This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
B1 verb 7 min read

يَنْسَخ

yansakh
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips يَنْسَخ in 30 Seconds
Explanation يَنْسَخ in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should learn يَنْسَخ as a simple action verb related to school and technology. Think of it as the 'Copy' button on your computer. You might use it in very short sentences like 'I copy the word' or 'He copies the lesson.' Focus on the present tense for now: أَنَا أَنْسَخ (I copy), هُوَ يَنْسَخ (He copies). It is helpful to associate this word with common classroom objects like كِتَاب (book) and دَفْتَر (notebook). At this stage, don't worry about the complex historical or religious meanings. Just remember that it means making a second version of something written or digital. You will see it on your phone's screen when you want to copy a phone number or a message. It is one of the first 'tech' verbs you will need in Arabic.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the A2 level, you can start using يَنْسَخ in more complete sentences with prepositions. You should be able to say things like 'The student copies the homework from the board' (يَنْسَخُ الطَّالِبُ الواجِبَ مِنَ السَّبُّورَةِ). You will also learn the past tense نَسَخَ (he copied) and the imperative انْسَخْ (copy!). You might use this verb when talking about your daily routine at work or school. You should also recognize the noun نُسْخَة (nuskha), which means 'a copy.' For example, if you go to a library, you might ask for a 'copy of the book.' Understanding the relationship between the verb and the noun helps you build a more solid vocabulary foundation. You are also starting to distinguish between copying by hand and using a machine (يُصَوِّر).
Sign up free to read full explanation
As a B1 learner, you are expected to use يَنْسَخ in professional and academic contexts. You should be comfortable discussing digital file management, such as copying files to a USB drive or cloud storage. You should also understand the concept of 'copyright' (حُقوق النَّسْخ) and be able to use the verb in discussions about intellectual property. You might use it to describe transcribing interviews or copying data into a spreadsheet. At this level, you should also be aware of the different shades of meaning, such as the difference between copying text exactly (يَنْسَخ) and imitating someone's style (يُقَلِّد). You can handle more complex sentence structures, including the use of the passive voice (يُنْسَخ) to describe processes where the person doing the copying isn't the main focus.
At the B2 level, you should be familiar with the more nuanced and literary uses of يَنْسَخ. This includes its use in historical contexts to describe the work of scribes and calligraphers who preserved ancient manuscripts. You should also be aware of the 'Naskh' script and its importance in Arabic literature and printing. You can use the verb in metaphorical ways, such as how one idea might 'supersede' or 'replace' another. In legal or formal discussions, you might use the term to talk about the abrogation of laws or regulations. Your vocabulary should also include Form X يَسْتَنْسِخ (yastansikh) for 'requesting a copy' or 'cloning.' You should be able to write essays or reports that discuss the ethics of copying in the digital age, using the verb and its derivatives accurately and fluently.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the root ن-س-خ and its various applications in specialized fields. You can engage in sophisticated discussions about 'Nasikh and Mansukh' in Islamic jurisprudence, understanding how the verb functions as a technical term for abrogation. You are aware of the subtle linguistic arguments regarding whether نسخ means 'removal' or 'replacement' in classical texts. In a professional setting, you can use the verb to discuss data replication strategies, backup systems, and complex intellectual property disputes. You can appreciate the use of the verb in classical poetry, where it might describe the sun 'erasing' the shadows or the wind 'wiping away' traces in the sand. Your use of the word is precise, nuanced, and contextually appropriate across all registers of the language.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C2 level, you possess a native-like mastery of يَنْسَخ and all its derivatives. you can analyze the etymological development of the word from its earliest Semitic roots to its modern digital applications. You can navigate the most complex theological and legal texts that utilize the concept of Naskh with ease. You can critique calligraphic works, discussing the technical nuances of the Naskh script. You are able to use the word in highly creative and metaphorical ways in literature or high-level journalism. Whether you are discussing the biological replication of DNA, the historical transcription of the Quran, or the latest software for data mirroring, you use يَنْسَخ with total confidence and precision, reflecting a complete integration of the word's multifaceted history and modern utility.
Sign up free to read full explanation
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

يَنْسَخ in 30 Seconds

  • The primary meaning is to copy or transcribe text, documents, or digital files.
  • It is the standard Arabic term for the 'Copy' command in software and technology.
  • In legal and religious contexts, it means to abrogate or supersede an older ruling.
  • It is the root of 'Naskh,' the most common and legible style of Arabic calligraphy.

The Arabic verb يَنْسَخ (yansakh) is a versatile and essential term that primarily translates to 'to copy' or 'to transcribe.' In its most literal modern sense, it refers to the act of duplicating information, whether you are a student copying notes from a whiteboard, an office worker photocopying a document, or a computer user performing a 'copy and paste' operation. However, the word carries a profound historical and linguistic weight that extends far beyond simple duplication. It originates from the root ن-س-خ (N-S-KH), which historically meant both to copy and to remove or replace. This duality is crucial for intermediate learners to understand, as it explains why the word is used in legal and religious contexts to mean 'to abrogate' or 'to supersede' a previous ruling. In the modern world, you will encounter this word daily in digital environments. When you right-click a file or highlight text on your phone, the command for 'Copy' is almost always نسخ. Beyond technology, it is used in academic settings where students are warned not to copy each other's work, and in professional settings regarding the reproduction of contracts or architectural plans.

Modern Usage
In technical contexts, it refers to data duplication. For example, 'Copying a file to a flash drive' uses this verb.
Academic Context
Used when students transcribe lectures or, negatively, when someone plagiarizes or copies an answer.
Legal/Religious Context
Refers to the replacement of an old law with a new one, known as 'Naskh'.

يَنْسَخُ السِّكْرِتيرُ التَّقاريرَ اليَوْمِيَّةَ لِيُوَزِّعَها عَلى الموظفين. (The secretary copies the daily reports to distribute them to the employees.)

لا تَنْسَخْ مَجهودَ غَيْرِكَ وتَدَّعِ أَنَّهُ لَكَ. (Do not copy the effort of others and claim it is yours.)

هَلْ يُمْكِنُكَ أَنْ تَنْسَخَ هَذا المِلَفَّ عَلى القُرْصِ المَدْموج؟ (Can you copy this file onto the CD?)

يَنْسَخُ الخَطَّاطُ القَصيدَةَ بِخَطِّ النَّسْخِ الجَميل. (The calligrapher transcribes the poem in the beautiful Naskh script.)

الشَّمْسُ تَنْسَخُ الظِّلَّ عِنْدَ الشُّروق. (The sun displaces/removes the shadow at sunrise - a classical literary use.)

Using يَنْسَخ correctly requires understanding its role as a transitive verb, meaning it almost always takes a direct object (the thing being copied). In basic sentences, the structure is Verb + Subject + Object. For example, 'The student copies the lesson' is يَنْسَخُ الطَّالِبُ الدَّرْسَ. When using it in the context of technology, we often use prepositions like إلى (to) or في (in/onto) to indicate the destination of the copy. If you are copying a file to a folder, you would say يَنْسَخُ المِلَفَّ إِلى المُجَلَّدِ. In the imperative form, which you will see on computer menus, it becomes انْسَخْ (Insakh) for 'Copy!'. It is also important to note the difference between copying text and photocopying a physical paper. While يَنْسَخ can be used for both, the verb يُصَوِّر (yusawwir) is more common for 'photocopying' or 'taking a picture' of a document. If you want to emphasize the act of transcribing by hand, يَنْسَخ is the perfect choice. In passive contexts, such as 'The book was copied,' we use the internal passive form نُسِخَ الكِتابُ. This is common in historical texts discussing how manuscripts were duplicated before the invention of the printing press. Learners should also be aware of the noun form نُسْخَة (nuskha), which means 'a copy' or 'a version.' You might ask someone, 'Do you have a copy of the contract?' (هَلْ لَدَيْكَ نُسْخَةٌ مِنَ العَقْدِ؟). Understanding the relationship between the verb and this noun helps solidify the concept of duplication in the learner's mind.

Direct Object
Always identify what is being copied. Example: يَنْسَخُ الرِّسالَةَ (He copies the letter).
Prepositions
Use 'مِن' (from) for the source and 'إِلى' (to) for the destination.
Negation
Use 'لا يَنْسَخ' for present negation and 'لَمْ يَنْسَخْ' for past negation in the jussive.

يَنْسَخُ الكاتِبُ المَخْطوطَةَ القَديمَةَ بِعِنايَةٍ. (The writer copies the ancient manuscript with care.)

أُريدُ أَنْ أَنْسَخَ هَذِهِ الصُّوَرَ عَلى هاتِفي. (I want to copy these photos onto my phone.)

In the modern Arab world, يَنْسَخ is a staple of digital life. If you walk into an internet cafe (maktaba) or a print shop in Cairo, Amman, or Riyadh, you will hear people saying, 'Can you copy this for me?' or discussing 'copying files.' It is the standard term used in software localization. Every time you use Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or an Android phone in Arabic, the 'Copy' button is labeled نسخ. In educational settings, teachers frequently use the imperative form, telling students to 'copy the homework into your notebooks' (انْسَخوا الواجِبَ في دَفاتِرِكُم). This word also appears frequently in news reports concerning intellectual property and copyright laws, where phrases like حُقوق النَّسْخ (copyrights) or نَسْخ غَيْر قانوني (illegal copying/piracy) are common. In a completely different sphere, if you are interested in Islamic studies or history, you will hear this word in the context of 'Naskh.' This refers to the theological principle where a later Quranic revelation or Hadith might replace or modify the legal application of an earlier one. While this might seem advanced, the root remains the same: the new rule 'copies over' or 'replaces' the old one. Furthermore, in the world of art and calligraphy, 'Naskh' is the name of the most prominent script. When calligraphers talk about their craft, they use the verb يَنْسَخ to describe the process of writing out texts in this specific, legible style. Understanding these diverse contexts—from the 'Copy' button on your smartphone to the centuries-old traditions of Islamic jurisprudence and calligraphy—shows how deeply embedded this verb is in the Arabic language across time and technology.

الرَّجاءُ عَدَمُ نَسْخِ هَذا المِحْتَوى بِدُونِ إِذْن. (Please do not copy this content without permission.)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with يَنْسَخ is confusing it with other verbs related to reproduction or imitation. For instance, many students use يَنْسَخ when they actually mean يُقَلِّد (yuqallid). While يَنْسَخ means to copy information or text exactly (like a photocopy), يُقَلِّد means to imitate someone's behavior, voice, or style, or to create a counterfeit product (like a fake watch). Another common point of confusion is with the verb يُصَوِّر (yusawwir). While you can use يَنْسَخ for documents, يُصَوِّر is the specific verb for 'to photograph' or 'to photocopy' using a machine. If you tell an Egyptian clerk 'I want to naskh this paper,' they will understand you, but they would more naturally say 'I want to sawwir (photocopy) this paper.' Additionally, learners often struggle with the prepositional usage. They might try to use 'with' or 'at' when 'from' (مِن) or 'to' (إِلى) is required. For example, copying *from* a book is يَنْسَخُ مِنَ الكِتابِ, not بِالكِتابِ. Finally, in more advanced contexts, learners might misinterpret the historical/religious meaning of 'abrogation.' They might think it means 'to delete' entirely, but in the context of Naskh, it often means the text remains but its legal ruling is replaced by a newer one. Avoiding these pitfalls requires paying close attention to whether you are duplicating data (use يَنْسَخ), imitating a person (use يُقَلِّد), or taking a photo/photocopy (use يُصَوِّر).

يَنْسَخ vs. يُقَلِّد
Copying data/text vs. Imitating behavior/style.
يَنْسَخ vs. يُصَوِّر
General copying/transcribing vs. Photocopying/Photography.

To expand your vocabulary beyond يَنْسَخ, it is helpful to look at its synonyms and related terms that offer more specific nuances. If you are specifically talking about 'transferring' information from one place to another, the verb يَنْقُل (yanqul) is often used. While يَنْسَخ implies making a duplicate and keeping the original, يَنْقُل can mean 'to move' or 'to transport,' though in digital contexts, it often refers to 'moving' a file rather than 'copying' it. Another related verb is يُدَوِّن (yudawwin), which means 'to record' or 'to write down' notes or observations. This is more about the act of documentation than exact duplication. In formal or literary Arabic, you might encounter يَسْتَنْسِخ (yastansikh), which is Form X of the same root. It often carries the meaning of 'requesting a copy' or 'making multiple copies' of something, often used for manuscripts or biological cloning (e.g., الاسْتِنْساخ - cloning). For the act of 'tracing' something, like a drawing, the verb يَشِفّ (yashiff) is used. In the context of computer programming, 'to mirror' a site or database might use يَعْكِس (ya'kis), though يَنْسَخ is still the base term for data replication. Comparing these words helps you choose the most precise term for your situation.

يَنْسَخ (Yansakh)
To copy/duplicate (Standard term).
يَنْقُل (Yanqul)
To transfer/move (Focus on movement).
يُصَوِّر (Yusawwir)
To photocopy/photograph (Mechanical reproduction).
يُدَوِّن (Yudawwin)
To record/note down (Focus on documentation).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The term 'Naskh' for the calligraphy script comes from the fact that it 'abrogated' other scripts like Kufic for general use because it was so much easier to read and write.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /jan.sax/
US /jæn.sæx/
The stress is on the first syllable: YAN-sakh.
Rhymes With
يَمْسَح (yamsah - to wipe) يَنْجَح (yanjah - to succeed) يَفْتَح (yaftah - to open) يَسْرَح (yasrah - to wander) يَفْرَح (yafrah - to rejoice) يَشْرَح (yashrah - to explain) يَسْمَح (yasmah - to allow) يَمْرَح (yamrah - to play)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'kh' (خ) as a 'k' sound.
  • Making the 's' (س) sound like 'sh' (ش).
  • Over-elongating the 'a' vowel in 'sakh'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text due to common root letters.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the 'kh' (خ) and the fatha on the 's' in present tense.

Speaking 3/5

The 'kh' sound can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Very common in digital and academic settings.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

يَكْتُب (to write) كِتاب (book) وَرَقَة (paper) مِلَف (file) جِهاز (device)

Learn Next

يُلْصِق (to paste) يَحْذِف (to delete) يُحَمِّل (to download/upload) يُخَزِّن (to store) يُطَبِّع (to print)

Advanced

الاسْتِنْساخ (cloning) التَّشْريع (legislation) المَخْطوطات (manuscripts) التَّحْريف (distortion) الإِبْطال (nullification)

Grammar to Know

Form I Verb Patterns

نَسَخَ (Past) -> يَنْسَخُ (Present) -> انْسَخْ (Imperative)

Transitive Verbs (Al-Fi'l al-Muta'addi)

يَنْسَخُ الرَّجُلُ المِلَفَّ (The man copies the file - 'al-milaffa' is the object).

The Passive Voice (Al-Mabni lil-Majhul)

نُسِخَ الكِتابُ (The book was copied).

The Masdar (Verbal Noun)

النَّسْخُ عَمَلِيَّةٌ مُهِمَّة (Copying is an important process).

Prepositional Usage

نَسَخَ مِنْ (copied from) vs نَسَخَ إِلى (copied to).

Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

أَنَا أَنْسَخُ الكَلِمَةَ.

I copy the word.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

2

هُوَ يَنْسَخُ الدَّرْسَ.

He copies the lesson.

Present tense, 3rd person masculine singular.

3

هَلْ تَنْسَخُ الصُّورَة؟

Are you copying the picture?

Interrogative sentence.

4

انْسَخْ هَذا الرَّقَم.

Copy this number.

Imperative mood.

5

هِيَ تَنْسَخُ في الدَّفْتَر.

She copies in the notebook.

Present tense, 3rd person feminine singular.

6

لا تَنْسَخْ هُنا.

Do not copy here.

Negative imperative.

7

نَحْنُ نَنْسَخُ الجُمَلَ.

We copy the sentences.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

8

أُريدُ أَنْ أَنْسَخَ.

I want to copy.

Subjunctive mood after 'an'.

1

نَسَخْتُ المِلَفَّ عَلى الكُمبيوتَر.

I copied the file onto the computer.

Past tense, 1st person singular.

2

يَنْسَخُ الطَّالِبُ مِنَ الكِتابِ.

The student copies from the book.

Verb + Subject + Prepositional Phrase.

3

هَلْ نَسَخْتَ الواجِبَ؟

Did you copy the homework?

Past tense interrogative.

4

يَنْسَخُ المُوَظَّفُ الرَّسائِلَ كُلَّ يَوْم.

The employee copies the letters every day.

Present tense indicating habit.

5

أَعْطِني نُسْخَةً مَنْ فَضْلِك.

Give me a copy, please.

Use of the noun 'nuskha'.

6

لَنْ أَنْسَخَ هَذا المَقال.

I will not copy this article.

Future negation with 'lan'.

7

كانَ يَنْسَخُ المَخْطوطات.

He used to copy manuscripts.

Past continuous (kana + present).

8

يُمْكِنُكَ أَنْ تَنْسَخَ هَذا.

You can copy this.

Modal expression with 'yumkin'.

1

يَنْسَخُ المُبَرْمِجُ الكودَ إِلى المَشْروعِ الجَديد.

The programmer copies the code to the new project.

Professional context.

2

يَجِبُ أَنْ تَنْسَخَ بَياناتِكَ لِتَجَنُّبِ فُقْدانِها.

You must copy your data to avoid losing it.

Instruction/Advice.

3

يَنْسَخُ بَعْضُ الطُّلابِ إِجاباتِ غَيْرِهِم.

Some students copy others' answers.

Negative academic context.

4

هَلْ تَعْرِفُ كَيْفَ تَنْسَخُ الرَّوابِط؟

Do you know how to copy links?

Technical skill.

5

تَمَّ نَسْخُ هَذِهِ النُّسْخَةِ في القَرْنِ العاشر.

This copy was transcribed in the tenth century.

Passive structure with 'tamma'.

6

يَنْسَخُ الجِهازُ المِلَفَّاتِ تِلْقائِيًّا.

The device copies files automatically.

Adverbial usage 'tilqa'iyan'.

7

تَوَقَّفْ عَنْ نَسْخِ كَلامي!

Stop copying my words!

Gerund (Masdar) after 'tawaqqaf 'an'.

8

يَنْسَخُ الرَّسامُ اللَّوْحَةَ الأَصْلِيَّة.

The painter copies the original painting.

Artistic context.

1

يَنْسَخُ القانونُ الجَديدُ القَوانينَ السَّابِقَة.

The new law abrogates previous laws.

Legal/Technical meaning of 'naskh'.

2

يَسْتَنْسِخُ العُلَماءُ الخَلايا في المُخْتَبَر.

Scientists clone cells in the lab.

Form X verb for cloning.

3

يَنْسَخُ الكاتِبُ أُسْلوبَ أَديبٍ مَشْهور.

The writer copies the style of a famous author.

Metaphorical/Stylistic copying.

4

عَلَيْكَ أَنْ تَنْسَخَ هَذا المَقْطَعَ الصَّوْتِيَّ بِدِقَّة.

You must transcribe this audio clip accurately.

Transcription context.

5

يُنْسَخُ الكِتابُ ويُوزَّعُ في جَميعِ أَنْحاءِ العالَم.

The book is copied and distributed worldwide.

Passive voice.

6

إِنَّهُ يَنْسَخُ تَصَرُّفاتِ والِدِهِ تَمامًا.

He copies his father's behaviors exactly.

Behavioral imitation.

7

يَنْسَخُ الخَطَّاطُ المَصاحِفَ بِبَراعَةٍ.

The calligrapher transcribes Mushafs (Qurans) with skill.

Historical/Religious context.

8

لا يُمْكِنُ نَسْخُ هَذِهِ البَياناتِ بِسَبَبِ الحِمايَة.

This data cannot be copied due to protection.

Masdar as a subject.

1

تَنْسَخُ الآياتُ اللاحِقَةُ بَعْضَ الأَحْكامِ السَّابِقَة.

Later verses abrogate some previous rulings.

Technical theological usage.

2

يَنْسَخُ العَقْلُ الباطِنُ التَّجارِبَ السَّلْبِيَّةَ ويُكَرِّرُها.

The subconscious mind copies negative experiences and repeats them.

Psychological context.

3

تَنْسَخُ الشَّمْسُ بِنورِها ظَلامَ اللَّيْل.

The sun with its light displaces the darkness of night.

Literary/Poetic meaning of 'naskh' as removal.

4

يَنْسَخُ النَّظامُ نَفْسَهُ لِضَمانِ اسْتِمْرارِيَّةِ العَمَل.

The system replicates itself to ensure business continuity.

Reflexive usage in IT.

5

نَسَخَ النِّسْيانُ ذِكْرَياتِ طُفولَتِهِ.

Forgetfulness erased the memories of his childhood.

Metaphorical use for 'erasing'.

6

يَنْسَخُ التَّطَوُّرُ التِّكْنولوجِيُّ الوَسائِلَ القَديمَة.

Technological evolution supersedes old methods.

Societal/Evolutionary context.

7

يَنْسَخُ المُؤَرِّخُ الوَثائِقَ لِحِفْظِ التَّاريخ.

The historian copies documents to preserve history.

Historical preservation.

8

هَلْ تَعْتَقِدُ أَنَّ الذَّكاءَ الاصْطِناعِيَّ يَنْسَخُ الإِبْداعَ البَشَرِي؟

Do you think artificial intelligence copies human creativity?

Philosophical debate.

1

تَجَلَّى مَفْهومُ النَّسْخِ في الفِقْهِ الإِسْلامِيِّ كَأَداةٍ لِلتَّدَرُّجِ في التَّشْريع.

The concept of abrogation manifested in Islamic jurisprudence as a tool for gradual legislation.

High-level academic/theological.

2

يَنْسَخُ الدَّهْرُ مَعالِمَ الحَضاراتِ البائِدَة.

Time erases the landmarks of vanished civilizations.

Highly poetic/philosophical.

3

يَنْسَخُ الحِمْضُ النَّوَوِيُّ مَعْلوماتِهِ الوِراثِيَّةَ بِدِقَّةٍ مُتَناهِيَة.

DNA replicates its genetic information with extreme precision.

Scientific/Biological context.

4

نَسَخَ الحاكِمُ القَرارَ السَّابِقَ بِقَرارٍ أَكْثَرَ شُمولِيَّة.

The ruler superseded the previous decision with a more comprehensive one.

Political/Administrative context.

5

يَنْسَخُ الفِكْرُ الحَداثِيُّ المَفاهيمَ التَّقْليدِيَّةَ لِلْمُجْتَمَع.

Modernist thought displaces traditional concepts of society.

Sociological analysis.

6

يَنْسَخُ الشاعِرُ في قَصيدَتِهِ صُوَرًا مِنَ الطَّبيعة.

The poet replicates images from nature in his poem.

Literary analysis.

7

لَقَدْ نَسَخَ هَذا الاخْتِراعُ كُلَّ ما قَبْلَهُ.

This invention has rendered everything before it obsolete.

Expressing obsolescence.

8

يَنْسَخُ الباحِثُ المَصادِرَ لِتَوْثيقِ دِراسَتِهِ.

The researcher transcribes sources to document his study.

Academic methodology.

Common Collocations

نَسْخ ولَصْق
نُسْخَة طِبْق الأَصْل
حُقوق النَّسْخ
نَسْخ احْتِياطِي
يَنْسَخُ مِن
يَنْسَخُ إِلى
آلَة نَسْخ
نَسْخ يَدَوِي
نَسْخ ضَوْئِي
نَسْخ المَخْطوطات

Common Phrases

انْسَخِ الرَّابِط

— Copy the link. Used in web browsing.

انْسَخِ الرَّابِطَ وأَرْسِلْهُ لي.

نُسْخَة مَجَّانِيَّة

— Free copy. Often used in marketing.

احْصُلْ عَلى نُسْخَتِكَ المَجَّانِيَّةِ الآن.

نَسْخ الكَلام

— Repeating or copying what someone said.

أَنْتَ فَقَطْ تَنْسَخُ كَلامَ الآخَرين.

نُسْخَة وَرَقِيَّة

— Hard copy (paper copy).

هَلْ تُريدُ نُسْخَةً وَرَقِيَّةً أَمْ رَقْمِيَّة؟

نُسْخَة رَقْمِيَّة

— Digital copy.

أُفَضِّلُ النُّسْخَةَ الرَّقْمِيَّةَ لِسُهولَةِ الحَمْل.

نَسْخ الأَقراص

— Burning or copying CDs/DVDs.

يَحْظُرُ القانونُ نَسْخَ الأَقراصِ المَحْمِيَّة.

نُسْخَة مُعَدَّلَة

— Modified version/copy.

هَذِهِ نُسْخَةٌ مُعَدَّلَةٌ مِنَ القَرار.

نُسْخَة قَديمَة

— Old copy/version.

لا تَسْتَخْدِمِ النُّسْخَةَ القَديمَةَ مِنَ البَرْنامَج.

نَسْخ المَلَفّ

— Copying the file.

عَمَلِيَّةُ نَسْخِ المِلَفِّ سَتَسْتَغْرِقُ دَقيقَة.

نُسْخَة أَصْلِيَّة

— Original copy.

أَيْنَ النُّسْخَةُ الأَصْلِيَّةُ مِنَ العَقْد؟

Often Confused With

يَنْسَخ vs يَمْسَح (Yamsah)

Means 'to wipe' or 'to erase'. It sounds similar but has the opposite effect of keeping information.

يَنْسَخ vs يَنْصَح (Yansah)

Means 'to advise'. The 's' is different (Sod vs. Seen).

يَنْسَخ vs يَنْسج (Yansij)

Means 'to weave'. Only one letter difference in the root.

Idioms & Expressions

"نُسْخَة طِبْق الأَصْل"

— An exact replica or a 'spitting image' of someone.

الابْنُ نُسْخَةٌ طِبْقُ الأَصْلِ مِنْ أَبيه.

Common
"نَسَخَ أَثَرَهُ"

— To follow in someone's footsteps or erase their influence.

نَسَخَ القائِدُ الجَديدُ أَثَرَ مَنْ قَبْلَهُ.

Literary
"نَسَخَتْهُ الشَّمْس"

— Literally 'the sun copied/removed it,' meaning it faded or disappeared due to sunlight.

نَسَخَتِ الشَّمْسُ لَوْنَ السِّتار.

Literary
"نَسْخ المَنازِل"

— Changing residences or the cycle of life (archaic).

تَنْسَخُ الأَيَّامُ المَنازِلَ.

Classical
"نَسْخ الأَرْواح"

— Reincarnation (literally 'copying/transferring of souls').

تُؤْمِنُ بَعْضُ الفَلْسَفاتِ بِنَسْخِ الأَرْواح.

Philosophical
"نَسْخ البُطولة"

— To replicate a heroic act.

يُحاوِلُ الجُنْدِيُّ نَسْخَ بُطولةِ جَدِّهِ.

Literary
"نَسْخ الخَيال"

— To bring imagination into reality (copying from mind to world).

يَنْسَخُ الفَنَّانُ خَيالَهُ عَلى القُماش.

Poetic
"نُسْخَة باهِتَة"

— A pale imitation or a poor copy of something/someone.

هَذا الفِيلمُ نُسْخَةٌ باهِتَةٌ مِنَ الجُزْءِ الأَوَّل.

Common
"نَسْخ العادات"

— The replacing of old habits with new ones.

يَنْسَخُ الجيلُ الجَديدُ عاداتِ مَنْ قَبْلَهُ.

Sociological
"نَسْخ الحَقيقة"

— To distort or replace the truth.

يُحاوِلُ الإِعْلامُ نَسْخَ الحَقيقَةِ بِأَكاذيب.

Critical

Easily Confused

يَنْسَخ vs يُقَلِّد

Both involve making a likeness.

Yansakh is for exact data/text; Yuqallid is for behavior/style/fakes.

يُقَلِّدُ الطِّفْلُ أَباهُ (The child imitates his father).

يَنْسَخ vs يُصَوِّر

Both used for duplicating documents.

Yansakh is general; Yusawwir is specifically mechanical (photocopy/photo).

أُصَوِّرُ الهُوِيَّة (I am photocopying the ID).

يَنْسَخ vs يَنْقُل

Both involve moving information.

Yansakh creates a duplicate; Yanqul moves the original or the data.

نَقَلْتُ المِلَفَّ (I moved the file).

يَنْسَخ vs يُحاكي

Both mean to reproduce something.

Yansakh is literal; Yuhaki is often artistic or conceptual simulation.

يُحاكي التَّصْميمُ الواقِع (The design simulates reality).

يَنْسَخ vs يُدَوِّن

Both involve writing.

Yansakh is duplication; Yudawwin is original recording of notes.

يُدَوِّنُ الشاهِدُ ما رَأى (The witness notes down what he saw).

Sentence Patterns

A1

أَنَا أَنْسَخُ [Object]

أَنَا أَنْسَخُ الكَلِمَة.

A2

[Subject] يَنْسَخُ [Object] مِن [Source]

الطَّالِبُ يَنْسَخُ الدَّرْسَ مِنَ الكِتاب.

B1

يُمْكِنُكَ أَنْ تَنْسَخَ [Object] إِلى [Destination]

يُمْكِنُكَ أَنْ تَنْسَخَ المِلَفَّ إِلى الفلاشَة.

B2

تَمَّ نَسْخُ [Object] بِواسِطَةِ [Agent]

تَمَّ نَسْخُ الوَثيقَةِ بِواسِطَةِ السِّكْرِتير.

C1

يَنْسَخُ [Subject] [Object] لِغَرَضِ [Purpose]

يَنْسَخُ المُؤَرِّخُ المَخْطوطَةَ لِغَرَضِ الحِفْظ.

C2

إِنَّ مَفْهومَ النَّسْخِ في [Field] يَعْني [Definition]

إِنَّ مَفْهومَ النَّسْخِ في الفِقْهِ يَعْني الإِبْطال.

B1

لا تَنْسَخْ [Object] بِدُونِ [Condition]

لا تَنْسَخِ الصُّوَرَ بِدُونِ إِذْن.

A2

هَلْ نَسَخْتَ [Object]؟

هَلْ نَسَخْتَ الرَّقَم؟

Word Family

Nouns

نَسْخ (Naskh - copying/abrogation)
نُسْخَة (Nuskha - a copy)
ناخِس (Nasikh - the one who copies/abrogates)
مَنْسوخ (Mansukh - the thing copied/abrogated)
نَسَّاخ (Nassakh - a professional scribe/copyist)

Verbs

نَسَخَ (Nasakha - to copy/abrogate - Form I)
يَسْتَنْسِخ (Yastansikh - to request a copy/clone - Form X)

Adjectives

مَنْسوخ (Mansukh - copied/abrogated)
نَسْخِيّ (Naskhi - relating to the Naskh script)

Related

كِتابَة (writing)
تَصْوير (photocopying)
نَقْل (transferring)
تَدْوين (recording)
تَحْريف (distortion/alteration)
Sign up free to see all examples

How to Use It

frequency

High (especially in digital and academic contexts).

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'yansakh' for imitating a voice. → يُقَلِّد (yuqallid)

    Yansakh is for text/data, yuqallid is for behavior/voice.

  • Saying 'yansakh bi' instead of 'yansakh min'. → يَنْسَخُ مِنَ الكِتاب

    You copy 'from' a source in Arabic, using the preposition 'min'.

  • Pronouncing it as 'yansak'. → يَنْسَخ (yansakh)

    The final letter is 'kh' (خ), not 'k' (ك).

  • Using 'yansakh' for taking a photo of a person. → يُصَوِّر (yusawwir)

    Yusawwir is for photography; yansakh is for duplication.

  • Confusing 'naskh' with 'nask' (sacrifice). → نَسْخ vs نُسُك

    The root N-S-KH (copy) is different from N-S-K (ritual/sacrifice).

Tips

The Scribe's Sack

Imagine a scribe putting a 'Copy' in his 'Sack' (Sakh). This links the sound to the meaning.

Present Tense Vowel

Remember the middle vowel is 'a' (yansakh). Some verbs use 'u' or 'i', but this one is easy with 'a'.

The Naskh Script

Whenever you see a printed Arabic book, you are looking at 'Naskh' script. It's the most 'copied' style!

Right-Click Arabic

Change your phone language to Arabic for a day. You will see the word 'نسخ' everywhere!

Noun-Verb Link

Learn 'nuskha' (copy) and 'yansakh' (to copy) together to double your vocabulary efficiency.

The Rasp

Don't be shy with the 'kh' (خ). It should be audible and raspy, not a soft 'h' or a hard 'k'.

Abrogation

If you study Arabic law or theology, remember that 'naskh' means a change in rules, not just a copy.

Dot Placement

The dot for 'n' is on top, and the dot for 'kh' is on top. Keep them clear!

Context Clues

If you hear 'naskh' in a computer context, it's 'copy'. In a mosque, it might be 'abrogation'.

Asking for Copies

Use 'Mumkin nuskha?' (Can I have a copy?) in any office; it's polite and clear.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Sack' (sounds like 'sakh') full of 'Notes' (starts with 'N'). You are copying the notes and putting them in the sack.

Visual Association

Imagine a monk in a dark library carefully copying an old book by candlelight, or a giant 'Copy' button on a keyboard with the word نَسْخ written on it.

Word Web

Computer Notebook Scribe Abrogation Naskh Script Photocopy Duplicate Version

Challenge

Try to find 5 things in your room you could 'yansakh' (copy) and say the sentence 'أُريدُ أَنْ أَنْسَخَ هَذا' (I want to copy this) for each one.

Word Origin

The root is the Proto-Semitic N-S-KH, which is found in various Semitic languages including Hebrew (nasakh - to pull away/tear out). In Arabic, it developed two main branches of meaning: to duplicate and to remove.

Original meaning: To remove, displace, or abolish.

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

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'yansakh' in the context of academic work; it can imply cheating (plagiarism) if not used carefully.

In English, 'copy' is a very broad word. In Arabic, you might need to choose between 'yansakh' (text/data) and 'yusawwir' (physical photocopy) to sound more natural.

The science of 'Al-Nasikh wal-Mansukh' in Quranic studies. The 'Naskh' script used in the Mushaf of Medina. Modern Arabic software interfaces (Windows/macOS).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Computing

  • انْسَخِ المِلَف
  • نَسْخ الرَّابِط
  • نَسْخ احْتِياطِي
  • فَشَلَ النَّسْخ

School

  • يَنْسَخُ مِنَ السَّبُّورَة
  • نَسْخ الواجِب
  • نُسْخَة مِنَ الكِتاب
  • لا تَنْسَخْ

Office

  • آلَة النَّسْخ
  • نُسْخَة طِبْق الأَصْل
  • نَسْخ التَّقارير
  • أُريدُ نُسْخَة

Law

  • نَسْخ القانون
  • حُقوق النَّسْخ
  • نُسْخَة العَقْد
  • حُكْم مَنْسوخ

Art

  • خَطُّ النَّسْخ
  • نَسْخ اللَّوْحَة
  • نَسَّاخ مَشْهور
  • نَسْخ المَخْطوطَة

Conversation Starters

"هَلْ يُمْكِنُكَ أَنْ تَنْسَخَ هَذا المِلَفَّ لي؟ (Can you copy this file for me?)"

"أَيْنَ أَجِدُ آلَةَ النَّسْخِ في هَذا المَبْنى؟ (Where can I find the copier in this building?)"

"هَلْ هَذِهِ النُّسْخَةُ هِيَ الأَصْلِيَّةُ أَمْ مَنْسوخَة؟ (Is this copy the original or a duplicate?)"

"لِماذا تَنْسَخُ كَلامي دائِمًا؟ (Why do you always copy my words?)"

"هَلْ تَعْرِفُ كَيْفَ تَنْسَخُ الصُّوَرَ مِنَ الهاتِف؟ (Do you know how to copy photos from the phone?)"

Journal Prompts

اكْتُبْ عَنْ مَرَّةٍ اضْطُرِرْتَ فيها لِنَسْخِ مَعْلوماتٍ كَثيرَةٍ يَدَوِيًّا.

ما هُوَ رَأْيُكَ في حُقوقِ النَّسْخِ في عَصْرِ الذَّكاءِ الاصْطِناعِي؟

صِفْ جَمالَ خَطِّ النَّسْخِ وأَهَمِّيَّتَهُ في الثَّقافَةِ العَرَبِيَّة.

هَلْ تَعْتَقِدُ أَنَّ التَّكْنولوجِيا جَعَلَتْ عَمَلِيَّةَ النَّسْخِ أَسْهَلَ أَمْ أَكْثَرَ تَعْقيدًا؟

تَخَيَّلْ أَنَّكَ نَسَّاخٌ في العُصورِ الوُسْطى، صِفْ يَوْمَكَ.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually no. To say someone is a 'copy' of their father, use the idiom 'nuskha tibq al-asl'. To say someone is imitating someone, use 'yuqallid'.

'Yansakh' is the verb (to copy), while 'nuskha' is the noun (a copy). Example: 'I will copy (yansakh) the book to get a copy (nuskha).'

Yes, in biology, 'yansakh' or the Form X 'yastansikh' (cloning/replication) is used for genetic copying.

It is 'Naskh wa Lasq' (نَسْخ ولَصْق).

It refers to 'abrogation', where a later verse replaces the legal ruling of an earlier one.

Yes, 'yusawwir' (يُصَوِّر) is more common for using a photocopy machine.

It is 'huquq al-naskh' (حُقوق النَّسْخ).

In classical/literary Arabic, it can mean to 'remove' or 'displace', but in modern Arabic, it almost always means 'to copy'.

The imperative is 'Insakh' (انْسَخْ) for masculine singular.

Yes, it is extremely common in daily life, especially with technology.

Sign up free for tips & notes

Test Yourself 190 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'أَنْسَخُ' and 'المِلَف'.

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'The student copies from the board.'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Use 'نُسْخَة' in a sentence about a book.

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write the imperative form for 'Copy the link'.

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Do not copy the answers.'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence using 'نَسْخ احْتِيَاطِي'.

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Describe what a 'نَسَّاخ' does in one sentence.

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'This copy is an exact replica.'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence about 'copyright'.

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'He copies his father's style.'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence using 'يَسْتَنْسِخ' about scientists.

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Later laws abrogate previous ones.'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Use 'نَسْخ ولَصْق' in a sentence about homework.

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Can I have a digital copy?'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence using 'تَمَّ نَسْخ'.

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'The sun erases the shadows.'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence about 'Naskh script'.

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'I copied the homework from my friend.'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Use 'يُنْسَخ' (Passive) in a sentence.

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Stop copying me!'

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

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I copy the file' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Ask 'Can I have a copy?' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Tell someone 'Copy this link' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I copied the homework from my friend.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Explain 'Naskh script' in a simple sentence.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Don't copy me!' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I need a backup' in Arabic.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Ask 'Where is the copy machine?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'This is an exact replica.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The law was abrogated.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Tell someone to 'Wait until the copying is finished.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I prefer the digital copy.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'He copies his father's behavior.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Ask 'Is it legal to copy this?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The sun displaces the shadows.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I am copying notes from the board.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The scribe is copying the book.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I want to copy these photos to my phone.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Copyright reserved.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'He copies everything I say.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify the verb: 'الطَّالِبُ يَنْسَخُ الدَّرْسَ.'

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

Listen and translate: 'انْسَخِ المِلَفَّ بَسُرْعَة.'

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

Listen and identify the noun: 'أَحْتاجُ إِلى نُسْخَةٍ مِنَ العَقْد.'

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

Listen and translate: 'النَّسْخُ غَيْرُ مَسْموحٍ هُنا.'

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

Listen and identify the preposition: 'نَسَخْتُ مِنَ الكِتاب.'

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

Listen and translate: 'هَذِهِ نُسْخَةٌ طِبْقُ الأَصْل.'

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

Listen and identify the technical term: 'عَلَيْكَ عَمَلُ نَسْخٍ احْتِيَاطِي.'

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

Listen and translate: 'يَنْسَخُ الرَّسامُ اللَّوْحَة.'

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

Listen and translate: 'تَمَّ نَسْخُ المِلَفِّ بِنَجاح.'

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

Listen and identify the person: 'النَّسَّاخُ يَنْسَخُ المَخْطوطَة.'

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

Listen and translate: 'لا تَنْسَخْ إِجاباتِ غَيْرِك.'

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

Listen and identify the script: 'هَذا الكِتابُ بِخَطِّ النَّسْخ.'

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

Listen and translate: 'أُريدُ نُسْخَةً رَقْمِيَّة.'

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

Listen and identify the action: 'يَنْسَخُ القانونُ الجَديدُ القَديم.'

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

Listen and translate: 'انْسَخِ الرَّابِطَ وأَرْسِلْهُ لي.'

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

/ 190 correct

Perfect score!

Sign up free to practice

Related Content

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!