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Accoutres
يجهّز (yujahiz) means 'to prepare,' 'to equip,' or 'to accoutre' (outfit with necessary items or clothing). It is a Form II verb derived from the root ج-ه-ز (J-H-Z) and is commonly used in both modern standard Arabic and colloquial dialects to express the action of getting something or someone ready, whether materially or functionally. The word carries connotations of thorough preparation and proper outfitting.
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يجهّز الطالب نفسه للامتحان بالدراسة المكثفة.
Yujahiz al-talib nafsehu lil-imtihan bi-d-dirasah al-mukhtifah.
The student prepares himself for the exam through intensive studying.
تجهّز الجيش بأفضل المعدات والأسلحة.
Tajhiz al-jaysh bi-afdal al-muciddah wa-al-aslihah.
The army equipped itself with the best equipment and weapons.
يجهّزون البيت للعرس منذ أسابيع.
Yujahizun al-bayt lil-curs mundhu asbucin.
They prepare the house for the wedding weeks in advance.
تجهّزت الفتاة بفستان جميل للحفلة.
Tajhazat al-fataah bi-fustaan jamil lil-haflah.
The girl dressed herself in a beautiful dress for the party.
يجب أن نجهّز أنفسنا للسفر غداً.
Yajib an nujahiz anfusana lil-safar ghadan.
We must prepare ourselves for the trip tomorrow.
In Arab culture, the concept of تجهيز (tajhiz) is particularly important in wedding contexts, where preparing the bride's trousseau (جهيزة - jahizah) is a significant family undertaking. The verb reflects the Arabic cultural emphasis on thorough preparation and proper presentation, whether for personal endeavors, celebrations, or military campaigns. Understanding this word provides insight into how Arabic speakers conceptualize readiness and preparation as active, comprehensive processes.
Remember that يجهّز is a reflexive verb that often takes the reflexive pronoun نفس (nafs/self), as in 'يجهّز نفسه' (he prepares himself). It can be followed by a prepositional phrase with 'ل' (li-) to indicate what one is preparing for, and can also take a direct object when referring to preparing an item or person. Pay attention to the emphatic ّ (shadda) on the ه and ز, which distinguishes it from simpler verbs and indicates the intensive Form II conjugation.
The Arabic verb يجهّز (yujahiz) is derived from the root ج-ه-ز (J-H-Z) and represents Form II of the Arabic verb conjugation system. This form is known as the "intensive" or "causative" form, which adds emphasis and thoroughness to the basic meaning. يجهّز translates to "to prepare," "to equip," "to outfit," or "to accoutre" in English. The word encompasses the idea of making someone or something ready through active, comprehensive preparation.
As a Form II verb (فعل مزيد على الثلاثة - fa'al mazid 'ala ath-thulathi), يجهّز follows specific conjugation patterns. The present tense form يجهّز is third person masculine singular. The verb can be conjugated across all persons and tenses:
The past tense follows as جهّز (he prepared), with corresponding feminine and plural forms. The imperative form جهّز/جهّزي means "prepare!" or "get ready!"
In modern Arabic, whether Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) or colloquial dialects, يجهّز is used in numerous contexts:
Travel and Packing: Yujahiz al-haqibah (to pack the suitcase) is one of the most common uses, referring to preparing luggage for a journey.
Preparation for Events: Whether it's preparing for an exam, a wedding, a celebration, or any significant event, يجهّز captures the comprehensive nature of getting ready.
Equipment and Outfitting: The verb is used when equipping someone with necessary items, clothing, or tools needed for a specific purpose.
Military Context: Historically and contemporarily, يجهّز is used to describe arming and equipping military forces.
One distinctive feature of يجهّز is its frequent use as a reflexive verb with the pronoun نفس (nafs, meaning "self"). The construction تجهّز نفسك (tajhaz nafasak) literally means "prepare yourself" but is the standard way to express getting ready in Arabic. This reflexive construction emphasizes personal agency and active participation in one's own preparation.
Understanding the word family around يجهّز enriches your Arabic vocabulary:
التجهيز (al-tajhiz): The noun form meaning "preparation" or "equipping." الجهاز (al-jihaz): An apparatus, device, or system. This is related but has evolved to mean specific mechanisms or governmental structures. الجهيزة (al-jahizah): A traditional term for a bride's trousseau or dowry outfit, deeply rooted in Arab culture. مجهّز (mujahaz): An adjective meaning "equipped" or "prepared," often used to describe someone or something that is ready.
In Arab culture, the concept underlying يجهّز represents more than simple preparation—it embodies a value system that emphasizes thorough readiness and proper presentation. The term jahizah (trousseau) carries particular cultural weight, as preparing a bride's outfit and household items is a significant family event in traditional Arab societies. This cultural practice shows how the root J-H-Z has been central to Arab life for centuries.
While يُعدّ (yu'id) and يُهيّئ (yuhayyi') both mean "to prepare," يجهّز carries a more intensive, comprehensive connotation. يُعدّ is more general, while يجهّز suggests thorough outfitting and careful preparation. يُلبّس (yulabbis) specifically means "to dress" or "to clothe" and would be used when the focus is purely on clothing someone.
When learning يجهّز, remember:
Example 1 (Academic): "يجهّز الطالب نفسه للامتحان بالدراسة المكثفة" (The student prepares himself for the exam through intensive study) shows the verb used in an educational context.
Example 2 (Event Planning): "تجهّز العائلة البيت للعرس" (The family prepared the house for the wedding) demonstrates the verb's use in ceremonial contexts.
Example 3 (Travel): "يجب أن نجهّز أنفسنا للسفر غداً" (We must prepare ourselves for the trip tomorrow) shows the verb in practical, everyday situations.
يجهّز is a fundamental Arabic verb that appears regularly in both written and spoken Arabic. Its intensive form indicates not mere preparation but thorough, comprehensive getting-ready. By mastering this word and its various uses, learners gain insight into how Arabic speakers conceptualize readiness, a value deeply embedded in Arab culture and communication. Whether preparing for travel, studies, celebrations, or professional endeavors, يجهّز remains an essential and frequently used verb in the Arabic language.