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A1 verb #2,500 most common 10 min read

يَكره

yakrah
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips يَكره in 30 Seconds
Explanation يَكره in your Level:
At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the verb يَكره (yakrahu) as a foundational tool for expressing basic personal preferences. In the early stages of language acquisition, the ability to state what one likes and dislikes is paramount for basic communication and survival in a target language environment. The verb is taught in its simplest form, usually in the present tense, to allow learners to construct straightforward sentences. For example, a learner might say 'Ana akrahu al-tuffah' (I hate apples) or 'Huwa yakrahu al-intithar' (He hates waiting). The focus at this level is entirely on communicative competence rather than deep grammatical analysis. Teachers emphasize rote memorization of the conjugation for the most common pronouns: I (ana akrahu), you masculine (anta takrahu), you feminine (anti takrahina), he (huwa yakrahu), and she (hiya takrahu). Vocabulary building around this verb typically involves common everyday items such as foods, colors, weather conditions, and basic activities. This allows the learner to immediately apply the verb in meaningful, real-life contexts. Furthermore, the concept of negation is introduced lightly, contrasting 'yakrahu' with 'la yuhibbu' (does not like) to provide learners with varying degrees of expressing negative preference. The cultural aspect is also touched upon briefly, advising learners that expressing strong hatred for something might be considered impolite in certain formal contexts, encouraging the use of softer alternatives when appropriate. Overall, the A1 mastery of يَكره sets the stage for more complex emotional expression in subsequent levels, providing a solid anchor for the learner's growing Arabic lexicon. The repetitive practice of this verb in simple subject-verb-object structures builds confidence and fluency, ensuring that the learner can navigate basic social interactions where stating preferences is required.
As learners progress to the A2 level, their understanding and application of the verb يَكره expand significantly. At this stage, the focus shifts from simple present tense statements to incorporating the verb into a wider variety of temporal contexts and slightly more complex sentence structures. Learners are introduced to the past tense form, كَرِهَ (kariha), enabling them to recount past experiences and previous aversions. For instance, they can now say 'Karihtu al-ta'am' (I hated the food) or 'Huwa kariha al-rihla' (He hated the trip). Additionally, the future tense is introduced using the prefixes 'sa-' or 'sawfa', allowing for predictions or future statements like 'Sayakrahu hadha' (He will hate this). The A2 curriculum also places a strong emphasis on using يَكره with verbal nouns (masdar) and the particle 'an' (أن) followed by the subjunctive verb. This is a critical grammatical leap, as it allows learners to express hatred toward actions rather than just tangible objects. They learn to construct sentences such as 'Yakrahu an yadrusa' (He hates to study) or 'Yakrahu al-dirasa' (He hates studying). This syntactic flexibility greatly enhances their conversational abilities. Furthermore, learners at this level begin to explore the nuances of degree, adding adverbs like 'jiddan' (very much) or 'qalilan' (a little) to modify the intensity of the verb. The cultural context is deepened, discussing how personal preferences are shared in Arab societies and the appropriate registers for expressing strong dislike. By the end of the A2 level, learners possess a robust command of يَكره, capable of using it accurately across different timeframes and in conjunction with a broader range of vocabulary, thereby solidifying their ability to articulate personal boundaries and emotional responses in Arabic.
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At the B1 intermediate level, the verb يَكره is integrated into much more sophisticated linguistic frameworks. Learners are expected to move beyond simple statements of preference and begin using the verb to articulate complex opinions, participate in debates, and express nuanced emotional states. The grammatical focus sharpens on conditional sentences and complex clauses. For example, learners might construct sentences like 'Idha fa'alta dhalika, sayakrahu al-nassu tasarrufak' (If you do that, people will hate your behavior). The passive voice is also introduced, though less common with this specific verb, allowing learners to understand forms like 'makruh' (hated/disliked), which is frequently used as an adjective or a noun in Islamic jurisprudence to denote actions that are discouraged but not strictly forbidden. Vocabulary expansion at the B1 level involves pairing يَكره with abstract concepts such as hypocrisy (nifaq), injustice (dhulm), and corruption (fasad), moving the discourse from the personal to the societal. Learners are also trained to recognize and use synonyms to avoid repetition and add stylistic flair to their speech and writing. Words like 'yamqutu' (loathes) or 'yashma'izzu min' (is disgusted by) are introduced to provide a spectrum of negative emotion. Listening comprehension exercises at this level often feature native speakers using the verb in natural, rapid speech, exposing learners to dialectal variations and colloquialisms where the pronunciation might shift slightly (e.g., 'beyekrah' in Levantine or Egyptian dialects). The B1 learner uses يَكره not just to state a fact, but to persuade, to empathize, and to engage deeply with the target culture's values and social norms, demonstrating a solid intermediate proficiency.
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Reaching the B2 upper-intermediate level, learners interact with the verb يَكره with a high degree of fluency and spontaneity. The focus here is on precision, register, and sociolinguistic appropriateness. Learners are expected to understand the subtle differences between expressing dislike in a formal academic essay versus a casual conversation with friends. In writing, they utilize the verbal noun 'karahiyyah' (hatred) to discuss broader themes, such as 'khitab al-karahiyyah' (hate speech) in media and politics. The verb is used seamlessly in complex, multi-clause sentences involving relative pronouns and advanced conjunctions. For example, 'Al-mabadi' allati yakrahuha al-mujtama'...' (The principles that society hates...). At this stage, learners are also highly attuned to the cultural and religious connotations of the root ك-ر-ه. They understand its usage in idiomatic expressions and proverbs. The B2 curriculum challenges learners to defend their aversions logically, using يَكره as a starting point for argumentation. They might be asked to write an essay on why a certain demographic hates a specific policy, requiring them to use the verb in the third-person plural 'yakrahuna' accurately while managing complex syntactic structures. Furthermore, error correction becomes a key focus; learners are expected to self-monitor and correct any lingering mistakes regarding subject-verb agreement or preposition misuse. The ability to use يَكره and its derivatives effortlessly in both abstract and concrete contexts marks the B2 learner's transition from a dependent language user to an independent and highly capable communicator in the Arabic language.
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At the C1 advanced level, the usage of يَكره transcends basic communication and enters the realm of stylistic mastery and literary appreciation. Learners at this stage possess a comprehensive understanding of the Arabic language's morphological and syntactic intricacies. They engage with authentic texts—such as classical literature, modern poetry, political op-eds, and philosophical treatises—where the verb يَكره and its derivatives are used to convey profound emotional and intellectual depth. The C1 learner is adept at recognizing the rhetorical devices employed alongside this verb, such as hyperbole, metaphor, and juxtaposition. They understand the subtle semantic shifts when the verb is used in different verb forms, though Form I remains the most common for this specific root. The focus is heavily on the noun forms, 'kurh' and 'karahiyyah', and their precise application in academic and professional discourse. For instance, analyzing the psychological roots of 'karahiyyah' in a sociological study. Learners are also expected to produce highly sophisticated written and spoken output, using synonyms like 'yamqutu' or 'yabghidu' appropriately to match the elevated register of their discourse. They can effortlessly navigate debates on sensitive topics, using the verb to articulate strong moral or ethical stances without violating cultural norms of politeness, demonstrating a high level of pragmatic competence. The C1 learner's relationship with the verb يَكره is characterized by precision, elegance, and a deep appreciation for the historical and cultural weight the word carries within the Arabic-speaking world.
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At the C2 mastery level, the learner's command of the verb يَكره is virtually indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. The C2 user navigates the entire semantic field of aversion and hatred with absolute precision, drawing upon a vast reservoir of classical and modern vocabulary. They engage deeply with the etymology of the root ك-ر-ه, understanding its historical evolution from pre-Islamic poetry through the Quranic text and into contemporary usage. In Quranic Arabic, for example, they analyze verses where 'kurh' implies a burden or something undertaken with reluctance, distinguishing it from pure emotional hatred. The C2 learner can deconstruct complex literary passages where the verb is used to drive narrative tension or character development. They are capable of producing academic papers, delivering formal speeches, and engaging in high-level diplomatic or literary translation where the exact nuance of يَكره versus its synonyms must be perfectly rendered. They understand the sociolinguistic implications of using the verb in various regional dialects versus Modern Standard Arabic, effortlessly code-switching depending on the audience. At this pinnacle of language proficiency, يَكره is not merely a vocabulary word to be conjugated; it is a conceptual tool used to explore the human condition, societal conflicts, and philosophical inquiries. The C2 learner wields this verb with complete grammatical accuracy, profound cultural sensitivity, and exceptional rhetorical skill, reflecting their absolute mastery of the Arabic language.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

يَكره in 30 Seconds

  • Expresses strong dislike or hatred.
  • Form I verb from the root ك-ر-ه.
  • Takes a direct object or 'an' + verb.
  • Opposite of يحب (yuhibbu - he loves).
The Arabic verb يَكره (yakrahu) is a fundamental lexical item in the Arabic language, essential for expressing negative preferences, distaste, or outright hatred. Understanding this verb requires a deep dive into its morphology, syntax, and pragmatics. To fully comprehend the depth and utility of this Arabic verb, one must consider its application across various dialects and Modern Standard Arabic. The root letters kaf, ra, and ha (ك-ر-ه) combine to form a semantic field related to aversion, reluctance, and hatred. In everyday conversation, expressing dislike is as crucial as expressing preference. Therefore, mastering this verb unlocks a significant portion of expressive capability for the learner. Furthermore, the conjugation patterns follow the standard Form I rules, making it relatively predictable yet essential for foundational fluency. When we look at the historical evolution of this term, we see its consistent usage from classical texts to modern media.
Morphology
Form I verb, present tense, third-person masculine singular.

هو يَكره الانتظار.

The psychological implications of using this verb are also noteworthy. It conveys a strong emotion that can range from mild annoyance to deep-seated enmity, depending on the context and the tone of voice. In many cultures, directly stating that one hates something can be seen as impolite, so learners must navigate these cultural nuances carefully.
Syntax
Typically takes a direct object or a nominal clause introduced by 'an'.

الطالب يَكره الواجبات.

The versatility of يَكره allows it to be used in both formal writing and casual speech. It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires an object to complete its meaning. This object can be a tangible item, a person, or an abstract concept.

الرجل يَكره الكذب.

Pragmatics
Used to set boundaries and express personal boundaries clearly.

الطفل يَكره الخضروات.

الموظف يَكره التأخير.

As learners progress, they will encounter various synonyms and related terms, but يَكره remains the most direct and universally understood way to express dislike. Its frequency in the language means that learners will encounter it early and often, making it a critical vocabulary word to master. The ability to articulate what one does not like is just as important as expressing what one does like, forming the basis of personal expression and identity in a new language. By practicing this verb in various contexts, learners can build confidence in their conversational skills and ensure their preferences are accurately communicated and respected by native speakers.
Using the verb يَكره correctly involves understanding its grammatical requirements and syntactic behavior in different sentence structures. As a transitive verb, it directly affects an object, which can be a noun, a pronoun, or a verbal noun (masdar). To fully comprehend the depth and utility of this Arabic verb, one must consider its application across various dialects and Modern Standard Arabic. The root letters kaf, ra, and ha combine to form a semantic field related to aversion, reluctance, and hatred. In everyday conversation, expressing dislike is as crucial as expressing preference. Therefore, mastering this verb unlocks a significant portion of expressive capability for the learner. Furthermore, the conjugation patterns follow the standard Form I rules, making it relatively predictable yet essential for foundational fluency. When we look at the historical evolution of this term, we see its consistent usage from classical texts to modern media.
Direct Object
The most common usage is followed immediately by a definite noun.

هو يَكره الضوضاء.

When expressing the hatred of an action, Arabic often employs the particle 'an' (أن) followed by the subjunctive mood of the verb. This is equivalent to the English 'hates to do' or 'hates doing'.
Verbal Noun
Using the masdar instead of 'an' + verb is more formal and concise.

أخي يَكره السفر.

The psychological implications of using this verb are also noteworthy. It conveys a strong emotion that can range from mild annoyance to deep-seated enmity, depending on the context and the tone of voice. In many cultures, directly stating that one hates something can be seen as impolite, so learners must navigate these cultural nuances carefully.

المدير يَكره الكسل.

Negation
To say 'does not hate', simply place 'la' (لا) before the verb.

هو لا يَكره العمل، بل هو متعب.

القط يَكره الماء.

As learners progress, they will encounter various synonyms and related terms, but يَكره remains the most direct and universally understood way to express dislike. Its frequency in the language means that learners will encounter it early and often, making it a critical vocabulary word to master. The ability to articulate what one does not like is just as important as expressing what one does like, forming the basis of personal expression and identity in a new language. By practicing this verb in various contexts, learners can build confidence in their conversational skills and ensure their preferences are accurately communicated and respected by native speakers.
The verb يَكره is ubiquitous in Arabic-speaking environments, heard in a wide variety of contexts ranging from casual street conversations to formal news broadcasts. To fully comprehend the depth and utility of this Arabic verb, one must consider its application across various dialects and Modern Standard Arabic. The root letters kaf, ra, and ha combine to form a semantic field related to aversion, reluctance, and hatred. In everyday conversation, expressing dislike is as crucial as expressing preference. Therefore, mastering this verb unlocks a significant portion of expressive capability for the learner. Furthermore, the conjugation patterns follow the standard Form I rules, making it relatively predictable yet essential for foundational fluency. When we look at the historical evolution of this term, we see its consistent usage from classical texts to modern media.
Media and News
Often used to describe political aversions or public sentiment.

الشعب يَكره الفساد.

In everyday life, you will frequently hear this verb among friends and family discussing their tastes in food, entertainment, and daily activities. It is a staple of opinion-sharing.
Literature
Used extensively in novels and poetry to depict character flaws or conflicts.

البطل يَكره الظلم.

The psychological implications of using this verb are also noteworthy. It conveys a strong emotion that can range from mild annoyance to deep-seated enmity, depending on the context and the tone of voice. In many cultures, directly stating that one hates something can be seen as impolite, so learners must navigate these cultural nuances carefully.

المريض يَكره الدواء.

Workplace
Used to express professional boundaries or dislike for certain tasks.

الزميل يَكره الاجتماعات الطويلة.

الزبون يَكره الانتظار.

As learners progress, they will encounter various synonyms and related terms, but يَكره remains the most direct and universally understood way to express dislike. Its frequency in the language means that learners will encounter it early and often, making it a critical vocabulary word to master. The ability to articulate what one does not like is just as important as expressing what one does like, forming the basis of personal expression and identity in a new language. By practicing this verb in various contexts, learners can build confidence in their conversational skills and ensure their preferences are accurately communicated and respected by native speakers.
When learning the verb يَكره, students frequently make several predictable errors related to conjugation, syntax, and preposition usage. To fully comprehend the depth and utility of this Arabic verb, one must consider its application across various dialects and Modern Standard Arabic. The root letters kaf, ra, and ha combine to form a semantic field related to aversion, reluctance, and hatred. In everyday conversation, expressing dislike is as crucial as expressing preference. Therefore, mastering this verb unlocks a significant portion of expressive capability for the learner. Furthermore, the conjugation patterns follow the standard Form I rules, making it relatively predictable yet essential for foundational fluency. When we look at the historical evolution of this term, we see its consistent usage from classical texts to modern media.
Preposition Error
Adding a preposition like 'min' (from) after the verb. It should take a direct object.

هو يَكره الكلب (Correct) vs هو يكره من الكلب (Incorrect).

Another common mistake is confusing the vowels in the present tense. The correct pronunciation is yakrahu (with a fatha on the ra), not yakruhu or yakrihu.
Subject-Verb Agreement
Failing to match the gender of the subject with the verb prefix.

هي تكره (She hates) vs هو يَكره (He hates).

The psychological implications of using this verb are also noteworthy. It conveys a strong emotion that can range from mild annoyance to deep-seated enmity, depending on the context and the tone of voice. In many cultures, directly stating that one hates something can be seen as impolite, so learners must navigate these cultural nuances carefully.

الطلاب يَكرهون الامتحان (Plural agreement).

Infinitive Usage
Using the unconjugated verb instead of 'an' + subjunctive or masdar.

هو يَكره أن يدرس.

الرجل يَكره القيادة في الزحام.

As learners progress, they will encounter various synonyms and related terms, but يَكره remains the most direct and universally understood way to express dislike. Its frequency in the language means that learners will encounter it early and often, making it a critical vocabulary word to master. The ability to articulate what one does not like is just as important as expressing what one does like, forming the basis of personal expression and identity in a new language. By practicing this verb in various contexts, learners can build confidence in their conversational skills and ensure their preferences are accurately communicated and respected by native speakers.
The Arabic language is rich in vocabulary for expressing emotions, and there are several synonyms and related words to يَكره that carry slightly different nuances. To fully comprehend the depth and utility of this Arabic verb, one must consider its application across various dialects and Modern Standard Arabic. The root letters kaf, ra, and ha combine to form a semantic field related to aversion, reluctance, and hatred. In everyday conversation, expressing dislike is as crucial as expressing preference. Therefore, mastering this verb unlocks a significant portion of expressive capability for the learner. Furthermore, the conjugation patterns follow the standard Form I rules, making it relatively predictable yet essential for foundational fluency. When we look at the historical evolution of this term, we see its consistent usage from classical texts to modern media.
يمقت (Yamqutu)
Means to loathe or detest, carrying a much stronger and more formal tone than yakrahu.

هو يمقت الخيانة أكثر مما يَكره الكذب.

Another related concept is لا يحب (la yuhibbu), which simply means 'does not like'. This is a softer, more polite way to express a lack of preference without the strong negativity of hate.
يشمئز (Yashma'izzu)
Means to be disgusted by, implying a physical or deep moral revulsion.

هو يشمئز من القمامة، ويَكره الرائحة.

The psychological implications of using this verb are also noteworthy. It conveys a strong emotion that can range from mild annoyance to deep-seated enmity, depending on the context and the tone of voice. In many cultures, directly stating that one hates something can be seen as impolite, so learners must navigate these cultural nuances carefully.

العدو يَكره السلام.

يبغض (Yubghidu)
A classical synonym for hate, often found in religious or literary texts.

الله يبغض الظلم، والمؤمن يَكره الخطيئة.

هو يَكره النفاق بشدة.

As learners progress, they will encounter various synonyms and related terms, but يَكره remains the most direct and universally understood way to express dislike. Its frequency in the language means that learners will encounter it early and often, making it a critical vocabulary word to master. The ability to articulate what one does not like is just as important as expressing what one does like, forming the basis of personal expression and identity in a new language. By practicing this verb in various contexts, learners can build confidence in their conversational skills and ensure their preferences are accurately communicated and respected by native speakers.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Present tense conjugation of Form I verbs

The accusative case for direct objects (Mansub)

The subjunctive mood after 'an' (أن)

Negation of present tense verbs using 'la' (لا)

Verbal nouns (Masdar) as objects

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Examples by Level

1

هو يَكره التفاح.

He hates apples.

Present tense, 3rd person masculine singular.

2

أنا أكره المطر.

I hate the rain.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

3

هي تَكره القطط.

She hates cats.

Present tense, 3rd person feminine singular.

4

نحن نَكره الانتظار.

We hate waiting.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

5

هل تَكره الحليب؟

Do you hate milk?

Interrogative sentence using 'hal'.

6

الطالب يَكره الواجب.

The student hates homework.

Noun as subject followed by the verb.

7

هو يَكره اللون الأحمر.

He hates the color red.

Direct object with definite article.

8

أخي يَكره السمك.

My brother hates fish.

Possessive noun as subject.

1

هو كَرِهَ الفيلم.

He hated the movie.

Past tense, 3rd person masculine singular.

2

هي تَكره أن تدرس.

She hates to study.

Verb followed by 'an' and subjunctive verb.

3

سوف يَكره هذا المكان.

He will hate this place.

Future tense using 'sawfa'.

4

أنا لا أكرهك.

I do not hate you.

Negation with 'la' and attached object pronoun.

5

الكلب يَكره الاستحمام.

The dog hates bathing.

Using a verbal noun (masdar) as the object.

6

لماذا تَكره الرياضة؟

Why do you hate sports?

Question word 'limadha' (why).

7

هو يَكره الجو الحار جداً.

He hates very hot weather.

Adjective modifying the direct object.

8

كنا نَكره تلك المدرسة.

We used to hate that school.

Kana + present tense to indicate past habit.

1

المدير يَكره الموظفين الذين يتأخرون.

The manager hates employees who are late.

Using relative pronoun 'alladhina'.

2

رغم أنه متعب، هو لا يَكره عمله.

Although he is tired, he does not hate his job.

Concession clause with 'raghma anna'.

3

إذا كذبت عليه، سيَكرهك.

If you lie to him, he will hate you.

Conditional sentence with 'idha'.

4

يَكره الناس النفاق في المجتمع.

People hate hypocrisy in society.

Abstract noun as direct object.

5

من الطبيعي أن يَكره الإنسان الظلم.

It is natural for a human to hate injustice.

Impersonal expression 'min al-tabi'i an'.

6

هي تَكره التحدث أمام الجمهور.

She hates speaking in front of the public.

Verbal noun phrase as object.

7

أصبح يَكره السفر بعد الحادث.

He began to hate traveling after the accident.

Verb of transformation 'asbaha'.

8

لا أحد يَكره السلام.

No one hates peace.

Absolute negation with 'la ahad'.

1

خطاب الكراهية هو ما يَكرهه المجتمع المتحضر.

Hate speech is what a civilized society hates.

Relative clause with resumptive pronoun 'yakrahuhu'.

2

يبدو أنه يَكره تحمل المسؤولية.

It seems that he hates taking responsibility.

Expression 'yabdu annahu'.

3

المبادئ التي يَكرهها الفاسدون هي العدالة والشفافية.

The principles that the corrupt hate are justice and transparency.

Complex sentence structure with multiple nouns.

4

كان يَكره أن يُعامل كطفل.

He hated being treated like a child.

Passive voice in the subjunctive clause 'yu'amala'.

5

بقدر ما يحب النجاح، يَكره الفشل.

As much as he loves success, he hates failure.

Comparative structure 'biqadri ma...'.

6

يَكره الكاتب القيود المفروضة على حرية التعبير.

The writer hates the restrictions imposed on freedom of expression.

Passive participle used as an adjective 'mafrudha'.

7

لا يسعني إلا أن أكره هذا التصرف.

I cannot help but hate this behavior.

Idiomatic expression 'la yasa'uni illa an'.

8

يَكرهون التغيير لأنهم يخشون المجهول.

They hate change because they fear the unknown.

Causal clause with 'li-annahum'.

1

إن الديكتاتور يَكره أي شكل من أشكال المعارضة.

The dictator hates any form of opposition.

Emphasis with 'inna' and complex noun phrase.

2

يَكره الفلاسفة التناقض المنطقي في الحجج.

Philosophers hate logical contradiction in arguments.

Academic vocabulary integration.

3

بات يَكره الأضواء بعد أن أدرك زيف الشهرة.

He came to hate the limelight after realizing the falsity of fame.

Advanced verb 'bata' and abstract concepts.

4

ما يَكرهه المرء في غيره قد يكون موجوداً فيه.

What one hates in others might be present in oneself.

Philosophical structure using 'ma' as a relative pronoun.

5

يَكره المواطنون البيروقراطية التي تعرقل مصالحهم.

Citizens hate the bureaucracy that obstructs their interests.

Relative clause modifying an abstract noun.

6

لطالما كَرِهَ التملق والتقرب من أصحاب النفوذ.

He has always hated sycophancy and currying favor with the powerful.

Adverbial 'litalama' indicating long duration.

7

يَكره العقل البشري الفراغ ويسعى دائماً لإيجاد معنى.

The human mind hates a vacuum and always seeks to find meaning.

Personification and compound sentence.

8

إنها تَكره الاستسلام للأمر الواقع وتفضل المقاومة.

She hates surrendering to the status quo and prefers resistance.

Advanced idiomatic phrase 'al-amr al-waqi''.

1

يَكره الشاعر في قصيدته طغيان المادة على الروح.

The poet, in his poem, hates the tyranny of materialism over the spirit.

Literary analysis structure.

2

إن النفس لَتَكره ما جُبلت على النفور منه بالفطرة.

The soul indeed hates what it is innately predisposed to be averse to.

Classical structure with 'lam al-tawkid' and passive 'jubilat'.

3

يَكره العارفون بالله الركون إلى الدنيا وزخرفها.

The gnostics hate relying on the worldly life and its adornments.

Sufi/Islamic philosophical terminology.

4

لم يَكره شيئاً ككراهيته لضياع الوقت سُدى.

He hated nothing as much as his hatred for wasting time in vain.

Complex comparative using the masdar 'karahiyatihi'.

5

يَكره المصلحون الجمود الفكري الذي يكبل المجتمعات.

Reformers hate the intellectual stagnation that shackles societies.

High-register socio-political vocabulary.

6

يَكره التاريخ أولئك الذين يقفون في وجه التقدم.

History hates those who stand in the face of progress.

Personification of history.

7

إن من أشد ما يَكرهه الحكيم هو الجدل العقيم.

Indeed, among the things the wise man hates most is futile debate.

Superlative structure 'min ashaddi ma'.

8

يَكره المتنبي في شعره الجبناء وذوي الهمم الدنيئة.

Al-Mutanabbi, in his poetry, hates cowards and those of base ambitions.

Reference to classical literature and complex plurals.

Common Collocations

يَكره بشدة
يَكره الكذب
يَكره الانتظار
يَكره النفاق
يَكره الظلم
يَكره الضوضاء
يَكره بشغف
يَكره العمل
يَكره المدرسة
يَكره بشراسة

Common Phrases

أنا أكره ذلك
هو يَكره أن...
لا أكرهه ولكن...
الجميع يَكره...
لماذا تَكره...؟
أكره هذا الشعور
يَكره من كل قلبه
يَكره رؤية...
يَكره سماع...
يَكره فكرة...

Often Confused With

يَكره vs يغضب (yaghdabu - he gets angry)

يَكره vs يحزن (yahzanu - he gets sad)

يَكره vs يرفض (yarfudu - he refuses)

Idioms & Expressions

"يَكره العَمى (Hates it like blindness - hates it a lot)"
"يَكره سيرته (Hates the mention of his name)"
"يَكره خياله (Hates his shadow)"
"يَكره اليوم الذي... (Hates the day that...)"
"يَكره نفسه (Hates himself - feels extreme guilt)"
"يَكره الموت (Hates death - a natural human trait)"
"يَكره الحق (Hates the truth - used for stubborn people)"
"يَكره النور (Hates the light - prefers ignorance)"
"يَكره الخير لغيره (Hates good for others - envious)"
"يَكره رائحته (Hates his smell - extreme disgust)"

Easily Confused

يَكره vs

يَكره vs

يَكره vs

يَكره vs

يَكره vs

Sentence Patterns

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How to Use It

nuance

The intensity is often derived from the tone of voice or adverbs added to the sentence.

context

Used for both mild dislike and intense hatred.

frequency

Extremely high frequency in both spoken and written Arabic.

Common Mistakes
  • Adding the preposition 'min' (من) after the verb instead of using a direct object.
  • Pronouncing the present tense as 'yakruhu' instead of the correct 'yakrahu'.
  • Failing to use 'an' (أن) when connecting يَكره to another verb.
  • Using يَكره casually for people in formal settings, which can be seen as highly offensive.
  • Confusing the past tense 'kariha' with the noun 'kurh'.

Tips

Direct Object Focus

Always remember that يَكره is a transitive verb. It must be followed by a direct object. Do not insert prepositions like 'min' or 'fi' after it. Just state the verb and the thing hated.

Vowel Precision

Pay close attention to the middle vowel in the present tense. It is a fatha (a) on the 'ra': yakrAhu. Many learners mistakenly say yakruhu, which sounds incorrect to native ears.

Soften the Blow

If you need to express dislike but want to be polite, use 'la yuhibbu' (does not like) instead of 'yakrahu'. It saves face and maintains harmony in social interactions. Save 'yakrahu' for strong aversions.

Using 'An'

When hating an action, the formula is: Verb + أن (an) + Verb in subjunctive. Example: أكره أن أذهب (I hate to go). This is a very common and natural sentence structure.

Learn the Masdar

Instead of using 'an' + verb, try using the verbal noun (masdar) for a more sophisticated tone. Instead of 'yakrahu an yadrusa', say 'yakrahu al-dirasa' (he hates studying). It sounds very eloquent.

Dialect Variations

If you are speaking to people in the Levant or Egypt, don't be afraid to add the 'b' prefix: 'beyekrah'. It makes your spoken Arabic sound much more natural and less like a news broadcast.

Pair with Opposites

The best way to remember يَكره is to always practice it alongside its opposite, يُحب (yuhibbu). Create flashcards with both words to reinforce the binary concept of love and hate.

Accusative Case

If you are writing fully voweled Arabic (tashkeel), remember that the object of يَكره takes a fatha at the end because it is in the accusative case (mansub). Example: yakrahu al-kadhbA.

Mind Your Audience

Be careful when using this verb regarding sensitive topics like religion, country, or family in the Arab world. Strong words of hatred can cause deep offense. Use it primarily for food, weather, or abstract bad habits.

Context Clues

When listening, if you hear يَكره, expect a noun immediately after it. Anticipating the structure helps improve your real-time comprehension speed during fast-paced conversations.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a YAK running away from something it hates, saying 'RAHU' (it went away). Yak-rahu = He hates.

Word Origin

Proto-Semitic

Cultural Context

Saying 'I hate religion' or 'I hate the country' can provoke extreme reactions in conservative societies.

Can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but the object of hatred determines the social acceptability.

In Egyptian Arabic, it is pronounced 'beyekrah', while in Levantine it is 'byekrah'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"ما هو الطعام الذي تَكرهه؟ (What food do you hate?)"

"هل هناك شيء تَكره القيام به في الصباح؟ (Is there something you hate doing in the morning?)"

"لماذا يَكره بعض الناس القراءة؟ (Why do some people hate reading?)"

"ما هي المادة التي كنت تَكرهها في المدرسة؟ (What subject did you hate in school?)"

"هل تَكره الشتاء أم الصيف؟ (Do you hate winter or summer?)"

Journal Prompts

اكتب عن شيء كنت تَكرهه في طفولتك ولكنك تحبه الآن. (Write about something you hated in childhood but love now.)

صف موقفاً جعلك تَكره الانتظار. (Describe a situation that made you hate waiting.)

ما هي العادات التي تَكرهها في الآخرين؟ (What habits do you hate in others?)

اكتب فقرة عن أهمية ألا نَكره بعضنا البعض. (Write a paragraph about the importance of not hating each other.)

هل تعتقد أن من الطبيعي أن يَكره الإنسان وظيفته؟ (Do you think it's normal for a person to hate their job?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

To say 'I hate', you conjugate the verb for the first person singular. The correct form is 'أنا أكره' (Ana akrahu). You can drop the pronoun 'Ana' and just say 'Akrahu' followed by the object. For example, 'Akrahu al-basal' means 'I hate onions'. It is very straightforward and follows standard Form I rules.

No, يَكره is a transitive verb, which means it takes a direct object without needing a preposition. You do not say 'yakrahu min' (hates from). You simply place the noun directly after the verb. For example, 'yakrahu al-kadhb' (he hates lying).

'يَكره' (yakrahu) translates directly to 'he hates' and carries a strong negative emotion. 'لا يحب' (la yuhibbu) translates to 'he does not like', which is a milder, more neutral expression of preference. Using 'la yuhibbu' is generally considered more polite in social situations. Choose based on the intensity of the feeling.

If you want to say 'he hates to do something', you must use the particle 'أن' (an) between the two verbs. The structure is 'yakrahu an' followed by the second verb in the subjunctive mood. For example, 'yakrahu an yantadhira' (he hates to wait). Alternatively, use the verbal noun (masdar).

Yes, the root is used across almost all Arabic dialects, though the pronunciation changes slightly. In Egyptian and Levantine, it is often pronounced with a 'b' prefix for the present tense, like 'beyekrah' or 'byekrah'. The core meaning remains exactly the same as in Modern Standard Arabic.

There are two common noun forms (masdars) for this root. 'كُرْه' (kurh) is a shorter form often used in classical texts and poetry. 'كَرَاهِيَة' (karahiyyah) is the more common modern term for hatred, used in contexts like 'hate speech' (khitab al-karahiyyah). Both are widely understood.

Grammatically, yes, you can say 'yakrahu fulaan' (he hates so-and-so). However, culturally, expressing direct hatred towards a person is considered very strong and potentially offensive. It is usually reserved for extreme situations or enemies. For everyday annoyances with people, milder expressions are preferred.

The past tense is 'كَرِهَ' (kariha). It follows the fa'ila pattern for Form I verbs. To say 'he hated', you use 'kariha'. To say 'I hated', you say 'karihtu'. Ensure you pronounce the kasra (i) on the 'ra' in the past tense, unlike the fatha (a) in the present tense.

To negate the present tense verb, simply place the particle 'لا' (la) before it. 'لا يَكره' (la yakrahu) means 'he does not hate'. This does not necessarily mean he loves it; it just means the strong feeling of hatred is absent. It is a useful phrase for expressing neutrality.

'مَكْرُوه' (makruh) is the passive participle of the root. It translates to 'disliked' or 'detested'. In Islamic jurisprudence, it refers to an action that is discouraged but not strictly forbidden (haram). In everyday language, it can describe an unpleasant event or a disliked person.

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