At the A1 level, 'yuqallibu' is primarily taught in the context of daily routines and basic needs. You will encounter it most often in the kitchen. For a beginner, the focus is on the present tense conjugation: 'I stir', 'You stir', 'He stirs'. It is essential for understanding simple instructions like 'Stir the sugar in the tea' or 'Flip the bread'. At this stage, learners should associate the word with physical objects they can see and touch, like spoons, cups, and books. The goal is to recognize the word when heard in a restaurant or kitchen and to be able to use it to describe a simple action they are performing. It’s one of the first 'action' verbs that helps a student move beyond simple nouns and adjectives to describing processes. The word is usually paired with common nouns like 'shai' (tea), 'sukkar' (sugar), or 'kitab' (book). Simple sentence patterns like 'Ana uqallibu al-shai' (I stir the tea) are the building blocks here. By the end of A1, a student should feel comfortable saying they are browsing a book or stirring a drink using this verb.
At the A2 level, the use of 'yuqallibu' expands to include more varied contexts and slightly more complex grammar. Learners begin to use the past tense ('qallabtu') and the imperative ('qallib!'). You might hear this in a more detailed cooking recipe where you have to 'stir the vegetables until they are soft' or 'flip the fish after five minutes'. The A2 learner also starts to use the verb for 'browsing' more frequently, such as looking through a magazine in a waiting room or flipping through photos on a phone. The concept of 'taqlib' (the verbal noun) might be introduced, such as 'taqlib al-safahat' (the turning of pages). Learners are expected to handle direct objects with the correct accusative case (fatha) and to use prepositions like 'bi-' (with) to describe the tool being used. The context shifts from just 'tea' to 'browsing through many things' or 'checking things over'. It becomes a tool for describing hobbies and household chores in more detail.
By B1, 'yuqallibu' starts to take on metaphorical and more nuanced meanings. While the physical 'stirring' remains common, the learner is now introduced to phrases like 'yuqallibu al-nazara fi' (to look deeply into/examine something) or 'yuqallibu al-fikra' (to turn an idea over in one's mind). The verb is used to describe more abstract processes of searching and investigating. For example, a journalist might 'yuqallibu' through old files to find a story. The B1 learner understands the difference between 'yuqallibu' and its synonyms like 'yatasaffahu' (to browse formally) and can choose the appropriate register. Passive forms or more complex sentence structures involving 'while' (baynama) or 'after' (ba'da) are common. For instance, 'While I was stirring the soup, the phone rang.' The focus shifts to fluency and the ability to use the verb in a narrative context, describing a sequence of actions during a day or a specific task like gardening or researching.
At the B2 level, 'yuqallibu' is used with high frequency in literature, news, and professional discussions. The learner is expected to understand idiomatic expressions like 'yuqallibu kaffayhi' (to wring one's hands/express regret) or 'yuqallibu al-mawaazin' (to shift the balance of power). The verb is no longer just about spoons and pages; it’s about influence, change, and deep examination. A B2 student can use the verb in a debate to describe how a new piece of evidence 'turned the case over'. They are also comfortable with the various derived forms related to the root Q-L-B, such as 'taqallub' (fluctuation) and 'muqallab' (turned/inverted). The use of the verb in the context of 'taqlib al-turba' (turning the soil) in environmental or agricultural discussions is also expected. The learner's ability to use the verb precisely in both literal and figurative senses is a hallmark of this level. They can discuss the 'fluctuations' of the market or the 'turning' of political tides with ease.
At the C1 level, the learner masters the stylistic and rhetorical uses of 'yuqallibu'. In classical or modern high-level literature, the verb is used to create vivid imagery of internal conflict or external chaos. A C1 student can analyze how an author uses the verb to describe a character 'turning over' their memories or 'flipping' the social order. The nuances between Form II (yuqallibu) and Form V (yataqallabu - to fluctuate/be restless) are fully understood and utilized. The learner can use the verb in academic writing to describe the methodology of 'turning over' various sources or perspectives. They are familiar with classical poetry where the root Q-L-B is a central motif. The speed and accuracy with which a C1 learner uses the verb in complex, multi-clause sentences are near-native. They can also identify the subtle differences in meaning when the verb is used in different Arabic dialects versus Modern Standard Arabic (MSA).
The C2 level represents a near-native mastery where 'yuqallibu' is used with complete spontaneity and cultural depth. The learner understands the most obscure classical uses and the most modern slang variations. They can appreciate and use the verb in puns, high-level sarcasm, or complex philosophical arguments. A C2 speaker might use 'yuqallibu' to describe the intricate process of 're-evaluating' an entire historical era. They are sensitive to the rhythmic and phonetic qualities of the word in poetry and prose. At this level, the distinction between the physical action and the metaphorical implication is blurred perfectly to serve the speaker's intent. They can effortlessly switch between the kitchen-table 'qallib al-shai' and the political 'taqlib al-nizam' (overthrowing the system/turning the regime). The word is no longer a vocabulary item to be learned, but a versatile tool in a vast linguistic arsenal, used to describe the constant state of change that defines the human experience.

يقلب em 30 segundos

  • Primarily means to stir (liquid) or flip (pages/food).
  • It is a Form II verb, implying repetitive or intensive action.
  • Essential for cooking, reading, and browsing contexts.
  • Derived from the root Q-L-B, which also means 'heart'.
The Arabic verb يُقَلِّب (yuqallibu) is a fundamental Form II verb derived from the root Q-L-B, which primarily relates to the heart or the essence of turning something over. In its most literal and common A1-level usage, it refers to the physical act of stirring or moving an implement like a spoon within a liquid or food substance. Imagine yourself in a kitchen in Cairo or Amman; when you are making tea or preparing a pot of lentil soup, the action of ensuring the sugar dissolves or the ingredients don't stick to the bottom is exactly what this verb describes. It implies a repetitive, circular, or rhythmic motion. Beyond the kitchen, this verb expands into the realm of 'flipping' or 'turning over.' If you are reading a book and you move from one page to the next, you are يُقَلِّب الصفحات (turning the pages). If you are grilling meat and you need to cook the other side, you 'qallib' the meat. The beauty of this word lies in its versatility across physical domains. It is not just a random movement; it is a purposeful action of change and inspection. In a more abstract sense, it can mean to browse or to look through something. For instance, if you are browsing through a clothing rack or looking through a pile of documents, you are 'flipping through' them to find what you need.
Daily Use
Used constantly in cooking instructions, library settings, and shopping contexts.
Physicality
Requires an object that is being moved, flipped, or agitated by a hand or tool.

الطباخ يُقَلِّبُ الحساء ببطء ليختلط الطعم.

هي تُقَلِّبُ صفحات الكتاب القديم بعناية.

Culinary Context
Crucial for recipes involving 'tahreek' (moving) and 'taqlib' (flipping/stirring).

لا تنسَ أن تُقَلِّبَ السكر في القهوة.

Social Context
Can be used metaphorically for 'turning over' ideas in one's mind, though less common at A1.

الطفل يُقَلِّبُ ألعابه بحثاً عن سيارته.

البائع يُقَلِّبُ البضاعة أمام الزبائن.

This verb is essential because it bridges the gap between basic survival Arabic (ordering food/cooking) and more intellectual Arabic (reading/examining). It is a dynamic verb that suggests activity and engagement with the physical world. Whether you are a student of literature or a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, 'yuqallibu' will be one of the most hardworking verbs in your vocabulary.
Using يُقَلِّب correctly requires understanding its transitive nature; it always takes a direct object (the thing being stirred or flipped). In Arabic grammar, this verb follows the pattern of Form II (Fa'ala), which often indicates an intensive or repetitive action. When you 'qallib' something, you aren't just moving it once; you are likely stirring it multiple times or turning it over and over. For example, in the sentence 'أنا أُقَلِّبُ الشاي' (I am stirring the tea), the focus is on the continuous motion of the spoon. If you change the subject to 'she', it becomes 'هي تُقَلِّبُ' (hiya tuqallibu).
Grammar Tip
Notice the shadda (double consonant) on the 'lam'. This emphasizes the intensity of the action compared to the base form 'qalaba'.

هل يمكنك أن تُقَلِّبَ البيض في المقلاة؟

نحن نُقَلِّبُ الصور القديمة في الألبوم.

Sentence Structure
Subject + Verb (conjugated) + Object + (Optional: Instrument like 'with a spoon').

يجب أن تُقَلِّبَ اللحم كل خمس دقائق.

الطالب يُقَلِّبُ القلم بين أصابعه وهو يفكر.

Common Instrument
Often used with 'بِـ' (with) + 'مِلعقة' (spoon) or 'مِغرفة' (ladle).

أنا أُقَلِّبُ القنوات على التلفاز.

الرياح تُقَلِّبُ أوراق الشجر.

To master the usage, practice the conjugation across different pronouns. Remember that the 'u' sound at the beginning (yu-) is characteristic of the present tense for Form II verbs. Whether you are describing a chef, a student, or a casual observer, 'yuqallibu' provides the perfect descriptive tool for movements that involve turning, stirring, or changing the orientation of an object.
If you step into a vibrant Arab household during meal preparation, 'yuqallibu' is the soundtrack of the kitchen. Mothers and grandmothers will often instruct children: 'Qallib al-ruz!' (Stir the rice!). In a professional setting, such as a cooking show on MBC or Abu Dhabi TV, the chef will constantly use this verb to explain how to prevent ingredients from burning. You will also hear it in bookstores or libraries. If you ask a librarian for a specific book, they might say 'I was just flipping through it' using the past tense 'qallabtu'. In the modern digital age, this word has found a new home in the context of technology. You 'yuqallib' or 'flip through' photos on a smartphone or channels on a television remote.
The Market
Sellers 'yuqallibu' their wares to show all sides to a customer.
The Library
Students 'yuqallibu' pages while searching for a specific quote.

سمعتُ الشيف يقول: قَلِّب البصل حتى يصبح ذهبياً.

الرجل يُقَلِّبُ في هاتفه طوال الوقت.

News & Media
Used when discussing 'turning over' files or investigating ('taqlib al-malaffat').

كان جدي يُقَلِّبُ التربة في الحديقة.

هل أنت تُقَلِّبُ القنوات بحثاً عن مباراة الكرة؟

الطفلة تُقَلِّبُ دميتها في يدها.

In everyday life, the word is ubiquitous. It’s practical, functional, and very grounded. From the soil in a garden to the coffee in a cup, 'yuqallibu' describes the hands-on way people interact with their environment. If you want to sound natural, use it when describing any minor physical adjustment or repetitive movement of an object.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing يُقَلِّب (Form II - to stir/flip) with its base form يَقْلِب (Form I - to turn over/invert). While they share the same root, the Form II version implies a more deliberate, repetitive, or intensive action. For example, if you say 'yaqlibu al-safha', it might mean he just turned the page once. But 'yuqallibu al-safahat' implies he is browsing through the pages. Another common error is using the wrong preposition. In English, we say 'stir IN the pot', but in Arabic, you simply stir the object directly (transitive) or use 'bi-' (with) for the tool.
Confusion with 'Tahreek'
Learners often use 'yuharriku' (to move) when they specifically mean 'to stir'. While 'yuharriku' is okay, 'yuqallibu' is more precise for stirring food or flipping pages.

خطأ: أنا يَقْلِب الشاي. (Wrong conjugation and form)

صح: أنا أُقَلِّبُ الشاي. (Correct)

Object Placement
Don't forget the 'fatha' on the object if it's a definite noun (e.g., al-shaya).

لا تخلط بين يُقَلِّب و يَنْقَلِب (to be flipped/to crash).

المبتدئون ينسون الشدة فوق حرف اللام.

تأكد من استخدام أُقَلِّبُ للمتكلم (I stir).

Furthermore, avoid using this verb for 'turning a corner' while driving; that would be 'yu'attif' or 'yuliff'. This verb is strictly for turning something over or stirring it in place. By paying attention to these nuances, you will avoid the clunky 'translated' feel and sound much more like a native speaker who understands the physical mechanics of the Arabic language.
When you want to express the idea of moving or stirring, Arabic offers several options depending on the context. The most common alternative is يُحَرِّك (yuharriku), which means 'to move'. While you can 'yuharriku' your tea, 'yuqallibu' is more specific to the stirring motion. Another similar word is يَمْزُج (yamzuju), which means 'to mix'. Use this when the goal is to combine two different substances into one. For flipping something completely over, like a pancake or a coin, you might also use يَقْلِب (yaqlibu - Form I).
يُقَلِّب vs يُحَرِّك
'Yuqallibu' implies turning over or repetitive stirring; 'Yuharriku' is general movement.
يُقَلِّب vs يَخْلِط
'Yakhlitu' is to blend or mix ingredients together; 'Yuqallibu' is the physical act of stirring them.

بدلاً من 'يُحَرِّك'، جرب استخدام يُقَلِّب عند الحديث عن الطبخ.

هو يَتَصَفَّح الجريدة (He is browsing the newspaper - a more formal synonym for 'yuqallibu al-safahat').

Formal Alternative
'Yatasaffahu' (to browse/leaf through) is often used in literary contexts instead of 'yuqallibu'.

أنا أُدَوِّر الملعقة (I am circling/turning the spoon - dialectal variant).

الطباخ يَخْفِقُ البيض (The chef is whisking the eggs - more vigorous than 'yuqallibu').

هو يُفَتِّش في الأوراق (He is searching/rifling through papers).

Understanding these synonyms allows you to choose the exact level of intensity and purpose for the action you are describing. 'Yuqallibu' remains the most versatile 'middle-ground' verb for general turning and stirring.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The Arabic word for 'heart' (Qalb) comes from this root because the heart is seen as something that constantly 'turns' or changes in its emotions and states.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /juˈqal.lib/
US /juˈkɑːl.lɪb/
Primary stress is on the second syllable: 'qal'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the distinct root Q-L-B.

Escrita 3/5

The shadda and prefix 'yu-' require attention to Form II rules.

Expressão oral 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once the 'q' is mastered.

Audição 3/5

Can be confused with Form I 'yaqlibu' if not listening carefully for the shadda.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

قَلْب (Heart) مِلعقة (Spoon) كِتاب (Book) طَعام (Food) شاي (Tea)

Aprenda a seguir

يَتَقَلَّب (To fluctuate) انْقَلَب (To crash/overturn) تَصَفَّح (To browse) حَرَّك (To move) خَلَط (To mix)

Avançado

مُتَقَلِّب المِزاج (Moody) انْقِلاب عَسْكَري (Military coup) تَقَلُّب الاستِثمارات (Investment volatility) قَلْب المَفاهيم (Inverting concepts) مَقْلُوبة (The dish)

Gramática essencial

Form II Verb Conjugation

فَعَّلَ -> يُفَعِّلُ (Qallaba -> Yuqallibu)

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

يُقَلِّبُ الولدُ [الكتابَ] - The book is the direct object.

The Shadda (Emphasis)

The shadda on the middle radical (L) is essential for Form II.

Present Tense Prefix 'Yu-'

Derived forms (II, III, IV) use 'u' in the prefix (Yu-, Tu-, Nu-, U-).

Imperative of Form II

قَلِّبْ (Qallib) - The middle radical has a kasra.

Exemplos por nível

1

أنا أُقَلِّبُ الشاي بالمِلعقة.

I am stirring the tea with the spoon.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

2

هو يُقَلِّبُ صَفحاتِ الكِتاب.

He is flipping the pages of the book.

Present tense, 3rd person masculine singular.

3

هِيَ تُقَلِّبُ الطَّعامَ في المِقلاة.

She is stirring the food in the pan.

Present tense, 3rd person feminine singular.

4

هَل تُقَلِّبُ السُّكَّر؟

Are you stirring the sugar?

Question form, 2nd person masculine singular.

5

نَحنُ نُقَلِّبُ الصُّوَرَ القَديمة.

We are flipping through old photos.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

6

قَلِّب الحَساءَ جَيِّداً.

Stir the soup well.

Imperative (command) form.

7

الولدُ يُقَلِّبُ ألعابَه.

The boy is flipping through/moving his toys.

Subject-Verb-Object structure.

8

أُمِّي تُقَلِّبُ الخُبزَ في الفُرن.

My mother is flipping the bread in the oven.

Possessive noun + Verb + Object.

1

قَلَّبتُ صفحات المَجلة وأنا أنتظر.

I flipped through the magazine pages while I was waiting.

Past tense, 1st person singular.

2

يجب أن تُقَلِّبَ اللحمَ حتى لا يَحتَرِق.

You must stir/flip the meat so it doesn't burn.

Subjunctive mood after 'an'.

3

كانَ الطباخُ يُقَلِّبُ البَصَلَ بِسُرعة.

The chef was stirring the onions quickly.

Past continuous construction using 'kana'.

4

لا تُقَلِّب القهوةَ كثيراً.

Don't stir the coffee too much.

Negative imperative.

5

البنتُ تُقَلِّبُ مَلابِسَها في الخِزانة.

The girl is rummaging through/flipping her clothes in the closet.

Present tense with a locative phrase.

6

نحنُ نُقَلِّبُ القَنواتِ على التِلفاز.

We are flipping the channels on the TV.

Modern technical context.

7

قَلِّبِ السَّلَطةَ مع الزَّيتِ واللَّيمون.

Toss/stir the salad with oil and lemon.

Imperative with specific ingredients.

8

هو يُقَلِّبُ التُّربةَ في حديقَتِهِ.

He is turning the soil in his garden.

Agricultural context.

1

بدأ يُقَلِّبُ النظرَ في وجوهِ الحاضرين.

He began to scan/examine the faces of those present.

Metaphorical use of 'turning the sight'.

2

ظَلَّ يُقَلِّبُ الفكرةَ في رأسِهِ لِساعات.

He kept turning the idea over in his head for hours.

Abstract usage for thinking.

3

يُقَلِّبُ الباحثُ المخطوطاتِ القَديمةَ بِحَذَر.

The researcher flips through the ancient manuscripts carefully.

Professional/Academic context.

4

الرياحُ القويةُ تُقَلِّبُ أوراقَ الشجرِ في الشوارع.

The strong winds are tossing the tree leaves in the streets.

Natural force as the subject.

5

كان يُقَلِّبُ في هاتفهِ بَحثاً عن رِسالةٍ قَديمة.

He was scrolling through his phone searching for an old message.

Modern digital usage.

6

قَلَّبَ التاجرُ البضاعةَ لِيُريَها لِلزبون.

The merchant turned the goods over to show them to the customer.

Commercial context.

7

أخذت تُقَلِّبُ ذكرياتِها الحَزينة.

She started revisiting/turning over her sad memories.

Emotional/Metaphorical usage.

8

يجب تَقليبُ السمادِ مع التربةِ بانتظام.

The fertilizer must be mixed/turned with the soil regularly.

Using the Masdar (verbal noun) 'taqlib'.

1

هذا الاكتشافُ قد يُقَلِّبُ موازينَ القوى في المنطقة.

This discovery might shift the balance of power in the region.

Political/Idiomatic usage.

2

أخذ يُقَلِّبُ كَفَّيهِ نَدَماً على ما فات.

He began wringing his hands in regret for what had passed.

Classical idiom for regret.

3

الكاتبُ يُقَلِّبُ وجوهَ الحقيقةِ في رِوايَتِهِ.

The writer examines/turns over the faces of truth in his novel.

Literary/Abstract usage.

4

لا تَقليبَ لِلمواجعِ، دَعنا نَنسى الماضي.

No stirring up of old pains; let's forget the past.

Idiomatic expression for 'reopening old wounds'.

5

يُقَلِّبُ المحامي أوراقَ القَضيةِ لِيَجِدَ ثُغرة.

The lawyer is leafing through the case files to find a loophole.

Professional/Legal context.

6

الثورةُ تُقَلِّبُ نظامَ الحُكمِ رَأساً على عَقِب.

The revolution turns the system of government upside down.

Intense political transformation.

7

هو يُقَلِّبُ الأمورَ ظَهراً لِبَطنٍ لِيَفهَمَ السَّبب.

He is examining the matters inside out to understand the reason.

Idiom for thorough examination.

8

تَقليبُ المُواطِنِ بَينَ الوَظائفِ يَزيدُ مِن خِبرَتِه.

Rotating a citizen/employee between jobs increases their experience.

Administrative/Human Resources context.

1

يُقَلِّبُ الفيلسوفُ مَفاهيمَ الوجودِ في عَقلهِ الجَبّار.

The philosopher turns over the concepts of existence in his mighty mind.

High-level philosophical discourse.

2

كانت تُقَلِّبُ طَرْفَها في السَّماءِ تَرَقُّباً لِلهِلال.

She was casting her gaze across the sky in anticipation of the crescent moon.

Classical/Poetic 'taqlib al-tarf'.

3

إنَّ تَقليبَ صفحاتِ التاريخِ يَكشِفُ لَنا سُنَنَ الأُمَم.

Indeed, turning the pages of history reveals to us the laws of nations.

Rhetorical/Academic style.

4

يُقَلِّبُ الناقِدُ النَّصَّ لِيَستَخرِجَ الدَّلالاتِ الخَفية.

The critic dissects/turns over the text to extract hidden meanings.

Literary criticism context.

5

تَقَلُّبُ الدَّهرِ يُقَلِّبُ القُلوبَ والأَحوال.

The fluctuations of time turn hearts and circumstances over.

Use of both the verb and its related noun 'taqallub'.

6

أخذ يُقَلِّبُ النَّظرَ في الأَدِلَّةِ الجِنائيةِ بِدِقَّةٍ مُتناهية.

He began to scrutinize the forensic evidence with utmost precision.

Advanced investigative terminology.

7

لا يَنبَغي لَنا تَقليبُ الرمادِ بَحثاً عن نارٍ خامِدة.

We should not stir the ashes searching for a dead fire.

Metaphor for not reviving old conflicts.

8

يُقَلِّبُ العالِمُ التُّربةَ المِريخيةَ بِواسِطَةِ المِسبار.

The scientist turns over the Martian soil using the probe.

Scientific/Technological context.

1

يُقَلِّبُ الشاعرُ لَواعِجَ الشَّوقِ في مِحبرَتِه.

The poet stirs the pangs of longing within his inkwell.

Highly metaphorical/Poetic.

2

إنَّ القَدَرَ يُقَلِّبُ مَصائِرَ البَشَرِ كَما تُقَلِّبُ الريحُ الهَباء.

Fate turns the destinies of humans as the wind tosses the dust.

Philosophical simile.

3

أخذ يُقَلِّبُ بَصَرَهُ في المَلكوتِ مُتَفَكِّراً في عَظَمَةِ الخالِق.

He began to cast his sight throughout the kingdom of heaven, contemplating the Creator's greatness.

Theological/Classical register.

4

تَقليبُ الخُصومِ لِلمَلفاتِ القَديمةِ جُزءٌ مِنَ الحَربِ النفسية.

Opponents' dredging up of old files is part of psychological warfare.

Modern political/strategic usage.

5

يُقَلِّبُ المُجتَمَعُ مَفاهيمَهُ الأخلاقيةَ في ظِلِّ العَولَمَة.

Society is re-evaluating/turning over its moral concepts in light of globalization.

Sociological discourse.

6

كانَ يُقَلِّبُ كِتابَ العُمرِ صَفحةً صَفحةً قُبَيلَ الرَّحيل.

He was leafing through the book of his life page by page shortly before departing (dying).

Euphemistic/Literary.

7

يُقَلِّبُ القاضي وُجوهَ الحُجَجِ لِيَصِلَ إلى الحُكمِ العادِل.

The judge examines all facets of the arguments to reach a just verdict.

Legal/Ethical precision.

8

لا يَزالُ يُقَلِّبُ رَمادَ الذِّكرى لَعَلَّهُ يَجِدُ بَريقاً نَسِيَه.

He still stirs the ashes of memory, perhaps to find a spark he had forgotten.

Evocative literary imagery.

Colocações comuns

يُقَلِّب الشاي
يُقَلِّب الصفحات
يُقَلِّب الطعام
يُقَلِّب النظر
يُقَلِّب القنوات
يُقَلِّب التربة
يُقَلِّب الذكريات
يُقَلِّب المواجع
يُقَلِّب في الهاتف
يُقَلِّب الأوراق

Frases Comuns

قَلِّب جَيِّداً

— Stir well. Commonly found in recipes and instructions.

أضف الملح ثم قَلِّب جَيِّداً.

يُقَلِّب كَفَّيْه

— To wring one's hands. Expresses regret or helplessness.

وقف يُقَلِّب كَفَّيْه أمام البيت المحترق.

يُقَلِّب الأمور

— To weigh things up or consider different angles.

دعني أُقَلِّب الأمور قبل أن أقرر.

يُقَلِّب رَأساً على عَقِب

— To turn upside down. Used for total change or chaos.

الخبر قَلَّب حياتي رَأساً على عَقِب.

يُقَلِّب في الدفاتر القديمة

— To dig into the past or old records.

بدأ الخصوم يُقَلِّبون في الدفاتر القديمة.

يُقَلِّب الموازين

— To change the balance of a situation.

هذا الهدف قَلَّب موازين المباراة.

يُقَلِّب الفكرة

— To think about an idea from different perspectives.

أنا أُقَلِّب الفكرة في ذهني الآن.

يُقَلِّب التربة

— To till or turn the earth for gardening.

يجب تَقليب التربة في الربيع.

يُقَلِّب الصُّوَر

— To browse through photos.

نحن نُقَلِّب صُوَر الرحلة.

يُقَلِّب القلم

— To twirl or fiddle with a pen.

كان يُقَلِّب القلم وهو يفكر في الحل.

Frequentemente confundido com

يقلب vs يَقْلِب (Yaqlibu)

Form I, means to turn over once or invert. Yuqallibu is repetitive/intensive.

يقلب vs يَنْقَلِب (Yanqalibu)

Form VII, means to be overturned or to crash (intransitive).

يقلب vs يُحَرِّك (Yuharriku)

To move something. Less specific than stirring/flipping.

Expressões idiomáticas

"يُقَلِّب كَفَّيْهِ على ما أَنْفَقَ"

— To regret deeply what one has spent or done. From the Quran.

أصبح يُقَلِّب كَفَّيْهِ على ضياع ثروته.

Classical/Formal
"قَلَّبَ لَهُ ظَهْرَ المِجَنّ"

— To turn against someone or become their enemy after being a friend.

بعد الخلاف، قَلَّبَ لَهُ ظَهْرَ المِجَنّ.

Literary
"يُقَلِّب المَواجِع"

— To bring up painful memories or reopen old wounds.

لا أريد تَقليب المواجِع الآن.

Neutral
"يُقَلِّب رَأساً على عَقِب"

— To turn something completely upside down or inside out.

قَلَّب الغرفة رَأساً على عَقِب بحثاً عن الخاتم.

Neutral
"يُقَلِّب الأمور ظَهراً لِبَطن"

— To examine something thoroughly from every possible angle.

قَلَّب المشكلة ظَهراً لِبَطن حتى وجد الحل.

Formal
"يُقَلِّب في القبور"

— To dig up things that should be left in the past (metaphorical).

لماذا تُقَلِّب في القبور؟ دع الماضي يمضي.

Informal
"يُقَلِّب صَفحة جَديدة"

— To turn a new leaf/start a new chapter in life (though 'yaqlibu' is used, 'yaftahu' is more common, but 'yuqallibu' implies the transition).

قرر أن يُقَلِّب صفحة الماضي.

Neutral
"يُقَلِّب السِّحر على الساحر"

— To have one's plot backfire on them.

بذكائه، قَلَّب السِّحر على الساحر.

Neutral
"يُقَلِّب نَظَرَهُ في السَّماء"

— To look around expectantly or contemplatively at the heavens.

كان يُقَلِّب نَظَرَهُ في السَّماء تائهاً.

Literary
"يُقَلِّب الدفاتر القَديمة"

— To bring up old accounts or grievances.

بدأوا يُقَلِّبون الدفاتر القَديمة في المحكمة.

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

يقلب vs يَقْلِب

Same root, different form.

Yaqlibu is Form I (simple turn), Yuqallibu is Form II (stir/repetitive turn).

قَلَبَ الصفحة (He turned the page) vs يُقَلِّبُ الصفحات (He is leafing through the pages).

يقلب vs يَتَقَلَّب

Same root, Form V.

Yataqallabu is reflexive; it means to toss and turn (in bed) or to fluctuate.

يَتَقَلَّبُ في فِراشِهِ (He tosses and turns in his bed).

يقلب vs يَخْلِط

Both involve mixing.

Yakhlitu is to combine ingredients; Yuqallibu is the action of stirring them.

يَخْلِط السكر مع الدقيق، ثم يُقَلِّبُ الخليط.

يقلب vs يُصَفِّح

Both used for books.

Yusaffihu/Yatasaffahu is specifically for browsing pages/screens.

يتصفح الموقع الإلكتروني.

يقلب vs يُدَوِّر

Both involve circular motion.

Yudawwiru is to rotate or spin; Yuqallibu is to stir or flip over.

يُدَوِّر العجلة (He spins the wheel).

Padrões de frases

A1

Ana uqallibu [Object].

Ana uqallibu al-qahwa.

A1

Huwa yuqallibu [Object] bi-[Instrument].

Huwa yuqallibu al-shai bi-mil'aqa.

A2

Qallib [Object] jayyidan.

Qallib al-salata jayyidan.

A2

La tuqallib [Object] kathiran.

La tuqallib al-bayd kathiran.

B1

Kana yuqallibu [Object] baynama [Action].

Kana yuqallibu al-suwar baynama yashrabu al-qahwa.

B1

Bad'a yuqallibu [Object] fi ra'sihi.

Bad'a yuqallibu al-fikra fi ra'sihi.

B2

Yajibu taqlib [Object] li-kay la [Result].

Yajibu taqlib al-basal li-kay la yahtariq.

C1

Inna taqlib [Object] yakshifu [Result].

Inna taqlib al-tarikh yakshifu al-haqiqa.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

قَلْب (Heart)
تَقْلِيب (Stirring/Flipping)
تَقَلُّب (Fluctuation)
مِقْلَاة (Frying pan)
قَالِب (Mold/Template)

Verbos

قَلَبَ (To turn over - Form I)
يُقَلِّبُ (To stir/flip - Form II)
يَتَقَلَّبُ (To fluctuate/toss and turn - Form V)
انْقَلَبَ (To be overturned/to crash - Form VII)

Adjetivos

مَقْلُوب (Overturned/Upside down)
مُتَقَلِّب (Fickle/Fluctuating)
قَلْبِيّ (Cardiac/Related to the heart)

Relacionado

انْقِلاب (Coup d'etat)
تَقَلُّبات جَوِيَّة (Weather fluctuations)
مَقْلُوبة (Maqluba - a famous Levantine dish)
قَلْبُ المَوْضوع (The heart of the matter)
مُقَلِّب (A prank - dialectal)

Como usar

frequency

Very high in daily speech, especially regarding cooking and browsing.

Erros comuns
  • Using 'yaqlibu' (Form I) for stirring tea. أُقَلِّبُ (Form II)

    Form I 'yaqlibu' means to turn over once. Form II 'yuqallibu' is the correct form for the repetitive action of stirring.

  • Using 'yuharriku' for flipping pages. يُقَلِّبُ الصفحات

    While 'yuharriku' means move, 'yuqallibu' is the specific and more natural verb for turning pages.

  • Forgetting the 'u' prefix in the present tense. أُقَلِّبُ (Uqallibu)

    Form II verbs always start with a 'u' sound in the present tense for all personal prefixes (Yu, Tu, Nu, U).

  • Using 'yuqallibu' for driving/turning a corner. يَلِف (Yaliff)

    Yuqallibu is for objects you stir or flip, not for changing direction while moving or driving.

  • Confusing 'taqlib' with 'taqallub'. تَقْلِيب (Stirring) vs تَقَلُّب (Fluctuation)

    Taqlib is the active act of stirring something else. Taqallub is the state of something changing or being restless itself.

Dicas

Master the Shadda

The shadda on the 'L' is not just for show; it changes the meaning from a simple turn to an intensive stirring action. Always pronounce it with a double 'L' sound.

Book Context

When you use 'yuqallibu' with books, it implies you are looking for something or just skimming. It's a great word to use in a library.

Kitchen Essential

If you are learning Arabic for travel or living abroad, this is a top-10 kitchen verb. You will hear it every time someone cooks.

Egyptian Variation

In Egypt, you might hear 'bi-yi'allib' (dropping the 'q' for a glottal stop). It's the same word, just a local flavor!

The Spoon Trick

Imagine the 'Q' in the word is the bowl of the spoon and the 'L' is the long handle. You are using that spoon to stir (yuqallibu)!

Thinking Deeply

Use 'yuqallibu al-fikra' to sound more advanced. It shows you aren't just thinking, but 'turning the idea over' in your mind.

Scrolling

Next time you are on Instagram or TikTok, tell yourself: 'أنا أُقَلِّبُ في الهاتف' (I am flipping through the phone).

Don't Burn It

In recipes, 'qallib' is often followed by 'jayyidan' (well) or 'li-kay la yahtariq' (so it doesn't burn). Watch for these pairings.

Regret

The idiom 'yuqallibu kaffayhi' is very powerful in literature. It paints a picture of someone so sorry they are wringing their hands.

Turning Soil

If you talk about gardening, 'taqlib al-turba' is the standard term for tilling or turning the earth.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'Club' (Qalb) sandwich. You have to 'flip' (yuqallibu) it to toast both sides! Or think of 'Cup' (Q-L-P/B) and stirring your tea in it.

Associação visual

Imagine a giant wooden spoon stirring a pot of soup in a circular motion, or a hand rapidly flipping through the pages of a thick dictionary.

Word Web

Stir Flip Turn Over Browse Heart Change Mix Examine

Desafio

Go to your kitchen, grab a spoon and a cup of water, and say out loud: 'أنا أُقَلِّبُ المِلعقة' (I am stirring the spoon) three times.

Origem da palavra

From the Semitic root Q-L-B, which appears across many Semitic languages with meanings related to turning, changing, or the center.

Significado original: To turn something over or to change its state.

Semitic / Afroasiatic

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'yuqallibu al-mawaajic' (stirring up pains) can be a sensitive topic in emotional conversations.

In English, we distinguish between 'stirring' and 'flipping', but Arabic uses 'yuqallibu' for both, which can be confusing for learners at first.

The Supplication: 'Ya Muqallib al-Qulub...' (O Turner of Hearts...) The dish 'Maqluba' which is the passive participle of the root. The phrase 'Inqilab' used in news for political coups.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

In the Kitchen

  • قَلِّب البصل
  • أُقَلِّب الشاي
  • تَقليب مستمر
  • لا تُقَلِّب كثيراً

Reading/Studying

  • يُقَلِّب الصفحات
  • يُقَلِّب في الكتاب
  • تَقليب الأوراق
  • أُقَلِّب في القاموس

Using Technology

  • يُقَلِّب القنوات
  • يُقَلِّب الصور
  • يُقَلِّب في الهاتف
  • تَقليب التطبيقات

Agriculture/Gardening

  • يُقَلِّب التربة
  • تَقليب السماد
  • قَلِّب الأرض
  • يُقَلِّب الطين

Emotional/Mental

  • يُقَلِّب الفكرة
  • يُقَلِّب الذكريات
  • تَقليب المواجع
  • يُقَلِّب كَفَّيه

Iniciadores de conversa

"هل تُقَلِّب الشاي بالسكر أم بدونه؟ (Do you stir your tea with or without sugar?)"

"هل تُحِبُّ تَقليب القنوات كثيراً عند مشاهدة التلفاز؟ (Do you like flipping channels a lot when watching TV?)"

"كم مَرة يجب أن أُقَلِّب اللحم على الشواية؟ (How many times should I flip the meat on the grill?)"

"هل تُقَلِّب في هاتفك قبل النوم؟ (Do you scroll through your phone before sleeping?)"

"هل يمكنك أن تُقَلِّب صفحات هذا الكتاب لي؟ (Can you flip the pages of this book for me?)"

Temas para diário

اكتب عن يوم قضيتَهُ في المطبخ وكيف كنتَ تُقَلِّبُ الطعام. (Write about a day you spent in the kitchen and how you were stirring the food.)

صِف شعورك وأنتَ تُقَلِّبُ صوراً قديمة لعائلتك. (Describe your feelings as you flip through old family photos.)

تحدث عن فكرة ظَللتَ تُقَلِّبُها في رأسك لفترة طويلة. (Talk about an idea you kept turning over in your head for a long time.)

ما هي أهمية تَقليب التربة قبل الزراعة في رأيك؟ (What is the importance of turning the soil before planting in your opinion?)

هل تظن أن تَقليب المواجع القديمة مفيد أم مضر؟ (Do you think stirring up old pains is useful or harmful?)

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, it is much broader. While it commonly means stirring liquids like tea, it also means flipping food (like meat on a grill), leafing through pages of a book, or even browsing through photos on a phone. It generally refers to any repetitive act of turning something over or moving it around.

'Yuharriku' is a general verb meaning 'to move'. You can 'yuharriku' your hand, a chair, or a spoon. 'Yuqallibu' is more specific to the motion of stirring or flipping. If you are in the kitchen, 'yuqallibu' is the more precise word to use for stirring a pot.

While you can say 'أُقَلِّب في المواقع' (I am flipping through sites), the more common and formal word for browsing the internet or a book is 'yatasaffahu' (يَتَصَفَّح). However, in casual dialect, people often use 'yuqallibu' for scrolling through social media.

No, 'yuqallibu' is not used for steering or turning a vehicle. For that, you would use 'yuliff' (يَلِف) or 'yu'attif' (يُعَطِّف). 'Yuqallibu' is for objects you can handle or stir.

The past tense is 'qallaba' (قَلَّبَ). For example, 'قَلَّبْتُ الشاي' means 'I stirred the tea'.

No, to turn off a light, you use 'yutfi'' (يُطْفِئ). To turn it on, you use 'yush'il' (يُشْعِل) or 'yuḍī'' (يُضِيء).

The heart is called 'qalb' because it is derived from the same root (Q-L-B) which means to turn or change. The heart is seen as the organ that is constantly 'turning' between different emotions and states of being.

For 'we', the conjugation is 'nuqallibu' (نُقَلِّبُ). For example, 'نُقَلِّبُ الطعام' (We stir the food).

Yes, the verbal noun (Masdar) is 'taqlib' (تَقْلِيب). You might see this in cooking instructions: 'استمر في التَّقْلِيب' (Continue stirring).

Yes, you can use 'yaqlibu' or 'yuqallibu' for flipping a coin, although 'yaqlibu' (Form I) is more common for a single flip.

Teste-se 200 perguntas

writing

Translate to Arabic: 'I stir the tea.'

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

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'She flips the pages.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'Stir the food well!'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'We are flipping through the photos.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'He was turning the idea over in his head.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'Don't scroll through your phone now.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'The chef stirred the soup.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'I flipped the magazine pages.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'The wind tosses the leaves.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'He regretfully wrung his hands.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'You must turn the soil.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'Why are you flipping the channels?'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'I like stirring sugar into coffee.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'She is looking through her clothes.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'The child moves his toys.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'He flipped the table upside down.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'Browse the book carefully.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'We stirred the salad.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'He examined the evidence.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate to Arabic: 'Don't stir up old pains.'

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

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Describe what you do when you make tea using the word 'yuqallibu'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Tell me what you do with a book before you start reading it.

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speaking

Explain why a chef stirs food.

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speaking

What do you do when you are bored with the TV?

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speaking

Describe the idiom 'yuqallibu kaffayhi'.

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speaking

How do you use 'yuqallibu' metaphorically?

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speaking

Describe gardening using this verb.

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speaking

What does a librarian do?

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speaking

Tell a short story about someone cooking.

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speaking

What are you doing on your phone right now?

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speaking

Explain 'taqlib al-mawaajic'.

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speaking

How do you toss a salad?

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speaking

Describe flipping meat on a grill.

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speaking

What happens if you don't stir sugar in coffee?

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speaking

Describe 'browsing through memories'.

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speaking

Use 'yuqallibu' in a sentence about news.

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speaking

Describe a researcher's work.

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speaking

What do you do with old photos?

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speaking

Explain 'yuqallibu al-mawaazin'.

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speaking

Say 'Stir the soup slowly' in Arabic.

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listening

Transcribe: 'أنا أُقَلِّبُ الشاي.'

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listening

Transcribe: 'قَلِّب الطعام جَيِّداً.'

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listening

Transcribe: 'هو يُقَلِّبُ صفحات الكتاب.'

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Transcribe: 'نحن نُقَلِّبُ الصور.'

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Transcribe: 'لا تُقَلِّب المواجع.'

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Transcribe: 'يجب تَقْلِيب التربة.'

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Transcribe: 'هي تُقَلِّب في هاتفها.'

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Transcribe: 'قَلَّبَ كَفَّيهِ نَدَماً.'

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Transcribe: 'أُقَلِّب الفكرة في رأسي.'

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Transcribe: 'لماذا تُقَلِّب القنوات؟'

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Transcribe: 'الطباخ يُقَلِّب البصل.'

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Transcribe: 'قَلِّبِ السلطة جَيِّداً.'

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Transcribe: 'الرياح تُقَلِّب الأوراق.'

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Transcribe: 'يُقَلِّب صفحات التاريخ.'

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Transcribe: 'أُقَلِّب القلم وهو يفكر.'

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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