Loading...
Ability
القدرة (al-qudra) is a feminine noun meaning 'ability,' 'capability,' or 'power.' It refers to the capacity or competence to do something, whether physical, mental, or professional. This word is fundamental in Arabic and widely used in everyday conversation, formal writing, and professional contexts.
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11
Get a new Arabic word delivered to your inbox every day — with pronunciation, meaning, and cultural context.
لدي القدرة على حل هذه المسألة الصعبة.
Ladi al-qudra 'ala hall hadihi al-mas'ala al-sa'ba.
I have the ability to solve this difficult problem.
تحتاج إلى قدرة كبيرة لتعلم اللغة العربية.
Tahtaj ila qudra kabira litaallum al-lugha al-'arabiyya.
You need great capability to learn the Arabic language.
القدرة المالية للشركة محدودة هذا العام.
Al-qudra al-maliyya lil-shirka mahduda hadha al-'am.
The company's financial ability is limited this year.
بفضل قدرتك على التواصل، حققت نجاحاً كبيراً.
Bifadl qudratika 'ala al-tawasul, haqqaqt naja'an kabiran.
Thanks to your ability to communicate, you achieved great success.
هذا الطالب لديه قدرة استثنائية في الرياضيات.
Hadha al-talib ladayhu qudra istisnai'iyya fi al-riyyadiyat.
This student has an exceptional ability in mathematics.
القدرة is deeply embedded in Arabic discourse, particularly in contexts of personal achievement, social responsibility, and Islamic teachings. Islamic texts frequently reference 'qudra' in relation to human capacity and divine will, creating philosophical discussions about the balance between human agency and fate. In modern Arabic-speaking societies, the term is commonly used in educational, professional, and motivational contexts, reflecting the cultural emphasis on personal development and competence.
Remember that القدرة is feminine (al-qudra), so adjectives and verbs agreeing with it must be feminine. When expressing 'I have the ability,' use 'لدي القدرة على' (ladi al-qudra 'ala) followed by a gerund or noun. Be careful not to confuse it with similar words like الكفاءة (competence, which emphasizes professional skill) or الطاقة (energy, which is more physical).
The Arabic word القدرة (al-qudra) is a fundamental term used to express the concept of ability, capability, or power. As a feminine noun, it appears in countless contexts throughout Arabic language and culture, from everyday conversations to formal writing and professional discourse.
القدرة literally translates to "ability" or "capability" in English. However, the word carries nuanced meanings depending on context. It can refer to:
The root word قدر (q-d-r) relates to concepts of measurement, estimation, and power, which is why القدرة encompasses the idea of having measured or sufficient capacity for something.
As a feminine noun, القدرة requires feminine agreement in adjectives and verbs. For example:
The most common structure for expressing ability is لديه/لديها القدرة على (ladayhu/ladayha al-qudra 'ala), followed by a gerund or noun, meaning "he/she has the ability to."
Several phrases using القدرة are widely used in Arabic:
While القدرة is the most commonly used term for ability, several related words provide nuanced alternatives:
In Islamic theology and philosophy, القدرة holds significant importance. Islamic texts frequently discuss human قدرة (ability) in relation to divine will, exploring the philosophical question of free will versus predestination. This discussion, known as the "qadr" debate, is one of the foundational theological discussions in Islamic thought.
In contemporary Arab culture, القدرة is emphasized in contexts of personal development, education, and professional achievement. The phrase "تنمية القدرات" (tanmiyat al-qudrat) meaning "developing capabilities" or "capacity building" is commonly used in educational and organizational settings.
Understanding القدرة requires seeing it in real-world usage:
When learning to use القدرة correctly:
القدرة is an essential word in Arabic that every learner must master. Its versatility in expressing various types of ability makes it indispensable in everyday communication, professional settings, and formal writing. By understanding its nuances, related terms, and proper usage patterns, learners can significantly enhance their ability to express themselves accurately in Arabic.