At the A1 level, 'yasmah' is your 'magic word' for politeness. You primarily learn it in the phrase 'Law Samaht' (Please/Excuse me). You use it to ask for simple things: 'Can I enter?', 'Can I have water?'. At this stage, don't worry too much about complex grammar; just focus on the polite request form. You will see it on signs like 'Masmuh' (Allowed) and 'Mamnu' (Forbidden). It's one of the first verbs you use to navigate a classroom or a restaurant. You learn that 'yasmah' means 'he allows' and 'tasmah' means 'you allow' or 'she allows'. It's about basic survival and courtesy in an Arabic-speaking environment.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'yasmah' in full sentences with the preposition 'bi'. You learn to describe rules: 'The school allows students to use the library.' You also use it to talk about possibilities: 'My time allows me to study for two hours.' You start to recognize the root S-M-H and how it relates to 'Samah' (forgiveness). You can conjugate the verb in the past (Samaha) and present (Yasmah) for all pronouns. You understand that 'yasmah' is more formal than 'yada' (to let) and is used in written instructions or when speaking to someone of higher status.
At the B1 level, you use 'yasmah' to discuss social issues and personal opinions. You can explain why certain things are allowed or not allowed in your culture. You use the passive form 'yusmah' (it is allowed) to describe general rules without identifying a specific person. You also start using the verbal noun 'Samah' in sentences like 'I got permission from my boss.' You understand the nuance between 'yasmah' and 'yujiz' (to authorize). Your sentences become more complex, using 'yasmah' with subordinate clauses and varied prepositions to express subtle meanings in business or travel contexts.
At the B2 level, you explore the abstract meanings of 'yasmah'. You use it in discussions about law, ethics, and philosophy. For example, 'Does freedom of speech allow for hate speech?'. You are comfortable with the root's connection to 'Tasamuh' (tolerance) and can participate in debates about religious or political tolerance. You use the verb in more sophisticated structures, such as 'Lamyusmah lahu bi-al-fursah' (He wasn't allowed the opportunity). You also recognize the verb in literary texts where it might describe nature or fate 'allowing' something to happen. You understand the difference between 'Samaha' and 'Saamaha' (to forgive) perfectly.
At the C1 level, 'yasmah' is used with precision in professional and academic writing. You understand its role in legal jargon, where 'al-jihat al-masmuh laha' (the authorized parties) is a common phrase. You can analyze the stylistic choice of using 'yasmah' versus its synonyms to convey authority or politeness. You use the word in idiomatic expressions and are aware of its historical development from the root meaning of 'generosity'. You can write essays on the 'limits of permission' in modern society, using the verb and its derivatives to construct complex, nuanced arguments.
At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'yasmah'. You recognize its use in classical Arabic poetry and religious texts, where it often carries a weight of divine grace or cosmic order. You can distinguish between the most subtle shades of meaning when 'yasmah' is used in diplomatic discourse or high-level legal documents. You are capable of using the word to create irony or double meanings in creative writing. You understand the full etymological map of the root S-M-H and how it has shaped the Arabic concept of social contract and interpersonal ethics over centuries.

يَسمح em 30 segundos

  • The verb 'Yasmah' means to allow or permit in Arabic.
  • It is derived from the root S-M-H, which relates to generosity.
  • Commonly used with the preposition 'bi' (بـ) for the action.
  • The polite phrase 'Law Samaht' means 'Please' or 'Excuse me'.

The Arabic verb يَسمح (yasmaḥu) is a foundational Form I verb derived from the root س-م-ح (S-M-H). At its core, the word encapsulates the act of granting permission, allowing an action to occur, or facilitating a process without hindrance. In the context of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), it is the primary way to express 'to permit' or 'to allow.' However, the linguistic depth of this root extends far beyond simple administrative permission. The root S-M-H is intrinsically linked to concepts of generosity, magnanimity, and ease. When you 'allow' someone to do something in Arabic, you are etymologically 'being generous' with your consent. This cultural nuance is vital for learners to understand; it isn't just a cold, legalistic 'permit,' but often carries a tone of social grace.

Literal Meaning
To permit or to give leave for an action.
Root Connotation
Generosity, forgiveness, and smoothness of character.
Grammatical Category
Triliteral Form I Verb (فعل ثلاثي مجرد).

In daily life, you will encounter this word in almost every social interaction. From a teacher allowing a student to speak, to a government official permitting a visa, yasmah is the bridge between intention and action. It is important to note that the verb usually requires the preposition بـ (bi) to connect to the action being permitted, and often لـ (li) to indicate the person receiving permission.

هل يَسمح القانون بهذا الفعل؟ (Does the law allow this act?)

الأب لا يَسمح بالخروج متأخراً. (The father does not allow going out late.)

المعلم يَسمح للطلاب بالنقاش. (The teacher allows the students to discuss.)

الإسلام يَسمح بالتعدد في شروط معينة. (Islam permits polygamy under certain conditions.)

الوقت لا يَسمح بمزيد من الشرح. (Time does not allow for more explanation.)

Social Register
Used in both formal and informal settings.
Frequency
Extremely high; top 500 essential Arabic verbs.

Using يَسمح correctly involves mastering its prepositional structure. Unlike the English 'allow' which takes a direct object ('allow me'), the Arabic verb typically follows the pattern: يسمح + لـ (Person) + بـ (Action). For example, 'He allows me to enter' becomes yasmahu li bi-al-dukhul. If you omit the person, you still keep the bi before the action. This structure is non-negotiable in formal writing. In spoken dialects, the bi might be dropped or replaced, but for SubLearn purposes, focusing on the standard 'bi' is essential for A2 and B1 proficiency.

Pattern 1
Verb + Preposition 'Bi' + Masdar (Verbal Noun).
Pattern 2
Verb + Preposition 'Li' + Pronoun/Noun + 'Bi' + Masdar.

Conjugation is also straightforward as it is a regular sound verb. In the present tense (Mudari'), it follows the standard prefixes: Asmahu (I allow), Tasmahu (You allow/She allows), Yasmahu (He allows). In the imperative form, it becomes Ismah! (Allow!). This is frequently heard in the polite phrase Law Samaht (If you please/If you allow), which is the Arabic equivalent of 'Excuse me' or 'Please'.

لو سمحت، أريد كوباً من الماء. (If you allow [Please], I want a glass of water.)

هل تسمح لي بالجلوس هنا؟ (Do you allow me to sit here?)

الإدارة لا تسمح بالتدخين. (The management does not allow smoking.)

أرجو أن تسمحوا لنا بالانصراف. (I hope you [plural] allow us to leave.)

ظروفي لا تسمح بالسفر الآن. (My circumstances do not allow for travel now.)

Negation
Use 'La' (لا) for present and 'Lam' (لم) for past (with jussive).
Imperative
Ismah (masc), Ismahi (fem), Ismahu (plural).

The versatility of يَسمح means you will hear it in diverse environments. In a legal or administrative context, it appears on signs, in contracts, and during police interactions. 'Mamnu' (Forbidden) is the opposite you'll see on signs, but 'Masmuh' (Allowed) is the passive participle derived from this verb. At airports, security will use it to ask for permission to check bags. In academic settings, professors use it to set boundaries for classroom behavior. In family life, it is the word children hear most when asking for treats or outings.

غير مسموح بالدخول بدون تصريح. (Entry is not allowed without a permit.)

هل تسمح لي بجواز سفرك؟ (Will you allow me [to see] your passport?)

النظام لا يسمح بتعديل البيانات. (The system does not allow modifying the data.)

إذا سمحت الظروف، سنلتقي غداً. (If circumstances allow, we will meet tomorrow.)

من فضلك، اسمح لي بكلمة. (Please, allow me a word.)

Common Signage
Masmuh (Allowed) / Ghayr Masmuh (Not Allowed).
Polite Request
Law Samaht (Excuse me / Please).

The most frequent error for English speakers is treating يَسمح as a transitive verb that takes a direct object without a preposition. In English, we say 'He allowed me.' In Arabic, saying Samahani is technically possible but often sounds like 'He forgave me' rather than 'He permitted me.' To be safe and clear, always use Samaha li. Another mistake is forgetting the bi before the noun or verb that follows. For example, 'He allowed smoking' should be Samaha bi-al-tadkhin, not Samaha al-tadkhin.

Mistake 1
Omitting the preposition 'bi' (بـ) before the permitted action.
Mistake 2
Confusing 'Samaha' (to allow) with 'Saamaha' (to forgive) - though they share a root.
Mistake 3
Using 'Yada'' (to let) in formal contexts where 'Yasmah' is required.

❌ لا تسمح التدخين. (Incorrect: Missing 'bi')

✅ لا تسمح بالتدخين. (Correct: With 'bi')

اسمحني أدخل. (Incorrect: Sounds like 'forgive me')

اسمح لي بالدخول. (Correct: Allow me to enter)

❌ الوقت لا يسمحني. (Incorrect: Time doesn't 'allow me')

Arabic has a rich vocabulary for 'permission,' each with a slightly different flavor. While يَسمح is the most common, you might encounter يأذن (ya'dhan), which implies a more formal or authoritative 'granting of leave' (think of 'Adhan' for prayer). Then there is يجيز (yujiz), often used in legal or religious contexts to mean 'to authorize' or 'to make permissible.' يرخص (yurakhis) specifically refers to licensing, like a driver's license. Understanding these nuances helps you move from A2 to B1 and beyond.

Ya'dhan (يأذن)
To give leave; often used in religious or highly formal contexts.
Yujiz (يجيز)
To authorize or deem acceptable (legal/scholarly).
Yada' (يدع)
To let or leave; more common in dialects for 'let me go'.

المدير أذن للموظف بالانصراف. (The manager gave the employee leave to go.)

القانون يجيز هذا التصرف. (The law authorizes/permits this behavior.)

الدولة ترخص للمصانع بالعمل. (The state licenses/permits factories to operate.)

دعني أذهب (Let me go - using 'Daa' instead of 'Samaha').

هل تسمح لي؟ (The most versatile and polite option for general use.)

How Formal Is It?

Nível de dificuldade

Gramática essencial

The use of 'bi' with Masdar

Negation of present tense verbs

Imperative mood formation

Passive participle (Maf'ul) pattern

Subject-verb agreement

Exemplos por nível

1

لو سمحت، أين الحمام؟

Excuse me, where is the bathroom?

Polite phrase 'Law Samaht'.

2

هل تسمح لي بالدخول؟

Do you allow me to enter?

Present tense with 'li' and 'bi'.

3

أبي لا يسمح باللعب الآن.

My father does not allow playing now.

Negation with 'la'.

4

هذا مسموح هنا.

This is allowed here.

Passive participle 'Masmuh'.

5

اسمح لي من فضلك.

Allow me, please.

Imperative 'Ismah'.

6

هي تسمح لنا بالكلام.

She allows us to speak.

Subject-verb agreement (feminine).

7

الوقت يسمح بدرس واحد.

Time allows for one lesson.

Abstract subject 'Time'.

8

هل يسمح القانون بهذا؟

Does the law allow this?

Question form.

1

المستشفى لا يسمح بالزيارة ليلاً.

The hospital does not allow visiting at night.

Formal rule description.

2

هل تسمح لي باستخدام هاتفك؟

Will you allow me to use your phone?

Polite request for permission.

3

سمح لي المعلم بالخروج مبكراً.

The teacher allowed me to leave early.

Past tense 'Samaha'.

4

نحن لا نسمح بالأكل في المكتبة.

We do not allow eating in the library.

Plural 'Nahnu'.

5

هل تسمحين لي بمساعدتكِ؟

Do you (fem.) allow me to help you?

Feminine address 'Tasmaheen'.

6

المدير سمح لنا بيوم إجازة.

The manager allowed us a day off.

Past tense with plural object.

7

غير مسموح بالتدخين في الطائرة.

Smoking is not allowed on the plane.

Passive construction 'Ghayr Masmuh'.

8

اسمحوا لي أن أقدم نفسي.

Allow me (plural) to introduce myself.

Plural imperative.

1

لا يسمح النظام بإدخال كلمات مرور ضعيفة.

The system does not allow entering weak passwords.

Technical context.

2

هل تسمح لك ظروفك بالسفر في الصيف؟

Do your circumstances allow you to travel in the summer?

Abstract usage.

3

سمحت الحكومة بفتح محلات جديدة.

The government allowed the opening of new shops.

Administrative context.

4

يجب أن تسمح لنفسك بالراحة قليلاً.

You must allow yourself to rest a little.

Reflexive-like usage.

5

لم يسمح لي الوقت بإنهاء التقرير.

Time did not allow me to finish the report.

Negation with 'Lam'.

6

هل يسمح الدين بهذا النوع من المعاملات؟

Does religion permit this type of transaction?

Theological/Legal context.

7

سأسمح لك بالذهاب إذا أنهيت عملك.

I will allow you to go if you finish your work.

Future tense with 'Sa'.

8

من المسموح به استخدام الآلة الحاسبة.

It is permitted to use a calculator.

Impersonal passive phrase.

1

الحرية لا تسمح بالتعدي على حقوق الآخرين.

Freedom does not allow infringing on the rights of others.

Philosophical context.

2

سمحت له الفرصة بأن يثبت مهاراته.

The opportunity allowed him to prove his skills.

Metaphorical subject.

3

هل تسمح لنا الميزانية بشراء معدات جديدة؟

Does the budget allow us to buy new equipment?

Economic context.

4

لم يكن مسموحاً لنا بمناقشة السياسة.

We were not allowed to discuss politics.

Past passive 'Lam yakun masmuhan'.

5

تسمح هذه التقنية بتقليل استهلاك الطاقة.

This technology allows for reducing energy consumption.

Scientific context.

6

عليك أن تسمح للآخرين بالتعبير عن آرائهم.

You must allow others to express their opinions.

Social ethics.

7

القاضي لم يسمح بتقديم أدلة جديدة.

The judge did not allow the submission of new evidence.

Legal context.

8

هل تسمح لي بمقاطعتك للحظة؟

Will you allow me to interrupt you for a moment?

Professional etiquette.

1

لا تسمح المعايير الأخلاقية بمثل هذا السلوك.

Ethical standards do not permit such behavior.

Abstract moral subject.

2

سمحت الإصلاحات الاقتصادية بنمو سريع.

Economic reforms allowed for rapid growth.

Macroeconomic context.

3

يسمح هذا الإطار القانوني بمرونة أكبر.

This legal framework allows for greater flexibility.

Legal terminology.

4

لم تسمح الظروف الجوية بإقلاع الطائرة.

Weather conditions did not allow the plane to take off.

Technical/Environmental context.

5

هل تسمح الفلسفة الوجودية بفكرة القدر؟

Does existential philosophy allow for the idea of fate?

Academic inquiry.

6

سمحت له مكانته الاجتماعية بتجاوز العقبات.

His social status allowed him to bypass obstacles.

Sociological context.

7

تسمح المعاهدة الدولية بتبادل الأسرى.

The international treaty permits the exchange of prisoners.

Diplomatic context.

8

لا يسمح النص بأي تأويل آخر.

The text does not allow for any other interpretation.

Literary/Hermeneutic context.

1

إن سماحة الإسلام تسمح بالتعايش السلمي.

The tolerance of Islam allows for peaceful coexistence.

Root-related wordplay (Samaha/Tasamuh).

2

لم تسمح قريحته الشعرية بوصف هذا الجمال.

His poetic genius did not allow for describing this beauty (it was beyond words).

High literary style.

3

تسمح البنية التحتية الرقمية بتحول جذري.

The digital infrastructure allows for a radical transformation.

Modern technical discourse.

4

هل تسمح السيادة الوطنية بتدخل خارجي؟

Does national sovereignty permit foreign intervention?

Political science context.

5

سمحت له بصيرته بتوقع الأزمة قبل وقوعها.

His insight allowed him to anticipate the crisis before it happened.

Metaphorical usage.

6

لا تسمح طبيعة المادة بأي تمدد حراري.

The nature of the material does not allow for any thermal expansion.

Physics context.

7

سمحت الأقدار بلقاء لم يكن في الحسبان.

Fate allowed for a meeting that was not expected.

Classical/Romantic style.

8

يسمح هذا المنهج النقدي بتفكيك الخطاب.

This critical approach allows for the deconstruction of discourse.

Post-structuralist terminology.

Colocações comuns

يسمح بالدخول
يسمح بالخروج
يسمح بالوقت
يسمح بالتدخين
يسمح بالكلام
يسمح بالتصوير
يسمح بالزيارة
يسمح بالمرور
يسمح بالاستخدام
يسمح بالمشاركة

Frequentemente confundido com

يَسمح vs يسمع

يَسمح vs يسامح

يَسمح vs يسبح

Fácil de confundir

يَسمح vs

يَسمح vs

يَسمح vs

يَسمح vs

يَسمح vs

Padrões de frases

Como usar

passive voice

The passive 'yusmah' is very common in formal notices.

dialect variation

In Maghrebi Arabic, 'Smahli' is the standard for 'Sorry/Excuse me'.

preposition importance

Using 'yasmah' without 'bi' is a common A2 error.

Erros comuns
  • Saying 'Samaha al-tadkhin' instead of 'Samaha bi-al-tadkhin'.
  • Confusing 'yasmah' (allow) with 'yasma' (hear).
  • Using 'Samahani' to mean 'He permitted me' (it usually means 'He forgave me').
  • Forgetting to conjugate for the feminine subject (e.g., 'al-hukuma yasmah' instead of 'al-hukuma tasmah').
  • Using 'yasmah' for 'let's' (as in 'let's eat').

Dicas

The 'Bi' Rule

Always follow 'yasmah' with the preposition 'bi' when specifying the action. This makes your Arabic sound natural and correct.

Magic Phrase

Use 'Law Samaht' constantly. It is the key to polite interaction in any Arabic-speaking country.

Root Link

Connect 'yasmah' (allow) with 'tasamuh' (tolerance). It helps you remember that allowing is a form of being tolerant.

Clear 'H'

Make sure the final 'h' is the deep 'ح' sound. If you say it like a soft 'h', it might be confused with 'to hear'.

Signage

Look for the word 'مسموح' (Masmuh) on doors and signs. It tells you where you can go.

Formal Requests

In emails, start with 'Arju an tasmahu li...' (I hope you allow me...) for a professional tone.

Generosity

Understand that 'Samah' is a virtue. When someone allows you something, they are showing you 'Samaha' (grace).

Preposition Catch

Train your ear to catch the 'li' (for me/you) and 'bi' (the thing) sounds after the verb.

Permission Slip

Imagine a 'Samah' permission slip that you need to get 'bi' (by) the door.

Time and Space

Use 'yasmah' when talking about whether your schedule or the physical space allows for an activity.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'S-M-H' as 'Smooth Move, Habibi'—when you allow something, you let it move smoothly.

Origem da palavra

Ancient Semitic root S-M-H.

Contexto cultural

Islamic law uses 'Masmuh' to define what is permissible.

Using 'Law Samaht' is essential for being considered polite (Mu'addab).

Allowing guests to feel at home is a form of Samah.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Iniciadores de conversa

"هل تسمح لي بسؤال؟ (Will you allow me a question?)"

"لو سمحت، كيف أصل إلى المحطة؟ (Please, how do I get to the station?)"

"هل تسمح بالتدخين هنا؟ (Do you allow smoking here?)"

"هل تسمح لي الظروف بزيارتك؟ (Do circumstances allow me to visit you?)"

"هل تسمح لنا الإدارة بالبقاء؟ (Does the management allow us to stay?)"

Temas para diário

Write about a time you were not allowed to do something you wanted.

Describe the rules in your house using 'yasmah' and 'la yasmah'.

Is it important for a society to be 'masmuh' (tolerant)? Why?

What does your schedule allow you to do this weekend?

Write a polite letter to a boss asking for permission.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

It is better to say 'Samaha li'. 'Samahani' often means 'He forgave me'.

'Samaha' is general and polite; 'Adhina' is more formal or authoritative.

It also means 'Excuse me' when trying to get someone's attention.

You say 'Ghayr masmuh' or 'Mamnu'.

It takes a Masdar (verbal noun) preceded by 'bi'.

The Form III 'Saamaha' means to forgive, but Form I 'Samaha' can occasionally mean 'to be generous with/forgive' in classical contexts.

No, for 'let's go' use 'hayya bina' or 'khallina'.

For 'you (masc) allow' or 'she allows', use 'tasmah'. For 'you (fem) allow', use 'tasmaheen'.

Yes, it is the standard term for system permissions.

The root is S-M-H (س-م-ح).

Teste-se 180 perguntas

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