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yamur bi
pass by
يمر بـ (yamur bi) is a phrasal verb meaning 'to pass by' or 'to go through.' It combines the verb يمر (yamur, 'to pass') with the preposition بـ (bi, 'by/with'), and is commonly used to describe physically passing someone or something, or metaphorically going through an experience or situation.
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11
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مررت بالمدرسة في طريقي إلى البيت.
Marrart bi-al-madrasa fi tarīqī ilá al-bayt.
I passed by the school on my way home.
يمر بأوقات صعبة في حياته الآن.
Yamur bi-awqāt sa'ba fi hayātih al-ān.
He is going through difficult times in his life right now.
تمر البلاد بفترة انتقالية مهمة.
Tamur al-bilād bi-fatra intiqāliyya muhimma.
The country is going through an important transitional period.
مرت السيارة بجانبي بسرعة كبيرة.
Marrat al-sayyāra bi-jānibī bi-sur'a kabīra.
The car passed by me at great speed.
نمر بهذه التجربة لتعلم دروس مهمة.
Namur bi-hadhih al-tajriba litata'allam durūs muhimma.
We go through this experience to learn important lessons.
In Arabic literature and everyday speech, يمر بـ is frequently used both literally and metaphorically. The metaphorical usage is particularly common when discussing life experiences, national events, or emotional states. Arabic speakers often use this expression to empathize with others who are experiencing difficulties, making it a culturally important phrase for understanding and expressing compassion in Arab communities.
Remember that يمر بـ requires the preposition بـ (bi) after the verb, so you cannot say just يمر without it in this context. The verb conjugates regularly according to who is performing the action (I pass, you pass, he/she passes, etc.). Pay attention to whether the context is literal (physically passing) or metaphorical (experiencing something), as both are equally common in modern Arabic usage.
The Arabic phrasal verb يمر بـ (yamur bi) is composed of two parts: the verb يمر (yamur), meaning 'to pass,' combined with the preposition بـ (bi), meaning 'by' or 'through.' Together, this phrase translates to 'to pass by' or 'to go through.' It is one of the most versatile expressions in Arabic, used both in literal physical contexts and in abstract, metaphorical situations.
In its most direct sense, يمر بـ describes the physical act of passing near or through something or someone. For example:
This literal usage is straightforward and commonly encountered in everyday conversations about travel, commuting, and navigation.
The metaphorical use of يمر بـ is equally important and perhaps even more frequent in modern Arabic. When Arabs discuss personal, national, or collective experiences, they often use this verb to express the idea of 'going through' something:
This metaphorical sense has deep cultural resonance, particularly when discussing hardship, growth, or national events. It conveys both the journey and the inevitable passage of time through difficult circumstances.
The verb يمر (yamur) follows regular Arabic verb patterns. Here's how it conjugates in the present tense:
The preposition بـ (bi) is essential to this phrase and must always be attached to the noun that follows. This is a critical point for learners to remember, as omitting it changes the meaning entirely.
Several phrases have become idiomatic with يمر بـ:
In Arab culture, the concept of 'going through' experiences is deeply valued. There is recognition that challenges and difficulties are natural parts of life's journey. The use of يمر بـ reflects this philosophy—it suggests that experiences, whether pleasant or difficult, are temporary states that one passes through rather than permanent conditions. This perspective is often seen in Arabic literature, poetry, and everyday conversations about personal growth and resilience.
The phrase is also commonly used in news media and formal contexts to discuss national or regional events. When a country 'goes through' a period of transition, conflict, or development, journalists and commentators use يمر بـ to describe these significant moments in time.
For English speakers learning Arabic, it's important to:
Understanding related vocabulary will deepen your grasp of يمر بـ:
يمر بـ (yamur bi) is a fundamental and versatile Arabic expression that every learner should master. Its dual capacity for both literal and metaphorical meaning makes it essential for authentic communication in Arabic. Whether describing a simple commute or a profound life experience, this phrase captures the Arab perspective on movement through time, space, and circumstance. By understanding its nuances and practicing its various conjugations and contexts, learners can significantly enhance their ability to communicate naturally and effectively in Arabic.