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Worried
#7
قلق (qilq) is an Arabic noun and adjective meaning 'worry' or 'worried.' It describes a state of anxiety or concern about something uncertain or potentially problematic. This word is commonly used in both formal and colloquial Arabic to express emotional distress or unease.
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أنا قلق بشأن الامتحان غداً.
Anā qilq bi-sha'n al-imtihān ghadan.
I am worried about the exam tomorrow.
لا تكن قلقاً، كل شيء سيكون بخير.
Lā takun qilqan, kull shay'un sayakūn bi-khair.
Don't be worried, everything will be fine.
شعرت بقلق شديد عندما لم تتصل بي.
Sha'urt bi-qilq shadīd 'indamā lam tattasil bī.
I felt deep worry when you didn't call me.
القلق الزائد قد يؤثر على صحتك.
Al-qilq al-zā'id qad yu'aththir 'alā sihhātik.
Excessive worry can affect your health.
لماذا تبدو قلقاً هذا الصباح؟
Limādhā tabdū qilqan hādhā al-sabāh?
Why do you look worried this morning?
In Arab culture, worry and concern are often expressed openly as they relate to family matters, social status, and well-being. The word قلق is deeply embedded in daily conversations, reflecting the cultural value placed on family relationships and communal responsibility. Understanding how to appropriately express and respond to concerns is an important part of Arabic communication and building meaningful relationships within Arab communities.
قلق can function as both a noun (the worry itself) and an adjective (feeling worried). When used as an adjective, it agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Remember that قلق often appears with the preposition 'على' (on/about) or 'بشأن' (regarding) when expressing what one is worried about. Use this word naturally in conversations about feelings and emotions.
The Arabic word قلق (qilq) is a fundamental vocabulary item that translates to 'worry,' 'anxiety,' or the state of being 'worried.' This word is essential for expressing emotional states and is used frequently in both modern standard Arabic (MSA) and colloquial dialects throughout the Arab world.
قلق functions as both a noun and an adjective, making it highly versatile in Arabic sentences. When used as a noun, it refers to the abstract concept of worry or anxiety (e.g., "القلق يؤثر على النوم" - worry affects sleep). When used as an adjective, it describes someone who is in a worried state and must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies (e.g., "هو قلق" - he is worried; "هي قلقة" - she is worried).
The phrase "لا تقلق" (lā taqilq) meaning "don't worry" is one of the most frequently used expressions in Arabic. This imperative form is used to comfort or reassure someone. Similarly, "قلق على" (qilq 'alā) is used when expressing worry about a specific person or thing, literally meaning "worried about."
The word قلق is closely related to other emotional states in Arabic. الخوف (al-khawf) means fear but implies a more intense, immediate threat. التوتر (al-tawtur) refers to tension or stress, which may or may not be specifically worry-based. الاضطراب (al-idtirāb) means disturbance or agitation and can accompany worry. Understanding these distinctions helps learners express their emotional states with greater precision.
In Arab societies, expressing concern and worry is a natural part of social communication. Family members frequently ask each other "هل أنت قلق؟" (are you worried?) as part of showing care and interest. However, there is also a cultural emphasis on managing worry gracefully and trusting in divine providence (تقوى and توكل), which influences how worry is discussed and addressed in Arabic-speaking contexts.
The modern Arabic medical and psychological vocabulary frequently employs القلق (al-qilq) in terms like "اضطراب القلق" (idtirāb al-qilq) for anxiety disorder. Mental health awareness in Arab countries increasingly uses this terminology, making it important for learners to understand its application in professional and health-related contexts.
When learning قلق, practice using it in both its noun and adjective forms. Create sentences about your daily worries to reinforce the word's usage naturally. Pay attention to the prepositions that accompany it, particularly على (about) and بشأن (regarding). Listen to native speakers in conversations, movies, and podcasts to internalize the natural rhythm and context of this commonly used word.