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يُطعم

A2 verb #6,000 most common 9 min read

يُطعم

yut'im Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips يُطعم in 30 Seconds

Explanation يُطعم in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'يُطعم' as a basic action verb. Focus on its literal meaning: giving food to someone or something. You will mostly use it in simple present tense sentences like 'I feed the cat' or 'She feeds the baby.' At this stage, don't worry too much about complex grammar; just treat it as a vocabulary word for daily routines and family life. It is often introduced alongside other basic verbs like 'eat,' 'drink,' and 'sleep.' You might see it in picture books or basic language exercises where you match a person to an action. For example, a picture of a girl with a bird might be labeled 'البنت تُطعم العصفور' (The girl feeds the bird). Understanding this word helps you describe your daily responsibilities and interactions with pets or younger siblings.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'يُطعم' in more varied contexts, such as describing hobbies or community activities. You should be able to conjugate the verb for all pronouns (I, you, we, they) and use it in the past tense (أطعم). You might talk about feeding animals at a zoo or participating in a school charity event to feed the hungry. This level also introduces the idea of ' إطعام' as a noun (feeding). You should be comfortable with the structure 'Verb + Object,' and understand that the person or animal receiving the food is the direct object. For example, 'نحن نُطعم الفقراء في رمضان' (We feed the poor in Ramadan). You also start to recognize the word in simple news headlines or public signs, such as 'لا تُطعم الحيوانات' (Do not feed the animals).

At the B1 level, you move beyond literal feeding into more social and cultural discussions. You can use 'يُطعم' to talk about social issues like food security or religious traditions. You should be able to use the verb in different moods, including the imperative (أطْعِم) and the passive voice (يُطْعَم). You might write a paragraph about the importance of hospitality in your culture, using 'يُطعم' to describe how guests are treated. At this stage, you should also be familiar with common collocations, such as 'يُطعم الجائع' (feeding the hungry) or 'يُطعم الطيور' (feeding the birds). You can handle more complex sentence structures, such as using the verb in relative clauses: 'الرجل الذي يُطعم القطط طيب جداً' (The man who feeds the cats is very kind).

At the B2 level, you use 'يُطعم' in more abstract and professional contexts. You might encounter it in academic texts discussing sociology or economics—for instance, how a nation 'feeds' its population. You should understand the nuances between 'يُطعم' and its synonyms like 'يُغذي' (nourish) or 'يَعول' (provide for). You can use the word in debates about environmental issues, such as the ethics of feeding wild animals versus letting them hunt. Your mastery of the verb's morphology should be complete, including its derivation from the root 'طعم' and how it relates to words like 'طعام' (food) and 'مطعم' (restaurant). You can also use it in idiomatic expressions or more sophisticated literary descriptions where the 'feeding' might be metaphorical, such as 'feeding a flame' or 'feeding a passion.'

At the C1 level, your understanding of 'يُطعم' is deep and nuanced. You can recognize its use in classical Arabic literature, poetry, and religious jurisprudence. You understand the legal implications of 'feeding' in Islamic law (Kaffarah), where feeding a certain number of people is a form of penance. You can analyze how the word is used in political rhetoric to evoke a sense of duty or paternalism. In your own writing, you use the word with precision, selecting it over synonyms to achieve a specific tone. You are also aware of the historical evolution of the word and its root. You can engage in complex discussions about food systems, using 'يُطعم' to describe the logistical and ethical challenges of global nutrition. Your use of the word is fluid, natural, and contextually perfect.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of 'يُطعم' and all its related forms. You can appreciate the word's resonance in the highest forms of Arabic prose and poetry. You understand subtle puns or wordplay involving the root 'طعم' (which can mean taste, food, or even a 'hook' in some dialects). You can interpret the word in various dialects with ease, recognizing how local cultures have adapted the verb. You might use the word in philosophical inquiries into the nature of sustenance and the human condition. For you, 'يُطعم' is not just a verb but a symbol of the interconnectedness of life. You can write doctoral-level essays or deliver keynote speeches where this word is used to discuss profound themes of altruism, survival, and the social contract.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

يُطعم in 30 Seconds

The verb 'يُطعم' means 'to feed' and is used for people and animals.
It is a Form IV verb, which makes it causative (to cause to eat).
Commonly used in contexts of family care, pet ownership, and charity.
Do not confuse it with 'ya'kul' (to eat) or 'yatbukh' (to cook).

The Arabic verb يُطعم (yut'im) is a fundamental Form IV verb derived from the root ط-ع-م (T-'-M), which relates to taste and food. While the basic Form I verb طَعِمَ means 'to taste' or 'to eat,' the Form IV version أطعم / يُطعم is causative, meaning 'to cause someone to eat' or simply 'to feed.' This distinction is crucial for learners; whereas eating is a personal action, feeding is an act of care, service, or responsibility directed toward another being. In daily life, you will encounter this word in contexts ranging from the domestic—like a mother feeding her infant—to the charitable, such as the communal obligation to feed the hungry. The word carries a sense of providing sustenance and is deeply embedded in the social fabric of Arabic-speaking cultures, where hospitality and the sharing of food are paramount virtues.

Domestic Usage: Used when describing the act of giving food to children, the elderly, or those who cannot feed themselves. It implies a direct physical act of putting food in someone's mouth or preparing a meal specifically for their consumption.

الأب يُطعم ابنه الصغير في المطبخ.
The father is feeding his young son in the kitchen.

Animal Care: This verb is the standard term for feeding pets, livestock, or wild animals. Whether it is a farmer feeding sheep or a child feeding a cat, 'يُطعم' is the go-to verb for the act of providing fodder or kibble.

المزارع يُطعم الدجاج كل صباح.
The farmer feeds the chickens every morning.

Furthermore, 'يُطعم' is frequently used in religious and humanitarian contexts. In Islamic tradition, 'إطعام الطعام' (feeding people) is considered one of the highest forms of charity. You will see this word in Quranic verses and Hadiths emphasizing the importance of feeding the poor (المساكين) and the orphaned (اليتامى). This gives the word a noble, altruistic connotation that goes beyond the mere biological function of nutrition. In modern standard Arabic (MSA), it maintains this formal and respectful tone, while in various dialects, it might be slightly modified in pronunciation (like 'bi-yi-t'im' in Levantine), but the core meaning remains identical. Understanding 'يُطعم' is not just about learning a verb; it is about accessing a key concept in Arabic social ethics.

الجمعية الخيرية تُطعم مئات المحتاجين يومياً.
The charity feeds hundreds of needy people daily.

Metaphorical Sustenance: While primarily literal, it can occasionally appear in literature to describe 'feeding' a fire with wood or 'feeding' a mind with knowledge, though other verbs like 'يغذي' (nourishes) are more common for abstract concepts.

الرجل يُطعم النار بالحطب لتبقى مشتعلة.
The man feeds the fire with wood to keep it burning.

هل تُطعم قطتك طعاماً جافاً أم رطباً؟
Do you feed your cat dry or wet food?

Using the verb يُطعم requires understanding its conjugation and its relationship with its objects. As a Form IV verb (Af'ala), it follows a predictable pattern. In the present tense (Al-Mudari'), the prefix carries a damma (u), which is characteristic of Form IV. For example: أنا أُطعم (I feed), أنتَ تُطعم (You feed - masc.), هي تُطعم (She feeds). The sentence structure is typically Verb-Subject-Object (VSO) or Subject-Verb-Object (SVO), depending on the emphasis. Because it is a transitive verb, it must act upon someone or something. If you want to specify the type of food being given, you can use the preposition بـ (bi-) or simply state the food as a second object, though the 'bi-' construction is very common in modern usage.

Transitivity: The verb 'يُطعم' is doubly transitive in some contexts, meaning it can take two objects: who is being fed and what they are being fed. Example: 'يُطعم الفقيرَ خبزاً' (He feeds the poor man bread).

الممرضة تُطعم المريض ببطء.
The nurse feeds the patient slowly.

Negation: To negate the action in the present tense, use 'لا' (la). For example, 'هو لا يُطعم الحيوانات الضالة' (He does not feed stray animals).

لا تُطعم القرود في الحديقة، فهذا ممنوع.
Do not feed the monkeys in the park; it is forbidden.

In more complex sentences, 'يُطعم' can be part of a relative clause or a conditional sentence. For instance, 'إذا كنت تُطعم العصافير، فستأتي إلى شباكك كل يوم' (If you feed the birds, they will come to your window every day). Note the change in the verb form when using the imperative: أطْعِمْ (Feed! - command). This is often seen on signs in zoos or public parks. Additionally, the passive form يُطْعَم (yut'am - it is fed/he is being fed) is used when the focus is on the recipient rather than the provider. Mastery of this verb involves recognizing these various shades of meaning and structural applications in both spoken and written Arabic.

من يُطعم هؤلاء الأطفال اليتامى؟
Who feeds these orphaned children?

Habitual Action: When used with 'كان' (kana), it describes a past habit: 'كان يُطعم قطط الشارع' (He used to feed the street cats).

إنها تُطعم الخيول في المزرعة حالياً.
She is feeding the horses on the farm right now.

The word يُطعم is ubiquitous across the Arabic-speaking world, appearing in various registers of language. You will hear it in the home, on the news, and in religious sermons. In a domestic setting, a parent might ask another, 'هل أطعمتَ الطفل؟' (Did you feed the baby?). In this context, the verb is intimate and functional. On the news, during humanitarian crises or international aid reports, journalists use 'يُطعم' to describe the efforts of organizations like the Red Crescent or the World Food Programme. For example: 'المنظمة تُطعم آلاف النازحين في المخيمات' (The organization feeds thousands of displaced people in the camps). This illustrates the word's versatility—it scales from a single person to an entire population.

تسمع الأم تسأل: هل تُطعم أختك الصغيرة الآن؟
You hear the mother asking: Are you feeding your little sister now?

Religious contexts are perhaps where 'يُطعم' carries the most weight. During Ramadan, the concept of 'إطعام الصائم' (feeding the fasting person) is a major theme. You will hear imams and community leaders encouraging people to participate in 'Mawa'id al-Rahman' (Tables of the Merciful), where the act of feeding others is celebrated as a spiritual duty. In this sense, 'يُطعم' is not just a verb but a call to social justice and compassion. Furthermore, in literature and traditional storytelling, the act of a hero feeding a stranger is a classic trope signifying their noble character. Whether you are watching a cooking show where the chef explains how to 'feed' a sourdough starter or a documentary about wildlife conservation, this word is an essential part of your Arabic vocabulary.

في الأخبار: الهلال الأحمر يُطعم المتضررين من الزلزال.
In the news: The Red Crescent feeds those affected by the earthquake.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers learning Arabic is confusing the verb يُطعم (yut'im - to feed) with the verb يأكل (ya'kul - to eat). Because both relate to food, learners often swap them. Remember: 'يأكل' is what you do to yourself, while 'يُطعم' is what you do for someone else. Another common mistake involves the conjugation of Form IV verbs. Learners sometimes forget the damma (u) on the present tense prefix and say 'ya-t'im' instead of 'yu-t'im.' The 'yu' sound is essential because it signals that the verb is causative (Form IV). Using 'ya-t'im' (Form I) would technically mean 'he tastes,' which completely changes the meaning of your sentence.

Confusion with 'To Cook': Learners sometimes use 'يُطعم' when they mean 'يطبخ' (yaT-bukh - to cook). While you feed someone food you cooked, the act of cooking and the act of feeding are distinct. 'يُطعم' is specifically the act of delivery or provision.

خطأ: أنا آكل الكلب. (I eat the dog.)
صح: أنا أُطعم الكلب. (I feed the dog.)

Additionally, there is often confusion between يُطعم and يُغذي (yughadh-dhi - to nourish). While they are similar, 'يُطعم' is more literal and refers to the physical act of giving food. 'يُغذي' is more scientific or abstract, referring to providing the nutrients necessary for growth. You 'feed' a child a sandwich, but the sandwich 'nourishes' their body. Finally, pay attention to the direct object. You do not need a preposition like 'to' (إلى) after 'يُطعم' as you do in English. In Arabic, the person being fed is the direct object: 'يُطعم الطفلَ' (He feeds the child), not 'يُطعم إلى الطفل.'

Arabic is a language rich in synonyms, and while يُطعم is the most common word for 'to feed,' there are several alternatives depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Understanding these differences will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to choose the most precise term for your context. For example, if you are talking about providing for a family's general needs (not just food), you might use يَعول (ya'ul - to support/provide for). If you are focusing on the biological aspect of growth, يُغذي (yughadh-dhi - to nourish) is more appropriate.

يُطعم vs. يُسقي: 'يُطعم' is specifically for solid food, while 'يُسقي' (yusqi) is used for giving water or drinks. In Arabic culture, the two are often paired as 'إطعام وسقاية' (feeding and watering).

يُطعم vs. يُقيت: 'يُقيت' (yuqit) is a more formal, classical term meaning to provide 'qut' (basic sustenance/rations). It implies giving just enough to survive.

هذا الطعام يُغذي العقل والجسم.
This food nourishes the mind and the body.

Another interesting alternative is يُضيف (yudif), which literally means 'to host' or 'to treat as a guest.' While it doesn't mean 'to feed' in the mechanical sense, in a social context, saying someone 'hosted' someone often implies they fed them a lavish meal. In agricultural contexts, you might hear يعلف (ya'lif), which specifically means to 'fodder' or 'feed livestock.' Using 'يعلف' for a human would be considered very rude, whereas 'يُطعم' is neutral and respectful for all living things. By distinguishing between these terms, you can navigate different social and professional environments in the Arabic-speaking world with greater ease.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The same root is used for 'vaccination' (تطعيم) in modern Arabic because it 'feeds' the body a small amount of the virus to build immunity.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /jʊt.ʕɪm/

US /jut.ʔɪm/

The stress is on the first syllable 'Yut'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the common root T-'-M.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the damma on the 'ya' and the 'ayn' in the middle.

Speaking 3/5

The 'ayn' and emphatic 'ط' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to pick out in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

طعام (Food) أكل (Eat) شرب (Drink) طفل (Child) حيوان (Animal)

Learn Next

يُغذي (Nourish) يَسقي (Water/Give drink) يَطبخ (Cook) جائع (Hungry) شبعان (Full/Satiated)

Advanced

يَعول (Provide for) يُقيت (Sustain) تطعيم (Vaccination) استطعام (Savoring)

Grammar to Know

Form IV Verbs (Af'ala)

أطعم (Past) -> يُطعم (Present). The 'u' prefix is mandatory.

Direct Objects

يُطعم [الفقيرَ]. The recipient is in the accusative case (Mansub).

Double Transitivity

يُطعم الطفلَ تفاحةً. (He feeds the child an apple). Both are objects.

The Imperative of Form IV

أطْعِمْ (Feed!). Note the hamza is written and pronounced.

Negation with 'La'

لا يُطعم (He does not feed). Simple present negation.

Examples by Level

أنا أُطعم القطة.

I feed the cat.

Simple SVO structure with present tense 'أُطعم'.

هي تُطعم الطفل.

She feeds the baby.

The subject 'هي' takes the prefix 'تـ'.

هل تُطعم الكلب؟

Do you feed the dog?

Interrogative sentence using 'هل'.

نحن نُطعم العصافير.

We feed the birds.

Plural 'نحن' takes the prefix 'نـ'.

أحمد يُطعم السمك.

Ahmed feeds the fish.

Masculine singular subject 'أحمد' takes 'يـ'.

البنت تُطعم الأرانب.

The girl feeds the rabbits.

Feminine singular subject 'البنت' takes 'تـ'.

هم يُطعمون الدجاج.

They feed the chickens.

Plural 'هم' adds the suffix 'ون'.

أمي تُطعمنا كل يوم.

My mother feeds us every day.

Object pronoun 'نا' (us) attached to the verb.

يُطعم المزارع الأبقار في الصباح الباكر.

The farmer feeds the cows early in the morning.

Verb-Subject-Object (VSO) order.

يجب أن نُطعم الحيوانات الأليفة بانتظام.

We must feed the pets regularly.

Use of 'يجب أن' followed by the subjunctive mood.

تُطعم الجمعية الفقراء في مدينتنا.

The association feeds the poor in our city.

Abstract subject 'الجمعية' acting as the feeder.

هل تُطعم قطتك طعاماً رطباً؟

Do you feed your cat wet food?

Specifying the type of food as a second object.

كان جدي يُطعم حمام المسجد.

My grandfather used to feed the mosque's pigeons.

Habitual past using 'كان' + present verb.

لا تُطعم الحيوانات في حديقة الحيوان.

Do not feed the animals in the zoo.

Negative imperative 'لا' + jussive 'تُطعم'.

أخي يُطعم نفسه الآن.

My brother is feeding himself now.

Reflexive use with 'نفسه'.

المعلمة تُطعم الأطفال في الحضانة.

The teacher feeds the children in the nursery.

Professional context for the verb.

من العادات الجميلة أن نُطعم الجار إذا كان محتاجاً.

It is a beautiful custom to feed the neighbor if they are in need.

Subjunctive 'نُطعم' after 'أن'.

تُطعم الأم طفلها بالملعقة بصبر كبير.

The mother feeds her child with a spoon with great patience.

Use of the preposition 'بـ' to indicate the tool.

يُطعم هذا المطعم مئات الأشخاص مجاناً في رمضان.

This restaurant feeds hundreds of people for free in Ramadan.

The subject 'المطعم' is used metonymically.

قررتُ أن أُطعم كلب الشارع الذي يسكن قرب بيتي.

I decided to feed the street dog that lives near my house.

Complex sentence with a relative clause 'الذي'.

كانت الجدة تُطعمنا قصصاً وحكايات قبل النوم.

Grandmother used to feed us stories and tales before bed.

Metaphorical use of 'يُطعم' with 'stories'.

يُطعم الأب عائلته من عرق جبينه.

The father feeds his family from the sweat of his brow.

Idiomatic expression for working hard to provide.

لماذا لا تُطعم العصافير في الشتاء؟

Why don't you feed the birds in winter?

Interrogative with negation.

تُطعم الدولة المواطنين في حالات الطوارئ.

The state feeds the citizens in emergencies.

Formal/institutional context.

تُطعم التكنولوجيا الحديثة فضولنا نحو المعرفة.

Modern technology feeds our curiosity toward knowledge.

Abstract metaphorical usage.

يُطعم الكاتب قراءه بأفكار فلسفية عميقة.

The writer feeds his readers with deep philosophical ideas.

Using 'بـ' to introduce the abstract 'food'.

تسعى المنظمات الدولية إلى أن تُطعم العالم الجائع.

International organizations seek to feed the hungry world.

Global/Political register.

لا تُطعم غضبك بالسكوت عن المشاكل.

Do not feed your anger by keeping silent about problems.

Metaphorical negative imperative.

يُطعم النهر الأراضي الزراعية بمياهه العذبة.

The river feeds the agricultural lands with its fresh water.

Personification of the river.

يُطعم هذا البرنامج الحاسوبي البيانات إلى قاعدة البيانات.

This computer program feeds the data into the database.

Technical/Computing context.

تُطعم الأموال المستثمرة نمو الاقتصاد الوطني.

Invested funds feed the growth of the national economy.

Economic context.

كان يُطعم النار بالحطب كلما خبت.

He used to feed the fire with wood whenever it dimmed.

Literal but descriptive usage.

يُطعم الأديب نصه بالاستعارات البليغة.

The writer feeds his text with eloquent metaphors.

Literary/Stylistic context.

تُطعم هذه السياسات روح التفرقة بين الشعوب.

These policies feed the spirit of division among peoples.

Critical/Political analysis.

يُطعم التراث هويتنا الوطنية بالقيم والأخلاق.

Heritage feeds our national identity with values and ethics.

Sociological context.

من واجب الغني أن يُطعم الفقير دون منٍّ أو أذى.

It is the duty of the rich to feed the poor without boasting or harm.

Ethical/Religious discourse.

يُطعم البحر السواحل بخيراته الوفيرة.

The sea feeds the coasts with its abundant bounties.

Poetic personification.

تُطعم الأبحاث العلمية تطور الطب الحديث.

Scientific research feeds the development of modern medicine.

Academic/Professional context.

يُطعم القائد جنوده بالأمل والعزيمة.

The leader feeds his soldiers with hope and determination.

Abstract leadership context.

تُطعم الشمس الأرض بالدفء والضياء.

The sun feeds the earth with warmth and light.

Metaphorical/Natural context.

يُطعم الفكر الفلسفي تساؤلاتنا الوجودية.

Philosophical thought feeds our existential questions.

Highly abstract/Philosophical.

تُطعم الخلافات السياسية نيران الحرب في المنطقة.

Political disputes feed the fires of war in the region.

Geopolitical analysis.

يُطعم الصمت أحياناً سوء الفهم بين الشركاء.

Silence sometimes feeds misunderstanding between partners.

Psychological/Relational context.

تُطعم الفنون التشكيلية الذوق العام في المجتمع.

Visual arts feed the public taste in society.

Cultural/Societal commentary.

يُطعم التاريخ الحاضر بالدروس والعبر المستفادة.

History feeds the present with lessons and examples learned.

Historical/Intellectual context.

تُطعم العدالة الاجتماعية استقرار الدول وازدهارها.

Social justice feeds the stability and prosperity of nations.

Legal/Political theory.

يُطعم الإبداع الروح الإنسانية بما تحتاجه من سمو.

Creativity feeds the human soul with the transcendence it needs.

Spiritual/Artistic discourse.

تُطعم الغابات الجو بالأكسجين النقي.

Forests feed the atmosphere with pure oxygen.

Scientific/Environmental personification.

Common Collocations

إطعام الطعام

يُطعم الجائع

يُطعم الفقراء

يُطعم بالملعقة

يُطعم الحيوانات

يُطعم النار

يُطعم العصافير

يُطعم الأسرة

يُطعم بيده

يُطعم الضيوف

Common Phrases

أطعمك الله من ثمار الجنة

— A prayer/blessing meaning 'May God feed you from the fruits of Paradise.' Used to thank someone for food.

شكراً لك، أطعمك الله من ثمار الجنة.

يُطعم من جوع

— To provide food to someone who is starving. Often used in religious texts.

الله هو الذي يُطعم من جوع.

لا يُطعم ولا يُسقي

— Used to describe something useless or a person who provides no benefit.

هذا المشروع لا يُطعم ولا يُسقي.

إطعام مسكين

— Feeding a needy person, often as a religious obligation.

كفارة اليمين هي إطعام مسكين.

يُطعم الفم تستحي العين

— A proverb meaning 'If you feed the mouth, the eye becomes shy' (meaning people you are kind to will be loyal or won't criticize you).

كما يقول المثل: أطعم الفم تستحي العين.

يُطعم نفسه

— To feed oneself, often used for children learning to eat.

بدأ الطفل يُطعم نفسه.

يُطعم الطيور في الشرفة

— A common daily activity of feeding birds on a balcony.

كل صباح، أُطعم الطيور في الشرفة.

يُطعم القطط الضالة

— Feeding stray cats, a common act of kindness in Arab cities.

جارتي تُطعم القطط الضالة في الحي.

يُطعم ببطء

— To feed slowly, usually a baby or a sick person.

يجب أن تُطعم المريض ببطء.

يُطعم بالرضاعة

— To bottle-feed or breastfeed.

الأم تُطعم طفلها بالرضاعة.

Often Confused With

يُطعم vs يأكل (Ya'kul)

Ya'kul means 'to eat' (self), Yut'im means 'to feed' (others).

يُطعم vs يَطعم (YaT'am)

YaT'am (Form I) means 'to taste' or 'to eat', while YuT'im (Form IV) means 'to feed'.

يُطعم vs يُطعم (YuT'am - Passive)

Same spelling, different vowels. YuT'am (passive) means 'he is being fed'.

Idioms & Expressions

"يُطعم السمك"

— Literally 'feeding the fish,' but idiomatically can mean someone has drowned or is at sea.

بعد غرق السفينة، أصبح البحارة يُطعمون السمك.

Informal/Dark

"يُطعم النار"

— To escalate a conflict or keep a bad situation going.

كلامه القاسي يُطعم نار الخلاف.

Literary

"يُطعم الفتنة"

— To fuel sedition or social unrest.

هذه الإشاعات تُطعم الفتنة في المجتمع.

Political

"يُطعم الغرور"

— To stroke someone's ego or feed their vanity.

المديح الزائد يُطعم غروره.

Psychological

"يُطعم العقل"

— To provide intellectual stimulation.

القراءة تُطعم العقل بالأفكار.

Educational

"أطعم الفم تستحي العين"

— Generosity creates loyalty and silence from critics.

استخدم المدير الكرم مع الموظفين، فأطعم الفم واستحت العين.

Proverbial

"يُطعم من طرف اللسان"

— To give empty promises or sweet talk without action.

هو يُطعمنا من طرف اللسان حلاوة فقط.

Informal

"يُطعم الوحش"

— To give in to a demand that will only lead to more demands (like 'feeding the beast').

دفع الرشوة هو كمن يُطعم الوحش.

Metaphorical

"يُطعم الخيال"

— To inspire or provide material for imagination.

الأساطير تُطعم خيال الأطفال.

Literary

"يُطعم الوقت"

— To waste time on something that consumes it without benefit.

هذه الألعاب تُطعم وقتنا الثمين.

Modern/Informal

Easily Confused

يُطعم vs يطبخ (YaTbukh)

Both involve food preparation.

YaTbukh is the act of cooking; Yut'im is the act of giving the food to someone to eat.

هي تطبخ الغداء ثم تُطعم الأطفال.

يُطعم vs يغذي (Yughadhdhi)

Both mean providing food.

Yughadhdhi is about nutrition and health; Yut'im is about the physical act of feeding.

الحليب يُغذي الجسم، والأم تُطعم الطفل.

يُطعم vs يعول (Ya'ul)

Both mean providing sustenance.

Ya'ul is broader, meaning to support a family financially; Yut'im is specifically about food.

هو يعول عائلته ويُطعمهم أفضل الطعام.

يُطعم vs يسقي (Yusqi)

Both are about giving sustenance.

Yusqi is for liquids/water; Yut'im is for solid food.

أُطعم القطة وأسقيها الماء.

يُطعم vs يعلف (Ya'lif)

Both mean to feed.

Ya'lif is specifically for livestock/animals; Yut'im is for humans and animals.

المزارع يعلف البقر ويُطعم الدجاج.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] يُطعم [Animal/Person].

أنا أُطعم القطة.

[Subject] يُطعم [Object] كل [Time].

هو يُطعم الكلب كل صباح.

يجب أن [Subject] يُطعم [Object].

يجب أن تُطعم الطيور.

[Subject] كان يُطعم [Object].

كانت تُطعم الفقراء.

[Abstract Subject] يُطعم [Abstract Object].

القراءة تُطعم الخيال.

يُطعم [Object] بـ [Means].

يُطعم الطفل بالملعقة.

يُطعم [Object] مما [Source].

يُطعمهم مما رزقه الله.

ما [Subject] إلا ويُطعم [Object].

ما الكريم إلا ويُطعم ضيفه.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily life and religious contexts.

Common Mistakes

أنا آكل القطة → أنا أُطعم القطة
Learners often use 'eat' (آكل) instead of 'feed' (أُطعم). The first means you are eating the cat!
يَطعم (YaT'am) → يُطعم (YuT'im)
Using 'a' instead of 'u' on the prefix changes the meaning from 'feed' to 'taste'.
أطعم إلى الطفل → أطعم الطفل
Arabic doesn't need the preposition 'to' (إلى) after 'feed'. The recipient is a direct object.
يُطعم الطعام → يُطعم الشخص
While you can say 'يُطعم الطعام' (he serves/feeds the food), it usually needs a recipient. Usually, it's 'feeds [person] [food]'.
يعلف الطفل → يُطعم الطفل
'يعلف' is only for livestock. Using it for a human is extremely insulting.

Tips

The 'U' Prefix

Always remember that in Form IV present tense verbs like 'يُطعم', the prefix 'ya' always takes a damma (u). This is a hallmark of the causative form.

Ramadan Context

In Ramadan, you will see the word 'إطعام' everywhere. It refers to the merit of providing meals for those breaking their fast.

Root Recognition

If you see the letters ط-ع-م, think of 'Taste' or 'Food'. This will help you guess the meaning of related words like 'مطعم' (restaurant).

Hamza in Past Tense

While the present tense is 'يُطعم', the past tense 'أطعم' must have a visible hamza on the alif. Don't forget to write it!

Emphatic T

The 'ط' is an emphatic letter. When you say 'yut'im', your tongue should touch the palate broadly to create a deep, resonant 'T' sound.

Feeding Pets

When talking about your pets, 'يُطعم' is the standard verb. 'أنا أُطعم قطتي مرتين في اليوم' (I feed my cat twice a day).

Noble Connotation

Using 'يُطعم' in the context of the poor is seen as very noble. It is a key part of the 'Sadaqah' (charity) vocabulary.

Levantine Variations

In countries like Lebanon or Syria, you might hear 'bi-yi-t'mi' instead of 'yu-t'im'. The core root remains the same.

Feeding the Mind

Don't be afraid to use 'يُطعم' for abstract things like 'يُطعم عقله بالقراءة' (He feeds his mind with reading). It sounds very poetic.

Zoo Signs

Look for 'لا تُطعم الحيوانات' signs in Arab zoos. It's a great way to see the verb used in the real world.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Yut' as 'You' and 'im' as 'him'. 'You feed him' -> Yut'im.

Visual Association

Imagine a person holding a tray of food (طعام) and giving it to a baby. The 'u' sound in 'yut'im' is like the round shape of a bowl.

Word Web

طعام (Food) مطعم (Restaurant) إطعام (Feeding) طعم (Taste) جوع (Hunger) مائدة (Table) كرم (Generosity) رزق (Sustenance)

Challenge

Try to use 'يُطعم' in three different sentences today: one for a pet, one for a family member, and one for a metaphorical concept like 'feeding the mind'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Semitic root T-'-M (ط-ع-م), which is shared with Hebrew 'ta'am'.

Original meaning: The root originally refers to the sense of taste and the substance of food.

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

Cultural Context

When using this verb for adults, ensure the context is charitable or caring (like a nurse), rather than patronizing.

In English, 'to feed' can sometimes sound clinical or animal-focused (e.g., feeding the dog). In Arabic, 'يُطعم' is perfectly natural and respectful for humans.

Quran 76:8 - 'ويطعمون الطعام على حبه مسكيناً ويتِيماً وأسيراً' (And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive). Hadith: 'أطعموا الجائع' (Feed the hungry). The concept of 'Mawa'id al-Rahman' (Tables of the Merciful).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

متى تُطعم الطفل؟
أنا أُطعم القطة الآن.
هل أطعمتَ الكلب؟
ساعدني في إطعام الجد.

Charity/Volunteer Work

نحن نُطعم مئة شخص يومياً.
أين يمكننا إطعام الفقراء؟
تبرع ليُطعم غيره.
حملة إطعام الصائم.

At the Zoo/Park

ممنوع إطعام الحيوانات.
هل يمكنني إطعام الزرافة؟
الأطفال يُطعمون البط.
لا تُطعم القرود.

Agriculture/Farming

المزارع يُطعم الماشية.
متى نُطعم الدجاج؟
يُطعم الخيول بالتبن.
تكلفة إطعام الحيوانات.

Metaphorical/Business

يُطعم المشروع بالمال.
تُطعم البيانات في النظام.
يُطعم خياله بالقراءة.
يُطعم الفتنة بالأكاذيب.

Conversation Starters

"هل تُطعم حيواناتك الأليفة طعاماً خاصاً؟ (Do you feed your pets special food?)"

"كم مرة تُطعم طفلك في اليوم؟ (How many times a day do you feed your child?)"

"هل تحب أن تُطعم العصافير في الحديقة؟ (Do you like to feed the birds in the park?)"

"من يُطعم الفقراء في منطقتك خلال رمضان؟ (Who feeds the poor in your area during Ramadan?)"

"هل تعتقد أنه من الخطأ إطعام الحيوانات البرية؟ (Do you think it's wrong to feed wild animals?)"

Journal Prompts

اكتب عن تجربة قمت فيها بإطعام شخص محتاج. (Write about an experience where you fed someone in need.)

هل تفضل إطعام الحيوانات أم الطيور؟ ولماذا؟ (Do you prefer feeding animals or birds? Why?)

صف شعورك عندما تُطعم طفلاً صغيراً. (Describe your feeling when you feed a small child.)

كيف تُطعم عقلك بالمعلومات الجديدة كل يوم؟ (How do you feed your mind with new information every day?)

ما هي أهمية إطعام الطعام في ثقافتك؟ (What is the importance of feeding people in your culture?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it can be used in a general sense, but the specific word for breastfeeding is 'تُرضع' (turdi'). However, saying 'تُطعم طفلها' is still correct for the general act of feeding.

Yes, this is a common metaphorical use. You can say 'يُطعم النار بالحطب' (He feeds the fire with wood).

'أطعم' is the past tense (He fed), while 'يُطعم' is the present tense (He feeds). Both are Form IV verbs.

No, it is not rude if the adult cannot feed themselves (like a sick person) or in a charitable context. However, for a healthy guest, 'يُقدم الطعام' (serves food) is more common.

You say 'لا تُطعم الحيوانات' (La tut'im al-hayawanat).

The noun (Masdar) is 'إطعام' (it'am), which means 'the act of feeding'.

No, the Form I verb 'يَطعم' (with an 'a' on the 'ya') means to taste. 'يُطعم' (with a 'u') specifically means to feed.

Yes, in the sense of 'feeding data' into a system, though 'يُدخل' (input) is also common.

The imperative is 'أطْعِمْ' (At'im) for a male and 'أطْعِمي' (At'imi) for a female.

It can take both. 'يُطعم الفقيرَ' (He feeds the poor) or 'يُطعم الفقيرَ خبزاً' (He feeds the poor bread).