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متقلّب (mutaqalleb) is an adjective meaning 'changeable,' 'unstable,' 'fickle,' or 'variable.' It describes something or someone that frequently changes, fluctuates, or lacks consistency. The word is commonly used to describe moods, weather conditions, situations, or character traits that are unpredictable and subject to constant change.
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الطقس في الربيع متقلّب جداً.
Al-taqsu fee ar-rabee mutaqallebun jiddan.
The weather in spring is very changeable.
مزاجه متقلّب ولا يمكن التنبؤ به.
Mizajuhu mutaqalleb wa la yumkin at-tanabbu bihi.
His mood is fickle and unpredictable.
أسعار السلع في السوق متقلّبة باستمرار.
Asaar as-silaa fee as-suq mutaqallebah bi-istimrar.
Commodity prices in the market are constantly fluctuating.
شخصيته متقلّبة ويصعب التعامل معها.
Shakhsiyyatuhu mutaqallbah wa yasul at-taammul maaaha.
His personality is unstable and difficult to deal with.
الأحوال الاقتصادية متقلّبة في هذه الفترة.
Al-ahwal al-iqtisadiyyah mutaqallebah fee hazihi al-fatrah.
Economic conditions are unstable during this period.
In Arabic-speaking cultures, describing someone as متقلّب (mutaqalleb) is often considered a negative character trait, suggesting unpredictability and unreliability. The word is frequently used in weather descriptions, economic discussions, and social contexts to explain inconsistency. Arabic literature and poetry often employ this word metaphorically to describe the unpredictable nature of fate, emotions, and human nature.
Remember that متقلّب is an adjective that agrees with the gender and number of the noun it modifies. Use it when describing things that change frequently or people whose moods or behaviors are unpredictable. Be cautious when using it to describe people, as it carries a somewhat negative connotation. The verb form تقلّب means 'to change' or 'to toss/turn over,' which helps you understand the root concept.
The Arabic adjective متقلّب (mutaqalleb) means 'changeable,' 'unstable,' 'fickle,' or 'variable.' It describes something or someone that frequently changes, fluctuates, or lacks consistency. This word comes from the root ق-ل-ب (q-l-b), which relates to turning, flipping, or changing.
متقلّب is an adjective derived from the verb تقلّب (taqallaba), meaning 'to change' or 'to turn over.' As an adjective, it agrees with the gender and number of the noun it modifies:
One of the most frequent uses of متقلّب is describing weather patterns. Arabic speakers commonly say طقس متقلّب (taqsu mutaqalleb) to describe unpredictable, changing weather conditions, especially during transitional seasons like spring and autumn.
The word is frequently used to describe people's moods and temperaments. Calling someone متقلّب المزاج (mutaqalleb al-mizaj) suggests they are moody and emotionally unpredictable. This carries a somewhat negative connotation in social contexts.
In financial and economic discussions, متقلّب describes volatile markets and fluctuating prices. For example, أسعار متقلّبة (asaar mutaqallebah) refers to unstable or volatile prices that constantly change.
The word can describe any situation or condition that lacks stability, such as political circumstances, health conditions, or personal situations.
Several Arabic words share similar meanings:
The opposite concept is expressed through words like مستقر (mustaqirr) meaning 'stable' or ثابت (thabit) meaning 'fixed' or 'constant.'
In Arabic-speaking cultures, describing someone as متقلّب carries social implications. It suggests unreliability and inconsistency, which are generally viewed negatively in interpersonal relationships. The word frequently appears in literature, journalism, and everyday conversation when discussing climate, markets, or personalities.
Arabic poetry often uses this word metaphorically to express the unpredictable nature of fate (القدر - al-qadr) and human emotions. The concept reflects a philosophical understanding of the transient nature of life and circumstances.
When using متقلّب, remember to:
Understanding متقلّب is essential for Arabic learners as it appears frequently in news, weather reports, economic discussions, and social contexts. The word effectively captures the Arabic concept of change and instability, making it valuable for both formal and informal communication.