sound like a B2/C1 student.

News Tickers

Watch the bottom of the screen on Arabic news; 'يقر' is one of the most frequent verbs there.

The 'Cool' Eye

Remember the connection to 'coolness' to understand the positive historical roots of the word.

Confession

In a legal context, 'Iqrar' is the most powerful evidence you can have.

vs. I'tiraf

'Iqrar' is often more formal and 'settled' than a simple 'I'tiraf' (confession).

Clear it

A-Qar-ra... A-Clear-a. It clears the doubt by making it official.

Passive Voice

Note that 'yuqarru' (is approved) is very common in legislative news.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Yuqirru' as 'You-Clear-It'. When you approve a law or confess, you clear the air and make the matter settled (stable).

Visual Association

Imagine a judge hitting a gavel. The sound is firm and 'settles' the case. That is 'Yuqirru'.

Word Web

Decision Confession Law Stability Coolness Approval Ratification Acknowledgment

Challenge

Try to find three news headlines today that use the word 'يقر' and determine if it means 'approve' or 'admit'.

Word Origin

From the Proto-Semitic root Q-R-R, which originally related to coldness and settling.

Original meaning: To be cold or to stay in one place (settle).

Semitic (Arabic).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using it for 'confessions' in political contexts, as it can imply a forced admission in some media narratives.

While English uses 'admit' for both small and large things, 'Yaqirru' is almost always significant and formal.

Quranic verse: 'Wa aqrartum wa akhadhtum...' (And you acknowledged and took...) Legal maxim: 'Al-Iqrar sayyid al-adilla' (Confession is the master of evidence). Poetry: 'Aqirru bi-dhanbi' (I confess my sin).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

In the News

  • يقر قانوناً
  • يقر الميزانية
  • يقر بالهزيمة
  • يقر بالمسؤولية

In Court

  • يقر بالتهمة
  • إقرار قضائي
  • يقر بالحق
  • يقر بصحة التوقيع

In Business

  • يقر الخطة
  • يقر المشروع
  • يقر النتائج المالية
  • يقر بالدين

In Academia

  • يقر بفضل
  • يقر بالنتائج
  • يقر بالنظرية
  • يقر بالقصور

In Social Settings

  • يقر بالجميل
  • أقر الله عينك
  • يقر بالواقع
  • يقر بالخطأ

Conversation Starters

"هل تعتقد أن البرلمان سيقر القانون الجديد؟"

"متى يقر الإنسان بأخطائه عادة؟"

"هل تقر بفضل التكنولوجيا في حياتنا؟"

"لماذا يصعب على البعض أن يقروا بالهزيمة؟"

"هل أقر المدير خطتك للعمل؟"

Journal Prompts

اكتب عن موقف اضطررت فيه أن تقر بخطئك أمام الآخرين.

ما هو القانون الذي تتمنى أن يقره البرلمان في بلدك ولماذا؟

تحدث عن شخص تقر له بالفضل في نجاحك الدراسي أو المهني.

هل تعتقد أن الاعتراف (الإقرار) هو الخطوة الأولى لحل المشكلات؟

صف شعورك عندما يقر شخص ما بحقك بعد طول انتظار.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'Aqarra' (Form IV) means to approve or confess. 'Qarrara' (Form II) means to decide or determine. For example, a judge 'decides' (yuqarriru) a sentence, and the defendant 'confesses' (yuqirru).

No. Use 'bi' only when it means 'to confess' or 'to acknowledge a fact.' When it means 'to approve a law/budget,' it takes a direct object without 'bi'.

It is mostly a Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) word. In dialects like Egyptian or Levantine, people usually use 'i'taraf' for confessing and 'wa'fi' or 'madi' for approving.

It sounds very formal. 'Wafaqt' or 'Ana ma'ak' (I am with you) is much more natural for social agreement.

It is a beautiful idiom meaning 'to make someone happy/satisfied,' literally 'to make their eye cool/settled.'

It is called 'Iqrar Daribi' (إقرار ضريبي), which literally means a 'tax declaration' or 'acknowledgment'.

In MSA, yes. In some dialects, the 'q' becomes a glottal stop (hamza) or a 'g' sound, but since 'yuqirru' is a formal word, the 'q' is usually preserved.

The noun is 'Iqrar' (إقرار), meaning acknowledgment, confession, or ratification.

The root does, but Form IV 'Aqarra' usually implies making something else stay/stable (like a law or a truth).

Yes, it appears in several places meaning to acknowledge a covenant or truth.

Test Yourself 75 questions

writing

Write a sentence in Arabic saying: 'The manager approves the new project.'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence in Arabic saying: 'I admit my mistake.'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Use 'يقر بأن' in a sentence about climate change.

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a formal headline: 'Parliament ratifies the trade agreement.'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Ask a question: 'Do you acknowledge this signature?'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Pronounce 'يُقِرّ' correctly, emphasizing the shadda.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 'الوزير يقر القانون.' What did the minister do?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

/ 75 correct

Perfect score!

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