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Strength
القوّة (al-quwwa) is a feminine noun meaning 'strength,' 'power,' or 'force' in Arabic. It represents both physical strength and abstract power, and is commonly used in contexts ranging from personal capability to political or military power. The word is fundamental to Arabic discourse and appears frequently in literature, media, and everyday conversation.
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لديه قوّة كبيرة في الرياضة.
Ladayhu quwwa kabīra fi al-riyāda.
He has great strength in sports.
القوّة الجسدية ليست كل شيء في الحياة.
Al-quwwa al-jasadiyya laysat kull shay' fi al-hayāt.
Physical strength is not everything in life.
تحتاج إلى قوّة نفسية لتحقيق أحلامك.
Tahtāj ilā quwwa nafsiyya litahqīq ahlāmak.
You need mental strength to achieve your dreams.
قوّة الدول تعتمد على اقتصادها.
Quwwat al-duwal ta'tamid 'alā iqtisādihā.
The power of nations depends on their economy.
اجتمعوا بقوّة واحدة لحل المشكلة.
Ijtama'ū bi-quwwa wāhida lihal al-mushkila.
They united with one force to solve the problem.
In Arabic culture and Islamic tradition, strength (قوّة) is highly valued as a virtue. The Qur'an emphasizes physical and spiritual strength, and the concept appears throughout Arabic literature, poetry, and historical narratives. In modern Arab societies, discussions about national and military strength remain central to political discourse, while personal strength and resilience are admired qualities in individuals.
Remember that القوّة is feminine (quwwa), so adjectives and verbs must agree with this gender. The word can be used literally for physical strength or metaphorically for any type of power or capability. When referring to a specific type of strength, you can add an adjective (e.g., قوّة جسدية for physical strength, قوّة عقلية for mental strength). Be aware that context matters—what type of 'power' or 'strength' you're discussing may require specific additional words.
The Arabic word القوّة (al-quwwa) is one of the most fundamental and widely used terms in the Arabic language. It translates to "strength," "power," or "force" and encompasses both physical and abstract dimensions of capability and authority.
القوّة is a feminine noun (though the concept applies universally). The word comes from the root ق-و-ي (q-w-y), which relates to strength and capability. This root gives rise to several related words including the adjective قوي (strong) and the verb يقوي (to strengthen).
In Arabic, القوّة is remarkably versatile. It can refer to literal physical strength, such as muscular power needed for athletics or physical labor: "لديه قوّة كبيرة" (he has great strength). However, it equally describes abstract forms of power—mental fortitude, emotional resilience, political authority, military might, or the force of natural phenomena.
This flexibility makes القوّة essential vocabulary for comprehending Arabic literature, news, and everyday discourse. You might hear it applied to a person's determination, a nation's economic influence, or the intensity of a storm.
When discussing personal capability or resilience, Arabs frequently use القوّة. Phrases like "قوّة الإرادة" (willpower) or "القوّة النفسية" (psychological strength) illustrate how the word extends beyond the purely physical.
In news and political discussion, القوّة often references national or military power. "قوة الجيش" (military strength) or "قوة الدولة" (state power) are common expressions in Arab media and academic discourse.
Islamic tradition and Arabic literature frequently invoke القوّة in spiritual contexts, emphasizing moral strength and inner fortitude as superior to mere physical power.
Because القوّة is feminine, any adjectives or verbs describing it must maintain feminine agreement. For example: "القوّة الكبيرة" (great strength—feminine) or "قوّة قوية" (strong power). This grammatical feature is crucial for learners to master for proper Arabic expression.
In Arab and Islamic culture, strength occupies a position of high regard. The Islamic tradition teaches that seeking strength—both physical and spiritual—is commendable. This cultural valuation is reflected throughout Arabic literature, poetry, proverbs, and historical narratives where strength (often combined with wisdom) is presented as a cardinal virtue.
Understanding القوّة is enhanced by learning its semantic family:
When learning القوّة, remember:
القوّة is far more than a simple vocabulary word; it's a concept woven into Arabic language, culture, and thought. Mastering its usage will enhance your comprehension of Arabic media, literature, and conversations while providing insight into cultural values and worldviews.