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Ableness
القدرة (al-qudra) is an Arabic noun meaning 'ability,' 'capability,' or 'power' to do something. It refers to the capacity, competence, or strength needed to accomplish a task or achieve a goal. This word is commonly used in both formal and everyday contexts to describe physical, mental, or skill-based abilities.
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لديّ القدرة على تعلم اللغة العربية بسرعة.
Ladayya al-qudra ala ta'allum al-lugha al-'arabiyya bi-sur'a.
I have the ability to learn Arabic quickly.
تتطلب هذه الوظيفة القدرة على العمل تحت الضغط.
Tattalib hadhihi al-wazifa al-qudra ala al-'amal tahta al-daght.
This job requires the ability to work under pressure.
لا تملك القدرة المالية للقيام بهذا المشروع.
La tamlik al-qudra al-maliyya li-al-qiyam bi-hadha al-mashru'.
They do not have the financial capability to undertake this project.
القدرة على التواصل بفعالية مهمة جداً.
Al-qudra ala al-tawasul bi-fa'aliyya muhimma jiddan.
The ability to communicate effectively is very important.
لم يكن لديه القدرة على السباحة في الماء البارد.
Lam yakun ladayhu al-qudra ala al-sibaha fi al-ma' al-barid.
He did not have the ability to swim in cold water.
In Arabic culture and Islamic tradition, القدرة (al-qudra) holds significant meaning, as the concept of human capability is often discussed in relation to divine will. The phrase 'بقدرة الله' (bi-qudrat Allah - by God's power) reflects the cultural emphasis on acknowledging both human ability and divine providence. This word is frequently used in educational, professional, and motivational contexts across the Arab world.
Remember that القدرة is a feminine noun (despite potentially seeming masculine to English speakers), so it takes feminine adjectives and pronouns. When expressing someone's ability, you can use the structure 'لديه/لديها القدرة على' (he/she has the ability to) followed by a verb in the gerund form. The word can be used both in abstract contexts (like emotional capacity) and concrete ones (like physical ability).
The Arabic word القدرة (al-qudra) is a fundamental noun that translates to 'ability,' 'capability,' or 'power.' It represents the capacity, skill, or strength needed to accomplish something. Whether referring to physical prowess, intellectual capability, or financial resources, القدرة encompasses the broad concept of being able to do something. The word is derived from the root ق-د-ر (q-d-r), which carries meanings related to power, measure, and ability.
Grammatically, القدرة is a feminine noun in Arabic, which means it takes feminine adjectives and pronouns. When used in sentences, it commonly appears with the preposition 'على' (ala - on, about) to indicate what someone is capable of doing. For example: 'القدرة على السباحة' (ability to swim). The plural form is 'قدرات' (qudrat), used when discussing multiple abilities or capabilities.
In everyday Arabic conversation, القدرة appears frequently in both formal and informal contexts. The phrase 'لديه القدرة على' (ladayhu al-qudra ala - he has the ability to) is one of the most common constructions. Similarly, 'عدم القدرة على' (adam al-qudra ala - inability to) expresses the opposite. Professional contexts often employ specialized versions like 'القدرة الشرائية' (purchasing power) in economics or 'القدرة على التواصل' (ability to communicate) in human resources.
While القدرة is the most common word for ability in Arabic, several synonyms exist with slightly different nuances. 'الاستطاعة' (al-istita'a) carries a similar meaning but is somewhat more formal. 'المقدرة' (al-muqdara) emphasizes power and capacity in a more abstract sense. 'الكفاءة' (al-kafaa) specifically refers to competence and efficiency, while 'الإمكانية' (al-imkaniyya) focuses more on possibility. Understanding these distinctions helps learners choose the most appropriate word for their context.
In Arab and Islamic culture, the concept of القدرة holds deeper significance beyond mere ability. Islamic theology discusses human ability in relation to divine will, expressed in phrases like 'بقدرة الله' (by God's power). This reflects the cultural understanding that while humans possess certain capabilities, ultimate power rests with the divine. This philosophical dimension appears in many Arabic texts and conversations, especially in formal or religious contexts.
The word القدرة appears across numerous domains in modern Arabic. In education, teachers discuss 'القدرة على التعلم' (ability to learn). In business, professionals reference 'القدرة المالية' (financial capability). In sports, commentators praise 'القدرة البدنية' (physical ability). In psychology and self-help contexts, Arabs discuss 'القدرة على التحمل' (ability to endure) and 'القدرة على التكيف' (ability to adapt).
English speakers learning Arabic should remember that القدرة is feminine, requiring appropriate agreement. When expressing ability in future or conditional contexts, pair القدرة with the appropriate verb form. The word can be used both abstractly and concretely, making it versatile for various situations. Practice using it with the preposition 'على' to describe specific abilities, as this is the most natural construction.
The opposite of القدرة is 'العجز' (al-ajz - inability or incapacity). 'الضعف' (al-da'f - weakness) also contrasts with القدرة but emphasizes lacking strength rather than lacking ability. 'الفشل' (al-fashal - failure) relates to the inability to succeed but differs slightly in meaning. Understanding these antonyms helps learners grasp the full semantic range of ability-related vocabulary in Arabic.
Mastering the word القدرة is essential for intermediate Arabic learners as it appears frequently in real-world contexts. Whether discussing personal abilities, professional competencies, or financial capacity, this word provides a foundation for expressing capability in Arabic. By understanding its grammar, cultural significance, and various applications, learners can use القدرة confidently and accurately in their Arabic communications.