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Adequacy
الكفاءة (al-kafāʾah) is a feminine noun meaning 'competence,' 'efficiency,' or 'adequacy.' It refers to the quality of being capable, qualified, and effective in performing tasks or fulfilling responsibilities. This word is commonly used in professional, educational, and everyday contexts to describe someone's ability to meet required standards.
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11
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يتمتع المهندس بكفاءة عالية في مجال البناء.
Yatamattaʿ al-muhannids bi-kafāʾah ʿāliyah fī majāl al-banāʾ.
The engineer possesses high competence in the field of construction.
تتطلب هذه الوظيفة كفاءة مهنية وخبرة عملية.
Tattalib hādhihi al-waẓīfah kafāʾah mihniyyah wa-khibrah ʿamaliyyah.
This job requires professional competence and practical experience.
أثبتت الطالبة كفاءتها في الامتحانات النهائية.
Athbatt al-ṭālibah kafāʾataha fī al-imtihānāt al-nihāʾiyyah.
The student proved her competence in the final exams.
الكفاءة الإدارية ضرورية لنجاح أي مؤسسة.
Al-kafāʾah al-idāriyyah darūriyyah li-najāḥ ayy muʾassasah.
Administrative competence is necessary for the success of any institution.
يجب التأكد من كفاءة الموظفين قبل تعيينهم.
Yajib al-taʾakkud min kafāʾat al-muwwaẓẓafīn qabla taʿyīnihim.
The competence of employees must be verified before hiring them.
In Arabic-speaking cultures, الكفاءة is a highly valued concept in professional and social contexts. It reflects the Islamic emphasis on excellence (إتقان - itqān) and doing work with utmost care and precision. The word is frequently used in job advertisements, educational assessments, and organizational evaluations throughout the Arab world.
Remember that الكفاءة is a feminine noun, so adjectives and verbs must agree with feminine forms. It can be used with possessive pronouns (كفاءتي, كفاءتك, كفاءته) and often appears in formal or professional contexts. When describing someone as competent, you can use the adjective 'كفء' or the phrase 'ذو كفاءة' (possessing competence).
The Arabic word الكفاءة (al-kafāʾah) is a fundamental term in both modern standard Arabic and colloquial dialects. It translates to 'competence,' 'efficiency,' 'adequacy,' or 'qualification' in English. This noun is derived from the root ك-ف-ي (k-f-y), which carries the meaning of 'sufficiency' or 'being adequate.'
الكفاءة represents more than just the ability to perform a task; it encompasses the quality of being well-suited, qualified, and effective in executing responsibilities. In professional and academic contexts, it refers to demonstrable skills, knowledge, and experience that enable someone to meet or exceed established standards. The concept is deeply rooted in Arabic and Islamic values that emphasize excellence and precision in all endeavors.
As a feminine noun in Arabic, الكفاءة requires feminine agreement with articles, adjectives, and verbs. For example:
The word can be pluralized as الكفاءات (competencies) when referring to multiple competencies or skills.
In modern Arabic business and organizational settings, الكفاءة is essential terminology. Human resources departments assess employee كفاءة during hiring processes. Educational institutions evaluate student كفاءة through examinations and assessments. The phrase معايير الكفاءة (standards of competence) is commonly used to establish benchmarks for performance.
While الكفاءة focuses on capability and adequacy, related terms provide nuanced distinctions:
In Arab culture, demonstrating الكفاءة is a sign of respect and professional integrity. Islamic teachings emphasize the concept of إتقان (itqān), meaning to perfect one's work and execute tasks with excellence. This cultural emphasis on competence extends to all professions and social roles, making الكفاءة a valued attribute in personal and professional relationships.
You'll encounter الكفاءة in various contexts:
When using الكفاءة, remember to match it with feminine adjectives and verbs. The word is formal and professional in tone, making it appropriate for academic writing and business communication. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words; الكفاءة specifically denotes quality of competence rather than mere ability.
Mastering this word is essential for anyone studying Arabic in professional or academic settings, as it frequently appears in job applications, organizational documents, and educational assessments throughout the Arab world.