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Abstained
The phrase 'امتنع عن تناول كذا وكذا' (imtana'a 'an tanāwul kadhā wa kadhā) means 'abstained from consuming/eating certain things.' It expresses the act of deliberately refraining from consuming food, drinks, or other substances, often for health, religious, or personal reasons. The verb 'امتنع' (imtana'a) conveys intentional avoidance, while 'تناول' (tanāwul) specifically means 'to consume' or 'to take in.'
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امتنع المريض عن تناول الدهون والسكريات على نصيحة الطبيب.
Imtana'a al-marīd 'an tanāwul ad-duhūn wa-s-sukkaryāt 'alā nasīḥat at-tabīb.
The patient abstained from consuming fats and sugars on the doctor's advice.
امتنع الرياضي عن تناول الأطعمة الثقيلة قبل المباراة.
Imtana'a ar-riyāḍī 'an tanāwul al-aṭ'ama ath-thaqīla qabla al-mubārāh.
The athlete abstained from eating heavy foods before the match.
امتنعت عن تناول القهوة والشاي لمدة شهر كامل.
Imtana'at 'an tanāwul al-qahwa wa-sh-shāy li-muddat shahr kāmil.
She abstained from consuming coffee and tea for a whole month.
امتنع الصائم عن تناول أي طعام أو شراب طوال النهار.
Imtana'a aṣ-ṣā'im 'an tanāwul ayy ṭa'ām aw sharāb ṭawāl an-nahār.
The fasting person abstained from consuming any food or drink throughout the day.
امتنعوا عن تناول اللحوم الحمراء لأسباب صحية.
Imtana'ū 'an tanāwul al-luhūm al-hamrā' li-asbāb siḥḥiyya.
They abstained from eating red meat for health reasons.
In Arabic-speaking cultures, abstention from certain foods is deeply rooted in religious practices, particularly during Ramadan when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Additionally, dietary restrictions are often discussed within family and social contexts, reflecting Islamic teachings about halal (permissible) foods and personal health choices. The concept of 'امتناع' (imtana'a) carries a sense of discipline and intentional choice, valued positively in Arab society when made for legitimate reasons.
Remember that 'امتنع عن' requires the preposition 'عن' (about/from) before the object. When using this phrase with food items, use 'تناول' (to consume) as the verb following 'عن.' This is a formal, eloquent construction commonly used in medical, religious, and formal contexts. You can also use it in informal speech when discussing health or personal discipline, such as 'امتنعت عن السكريات' (I abstained from sugars).
The Arabic phrase 'امتنع عن تناول كذا وكذا' (imtana'a 'an tanāwul) translates to 'abstained from consuming/eating certain things.' This expression combines two key elements: the verb 'امتنع' (imtana'a), which means 'to refrain' or 'to abstain,' and the verb 'تناول' (tanāwul), which means 'to consume' or 'to take in.' The preposition 'عن' (about/from) connects these elements, creating a complete thought that expresses deliberate avoidance of consuming food, drinks, or other substances.
The phrase follows a standard Arabic grammatical pattern:
The verb 'امتنع' is often conjugated according to the subject, allowing flexibility in sentences. For example:
This phrase is commonly used in various contexts:
Medical Context: Doctors and patients frequently use this expression when discussing dietary restrictions for health reasons. For example, a patient might be told to abstain from certain foods due to allergies, diabetes, or heart conditions.
Religious Context: During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from consuming food and drink from sunrise to sunset. This concept is central to Islamic practice and is discussed regularly in Arabic-speaking communities.
Personal Health: Individuals following specific diets or lifestyle choices may use this phrase to explain their dietary decisions, whether related to vegetarianism, weight loss, or fitness goals.
Social Settings: Friends and family members often discuss food preferences and restrictions using variations of this phrase during meals or social gatherings.
In Arab culture, the concept of 'الامتناع' (abstention) carries positive connotations when related to discipline and self-control. Fasting, whether religious or health-based, is viewed as a form of spiritual and physical discipline. The ability to refrain from consumption demonstrates willpower and commitment to personal goals or religious obligations.
Moreover, Islamic dietary laws (halal and haram) make discussions about food consumption particularly important in Arabic-speaking societies. The phrase 'امتنع عن تناول' is often used in the context of avoiding haram (forbidden) foods or substances.
Understanding related words can help deepen your comprehension:
'امتنع عن تناول الحلويات' (abstained from eating sweets) - often used in the context of weight management or diabetes control.
'امتنع عن تناول اللحم' (abstained from eating meat) - common among vegetarians or those following specific dietary practices.
'امتنع عن تناول الملح' (abstained from consuming salt) - frequently used in discussions about hypertension or heart health.
'امتنع عن تناول الكحول' (abstained from consuming alcohol) - important phrase in religious and social contexts, as alcohol is forbidden in Islam.
When using this phrase, remember several key points:
Always use the preposition 'عن' (from) after 'امتنع' when indicating what is being abstained from.
The verb 'تناول' can be replaced with more specific terms depending on context, such as 'أكل' (ate), 'شرب' (drank), or 'استهلك' (consumed).
This is a formal, eloquent construction frequently found in written Arabic and formal speech, though it's also used in everyday conversations about health and lifestyle.
The phrase works well with indefinite objects ('تناول الطعام' - consume food) or specific items ('تناول الشوكولاتة' - consume chocolate).
While 'امتنع عن' is the most precise expression for abstention, you may encounter alternatives:
Consider these realistic scenarios where you might use this phrase:
The phrase 'امتنع عن تناول' is an essential expression for English speakers learning Arabic, particularly those interested in discussing health, diet, religion, and daily life. Mastering this phrase allows for meaningful conversations about dietary choices, medical advice, and cultural practices in Arabic-speaking communities. By understanding both its grammatical structure and cultural context, learners can use this expression confidently and appropriately in various situations.