جهّز (jahazza) is a verb meaning 'to prepare,' 'to equip,' or 'to accoutre.' It conveys the sense of readying something or someone with necessary items, preparation, or outfit. This word is commonly used in modern Arabic across various contexts, from preparing for travel to equipping someone with tools or knowledge.
Example Sentences
جهّزت الأم حقائب أطفالها للمدرسة.
Jahazzat al-ummu hiqāb atfālihā lil-madrasa.
The mother prepared her children's bags for school.
يجب أن نجهّز أنفسنا للامتحان النهائي.
Yajib an nujahazza anfusanā lil-imtihān al-nihāʾī.
In Arab culture, جهّز is frequently used in contexts related to life events such as weddings, travel, and school preparation. The concept of proper preparation is deeply valued in Arabic-speaking societies, and the verb appears regularly in both formal and informal communication. It reflects the cultural emphasis on being well-organized and ready for important occasions.
Usage Tips
Remember that جهّز is a regular Form II verb (doubled middle radical), so it follows predictable conjugation patterns. The verb can be transitive (taking a direct object like 'prepared the bags') or reflexive when used with النفس (oneself, 'prepared oneself'). Pay attention to prepositions that follow it—for example, جهّز ل (to prepare for) indicates purpose or destination.
## Understanding جهّز (Jahazza)
### Basic Meaning
The Arabic verb جهّز (jahazza) is a Form II verb that means "to prepare," "to equip," "to outfit," or "to accoutre." It comes from the root ج-ه-ز and describes the action of making something or someone ready for a specific purpose or occasion. This is one of the most commonly used verbs in everyday Arabic when discussing preparation in all its forms.
### Grammar and Conjugation
جهّز follows the pattern of Form II verbs, characterized by the doubling of the middle radical (ه). In the present tense, it conjugates as:
- أنا أجهّز (I prepare)
- أنت تجهّز (You prepare - masculine)
- أنتِ تجهّزين (You prepare - feminine)
- هو يجهّز (He prepares)
- هي تجهّز (She prepares)
- نحن نجهّز (We prepare)
- أنتم تجهّزون (You all prepare)
- هم يجهّزون (They prepare)
The past tense follows: جهّزت، جهّزنا، جهّزوا, etc.
### Transitive and Reflexive Uses
جهّز can function as a transitive verb when it takes a direct object: "جهّزت الحقائب" (I prepared the bags). It can also be used reflexively with the reflexive pronoun النفس: "جهّزت نفسي" (I prepared myself). The reflexive form is particularly common when the subject is preparing for something mentally or physically.
### Common Contexts and Usage
This verb appears frequently in various life situations:
**Travel and Movement**: Families use جهّز extensively when preparing for trips. "جهّز الحقائب" (prepare the suitcases) is a phrase heard in Arab households before any journey.
**Education**: Parents and students use this verb when preparing for school or exams: "نحتاج أن نجهّز أنفسنا للامتحان" (We need to prepare ourselves for the exam).
**Events and Celebrations**: Wedding preparations, holiday gatherings, and special occasions all involve جهّز: "جهّزوا البيت للضيوف" (They prepared the house for guests).
**Professional Settings**: In work contexts, employees prepare projects, meetings, and presentations using this verb: "جهّزت الشركة العرض التقديمي" (The company prepared the presentation).
### Prepositions and Phrases
جهّز commonly appears with specific prepositions:
- جهّز **ل** (prepare for): "جهّز للاختبار" (prepared for the test)
- جهّز **ب** (equip with): "جهّزه بالمعلومات" (equipped him with information)
- جهّز **من أجل** (prepare for the sake of): "جهّز من أجل الحفلة" (prepared for the party)
### Related Vocabulary
The noun form تجهيز (tajhīz) means "preparation" or "equipment," and جهاز (jihāz) refers to an "apparatus" or "device." Understanding these related words helps deepen comprehension of the root concept. For example, "التجهيزات" (equipment/preparations) and "الأجهزة" (devices/apparatuses) are frequently encountered in Arabic texts.
### Cultural Significance
In Arab culture, the concept of proper preparation is highly valued. Phrases like "التجهيز الجيد" (good preparation) reflect this cultural emphasis. The verb جهّز is essential vocabulary for anyone engaging with Arabic in practical, everyday contexts. Whether discussing family activities, professional responsibilities, or personal goals, this verb remains indispensable.
### Practical Learning Tips
To master جهّز, practice using it with common objects and scenarios you encounter daily. Create sentences about preparing for work, meals, or travel. Notice the different prepositions used and how they affect meaning. Listening to Arabic media featuring preparation scenes—such as family dramas or cooking shows—will help you internalize the natural usage patterns of this versatile verb.