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Adequation
الكفاية (al-kifāyah) means 'sufficiency,' 'adequacy,' or 'enough.' It refers to having a quantity or quality that is adequate to meet a need or fulfill a requirement. This noun is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to express that something is sufficient or that an amount reaches the necessary threshold.
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هذا المبلغ كفاية للعيش براحة.
Hādha al-mablagh kifāyah li-l-ʿīsh bi-rāḥah.
This amount is sufficient to live comfortably.
ليست لديه الكفاية من الخبرة لهذه الوظيفة.
Laysat ladayhi al-kifāyah min al-khubrah li-hadhihi al-waẓīfah.
He doesn't have adequate experience for this job.
الكفاية من النوم ضروري للصحة الجيدة.
Al-kifāyah min al-nawm ḍarūrī li-l-ṣiḥḥah al-jayyidah.
Adequate sleep is necessary for good health.
وصل لديهم كفاية من الموارد لإكمال المشروع.
Waṣal ladayhim kifāyah min al-mawārid li-ikmlāl al-mashrūʿ.
They had enough resources to complete the project.
هذا التدريب يوفر كفاية من المعرفة الأساسية.
Hādha al-tadrīb yuwaff ir kifāyah min al-maʿrifah al-asāsiyyah.
This training provides adequate fundamental knowledge.
In Arabic-speaking cultures, the concept of الكفاية reflects practical wisdom about resource management and contentment. It's frequently used in religious and philosophical contexts, drawing from Islamic teachings about gratitude and moderation (قناعة - qanāʿah). The word carries a positive connotation of having 'just enough' rather than excess, which aligns with values of sustainability and balance in Arab culture.
Remember that الكفاية is a feminine noun (al-kifāyah), so adjectives and verbs used with it must agree in gender. Use it with the preposition 'من' (min - 'of') when specifying what is adequate, as in 'كفاية من الوقت' (adequate time). Be aware that while 'كافي' means 'sufficient' as an adjective, الكفاية as a noun specifically emphasizes the state or amount of adequacy.
الكفاية (al-kifāyah) is a fundamental Arabic noun that translates to 'sufficiency,' 'adequacy,' or 'enough.' This word is essential for expressing whether something meets a required standard or fulfills a need. Understanding this word opens doors to expressing practical judgments about resources, time, effort, and quality in Arabic.
الكفاية is a feminine noun (al-ism al-muannath) derived from the root ك-ف-ي (k-f-y). The word functions as a standalone noun and frequently appears with the preposition 'من' (min) to specify what is adequate. For example:
The related verb يكفي (yakfi - to suffice) and adjective كافي (kāfī - sufficient) share the same root, making them helpful cognates for learners.
الكفاية is used in various contexts, from everyday conversations to formal discussions. In casual speech, you might hear 'هذا كفاية' (hādha kifāyah - that's enough) when something meets expectations or when you want to stop an action. In professional or academic settings, it's used to evaluate whether resources, qualifications, or conditions meet standards.
For instance, an employer might say 'هذا المرشح ليس لديه الكفاية من الخبرة' (This candidate doesn't have sufficient experience), or a teacher might state 'كفاية من الدراسة لليوم' (Enough studying for today).
In Arabic-speaking societies, الكفاية carries deeper philosophical meaning rooted in Islamic teachings. The concept aligns closely with القناعة (al-qanāʿah - contentment and moderation), which is valued as a virtue. Historically, Islamic scholars emphasized the importance of being satisfied with الكفاية—having what is necessary rather than pursuing excess.
This cultural emphasis reflects a practical approach to living that values gratitude and restraint. Unlike Western concepts that may emphasize maximization, الكفاية suggests balance and knowing when 'enough is enough.' This makes it more than just a word for adequacy; it reflects a philosophy of sufficiency that remains relevant in modern Arab life.
While الكفاية is the most direct term for adequacy, related words provide nuance:
Understanding these distinctions helps learners express subtle differences in their meaning.
English speakers should note that الكفاية is a noun, distinct from its adjective form كافي (sufficient). In English, we often use 'enough' as both an adjective and adverb, but Arabic maintains this grammatical distinction. Additionally, remember that الكفاية is feminine, so any adjectives or past tense verbs modifying it must agree in gender.
When speaking about specific types of adequacy, use the construction 'كفاية من + noun' to be most natural. This structure is similar to English phrases like 'enough of the time' or 'adequate amounts of resources.'
In contemporary Arabic, especially in media and daily conversation, الكفاية remains widely used. It appears in discussions about economic sufficiency, educational adequacy, healthcare standards, and personal well-being. The word is understood across all Arabic-speaking regions, making it universally useful for learners.
Whether discussing sustainable living, career development, or simple daily needs, الكفاية provides the vocabulary to express whether something meets the threshold of being 'good enough.'