When we describe something or someone as weak or feeble, we use the word ضَعِيف (ḍaʿīf). This word is quite versatile and can be applied in many situations, from a weak coffee to a weak argument. For example, if you say the internet signal is weak, you'd use ضَعِيف. It can also describe a person who is physically weak or someone who lacks power or influence.
When discussing Arabic vocabulary at the C1 level, understanding the nuances of words like "ضَعِيف" (daʻīf) is key. While its basic meaning is 'weak' or 'feeble,' at a more advanced level, you'll encounter its use in various contexts beyond just physical weakness.
For instance, it can describe a weak argument (حُجَّة ضَعِيفَة), a weak signal (إِشَارَة ضَعِيفَة), or even a weak economy (اِقْتِصَاد ضَعِيف). It's important to grasp these extended meanings to truly comprehend advanced Arabic texts and conversations.
Furthermore, you might encounter its use in figurative language, such as describing a person's weak character or a weak point in a plan. Recognizing these idiomatic expressions enriches your understanding and allows for more sophisticated communication.
Being able to differentiate between its literal and figurative applications demonstrates a strong command of the language, moving beyond basic vocabulary acquisition to a deeper, more contextual understanding of Arabic.
When we describe something or someone as weak or feeble in Arabic, we use the word ضَعِيف. This adjective is very versatile and can be applied in many situations, from a weak physical constitution to a weak argument or a faint signal. For example, you might say someone has a صحة ضعيفة (weak health) or that a Wi-Fi signal is إشارة ضعيفة (a weak signal). It’s a fundamental word to know for describing various states of weakness.
§ What Does 'ضعيف' Mean?
The Arabic word ضعيف (pronounced daʿīf) is an adjective that directly translates to weak or feeble in English. It's a very common word in everyday Arabic and you'll hear it used in many different contexts. Think of it as the opposite of strong (قوي - qawī).
- DEFINITION
- Weak, feeble. This can refer to physical weakness, metaphorical weakness, or even something being of poor quality.
When someone uses ضعيف, they are usually describing a lack of strength, power, intensity, or even quality in something. It's a versatile word that you'll want to add to your vocabulary early on.
§ When Do People Use 'ضعيف'?
You'll find ضعيف used in a wide range of situations. Here are some of the most common ways and contexts:
- Describing physical weakness: This is probably the most straightforward use. If someone is feeling unwell or isn't physically strong, you'd use ضعيف to describe them.
هو ضعيف بعد المرض. (He is weak after the illness.)
- Describing a weak signal or connection: In the digital age, you'll often hear this in relation to phone signals or internet connections.
إشارة الإنترنت ضعيفة هنا. (The internet signal is weak here.)
- Describing a weak argument or excuse: When someone's reasoning isn't very convincing, you can describe it as ضعيف.
حجته كانت ضعيفة. (His argument was weak.)
- Describing weak coffee or tea: If your drink isn't strong enough, this is the word you'd use.
القهوة ضعيفة اليوم. (The coffee is weak today.)
- Describing a weak student or performance: This refers to someone not performing well or needing improvement in a certain area.
هو طالب ضعيف في الرياضيات. (He is a weak student in mathematics.)
Understanding these various uses will help you grasp the nuance of ضعيف and use it naturally in your conversations. It's a fundamental word for expressing lack of strength or quality.
How Formal Is It?
"كَانَتْ حُجَجُهُ وَاهِنَةً لَا تَسْتَنِدُ إِلَى أَيِّ دَلِيلٍ."
"أَشْعُرُ بِأَنَّنِي ضَعِيفٌ بَعْدَ مَرَضٍ طَوِيلٍ."
"هَذَا الْمِفْتَاحُ مِش قَوِيٍّ لِفَتْحِ الْبَابِ."
"الْهِرَّةُ كَانَتْ صَغِيرَةً وَمُتْعَبَةً وَلَمْ تَسْتَطِعِ الْجَرْيَ."
"هَذَا الشَّابُّ مَهْرِيٌّ وَلَا يَسْتَطِيعُ حَمْلَ الْحَقِيبَةِ."
Curiosidade
The word 'ضعيف' shares a root with other Arabic words related to weakness or frailty, such as 'ضعف' (weakness) and 'أضعف' (to weaken).
Nível de dificuldade
Short word, common letters.
Short word, straightforward spelling.
Common sounds, clear pronunciation.
Clear and distinct sounds.
O que aprender depois
Pré-requisitos
Aprenda a seguir
Avançado
Exemplos por nível
هو طالب ضعيف.
He is a weak student.
هي ضعيفة في الرياضيات.
She is weak in mathematics.
هذا الكرسي ضعيف.
This chair is weak.
صوته ضعيف جداً.
His voice is very weak.
البطارية ضعيفة.
The battery is weak.
القهوة ضعيفة اليوم.
The coffee is weak today.
أنا أشعر أنني ضعيف.
I feel weak.
الضوء ضعيف هنا.
The light is weak here.
الاقتصاد العالمي يُظهر علامات ضعف في الربع الأخير من العام.
The global economy shows signs of weakness in the last quarter of the year.
ضعف (du'f) is the noun form of 'weakness' here, not the adjective 'ضعيف' (da'eef).
شعرت بضعف شديد بعد الجراحة، لذا لم أستطع النهوض من السرير.
I felt very weak after the surgery, so I couldn't get out of bed.
ضعف (du'f) is used as a noun here, 'severe weakness'.
كان الأداء ضعيفاً جداً لدرجة أن الفريق خسر المباراة بفارق كبير.
The performance was very weak to the extent that the team lost the match by a large margin.
ضعيف (da'eef) is an adjective describing 'الأداء' (al-ada'a - performance).
الروابط الاجتماعية الضعيفة في المجتمعات الحضرية قد تؤدي إلى الشعور بالعزلة.
Weak social ties in urban communities can lead to feelings of isolation.
الضعيفة (al-da'eefah) is the feminine plural adjective for 'الروابط' (al-rawabit - ties).
يعاني الجهاز المناعي لديه من ضعف كبير، مما يجعله عرضة للأمراض.
His immune system suffers from significant weakness, making him susceptible to diseases.
ضعف (du'f) is a noun here, 'significant weakness'.
على الرغم من محاولاته المتكررة، كانت حجته ضعيفة ولم يقنع أحداً.
Despite his repeated attempts, his argument was weak and convinced no one.
ضعيفة (da'eefah) is the feminine adjective for 'حجته' (hujjatoho - his argument).
يجب أن نركز على تقوية نقاط الضعف في المشروع قبل إطلاقه رسمياً.
We must focus on strengthening the weaknesses in the project before its official launch.
نقاط الضعف (niqat al-du'f) literally means 'points of weakness'.
لقد أصبح بصره ضعيفاً مع التقدم في العمر، ويحتاج إلى نظارات جديدة.
His eyesight has become weak with age, and he needs new glasses.
ضعيفاً (da'eefan) is the accusative form of the adjective 'weak', agreeing with 'بصره' (basarohu - his eyesight).
Frequentemente confundido com
This is the direct opposite of 'ḍaʿīf'.
Often mistaken for 'weak' due to physical associations.
Sickness can cause weakness, but the words are not interchangeable.
Fácil de confundir
Often confused with words implying 'thin' or 'sick' due to overlapping contexts where a weak person might also be thin or sick.
While a 'weak' person might be thin or sick, 'ḍaʿīf' specifically refers to a lack of strength, power, or intensity. It's about capability or resilience, not just physical appearance or illness.
هذا الكرسي ضعيف. (This chair is weak. - It lacks structural integrity.)
Both 'ḍaʿīf' and 'naḥīf' can describe a person who lacks bulk, leading to confusion.
'Naḥīf' specifically means 'thin' or 'slim' (referring to physical build). A thin person isn't necessarily weak, and a weak person isn't necessarily thin. 'Ḍaʿīf' is about strength, 'naḥīf' is about girth.
هي نحيفة جداً. (She is very thin. - Referring to her slender build.)
A sick person is often weak, so learners might incorrectly use 'ḍaʿīf' interchangeably with 'marīḍ'.
'Marīḍ' means 'sick' or 'ill' (referring to a state of health). While illness can cause weakness, 'ḍaʿīf' describes the state of weakness itself, which can have many causes beyond sickness.
أشعر أني مريض. (I feel sick. - Referring to illness.)
Both words describe a lack of ability or power, leading to overlap.
'ʿĀjiz' means 'unable' or 'incapable' (often implying a permanent or significant inability to do something). 'Ḍaʿīf' is more about lacking general strength or power, which can be temporary or relative, and doesn't always mean complete inability.
هو عاجز عن المشي. (He is unable to walk. - Implies a profound inability.)
Similar meanings in English ('weak', 'flimsy'), but nuanced differences in Arabic usage.
'Wāhin' often implies something that is fragile, flimsy, or precarious, often suggesting imminent collapse or failure. 'Ḍaʿīf' is a more general term for lack of strength. A 'wāhin' object is always 'ḍaʿīf', but a 'ḍaʿīf' object isn't always 'wāhin' in the sense of being on the verge of collapse.
بناء واهٍ. (A flimsy/precarious building. - Suggests it might not stand for long.)
Origem da palavra
From the Arabic root ض-ع-ف (ḍ-ʿ-f)
Significado original: To be weak, to become weak
SemiticContexto cultural
In Arab cultures, 'ضعيف' can describe physical weakness, but it can also refer to someone lacking in courage or conviction. It's often used metaphorically, for example, to describe a 'weak argument' (حجة ضعيفة). The concept of strength, both physical and moral, is highly valued, making 'ضعيف' a descriptor that can carry a negative connotation in certain social contexts.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasThe Arabic word for 'weak' is ضَعِيف (da'eef). It's an adjective.
Yes, you can use ضَعِيف to describe a person who is weak, either physically or in character. For example, هو رجلٌ ضَعِيف (huwa rajulun da'eef) means 'He is a weak man.'
The feminine form of ضَعِيف is ضَعِيفَة (da'eefa). You'd use this when describing a female. For example, هي امرأةٌ ضَعِيفَة (hiya imra'atun da'eefa) means 'She is a weak woman.'
You can say 'weak coffee' using ضَعِيف. It would be قهوةٌ ضَعِيفَة (qahwatun da'eefa). Notice we use the feminine form because قهوة (qahwa) 'coffee' is feminine.
Yes, absolutely. ضَعِيف can describe anything lacking strength or power. Like إشارةٌ ضَعِيفَة (ishaaratun da'eefa) for 'a weak signal'.
The plural for ضَعِيف (masculine) is ضِعَاف (di'aaf) or ضُعَفَاء (du'afaa'). For ضَعِيفَة (feminine), the plural is ضَعِيفَات (da'eefaat).
Yes, it can. You can use ضَعِيف to describe something that is not convincing or lacks substance, like حجةٌ ضَعِيفَة (hujjatun da'eefa) for 'a feeble argument' or 'a weak excuse'.
A common opposite for ضَعِيف is قَوِيّ (qawiyy), which means 'strong'.
You can say: هذا الجدارُ ضَعِيف (haadha al-jidaru da'eef). This means 'This wall is weak.' Or: صوتُهُ ضَعِيف (sawtuhu da'eef) which means 'His voice is weak.'
Yes, ضَعِيف is a very common and useful word in everyday Arabic. You'll hear and read it frequently.
Teste-se 42 perguntas
This sentence means 'I am not weak.'
This sentence means 'He is very weak.'
This sentence means 'The coffee is weak today.'
هو ___ لأنه لم يأكل شيئًا طوال اليوم.
He is weak because he didn't eat anything all day.
هذا الكرسي قديم و___.
This chair is old and weak.
أشعر أنني ___ قليلاً اليوم، ربما أحتاج للراحة.
I feel a little weak today, maybe I need rest.
صوتها كان ___ بسبب المرض.
Her voice was weak due to illness.
القهوة كانت ___ جداً، لم أستطع شربها.
The coffee was very weak, I couldn't drink it.
الجدار ___ ويحتاج إلى إصلاح.
The wall is weak and needs repair.
Write a short sentence describing someone who is feeling weak after an illness. Use the word 'ضعيف'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
هو يشعر بضعف بعد مرضه.
Write a sentence saying that a small plant is weak and needs water. Use the word 'ضعيف'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
النبات الصغير ضعيف ويحتاج إلى الماء.
Write a sentence expressing that a signal is weak. Use the word 'ضعيف'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
الإشارة ضعيفة جداً هنا.
لماذا يشعر أحمد بضعف؟
Read this passage:
أحمد يشعر بالتعب اليوم. لم يأكل جيداً وهو يشعر بضعف كبير. يحتاج إلى الراحة.
لماذا يشعر أحمد بضعف؟
The passage states that Ahmed 'did not eat well', which is why he feels weak.
The passage states that Ahmed 'did not eat well', which is why he feels weak.
ما المشكلة في الكرسي؟
Read this passage:
هذا الكرسي قديم جداً. إنه ضعيف ولا يمكن الجلوس عليه بأمان.
ما المشكلة في الكرسي؟
The passage clearly states that 'it is weak and cannot be sat on safely'.
The passage clearly states that 'it is weak and cannot be sat on safely'.
كيف هو صوت الموسيقى؟
Read this passage:
صوت الموسيقى ضعيف جداً. لا أستطيع سماعها بوضوح.
كيف هو صوت الموسيقى؟
The passage says the music's 'sound is very weak', and the speaker 'cannot hear it clearly'.
The passage says the music's 'sound is very weak', and the speaker 'cannot hear it clearly'.
Choose the sentence where "ضعيف" is used correctly.
Here, 'ضعيفة' describes the coffee as weak in taste, which is a common and correct usage.
Which of these words is an antonym for "ضعيف"?
The opposite of weak (ضعيف) is strong (قوي).
In the sentence "صوته ضعيف جدًا لدرجة أنني لا أسمعه", what does "ضعيف" refer to?
Here, 'ضعيف' refers to the low volume of his voice.
If someone says "إرادته ضعيفة", it means they have strong willpower.
"إرادته ضعيفة" means 'his willpower is weak', so this statement is false.
The phrase "نقطة ضعف" means a point of strength.
"نقطة ضعف" literally translates to 'point of weakness' or 'weakness', so the statement is false.
You can use "ضعيف" to describe a light that is not bright.
Yes, 'ضوء ضعيف' (weak light) is a common and correct usage for dim light.
This sentence means 'Do not rely on a weak person.' The order is verb, preposition, noun, adjective.
This sentence translates to 'He became very weak after the illness.' The correct order starts with the verb 'became,' followed by the adjective 'weak,' and then the adverb 'very,' and finally the phrase 'after the illness.'
This sentence means 'This is the weakest point in the argument.' The order is demonstrative pronoun, verb, superlative adjective, noun, preposition, noun.
Imagine you are an architect evaluating the structural integrity of an old building. Describe the signs that would indicate the building's foundation is ضَعِيف (weak). Use at least three specific observations.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
عند تقييم مبنى قديم، يمكن أن تشير عدة علامات إلى أن أساساته ضعيفة. أولاً، وجود شقوق كبيرة وعميقة في الجدران الخارجية والداخلية. ثانياً، ملاحظة أي ميلان واضح في المبنى أو تشوه في الإطارات. ثالثاً، تدهور في المواد الإنشائية مثل تفتت الخرسانة أو صدأ حديد التسليح.
You are a doctor discussing a patient's immune system. Explain how a ضَعِيف (weak) immune system affects a person's susceptibility to illnesses. Provide examples of common issues they might face.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
الجهاز المناعي الضعيف يجعل الشخص أكثر عرضة للإصابة بالأمراض والعدوى. عندما يكون الجهاز المناعي ضعيفًا، لا يستطيع الجسم محاربة البكتيريا والفيروسات بفعالية. على سبيل المثال، قد يصاب الفرد بنزلات برد متكررة، التهابات مزمنة، أو يستغرق وقتًا أطول للتعافي من الأمراض البسيطة. التغذية غير السليمة وقلة النوم يمكن أن تضعف المناعة.
You are a financial advisor explaining to a client why their investment portfolio is ضَعِيف (weak). What factors would you point to, and what recommendations would you make to strengthen it?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
محفظتك الاستثمارية ضعيفة حاليًا بسبب عدة عوامل. أولاً، هناك نقص في التنويع، حيث تتركز استثماراتك في قطاع واحد شديد التقلب. ثانياً، قد يكون العائد المتوقع منخفضًا مقارنة بمستوى المخاطرة التي تتحملها. لتقوية المحفظة، أوصي بتوزيع الاستثمارات على قطاعات وصناعات مختلفة، وإعادة تقييم الأصول ذات الأداء الضعيف واستبدالها بخيارات أكثر استقرارًا أو ذات إمكانات نمو أعلى.
ما هو السبب الرئيسي لضعف النمو الاقتصادي في الدول النامية المذكورة في الفقرة؟
Read this passage:
في تحليل اقتصادي حديث، أشارت تقارير متعددة إلى أن النمو الاقتصادي في بعض الدول النامية ظل ضعيفًا خلال الربع الأخير. يعزى هذا الضعف بشكل أساسي إلى تراجع الصادرات وارتفاع معدلات التضخم، مما أثر سلبًا على القوة الشرائية للمواطنين. كما أن الاستثمارات الأجنبية المباشرة شهدت تباطؤًا ملحوظًا.
ما هو السبب الرئيسي لضعف النمو الاقتصادي في الدول النامية المذكورة في الفقرة؟
الفقرة تذكر بوضوح أن 'يعزى هذا الضعف بشكل أساسي إلى تراجع الصادرات وارتفاع معدلات التضخم'.
الفقرة تذكر بوضوح أن 'يعزى هذا الضعف بشكل أساسي إلى تراجع الصادرات وارتفاع معدلات التضخم'.
وفقًا للفقرة، ما هي إحدى النتائج المترتبة على امتلاك مهارات لغوية ضعيفة في سوق العمل؟
Read this passage:
تُظهر الدراسات الحديثة أن المنافسة الشديدة في سوق العمل قد تجعل فرص توظيف الخريجين الجدد الذين يمتلكون مهارات لغوية ضعيفة محدودة. الشركات اليوم تبحث عن مرشحين يتمتعون بقدرات تواصل ممتازة في عدة لغات، خاصة في بيئة العمل العالمية. لذا، يُنصح الطلاب بالاستثمار في تطوير مهاراتهم اللغوية منذ وقت مبكر.
وفقًا للفقرة، ما هي إحدى النتائج المترتبة على امتلاك مهارات لغوية ضعيفة في سوق العمل؟
الفقرة تنص على أن 'المنافسة الشديدة في سوق العمل قد تجعل فرص توظيف الخريجين الجدد الذين يمتلكون مهارات لغوية ضعيفة محدودة'.
الفقرة تنص على أن 'المنافسة الشديدة في سوق العمل قد تجعل فرص توظيف الخريجين الجدد الذين يمتلكون مهارات لغوية ضعيفة محدودة'.
ماذا كان تأثير الاستجابة الضعيفة للمجتمع الدولي على الأوضاع في المنطقة؟
Read this passage:
كانت استجابة المجتمع الدولي للكارثة الإنسانية في المنطقة ضَعِيفَة وغير كافية، مما أدى إلى تفاقم الأوضاع المعيشية للمتضررين. تقارير الأمم المتحدة أشارت إلى أن حجم المساعدات المقدمة لم يتناسب مع حجم الاحتياجات، وهناك دعوات عاجلة لزيادة الدعم والتدخل الفعال لتجنب المزيد من الخسائر.
ماذا كان تأثير الاستجابة الضعيفة للمجتمع الدولي على الأوضاع في المنطقة؟
الفقرة تذكر أن 'استجابة المجتمع الدولي للكارثة الإنسانية في المنطقة ضعيفة وغير كافية، مما أدى إلى تفاقم الأوضاع المعيشية للمتضررين'.
الفقرة تذكر أن 'استجابة المجتمع الدولي للكارثة الإنسانية في المنطقة ضعيفة وغير كافية، مما أدى إلى تفاقم الأوضاع المعيشية للمتضررين'.
لقد أظهر الفريق أداءً ___ في المباراة النهائية، مما أثار استياء الجماهير.
The sentence describes the team's performance in a negative light, indicating 'weak' is the appropriate adjective.
كانت حجته ___ لدرجة أنها لم تقنع أحدًا من الحضور.
The phrase 'لم تقنع أحدًا' (did not convince anyone) suggests that the argument was 'weak'.
على الرغم من محاولاته الكثيرة، إلا أن إرادته كانت ___ أمام التحديات.
The context of 'despite his many attempts' and 'in front of challenges' implies that his will was 'weak'.
يعاني الكثير من الأطفال من جهاز مناعة ___، مما يجعلهم عرضة للأمراض.
The sentence states children are 'عرضة للأمراض' (vulnerable to diseases), indicating a 'weak' immune system.
كانت الشبكة اللاسلكية ___ في تلك المنطقة، مما صعّب الاتصال بالإنترنت.
The difficulty in connecting to the internet implies that the wireless network was 'weak'.
نتيجة للإهمال، أصبحت جدران المبنى ___ ومهددة بالانهيار.
The walls being 'مهددة بالانهيار' (threatened with collapse) suggests they have become 'weak' due to neglect.
/ 42 correct
Perfect score!
Exemplo
يشعر بالضعف بعد المرض.
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عادةً ما
B2Este advérbio geralmente significa que algo acontece na maioria das vezes.
إعداد
B2É o processo de preparar algo, como comida ou um projeto.
عاضد
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عادي
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عاقبة
B1É o resultado de uma ação, muitas vezes algo negativo ou indesejado.
أعلى
A1Esta palavra indica uma direção ou posição mais alta. Pense em mover-se 'para cima'.
عال
B1Esta palavra significa 'alto' em termos de nível ou volume, como um som agudo ou um preço elevado.
عالٍ
A2Descreve algo muito alto ou em grande altitude.
عَالَمِيّ
B1Que envolve o mundo inteiro. Refere-se a algo de escala global ou que afeta todos os lugares.
