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Actuated
شغّل (shaghal) is a verb meaning 'to operate,' 'to run,' 'to actuate,' or 'to turn on.' It refers to the action of making something work or putting a device or system into operation. The word is commonly used in modern Arabic for starting machines, devices, and mechanical or electronic systems.
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11
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شغّل المحرك في الصباح
Shaghal al-muharrik fi al-sabah
He started the engine in the morning
هل يمكنك أن تشغّل التلفاز من فضلك؟
Hal yumkinuka an tashaghal al-tilifizyun min fadlak?
Can you turn on the television please?
شغّلت الموسيقى لكي أسترخي
Shaghal-tu al-musiqaa li-kay astarkhiya
I played the music so I could relax
الشركة تشغّل آلات حديثة جداً
Al-sharika tashaghal alat haditha jiddan
The company operates very modern machines
شغّل البرنامج على الحاسوب
Shaghal al-barnaamaj ala al-hasub
Run the program on the computer
In modern Arabic, شغّل has become an essential verb for discussing technology and machinery, reflecting the technological advancement in Arabic-speaking countries. The word is used across formal and informal contexts, from operating industrial equipment to using household appliances. It's particularly common in contemporary media, business, and educational settings.
Remember that شغّل is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object—you cannot use it without stating what you're operating. In colloquial Arabic, it's often combined with object pronouns (شغّلته = 'I operated it'). Pay attention to context: it can mean 'to turn on,' 'to run,' 'to operate,' or 'to play' depending on what device is being discussed.
The Arabic verb شغّل (shaghal) is one of the most commonly used verbs in modern Standard Arabic and dialect speech. It fundamentally means 'to operate,' 'to run,' 'to turn on,' or 'to actuate.' The word has become indispensable in contemporary Arabic, particularly with the proliferation of technology and mechanical devices in daily life. Whether you're starting a car, turning on a computer, or playing music, شغّل is the verb you'll need.
شغّل is derived from the root ش-غ-ل (sh-gh-l), which relates to work and labor. It is a transitive verb in the second form (Form II), characterized by the doubling of the middle radical. As a transitive verb, it always requires a direct object—you cannot use it in isolation. For example:
In the past tense:
In the present tense:
In contemporary Arabic, شغّل appears frequently in technological and industrial contexts. It's used to describe:
Understanding related forms helps deepen vocabulary knowledge:
The verb شغّل reflects the integration of modern technology into Arabic-speaking societies. As industrialization and technological advancement have progressed throughout the Arab world, this verb has become essential in business, education, and everyday conversation. It's equally appropriate in formal business meetings discussing industrial operations and informal settings like asking a friend to turn on the TV.
English speakers often forget that شغّل requires a direct object. You cannot say 'أنا أشغّل' alone; you must specify what you're operating. Additionally, learners sometimes confuse it with أطلق (to launch) or فعّل (to activate), which have slightly different connotations. While these are synonyms, their usage contexts may differ.
To master شغّل, practice using it with common objects and devices: التلفاز (TV), الحاسوب (computer), السيارة (car), and الموسيقى (music). Create sentences describing your daily technology use. Listen to Arabic media and note how native speakers use this verb, and pay attention to the object that follows it. This contextual learning will solidify your understanding of when and how to use شغّل appropriately.