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Strike
الضربة (ad-darba) is an Arabic noun meaning 'strike' or 'blow,' referring to a forceful physical hit or impact. It can also metaphorically mean a sudden misfortune, setback, or adverse event. The word is commonly used in both literal contexts (sports, combat) and figurative contexts (economic crisis, personal tragedy).
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11
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تلقى الملاكم ضربة قوية على وجهه.
Talaqqa al-mullakm darba qawiya ala wajhihi.
The boxer received a strong strike to his face.
كانت وفاة والده ضربة قاسية له.
Kanat wafat waliduhu darba qasiya lahu.
His father's death was a harsh blow to him.
ألحقت العقوبات الاقتصادية ضربة بالاقتصاد الوطني.
Alhaqqat al-uqubat al-iqtisadia darba bil-iqtisad al-wataani.
The economic sanctions dealt a blow to the national economy.
وجهت لاعبة التنس ضربة قاتلة فازت بها بالمباراة.
Wajjahat laiaba at-tenis darba qatila fazat biha bil-mubarah.
The tennis player delivered a killer stroke that won her the match.
في ضربة واحدة، حقق الفريق الهدف.
Fi darba wahida, haqqaqa al-fariq al-hadaf.
In one strike, the team achieved the goal.
In Arabic culture, the word الضربة is used extensively in sports commentary, historical narratives, and everyday discourse to describe both physical impacts and metaphorical setbacks. The term carries emotional weight when used figuratively, reflecting the Arabic tendency toward expressive language. In Islamic contexts, the word may also reference historical events and battles, making it culturally and historically significant in Arab literature and media.
Remember that الضربة can function in both literal and figurative contexts; context clues will help determine which meaning applies. When used figuratively, it often conveys a sense of hardship or misfortune, so gauge the emotional tone of the sentence. The word is commonly used in sports terminology, news reporting about economic or political events, and personal narratives about difficult experiences.
The Arabic word الضربة (ad-darba) is a feminine noun meaning "strike," "blow," or "hit." It derives from the root ض-ر-ب (D-R-B), which relates to the concept of striking or hitting. This versatile word appears frequently in modern and classical Arabic, serving both literal and metaphorical functions.
In its most direct sense, الضربة refers to a physical strike or blow. This includes:
For example: "وجهت ضربة قوية بالسيف" (wajjahat darba qawiya bis-sayf) means "He delivered a powerful sword strike."
Beyond physical violence, الضربة is extensively used to describe:
This figurative usage reflects Arabic's expressive nature and emotional depth, allowing speakers to convey the weight and impact of difficult experiences.
الضربة is a feminine noun, always used with the feminine article ال (al-). Its plural form is ضربات (darrabat). When describing multiple strikes or blows, use the plural: "تلقى عدة ضربات" (He received several strikes).
Common grammatical patterns include:
Several established phrases use الضربة:
In Arabic media, literature, and daily conversation, الضربة appears frequently in news reports about economic crises, sports coverage, and personal narratives. Historical and military contexts also employ this word extensively when discussing battles and conflicts. The word carries emotional resonance, particularly when describing personal tragedies or national setbacks.
Mastering الضربة enhances your ability to discuss sports, understand news about economic or political events, and empathize with Arabic speakers describing difficult experiences. This word's dual nature—both literal and figurative—makes it invaluable for intermediate Arabic learners.