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مغلق (mughlaq) is an adjective meaning 'closed' or 'shut,' describing something that is not open. It is commonly used to describe doors, windows, stores, roads, and other things that can be in a state of closure. The word can also be used metaphorically to describe closed-minded attitudes or sealed agreements.
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الباب مغلق الآن.
Al-bāb mughlaq al-ān.
The door is closed now.
المحل التجاري مغلق يوم الجمعة.
Al-maḥall at-tijāri mughlaq yawm al-jumʿah.
The shop is closed on Friday.
الطريق مغلق بسبب الإصلاحات.
At-ṭarīq mughlaq bi-sabab al-iṣlāḥāt.
The road is closed due to repairs.
نافذة الغرفة مغلقة بإحكام.
Nāfidhat al-ghurfa mughlaqah bi-iḥkām.
The room's window is tightly closed.
هذا الملف مغلق ولا يمكن تعديله.
Hādhā al-milaf mughlaq wa-lā yumkin taʿdīluhu.
This file is closed and cannot be modified.
In Arab culture, business hours are important and it's common for shops to close during prayer times (particularly Friday prayer) or in the afternoon for a siesta. Understanding whether establishments are open or closed is essential for daily life. The concept of 'closed' extends beyond physical spaces—Arabic speakers may describe minds, hearts, or opportunities as 'closed' when they are not receptive.
Remember that مغلق is an adjective, so it agrees with the noun it modifies in gender and number. For a feminine noun, use مغلقة (mughlaqah), and for plural nouns, use مغلقة (mughlaqah) for feminine plural or مغلقون/مغلقين (mughlaqūn/mughlaqīn) for masculine plural. Use this word with the verb 'to be' (يكون) when describing a state: 'The store is closed' (المحل مغلق).
The Arabic word مغلق (mughlaq) is a common adjective that means "closed" or "shut." It is used to describe the state of physical objects that are not open, such as doors, windows, shops, and roads. Beyond physical closures, the word can also be used metaphorically in Arabic to describe abstract concepts like closed minds, sealed agreements, or finished matters.
مغلق is derived from the root غ-ل-ق (gh-l-q), which relates to the concept of closing or sealing. As an adjective, it must agree with the noun it describes in gender and number:
The word is typically used with the verb كان (kāna - to be) in the present or past tense: "The door is closed" (الباب مغلق - al-bāb mughlaq).
Physical Objects: The most common use of مغلق is to describe physical doors, windows, and buildings:
Business and Commerce: You'll frequently hear this word in daily life regarding shops and offices:
Roads and Public Spaces: Traffic and transportation announcements often use this word:
In Arabic, مغلق extends beyond literal physical descriptions:
While مغلق is the primary word for "closed," you may encounter related terms:
The opposite of مغلق is مفتوح (maftūḥ), meaning "open."
When using مغلق, remember these important points:
Gender Agreement: Always ensure the adjective matches the gender of the noun. If describing a feminine noun like "دكان" (dukkān - shop is masculine) you use مغلق, but for "مدرسة" (madrasa - school, feminine), use مغلقة.
Verb Agreement: When using with the verb "to be," the structure is: subject + adjective (e.g., الباب مغلق).
Context Matters: The same word used for a physical door being shut can describe an intangible closed opportunity or unwilling attitude, so pay attention to context.
Common Expressions: Familiarize yourself with set phrases like "القضية مغلقة" (the case is closed) which are used idiomatically in formal contexts.
In Arab countries, understanding business hours and closure times is essential for daily life. Many shops and services close during prayer times, especially Friday afternoon, and often have a midday break. Knowing when places are مغلق helps you plan your day effectively. Additionally, the phrase "باب مغلق" (a closed door) carries cultural weight, symbolizing lost opportunities or barriers, making it a common metaphor in Arabic literature and conversation.