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Administrate
The Arabic verb "تولّى" (tawallā) means to take charge of, administer, or oversee something, often in an official or leadership capacity. It conveys the sense of assuming responsibility and directing operations, whether in governance, business, or personal matters. The verb emphasizes active management and stewardship of affairs.
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11
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تولّى الوزير إدارة الوزارة منذ ثلاث سنوات.
Tawallā al-wazīr idārat al-wizārah mundhu thalāth sinawāt.
The minister has been administrating the ministry for three years.
من سيتولّى مسؤولية المشروع الجديد؟
Man sayatawallā mas'ūliyyat al-mashru' al-jadīd?
Who will take charge of the new project?
تولّت والدتي إدارة شؤون البيت بعد وفاة والدي.
Tawallat wālidatī idārat shu'ūn al-bayt ba'd wafāt wālidī.
My mother took over managing the household affairs after my father's death.
يتولّى الرئيس التنفيذي جميع القرارات المهمة في الشركة.
Yatawallā ar-ra'īs at-tanfīdhī jamī' al-qarārāt al-muhimmah fī ash-sharikah.
The CEO administers all important decisions in the company.
تولّى القاضي النظر في القضية المعقدة.
Tawallā al-qādhī an-nadhar fī al-qadhiyyah al-mu'aqqadah.
The judge took over examining the complex case.
In Arabic-speaking societies, the concept of تولّى (tawallā) carries significant weight in both governmental and organizational contexts. Historically, the term has been used to describe the assumption of power by leaders and administrators throughout Islamic civilization. Today, it remains a formal term used in official announcements and governmental communications, reflecting respect for leadership roles and administrative responsibility.
Remember that تولّى is typically used in formal or official contexts rather than casual speech. It requires an object (what is being administered) and is often followed by a noun phrase using the indefinite accusative form. When learning this verb, note that it can be conjugated for different subjects and tenses, making it essential to practice its full conjugation patterns in context.
The Arabic verb تولّى (tawallā) is a fundamental term in formal and official Arabic, particularly in governmental, organizational, and administrative contexts. Understanding this word is essential for anyone learning Arabic who wishes to discuss leadership, governance, or professional management.
تولّى literally means "to take charge of," "to administer," "to assume responsibility for," or "to manage." The verb conveys a sense of active leadership and stewardship, emphasizing that the person undertaking the action is now responsible for directing and overseeing specific affairs or operations. This is distinct from simply "doing" something—تولّى implies a position of authority and continuous management.
The verb تولّى comes from the triliteral root و-ل-ي (w-l-y), which carries meanings related to succession, guardianship, and closeness in responsibility. The doubled letter in the middle (ل) in the form تولّى (Form V) indicates intensity or the assumption of a formal role. This root family is extensive in Arabic, giving us related words such as والي (wālī - governor), ولاية (wilāyah - province/jurisdiction), and توليّ (tawallī - sponsorship).
تولّى is a regular Form V verb in classical and Modern Standard Arabic. It follows standard conjugation patterns:
The verb typically takes a direct object (the thing being administered) in the accusative case, often introduced by prepositions like "على" (on/over), making constructions such as "تولّى على" (took charge over) or simply the accusative case directly.
In contemporary Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and in modern media, تولّى is extensively used in news reports, official statements, and formal announcements. You will frequently encounter this word when:
While تولّى generally means "to administrate" or "to assume responsibility," the specific connotation can vary based on context:
In Political Contexts: The word emphasizes the formal assumption of executive power. When a leader تولّى الحكم (takes power/rule), it indicates they have officially assumed governmental authority.
In Professional Settings: The term suggests taking on a leadership role or management position with full authority and responsibility.
In Personal Matters: تولّى can describe assuming responsibility for household matters, family affairs, or personal projects, emphasizing active direction rather than mere participation.
Several phrases featuring تولّى have become standard in Arabic discourse:
While تولّى is the primary term for assuming administrative responsibility, Arabic offers related verbs with subtle differences:
تولّى is distinctly formal and official, making it the preferred choice in governmental, corporate, and institutional contexts.
For English speakers learning Arabic, mastering تولّى requires attention to:
In Arab political and social discourse, the language used to describe transitions of power and leadership carries significant weight. The choice of تولّى versus other verbs can subtly convey different attitudes toward leadership changes. Understanding this word deeply helps learners appreciate not just the language but also the cultural and political contexts in which Arabic is used.
تولّى (tawallā) is an essential vocabulary item for anyone seeking to understand formal and official Arabic. Whether studying news, government documents, or historical texts, this verb appears frequently and carries important implications. By mastering its usage, conjugation, and contextual applications, learners can significantly enhance their ability to engage with sophisticated Arabic discourse about leadership, governance, and institutional management.