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يَنوي

A2 verb #3,500 most common 11 min read

يَنوي

yanwi Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips يَنوي in 30 Seconds

Explanation يَنوي in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning your journey with Arabic. The word 'يَنوي' (yanwī) might seem a bit advanced, but it is very useful for talking about your future. Think of it as a more serious way to say 'I want.' When you are at this level, you mostly use the first-person form 'أَنوي' (anwī) to tell people what you plan to do. For example, 'أَنوي السفر' (I intend to travel). You don't need to worry too much about the complex grammar yet; just focus on the basic idea that this word shows you have a plan in your head. It is a 'doing' word, a verb. In Arabic, verbs change depending on who is doing the action. At A1, you should try to recognize 'أَنوي' (I intend), 'تَنوي' (you intend - to a man), and 'يَنوي' (he intends). This word is very common in simple stories and when people talk about their day. It is a great word to help you move beyond just saying 'I like' or 'I want.' By learning this word, you can start explaining your goals to your teacher or your Arabic-speaking friends. Remember, 'yanwī' is about what is inside your mind before you actually do it. It is like the 'seed' of an action. Even if you only know a few words, saying 'أَنوي أن أدرس' (I intend to study) shows that you are a serious student of the language.

At the A2 level, you are building your vocabulary to handle everyday situations. 'يَنوي' (yanwī) is a key verb for this stage because it allows you to discuss plans, intentions, and future goals with more precision than the basic 'أريد' (I want). You should now be comfortable with the basic present tense conjugation: 'أَنوي' (I), 'نَنوي' (we), 'تَنوي' (you/she), and 'يَنوي' (he). You should also start using the pattern 'يَنوي + أن + verb.' For example, 'تَنوي ليلى أن تزور جدتها' (Layla intends to visit her grandmother). At this level, you might also encounter the past tense form 'نوى' (nawā). Understanding the difference between 'wanting' something (a feeling) and 'intending' something (a decision) is important. You will hear this word in conversations about weekends, holidays, and work. It is also the time to learn the noun 'نيّة' (niyyah), which means 'intention.' This is a very important concept in Arabic-speaking cultures. If you make a mistake, people might ask, 'What was your intention?' (ما كانت نيتك؟). Learning 'يَنوي' helps you participate in these cultural nuances. You are no longer just a passive observer; you are someone who can express their purposes and plans clearly.

At the B1 level, you are becoming an intermediate learner who can handle more complex sentence structures. You should be able to use 'يَنوي' (yanwī) in various contexts, including conditional sentences. For example, 'إذا كنتَ تَنوي السفر، يجب أن تشتري التذكرة' (If you intend to travel, you must buy the ticket). You should also be aware of the verb's irregular nature. As a 'defective' verb ending in a weak letter, it undergoes changes in the jussive and imperative moods, although the imperative is less common for this specific verb. You should be able to distinguish 'يَنوي' from its more formal synonym 'يَعْتَزِم' (ya'tazim) and its logistical cousin 'يُخَطِّط' (yukhattīt). At B1, you are expected to understand the word in news broadcasts and short articles. You might see it in the context of 'Letters of Intent' or simple legal agreements. You should also be familiar with the plural forms like 'يَنُونَ' (they intend) and 'تَنُونَ' (you all intend). This level requires you to use the word not just for physical actions, but for abstract intentions as well, such as 'intending good' (يَنوي الخير) or 'intending to change' (يَنوي التغيير). Your ability to use 'يَنوي' correctly will show that you have a solid grasp of Arabic verb morphology and sentence logic.

At the B2 level, you are an upper-intermediate learner who can understand the nuances of 'يَنوي' (yanwī) in literature, media, and formal debates. You should be able to use the verb in the passive voice (though rare) and understand its derivative forms. You should also be comfortable with the concept of 'Niyyah' in a theological and legal sense, as it appears in classical and modern texts. For instance, you might analyze a text where the validity of a contract depends on what the parties 'نَوَوا' (intended - past plural). You should be able to use the verb to express subtle differences in meaning, such as 'intending' versus 'aiming' or 'planning.' Your vocabulary should include related terms like 'مَنْوِيّ' (intended/planned). At this level, you should also be able to recognize and use the verb in complex grammatical constructions, such as those involving the 'Lām of Purpose' or within 'Hāl' (circumstantial) clauses. You should be able to discuss the philosophy of intention in Arabic culture, perhaps referencing famous sayings or proverbs. Your use of 'يَنوي' should be fluid and natural, reflecting an understanding of both its literal meaning and its deep cultural resonance. You can now use it to describe the strategic intentions of a company or the hidden intentions of a character in a novel.

At the C1 level, you are approaching a near-native level of proficiency. You should have a deep understanding of the root N-W-Y and all its permutations across different registers of Arabic. You can use 'يَنوي' (yanwī) in highly formal academic or legal writing, and you understand its use in classical Arabic poetry and Hadith literature. You should be able to discuss the linguistic debates surrounding the 'niyyah'—whether it is an action of the heart or the tongue—and use the verb 'yanwī' to describe these philosophical nuances. You are familiar with rare and archaic uses of the verb and can distinguish it from a wide array of synonyms like 'أضمر' (to harbor an intention) or 'همّ بـ' (to be on the point of doing). Your mastery includes the ability to use the verb in all moods (indicative, subjunctive, jussive) without hesitation, even in complex nested clauses. You can identify the use of 'yanwī' in political rhetoric to signal strategic ambiguity or firm commitment. At this level, you don't just know the word; you understand its history, its theological weight, and its rhetorical power. You can write an essay on how intentions shape actions in Arabic literature, using 'يَنوي' as a central thematic verb.

At the C2 level, you have mastered the Arabic language. Your understanding of 'يَنوي' (yanwī) is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You can appreciate the most subtle puns or literary allusions involving the root N-W-Y, such as the metaphorical link between an 'intention' and a 'date pit' (nawāh). You can navigate the most complex legal and theological treatises where the verb 'yanwī' is used to define the boundaries of human responsibility and divine judgment. You are able to use the verb in creative writing to evoke specific emotional or psychological states in your characters. You understand how the verb's meaning can shift slightly across different Arabic dialects while maintaining its core semantic value in the literary language. You can lead a discussion on the role of 'niyyah' in Islamic ethics or modern Arab political thought. For you, 'يَنوي' is not just a verb to be conjugated; it is a fundamental building block of the Arabic worldview, representing the intersection of thought, will, and action. You can use it with perfect precision in any context, from a casual chat to a formal lecture at a university.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

يَنوي in 30 Seconds

يَنوي (yanwī) means 'to intend' or 'to plan.'
It is a present tense verb from the root N-W-Y.
Commonly used with 'an' (أن) followed by another verb.
Carries significant cultural and religious weight (Niyyah).

The Arabic verb يَنوي (yanwī) is a foundational word in the Arabic language, particularly within the context of human agency, planning, and spiritual commitment. At its core, it translates to 'to intend' or 'to have a plan.' However, in Arabic culture and linguistics, the concept of 'niyyah' (intention) carries significantly more weight than the English word 'intend.' It represents a conscious decision of the heart before an action is performed. You will encounter this word in daily conversations when people discuss their future plans, in formal news reports discussing government initiatives, and in religious contexts where the validity of an act of worship is predicated on the presence of a specific intention.

Grammatical Root: The word is derived from the root N-W-Y (ن-و-ي), which primarily relates to intention, purpose, and the 'pit' or 'seed' of a fruit. Just as a seed contains the potential for a whole tree, the 'niyyah' contains the essence of the action.
Temporal Usage: While 'يَنوي' is the present tense (imperfect), it often implies a future action that is currently being decided upon or planned.

الطالب يَنوي الدراسة في الخارج العام المقبل.

The student intends to study abroad next year.

When using this verb, you are describing an internal state of resolve. It is less about a fleeting wish (like 'I want') and more about a mental or spiritual commitment to a specific path. In modern standard Arabic, it is the standard way to express 'planning to do something' without necessarily having every logistical detail finalized.

هل تَنوي حضور الاجتماع غداً؟

Do you intend to attend the meeting tomorrow?

This verb is also used in the context of travel, marriage, business deals, and ethical choices. It is a versatile tool for any speaker looking to bridge the gap between thought and action. The word suggests a level of seriousness; if you say you 'yanwi' something, people expect you to follow through unless circumstances change. In legal and theological texts, the derivative 'niyyah' is a technical term, but the verb 'yanwi' remains the active expression of that internal state.

Social Nuance: Using this word can sometimes sound more formal than using 'أريد' (I want). It shows a higher degree of planning.

الشركة تَنوي إطلاق منتج جديد.

The company intends to launch a new product.

ماذا تَنوي أن تفعل بمالك؟

What do you intend to do with your money?

The Root N-W-Y: Interestingly, the word for a date pit is also 'nawāh'. This metaphor suggests that the intention is the hard, central core of any human endeavor, invisible to the eye but essential for growth.

هو يَنوي الخير للجميع.

He intends good for everyone.

Understanding 'يَنوي' is a gateway to understanding how Arabic speakers view the relationship between the mind, the soul, and the physical world. It is not just about logistics; it is about the 'why' behind the 'what.' Whether you are reading a newspaper or talking to a friend about their weekend, this verb will appear as a marker of purpose and direction.

Using the verb يَنوي (yanwī) requires an understanding of its typical grammatical structures. The most common pattern is followed by the particle 'أن' (an) and a present tense verb in the subjunctive mood. This is similar to the English 'to intend to [verb].' For example, 'I intend to travel' becomes 'أَنوي أنْ أسافِرَ'. It can also be followed directly by a noun in the accusative case, meaning 'to intend [something].'

The 'An' Construction: This is the most frequent usage. The verb 'yanwī' is conjugated for the subject, followed by 'أن', and then the action intended. Example: 'تَنوي هي أن تشتري بيتاً' (She intends to buy a house).
Direct Object Usage: Sometimes, you intend an abstract concept rather than a specific action. 'يَنوي الخير' means 'He intends good.' Here, 'al-khayr' (good) is the direct object.

نحن نَنوي البدء بمشروع جديد.

We intend to start a new project.

Conjugation is vital. As an 'irregular' verb (ending in a weak letter Yaa), its endings change slightly. In the present tense: Ana anwī, Anta tanwī, Anti tanwīna, Huwa yanwī, Hiya tanwī, Nahnu nanwī. Note how the 'ī' sound remains stable in many forms but changes in the second person feminine.

هل تَنوي الحكومة تغيير القانون؟

Does the government intend to change the law?

Negation is also simple. In the present tense, use 'لا' (lā). 'لا يَنوي الرحيل' (He does not intend to leave). In the past tense, use 'ما' (mā) or 'لم' (lam). 'ما نوى السوء' (He did not intend evil). The verb is extremely flexible and can be used in questions, statements, and conditional sentences.

Negation Patterns: To say 'I don't intend,' say 'لا أَنوي'. To say 'I didn't intend,' say 'لم أَنْوِ' (note the shortened vowel in the jussive case).

هم لا يَنُونَ الاستسلام.

They do not intend to surrender. (Note: plural form yanwūna)

من يَنوي الصيام غداً؟

Who intends to fast tomorrow?

Prepositional Usage: Unlike some verbs, 'yanwī' generally does not require a specific preposition before the object, unless followed by 'an' for a secondary verb.

أنا أَنوي زيارة والديّ.

I intend to visit my parents.

Mastering these patterns will allow you to express your goals clearly and effectively in any Arabic-speaking environment.

In the real world, يَنوي is heard across a spectrum of situations. In Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), which is the language of news, literature, and formal speeches, it is the standard verb for 'intending.' You will hear it on Al Jazeera or BBC Arabic when a news anchor says, 'The President intends to visit Moscow.' In these contexts, it signals a political or official plan. However, the word's reach extends far beyond the newsroom.

In the News: 'تَنوي الأمم المتحدة إرسال مساعدات...' (The UN intends to send aid...). It is used for institutional goals.
Religious Life: Before prayer (Salah) or fasting (Sawm), a Muslim must have the intention (niyyah). A teacher might ask, 'هل نويتَ الصلاة؟' (Did you intend the prayer?).

المسافر يَنوي الإقامة لمدة أسبوع.

The traveler intends to stay for a week.

In daily life, while the active participle 'nāwī' is more common in dialects (Egyptian, Levantine, Gulf), the verb 'yanwī' is still used in semi-formal conversations or when people want to be very clear about their resolve. If someone asks you about your career plans, answering with 'أَنوي أن...' sounds professional and focused. It is also common in literature and poetry to describe the inner workings of a character's mind.

اللاعب يَنوي الاعتزال بنهاية الموسم.

The player intends to retire at the end of the season.

You will also hear it in legal contexts. A lawyer might discuss what a defendant 'intended' (nawā) at the time of an incident. In business, it appears in 'Letters of Intent' (خطاب النوايا). The word is ubiquitous because it touches on the very human experience of having a goal.

Social Media & Blogs: Influencers often use it when discussing their 'New Year's Resolutions' or life goals: 'ماذا تَنوي أن تحقق هذا العام؟' (What do you intend to achieve this year?).

هل تَنوي شراء هذا العقار؟

Do you intend to buy this property?

المدير يَنوي ترقية بعض الموظفين.

The manager intends to promote some employees.

In Cinema: In dramatic scenes, a character might confront another: 'ماذا تَنوي أن تفعل بي؟' (What do you intend to do with me?). It adds a layer of suspense and gravity to the dialogue.

أنا أَنوي تعلم اللغة العربية بجدية.

I intend to learn Arabic seriously.

By paying attention to these contexts, you'll see that 'يَنوي' is not just a vocabulary word; it's a window into the intentionality of the Arabic-speaking world.

Learning يَنوي can be tricky for English speakers due to its conjugation and its distinction from other 'wanting' verbs. One of the most common errors is confusing 'يَنوي' (to intend) with 'يُريد' (to want). While they are related, 'يُريد' is a general desire, whereas 'يَنوي' implies a specific plan or mental commitment. If you say 'I want to go to the moon,' you use 'أريد'. If you have a ticket and a plan, you might use 'أَنوي'.

The 'An' Omission: Many learners forget to place 'أن' (an) between 'يَنوي' and the following verb. Incorrect: 'أَنوي أسافر'. Correct: 'أَنوي أَنْ أسافر'.
Conjugation of Weak Verbs: Because 'يَنوي' is a weak verb, its root letters (N-W-Y) can be unstable. Learners often struggle with the plural 'يَنُونَ' (yanwūna), mistakenly trying to keep the 'ī' sound as 'يَنويون' (yanwiyūna), which is incorrect.

خطأ: هو يَنوي السفر بدون 'أن'.

Error: He intends travel without 'an' (though 'yanwī al-safar' is technically okay, 'an yusāfir' is more common for actions).

Another mistake is using the preposition 'بـ' (bi) or 'لـ' (li) unnecessarily. English speakers might think 'intend for' or 'intend with,' but in Arabic, the verb usually takes a direct object or the 'an' clause. For example, 'I intend good for you' is 'أَنوي لك الخير', but the 'for you' (laka) is the recipient of the good, not the object of the intention itself.

صح: لم يَنْوِ الإساءة إليك.

Correct: He did not intend to offend you. (Note the short 'i' at the end of yanwi).

Learners also sometimes confuse 'يَنوي' with 'يَعني' (ya'nī - to mean). While 'mean' and 'intend' overlap in English ('I didn't mean/intend to'), in Arabic they are distinct. 'يَعني' is for definitions or explanations, while 'يَنوي' is for personal purpose.

Gender Agreement: Don't forget that if the subject is feminine, the verb must start with 'T': 'تَنوي ليلى...' (Layla intends...).

خطأ: هم يَنوي الخروج.

Error: They (plural) intend (singular) to go out. Correct: 'يَنُونَ'.

هل تَنوي أن تصبح طبيباً؟

Do you intend to become a doctor?

Finally, avoid overusing 'يَنوي' for very simple, immediate actions. If you're just about to pick up a pen, you don't usually say 'I intend to pick up this pen.' Use it for meaningful choices or future plans. Being aware of these nuances will make your Arabic sound much more natural and precise.

Arabic is a language rich in synonyms, and يَنوي is just one way to express purpose. Depending on the level of certainty or the context, you might choose a different verb.

يَعْتَزِم (Ya'tazim): This is more formal and stronger than 'yanwī.' It implies a firm resolve or a formal decision, often used in political or corporate news. 'The council intends (ya'tazim) to pass the law.'
يُخَطِّط (Yukhattīt): This means 'to plan.' While 'yanwī' is about the internal intention, 'yukhattīt' is about the logistical steps. You can intend to travel (yanwī) without having a plan (yukhattīt) yet.

أنا أَنوي النجاح، ولذلك أُخَطِّط للدراسة.

I intend (anwī) to succeed, and therefore I am planning (ukhātīt) to study.

Another alternative is 'يَقْصِد' (yaqsid), which means 'to mean' or 'to aim for.' This is often used when clarifying an intention after a misunderstanding: 'I didn't mean (yaqsid) to hurt you.' There is also 'يَهْدِف إلى' (yahdif ilā), which means 'to aim at' or 'to have the goal of.' This is very common in professional settings when discussing the objectives of a project.

المشروع يَهْدِف إلى مساعدة الفقراء.

The project aims (yahdif) to help the poor.

In very informal settings, you might hear 'حاطط في باله' (hātīt fī bālu - literally 'putting in his mind'). This is the colloquial way of saying someone is intending to do something.

يَرْغَب في (Yarghab fī): This means 'to desire' or 'to wish for.' It is softer than 'yanwī' and reflects a preference rather than a set intention.

هو يَعْتَزِم الاستقالة من منصبه.

He firmly intends (ya'tazim) to resign from his position.

ماذا تَقْصِد بهذا الكلام؟

What do you mean (taqsid) by these words?

By understanding these synonyms, you can tailor your Arabic to the specific nuance of 'intention' you wish to convey, making your speech more sophisticated and accurate.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word for 'nuclear' (nawawī) in Arabic comes from the same root because it refers to the 'nucleus' or 'core' of an atom, just as 'niyyah' is the 'core' of an action.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈjan.wiː/

US /ˈjæn.wi/

The stress is typically on the first syllable: YAN-wi.

Rhymes With

يروي (yarwī - to narrate) يكوي (yakwī - to iron) يطوي (yatwī - to fold) يشوي (yashwī - to grill) يعوي (ya'wī - to howl) يهوي (yahwī - to fall) يغوي (yaghwī - to seduce) يحوي (yahwī - to contain)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'n' too softly.
Shortening the final 'ee' sound.
Confusing the 'w' sound with a 'v' sound.
Adding an extra vowel between 'n' and 'w'.
Failing to pronounce the initial 'y' clearly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize but can be confused with other weak verbs.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of weak verb conjugation and the jussive case.

Speaking 3/5

Very useful and common, though dialect forms are often preferred.

Listening 3/5

Distinct sound, but can be fast in news broadcasts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

أراد (to want) فعل (to do) سفر (travel) دراسة (study) أن (that/to)

Learn Next

يعتزم (to resolve) يخطط (to plan) يهدف (to aim) يقرر (to decide) يحاول (to try)

Advanced

إضمار (concealment of intention) عقد العزم (making a resolution) تبييت (premeditation) إخلاص (sincerity) مقصد (objective)

Grammar to Know

Subjunctive after 'An'

أَنوي أنْ أسافرَ (The verb ends in fatha).

Weak Verb Conjugation

يَنوي -> يَنُونَ (The 'yaa' is dropped in the masculine plural).

Jussive Shortening

لم يَنْوِ (The long 'ee' becomes a short 'i').

Gender Agreement

هي تَنوي / هو يَنوي.

Defective Verb Past Tense

نوى (Ends in Alif Maqsura).

Examples by Level

أنا أَنوي السفر.

I intend to travel.

First person singular present tense.

هو يَنوي الدراسة.

He intends to study.

Third person masculine singular.

هل تَنوي الأكل؟

Do you intend to eat?

Second person masculine singular.

نحن نَنوي المشي.

We intend to walk.

First person plural.

هي تَنوي النوم.

She intends to sleep.

Third person feminine singular.

أنا لا أَنوي الخروج.

I do not intend to go out.

Negation with 'la'.

ماذا تَنوي أن تفعل؟

What do you intend to do?

Question with 'matha'.

هو يَنوي العمل هنا.

He intends to work here.

Present tense with location.

أَنوي أن أشتري سيارة جديدة.

I intend to buy a new car.

Use of 'an' + subjunctive verb.

هل تَنوي زيارة عائلتك في العيد؟

Do you intend to visit your family during Eid?

Second person masculine singular.

هي تَنوي تعلم الطبخ.

She intends to learn cooking.

Third person feminine singular.

نحن نَنوي الذهاب إلى الشاطئ غداً.

We intend to go to the beach tomorrow.

First person plural with future time marker.

أخي يَنوي أن يصبح مهندساً.

My brother intends to become an engineer.

Third person masculine singular.

هل تَنوي ليلى الحضور إلى الحفلة؟

Does Layla intend to come to the party?

Verb-Subject order.

لا أَنوي أن أترك وظيفتي الآن.

I do not intend to leave my job now.

Negated 'an' clause.

ماذا يَنوي المدير أن يقول؟

What does the manager intend to say?

Interrogative sentence.

الحكومة تَنوي بناء مستشفى جديد في القرية.

The government intends to build a new hospital in the village.

Institutional subject.

إذا كنتَ تَنوي النجاح، فعليك بالاجتهاد.

If you intend to succeed, then you must work hard.

Conditional sentence.

لم يَنْوِ الطالب الغياب عن الدرس.

The student did not intend to be absent from the lesson.

Jussive case after 'lam'.

هل تَنُونَ المشاركة في المسابقة الرياضية؟

Do you all intend to participate in the sports competition?

Second person masculine plural.

أَنوي أن أقرأ هذا الكتاب قبل نهاية الأسبوع.

I intend to read this book before the end of the week.

Time-bound intention.

هي تَنوي الخير لكل من حولها.

She intends good for everyone around her.

Direct object usage (al-khayr).

هل يَنوي الفريق تغيير خطته في الشوط الثاني؟

Does the team intend to change its plan in the second half?

Context of sports strategy.

نحن نَنوي الانتقال إلى بيت أكبر قريباً.

We intend to move to a bigger house soon.

First person plural.

تَنوي الشركة توسيع عملياتها في الشرق الأوسط.

The company intends to expand its operations in the Middle East.

Business context.

كان يَنوي الاعتذار، لكنه شعر بالخجل.

He was intending to apologize, but he felt ashamed.

Past continuous meaning with 'kana'.

هل تَنوي الجامعة طرح تخصصات جديدة العام القادم؟

Does the university intend to offer new majors next year?

Academic context.

إنهم يَنُونَ البدء بحملة توعية بيئية.

They intend to start an environmental awareness campaign.

Third person masculine plural.

لم أكن أَنوي إزعاجك باتصالي المتأخر.

I didn't intend to disturb you with my late call.

Negated past continuous.

تَنوي الكاتبة نشر روايتها الجديدة في الصيف.

The author intends to publish her new novel in the summer.

Literary context.

هل تَنوي المنظمة الدولية التدخل في الأزمة؟

Does the international organization intend to intervene in the crisis?

Political context.

أَنوي أن أخصص وقتاً أكثر لممارسة الرياضة.

I intend to dedicate more time to exercising.

Self-improvement context.

يَنوي الباحث تسليط الضوء على هذه الظاهرة الاجتماعية.

The researcher intends to shed light on this social phenomenon.

Academic register.

ما نَوَاهُ المرء في قلبه هو ما يُحاسب عليه.

What a person intended in their heart is what they are held accountable for.

Theological/Philosophical context.

تَنوي الوزارة اعتماد معايير جديدة للجودة.

The ministry intends to adopt new quality standards.

Administrative register.

هل تَنوي القوى العظمى إعادة رسم الخارطة السياسية؟

Do the great powers intend to redraw the political map?

Geopolitical context.

لم يَنْوِ المشرع أن يكون القانون تعسفياً.

The legislator did not intend for the law to be arbitrary.

Legal register.

أَنوي الغوص في أعماق التاريخ لفهم الحاضر.

I intend to dive into the depths of history to understand the present.

Metaphorical usage.

يَنُونَ إحداث ثورة في عالم التكنولوجيا الحيوية.

They intend to revolutionize the world of biotechnology.

Plural verb with ambitious goal.

تَنوي الممثلة خوض تجربة الإخراج لأول مرة.

The actress intends to try her hand at directing for the first time.

Artistic context.

يَنوي النص الأدبي استنطاق المسكوت عنه في المجتمع.

The literary text intends to give voice to what is left unsaid in society.

Highly abstract literary criticism.

إنما الأعمال بالنيات، وكل امرئ ما نَوَى.

Actions are but by intentions, and every man shall have but that which he intended.

Classical Arabic / Hadith literature.

تَنوي الفلسفة الوجودية سبر أغوار الكينونة البشرية.

Existential philosophy intends to probe the depths of human being.

Philosophical register.

لم يَنْوِ الشاعر التصريح بمشاعره، بل آثر التلميح.

The poet did not intend to state his feelings explicitly; rather, he preferred alluding to them.

Literary analysis.

تَنوي السياسة النقدية كبح جماح التضخم المتزايد.

Monetary policy intends to curb the rising inflation.

Economic register.

أَنوي استقراء المستقبل من خلال معطيات الماضي.

I intend to extrapolate the future through the data of the past.

Intellectual/Formal usage.

يَنُونَ تقويض أركان النظام القديم وبناء فجر جديد.

They intend to undermine the pillars of the old system and build a new dawn.

Revolutionary/Rhetorical register.

تَنوي الحضارة الإنسانية استعمار الكواكب الأخرى.

Human civilization intends to colonize other planets.

Macro-historical context.

Common Collocations

يَنوي السفر

يَنوي الخير

يَنوي الصيام

يَنوي الاعتزال

يَنوي الزواج

يَنوي الرحيل

يَنوي التغيير

يَنوي البقاء

يَنوي الشراء

يَنوي الدراسة

Common Phrases

ماذا تَنوي؟

— What do you intend/plan to do? Used in casual or serious inquiry.

ماذا تَنوي أن تفعل بعد التخرج؟

أَنوي ذلك.

— I intend that. A simple confirmation of a plan.

هل ستزورنا؟ - نعم، أَنوي ذلك.

لا أَنوي الإساءة.

— I don't intend to offend. Used as an apology or clarification.

كلامي كان صريحاً، لكن لا أَنوي الإساءة.

يَنوي السوء.

— He intends harm/evil. Used to describe someone with bad motives.

احذر منه، فهو يَنوي السوء.

نَنوي البدء.

— We intend to start. Common in business or project contexts.

نَنوي البدء بالعمل الأسبوع القادم.

كما تَنوي.

— As you intend/wish. A way of agreeing with someone's plan.

سأفعل ذلك غداً. - حسناً، كما تَنوي.

هل تَنوي حقاً؟

— Do you really intend to? Expressing surprise or seeking confirmation.

هل تَنوي حقاً الاستقالة؟

يَنوي التوبة.

— He intends to repent. Common in religious contexts.

المؤمن يَنوي التوبة دائماً.

أَنوي العودة.

— I intend to return. Common when leaving a place temporarily.

سأسافر الآن، لكني أَنوي العودة.

تَنوي الإصلاح.

— She/It intends to reform/fix. Used for social or mechanical contexts.

هذه الخطوات تَنوي الإصلاح الاقتصادي.

Often Confused With

يَنوي vs يَعني (Ya'nī)

English speakers confuse 'mean' (intend) with 'mean' (signify). Use يَنوي for intention.

يَنوي vs يُريد (Yurīd)

Yurīd is a general want; yanwī is a specific intention or plan.

يَنوي vs يَقضي (Yaqdī)

Sounds similar but means to spend time or to judge.

Idioms & Expressions

"صفِّ نيتك"

— Purify your intention. Meaning to have sincere and good motives.

قبل أن تبدأ العمل، صفِّ نيتك.

Common/Spiritual

"على نياتكم ترزقون"

— You are provided for according to your intentions. A proverb suggesting good motives bring success.

لا تقلق، فعلى نياتكم ترزقون.

Proverbial

"نية المرء خير من عمله"

— A person's intention is better than their action. Suggesting the purity of the heart matters most.

لا تحزن إذا فشلت، فنية المرء خير من عمله.

Religious/Philosophical

"ناوي على نية"

— He is up to something (usually negative or secretive).

أرى في عينيه أنه ناوي على نية.

Informal/Dialect

"صاحب نيتين"

— Someone with two intentions (hypocritical or indecisive).

لا تثق به، فهو صاحب نيتين.

Informal

"بيت النية"

— To harbor an intention overnight (specifically for fasting).

يجب أن تبيت النية قبل الفجر.

Religious/Technical

"بنية صادقة"

— With a sincere intention.

جاء إلينا بنية صادقة للمساعدة.

Formal

"سوء النية"

— Bad faith / Bad intention.

اتهمه القاضي بسوء النية.

Legal/Formal

"حسن النية"

— Good faith / Good intention.

نحن نتعامل معكم بحسن نية.

Legal/Formal

"عقد النية"

— To make a firm resolve/decision.

عقد النية على النجاح في الامتحان.

Formal

Easily Confused

يَنوي vs يَقْصِد

Both can translate as 'to intend' or 'to mean'.

Yaqsid is often used for the meaning of words or clarify a goal, while yanwī is the internal resolve to act.

ماذا تَقْصِد؟ (What do you mean?) vs ماذا تَنوي؟ (What do you plan to do?)

يَنوي vs يُخَطِّط

Both involve the future.

Yukhattīt is about the 'how' (logistics), while yanwī is about the 'what' (the decision).

أَنوي السفر، لكني لم أُخَطِّط بعد.

يَنوي vs يَعْتَزِم

Synonyms for 'intend'.

Ya'tazim is much more formal and implies a firmer, often public, commitment.

تَعْتَزِم الدولة بناء سد.

يَنوي vs يَرْغَب

Both express a desire.

Yarghab is a wish or preference; yanwī is a decision.

أَرْغَب في البيتزا، لكني أَنوي طبخ الدجاج.

يَنوي vs يَهْدِف

Both involve goals.

Yahdif is about the target or objective of an action or project.

هذا القانون يَهْدِف إلى حماية البيئة.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + يَنوي + Noun

أنا أَنوي السفر.

Subject + يَنوي + أن + Verb

هو يَنوي أن يدرس.

لا + يَنوي + أن + Verb

نحن لا نَنوي أن نتأخر.

هل + تَنوي + أن + Verb

هل تَنوي أن تساعدني؟

كان + يَنوي + أن + Verb

كنتُ أَنوي أن أتصل بك.

لم + يَنْوِ + Noun

لم يَنْوِ الإساءة.

يَنوي + Subject + Verb

تَنوي الوزارةُ تطويرَ التعليم.

ما + نَوَاهُ + Subject

كل امرئ ما نَوَى.

Word Family

Nouns

نية (niyyah) - Intention

نواة (nawāh) - Pit/Seed/Core

منوى (manwā) - Destination/Goal

Verbs

نوى (nawā) - Intended (Past)

ينوي (yanwī) - Intends (Present)

انوِ (inwi) - Intend! (Imperative)

Adjectives

منوي (manwī) - Intended/Planned

نووي (nawawī) - Nuclear (related to the core/nucleus)

قصد (qasada) - To aim

عزم (azama) - To resolve

خطط (khattata) - To plan

أراد (arāda) - To want

هدف (hadafa) - To goal

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both MSA and dialects (as nāwī).

Common Mistakes

أَنوي أسافر → أَنوي أن أسافر
Missing the particle 'an' between two verbs.
هم يَنويون → هم يَنُونَ
Incorrect plural conjugation for a weak verb.
لم يَنوي → لم يَنْوِ
Failing to shorten the weak verb in the jussive case.
أريد السفر (when meaning intention) → أَنوي السفر
Using 'want' when a specific 'intention' is more accurate.
نَوَيْتُ أن أذهب (past tense spelling) → نَوَيْتُ أن أذهب
Actually, this is correct, but learners often spell it without the 'yaa' in the middle.

Tips

Subjunctive Alert

Remember that the verb after 'يَنوي أن' must be in the subjunctive mood (usually ending in a fatha).

Root Connection

Connecting 'يَنوي' to 'نواة' (seed) helps you remember that intention is the start of everything.

Decisiveness

Use 'أَنوي' when you want to show you have actually made up your mind, not just wishing.

Insha'Allah

Always follow an expressed intention with 'Insha'Allah' to sound culturally authentic.

Jussive Case

In formal writing, don't forget to drop the 'yaa' after 'lam': 'لم يَنْوِ'.

Context Clues

If you hear 'yanwī' in the news, expect a political action to follow.

Rhyme Time

Rhyme 'yanwī' with 'yarwī' (to tell a story) to remember the conjugation pattern.

Yaa vs Alif Maqsura

Present tense ends in ي, past tense ends in ى. Don't mix them up!

Direct Object

You can 'yanwī' a noun directly if it's an abstract concept like 'good' or 'evil'.

Sincerity

Using 'yanwī' often signals a higher level of sincerity in your statements.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Yanwi' as 'Yanking' a plan into reality from your mind. The 'N' is for 'New' plans.

Visual Association

Imagine a date pit (nawāh). Just as the pit is the heart of the date, 'yanwī' is the heart of your action.

Word Web

Intention Plan Heart Seed Purpose Future Decision Resolve

Challenge

Try to use 'أَنوي أن' three times today when talking about your plans for the evening or the weekend.

Word Origin

The verb comes from the Arabic root N-W-Y (ن و ي). This root is ancient and central to Semitic languages, relating to the inner core or the purpose of a thing.

Original meaning: The original meaning likely relates to the seed or pit of a fruit (nawāh), representing the hidden essence that determines future growth.

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

Cultural Context

Be careful when questioning someone's intention (niyyah), as it can be seen as questioning their character or sincerity.

English speakers often use 'plan' or 'want' where Arabic speakers would specifically use 'intend' to show resolve.

The Hadith: 'Innamal a'malu bin-niyyat' (Actions are but by intentions). Legal maxims in Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) regarding contracts. Modern Arabic political speeches regarding 'Letters of Intent'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Travel Planning

أَنوي السفر إلى...
متى تَنوي الرحيل؟
لا أَنوي البقاء طويلاً.
هل تَنوي حجز الفندق؟

Education & Career

أَنوي دراسة الطب.
ماذا تَنوي أن تصبح؟
تَنوي الشركة توظيفنا.
يَنوي الطالب النجاح.

Daily Socializing

هل تَنوي الحضور؟
نَنوي الخروج للعشاء.
ماذا تَنوي أن تطبخ؟
أَنوي زيارتك قريباً.

Religious Duties

يجب أن تَنوي الصيام.
هل نويت الصلاة؟
أَنوي التصدق بالمال.
نويت الحج هذا العام.

Conflict & Apology

لم أَنْوِ إزعاجك.
هل تَنوي الاعتذار؟
لا يَنوي السوء لك.
ماذا تَنوي بفعلك هذا؟

Conversation Starters

"ماذا تَنوي أن تفعل في عطلة نهاية الأسبوع؟"

"هل تَنوي تعلم لغة جديدة هذا العام؟"

"أين تَنوي السفر في إجازتك القادمة؟"

"هل تَنوي تغيير وظيفتك في المستقبل القريب؟"

"ماذا تَنوي أن تشتري لصديقك في عيد ميلاده؟"

Journal Prompts

اكتب عن ثلاثة أشياء تَنوي تحقيقها في الشهر القادم.

هل سبق وأن نويت فعل شيء ولم تفعله؟ لماذا؟

ماذا تَنوي أن تفعل لتحسين لغتك العربية؟

صف يوماً مثالياً تَنوي قضاءه مع عائلتك.

هل تَنوي البدء بهواية جديدة؟ ما هي؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. If followed by a noun (like 'يَنوي الخير'), it does not need 'أن'. It only needs 'أن' when followed by another verb (like 'يَنوي أن ينام').

The past tense is 'نَوَى' (nawā). For example: 'نَوَى السفر' (He intended to travel).

You can say 'لم أَنْوِ ذلك' (I didn't intend that) or 'لم أَقْصِد ذلك' (I didn't mean that). Both are common.

Yes, but often as the active participle 'ناوي' (nāwī). For example, in Egyptian: 'أنا ناوي أسافر'.

No, it is a 'weak' or 'defective' verb because it ends in a 'yaa'. This affects its conjugation.

'أريد' is 'I want' (a desire). 'يَنوي' is 'I intend' (a plan or decision). You can want something without intending to do it.

Generally, no. It requires a conscious agent. However, institutions (like a company or government) can 'yanwī'.

For 'they' (masculine), it is 'يَنُونَ' (yanwūna). For 'you' (plural), it is 'تَنُونَ' (tanwūna).

The noun is 'نِيَّة' (niyyah). It has a shadda on the 'yaa'.

It is standard (MSA). It's formal enough for news but common enough for daily life.