يكبر
يكبر em 30 segundos
- Primary verb for growth and aging.
- Derived from the root K-B-R (Big/Great).
- Used for people, plants, and abstract ideas.
- Essential for A2 level everyday conversation.
The Arabic verb يكبر (yakburu or yakbaru, depending on the dialect and specific linguistic context) is a fundamental Form I verb derived from the root K-B-R (ك-ب-ر), which fundamentally relates to greatness, size, and seniority. At its core, the verb describes the process of increasing in physical dimensions, advancing in age, or expanding in scope. For a language learner at the A2 level, understanding this word is crucial because it bridges the gap between simple physical descriptions and more abstract concepts of development and maturity. Whether you are talking about a child growing up, a plant getting taller, or a business expanding its operations, this verb serves as the primary linguistic vehicle for expressing that transition from a smaller state to a larger one.
- Physical Growth
- Refers to the biological increase in size of living organisms such as humans, animals, and plants. For example, 'The tree grows' (يكبر الشجر).
الطفل يكبر يوماً بعد يوم. (The child grows up day after day.)
- Aging and Seniority
- Used to describe the process of getting older. In Arabic culture, age is often associated with wisdom and respect, making this verb significant in social contexts.
عندما يكبر، يريد أن يصبح طبيباً. (When he grows up, he wants to become a doctor.)
- Expansion of Abstract Concepts
- Used for problems, ideas, or organizations. If a problem 'grows,' it becomes more complex or difficult to solve.
المشكلة تكبر إذا لم نحلها الآن. (The problem grows if we do not solve it now.)
المدينة تكبر وتتوسع. (The city grows and expands.)
الحلم يكبر في قلبه. (The dream grows in his heart.)
In summary, 'يكبر' is a versatile verb that captures the essence of evolution. From the literal growth of a seed to the metaphorical growth of a nation, it is an indispensable word for any Arabic learner. It conveys a sense of progress, time passing, and the natural order of the world where things inevitably change and expand.
Using يكبر correctly requires attention to subject-verb agreement and the specific context of growth. In Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), the verb follows standard conjugation patterns for Form I verbs. Because it is an intransitive verb in its primary sense (meaning it doesn't usually take a direct object when it means 'to grow'), it is often followed by prepositional phrases or adverbs that describe the manner or extent of the growth.
- Conjugation Basics
- The present tense for 'he grows' is 'يكبر' (yakburu). For 'she grows' or 'it (feminine) grows', use 'تكبر' (takburu). For 'they grow', use 'يكبرون' (yakburuna).
هي تكبر في عائلة كبيرة. (She is growing up in a large family.)
- Expressing Age Comparison
- While 'يكبر' means to grow, the comparative form 'أكبر' (akbar) is used to say 'older' or 'bigger'. Do not confuse the verb with the adjective.
أخي يكبرني بسنتين. (My brother is older than me by two years.) Note: Here it acts transitively in a specific idiom.
- Metaphorical Usage
- You can use it to describe feelings or reputations. 'His love grows' (يكبر حبه) or 'His fame grows' (تكبر شهرته).
الأمل يكبر في قلوبنا. (Hope grows in our hearts.)
عدد السكان يكبر سنوياً. (The population grows annually.)
المشروع يكبر بفضل جهودكم. (The project is growing thanks to your efforts.)
Mastering the use of 'يكبر' involves recognizing that it is a verb of state change. It describes a process that takes time. When you use it, you are emphasizing the duration and the result of development. Whether you are writing a story about a protagonist's journey or discussing the growth of a garden, this verb provides the necessary dynamic action.
You will encounter يكبر in a wide variety of settings, from the most intimate family conversations to the most formal news broadcasts. Its ubiquity stems from the fact that growth is a universal human experience. In a family setting, parents often use it to remark on how quickly their children are maturing. In educational settings, teachers use it to discuss the development of students' skills. In the media, it is used to describe everything from the expansion of cities to the escalation of international conflicts.
- Family and Social Circles
- Commonly heard at reunions or birthdays. 'Look how much he has grown!' (انظر كيف كبر!). The present tense 'يكبر' is used for ongoing growth.
الأطفال يكبرون بسرعة مذهلة. (Children grow up at an amazing speed.)
- News and Economy
- Used to describe market growth, inflation, or the expansion of influence. 'The economy is growing' (الاقتصاد يكبر).
سوق العمل يكبر في هذا القطاع. (The labor market is growing in this sector.)
- Nature and Science
- In documentaries or science classes, describing the lifecycle of organisms. 'The cell grows' (الخلية تكبر).
النبات يكبر عندما يحصل على الماء. (The plant grows when it gets water.)
كلما يكبر الإنسان، تزداد تجاربه. (The more a person grows, the more his experiences increase.)
الخوف يكبر في الظلام. (Fear grows in the dark.)
Whether you are watching a cartoon where a character magically grows or listening to a serious debate about urban sprawl, 'يكبر' is the word you will hear. It is a building block of the language that allows speakers to discuss the inevitable changes that define life and the world around us.
While يكبر is a relatively straightforward verb, learners often stumble over its various forms and related words from the same root. The root K-B-R is incredibly productive in Arabic, leading to many words that look and sound similar but have distinct meanings. Misusing these can lead to confusion or even unintended meanings in sensitive contexts.
- Confusing Form I and Form II
- 'يكبر' (yakburu - Form I) means 'to grow'. 'يكبر' (yukabbiru - Form II) means 'to make something larger' or 'to say Allahu Akbar'. The difference is in the shadda and vowels.
خطأ: هو يكبر (yukabbiru) الصورة. (Correct if you mean 'He enlarges the photo', but wrong if you mean 'He is growing up'.)
- Confusing with 'Arrogance'
- The word 'كبر' (kibr) means pride or arrogance. While related to the idea of 'being big', using the wrong form can accidentally imply someone is being arrogant rather than just getting older.
انتبه: 'يتكبر' (yatakabbaru) means 'to act arrogantly'. Don't use it when you mean 'to grow'.
- Preposition Errors
- Learners sometimes use 'في' when they should use 'على' or vice versa. To say someone is older than someone else, use 'يكبره بـ' or the adjective 'أكبر من'.
صحيح: هو يكبر في العمر. (He is growing in age.)
خطأ: يكبر السعر. (Better: يزداد السعر - The price increases.)
صحيح: يكبر حجم الملف. (The file size grows.)
By being aware of these nuances, you can avoid common pitfalls. Remember that Arabic is a language of roots; while K-B-R always relates to 'bigness', the specific pattern (wazn) of the verb changes the meaning significantly. Stick to the simple Form I for 'growing' and you will be safe in most A2-level conversations.
Arabic is rich with synonyms and related terms that describe growth and increase. While يكبر is the most general term, other words offer more specific nuances depending on whether you are talking about biology, economics, or physical expansion. Understanding these comparisons will help you choose the most precise word for your context.
- يكبر vs. ينمو (Yanmu)
- 'يكبر' is general (size/age). 'ينمو' is more biological and organic (growth of plants, hair, or an economy). Use 'ينمو' for healthy, natural development.
الاقتصاد ينمو (The economy grows - more professional than 'يكبر').
- يكبر vs. يزداد (Yazdadu)
- 'يزداد' means 'to increase' in quantity or intensity. Use it for numbers, prices, or feelings like anger or love.
يزداد عدد الطلاب. (The number of students increases.)
- يكبر vs. يتوسع (Yatawassa')
- 'يتوسع' means 'to expand' or 'to spread out'. It is used for cities, businesses, or knowledge.
الشركة تتوسع في الخارج. (The company is expanding abroad.)
المسافة تزداد بيننا. (The distance increases between us.)
الطفل يترعرع في بيئة صحية. (The child flourishes/grows up in a healthy environment.)
In conclusion, while 'يكبر' is your 'go-to' word for growth, exploring 'ينمو', 'يزداد', and 'يتوسع' will make your Arabic sound more natural and sophisticated. Each word carries a slightly different flavor of the concept of 'getting bigger'.
How Formal Is It?
Nível de dificuldade
Gramática essencial
Present tense conjugation
Subject-verb agreement
Root and Pattern system
Comparative adjectives (Akbar)
Intransitive vs Transitive verbs
Exemplos por nível
الولد يكبر.
The boy grows.
Subject (الولد) + Verb (يكبر)
القطة تكبر.
The cat grows.
Feminine subject (القطة) takes 'تكبر'
الشجر يكبر.
The trees grow.
Collective noun can take masculine singular verb.
أنا أكبر كل يوم.
I grow every day.
First person: أنا أكبر
أنت تكبر بسرعة.
You are growing fast.
Second person masculine: أنت تكبر
هل يكبر الكلب؟
Does the dog grow?
Question form with 'هل'
هو يكبر في البيت.
He grows up in the house.
Preposition 'في' used for location.
البنت تكبر.
The girl grows.
Feminine singular verb.
يكبر الطفل في عائلة سعيدة.
The child grows up in a happy family.
Verb-Subject-Object order.
المدينة تكبر وتتغير.
The city grows and changes.
Compound sentence with 'و'
يكبر أخي في السن.
My brother is getting older.
Idiom: يكبر في السن (to get older)
المشكلة تكبر كل ساعة.
The problem grows every hour.
Metaphorical growth of a problem.
يكبر النبات بالماء والشمس.
The plant grows with water and sun.
Using 'بـ' (with/by) for means.
الحلم يكبر معي.
The dream grows with me.
Abstract subject.
يكبر الولد ليصبح رجلاً.
The boy grows up to become a man.
Purpose clause with 'لـ'.
المشروع يكبر ببطء.
The project is growing slowly.
Adverbial phrase 'ببطء'.
يكبر الاقتصاد الوطني بفضل التجارة.
The national economy grows thanks to trade.
Formal economic context.
كلما كبرت، فهمت الحياة أكثر.
The more I grow, the more I understand life.
Conditional structure 'كلما'.
يكبر نفوذ الشركة في السوق.
The company's influence is growing in the market.
Growth of influence.
يكبر الأمل في قلوب المحتاجين.
Hope grows in the hearts of the needy.
Poetic/Abstract usage.
يكبر الطفل بعيداً عن وطنه.
The child grows up far from his homeland.
Complex prepositional phrase.
يكبر حجم المسؤولية مع الوقت.
The size of responsibility grows with time.
Abstract noun as subject.
يكبر الشوق لرؤية الأهل.
The longing to see family grows.
Emotional growth.
يكبر الوعي البيئي في المجتمع.
Environmental awareness is growing in society.
Social context.
يكبر التحدي أمام الحكومة الحالية.
The challenge grows before the current government.
Political register.
يكبر الفارق بين الأغنياء والفقراء.
The gap between the rich and the poor is growing.
Sociological analysis.
يكبر الاهتمام بالذكاء الاصطناعي.
Interest in AI is growing.
Modern technological context.
يكبر الطفل وهو يراقب والديه.
The child grows up while observing his parents.
Circumstantial clause (حال).
يكبر الصراع على الموارد الطبيعية.
The conflict over natural resources is growing.
Global issues context.
يكبر دور المرأة في القيادة.
The role of women in leadership is growing.
Progressive social context.
يكبر حجم البيانات المخزنة سحابياً.
The volume of data stored in the cloud is growing.
Technical context.
يكبر القلق بشأن التغير المناخي.
Anxiety regarding climate change is growing.
Environmental context.
يكبر التساؤل حول جدوى هذه السياسات.
The questioning regarding the feasibility of these policies grows.
Intellectual inquiry.
يكبر فينا حب الوطن يوماً بعد يوم.
The love of the homeland grows within us day after day.
Rhetorical style.
يكبر الفراغ الذي تركه رحيله.
The void left by his departure grows.
Literary/Emotional depth.
يكبر طموح الشباب في ظل الانفتاح.
The ambition of youth grows in light of openness.
Sociopolitical analysis.
يكبر الجدل الفقهي حول هذه المسألة.
The jurisprudential debate over this issue is growing.
Specialized academic register.
يكبر الصدى الإعلامي لهذه القضية.
The media resonance of this case is growing.
Journalistic register.
يكبر التباين في وجهات النظر.
The discrepancy in viewpoints is growing.
Abstract intellectual context.
يكبر الإدراك بضرورة الإصلاح الجذري.
The realization of the need for radical reform is growing.
High-level political discourse.
يكبر الكون في تمدد مستمر.
The universe grows in continuous expansion.
Scientific/Cosmological context.
يكبر في أعماقنا صوت الضمير.
The voice of conscience grows in our depths.
Philosophical/Spiritual register.
يكبر التوجس من تداعيات العولمة.
Apprehension regarding the repercussions of globalization is growing.
Advanced sociological critique.
يكبر الشقاق في صفوف المعارضة.
The rift in the ranks of the opposition is growing.
Nuanced political analysis.
يكبر الولع بالفنون الكلاسيكية.
The infatuation with classical arts is growing.
Cultural/Aesthetic register.
يكبر الحنين إلى زمن البراءة.
The nostalgia for the age of innocence grows.
Poetic/Existential register.
يكبر الارتباك في الأسواق المالية.
Confusion in the financial markets is growing.
High-finance register.
يكبر اليقين بأن العلم هو السبيل.
The certainty that science is the way is growing.
Epistemological context.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
Frequentemente confundido com
Expressões idiomáticas
Fácil de confundir
Padrões de frases
Como usar
Can be physical or metaphorical.
Often pronounced with an 'a' (yakbar) in dialects.
- Using 'يكبر' for increasing numbers (use 'يزداد').
- Confusing 'يكبر' (grow) with 'يكبر' (enlarge/say Takbir).
- Forgetting the feminine form 'تكبر' for feminine nouns.
- Using 'يتكبر' (to be arrogant) when you mean 'to grow'.
- Confusing the verb with the adjective 'كبير'.
Dicas
Agreement
Ensure the verb matches the gender of the subject (يكبر for boys, تكبر for girls).
Root Power
Learn other words from K-B-R like 'Kabir' and 'Akbar' to expand your vocabulary.
Respect
Understand that 'growing' is linked to respect in Arab societies.
Dialect
In Lebanon or Egypt, you'll hear 'bi-yakbar'. Don't let the 'bi' confuse you!
Precision
Use 'ينمو' for plants and 'يكبر' for children for more natural writing.
Takbir
Distinguish the 'u' and 'a' sounds to avoid confusing 'growing' with 'religious chanting'.
Respect
Use 'يكبر في عيني' to tell someone you respect them more now.
Abstract
Don't be afraid to use it for abstract things like 'dreams' or 'hopes'.
Cities
Use it to describe how your hometown has changed over the years.
Daily
Try to use the word once a day when describing something you see changing.
Memorize
Origem da palavra
Semitic root K-B-R
Contexto cultural
Seniority is highly valued.
Roots are the key to vocabulary expansion.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
Iniciadores de conversa
"ماذا تريد أن تصبح عندما تكبر؟"
"هل تعتقد أن مدينتك تكبر بسرعة؟"
"كيف يكبر اهتمامك باللغة العربية؟"
"هل يكبر الأطفال بسرعة في بلدك؟"
"متى يكبر الإنسان في نظرك؟"
Temas para diário
اكتب عن شيء يكبر في حياتك الآن.
كيف تغيرت أحلامك عندما كبرت؟
صف نباتاً تراه يكبر كل يوم.
هل تكبر المشاكل إذا تجاهلناها؟
ماذا يعني لك أن تكبر في السن؟
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, it can mean getting older, a city expanding, or a problem getting worse.
The past tense is 'كبر' (kabura/kabara).
It's better to use 'يزداد' (yazdadu) or 'يرتفع' (yartafi'u) for prices.
It is mostly intransitive, meaning it doesn't need an object.
You can say 'هو أكبر مني' or 'هو يكبرني بسنتين'.
The root is K-B-R (ك-ب-ر).
Yes, 'يكبر المشروع' is very common.
In MSA it is yakburu; in many dialects, it is yakbaru.
You use 'يكبر' often followed by 'في' (in) or 'ليصبح' (to become).
The opposite is 'يصغر' (yasghuru), meaning to become smaller.
Teste-se 190 perguntas
Write: 'The boy grows.'
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Write: 'The girl grows.'
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Write: 'The city grows fast.'
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Write: 'The plant grows with water.'
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Write: 'Hope grows in our hearts.'
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Write: 'The problem grows every day.'
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Write: 'The economy grows thanks to trade.'
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Write: 'The gap between us grows.'
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Write: 'Nostalgia for the past grows.'
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Write: 'The universe grows in expansion.'
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Write: 'I grow every year.'
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Write: 'My brother is getting older.'
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Write: 'The project is growing slowly.'
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Write: 'Awareness is growing in society.'
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Write: 'We grow up here.'
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Write: 'The dream grows with me.'
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Write: 'The company's influence grows.'
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Write: 'The challenge grows before us.'
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Write: 'The voice of conscience grows.'
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Write: 'Confusion grows in the markets.'
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Say: 'I am growing.'
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Say: 'The boy grows.'
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Say: 'The city is growing.'
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Say: 'He is getting older.'
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Say: 'Hope grows in my heart.'
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Say: 'The problem is growing.'
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Say: 'The economy is growing.'
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Say: 'Awareness is growing.'
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Say: 'Nostalgia is growing.'
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Say: 'The universe is growing.'
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Say: 'We are growing.'
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Say: 'The plant grows.'
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Say: 'The project grows.'
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Say: 'The gap grows.'
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Say: 'You grow.'
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Say: 'The dream grows.'
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Say: 'Influence grows.'
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Say: 'The challenge grows.'
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Say: 'The voice grows.'
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Say: 'Confusion grows.'
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Listen and identify: 'الولد يكبر'.
Listen and identify: 'المدينة تكبر'.
Listen and identify: 'يكبر الأمل'.
Listen and identify: 'يكبر الاقتصاد'.
Listen and identify: 'يكبر الحنين'.
Listen and identify: 'أنا أكبر'.
Listen and identify: 'يكبر في السن'.
Listen and identify: 'المشكلة تكبر'.
Listen and identify: 'يكبر الوعي'.
Listen and identify: 'يكبر الكون'.
Listen and identify: 'نحن نكبر'.
Listen and identify: 'النبات يكبر'.
Listen and identify: 'يكبر المشروع'.
Listen and identify: 'يكبر الفارق'.
Listen and identify: 'يكبر صوت الضمير'.
/ 190 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The verb 'يكبر' is the most versatile way to express 'to grow' in Arabic. Whether you are talking about a child's height or the expansion of a city, this verb captures the essence of becoming larger or older. Example: 'يكبر الولد بسرعة' (The boy grows fast).
- Primary verb for growth and aging.
- Derived from the root K-B-R (Big/Great).
- Used for people, plants, and abstract ideas.
- Essential for A2 level everyday conversation.
Agreement
Ensure the verb matches the gender of the subject (يكبر for boys, تكبر for girls).
Root Power
Learn other words from K-B-R like 'Kabir' and 'Akbar' to expand your vocabulary.
Respect
Understand that 'growing' is linked to respect in Arab societies.
Dialect
In Lebanon or Egypt, you'll hear 'bi-yakbar'. Don't let the 'bi' confuse you!
Exemplo
يكبر الأطفال بسرعة.
Conteúdo relacionado
Mais palavras de general
عادةً
A1Usualmente, normalmente; em condições normais.
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
B2Este verbo significa ajudar ou apoiar alguém, especialmente quando essa pessoa precisa.
عادي
A1Este é um dia normal.
عاقبة
B1O resultado ou efeito de uma ação, geralmente desagradável. É preciso arcar com a consequência das escolhas.
أعلى
A1Mais alto, superior ou o mais alto.
عال
B1Esta palavra significa 'alto' em termos de nível ou volume, como um som agudo ou um preço elevado.
عالٍ
A2Significa 'alto' para altura física ou 'alto' para volume de som.
عَالَمِيّ
B1Relativo ao mundo inteiro; mundial ou global.