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Interviewed
مقابل (muqābil) is a versatile Arabic word that can function as a preposition, adjective, or noun meaning 'opposite,' 'facing,' 'in front of,' or 'in exchange for.' When used in the context of 'interviewed,' it refers to meeting someone face-to-face for an interview or conversation. This word is fundamental in Arabic and appears frequently in both formal and colloquial contexts.
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11
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قابلت المدير مقابل مكتبه الكبير.
Qābiltu al-mudīr muqābil maktabihi al-kabīr.
I interviewed the manager opposite his large office.
تم مقابلة المرشحين مقابل رسوم التقديم.
Tamma muqābalat al-murashshah۩īn muqābil rusūm al-taqdīm.
The candidates were interviewed in exchange for an application fee.
جلست مقابل النافذة وانتظرت الموعد.
Jalast muqābil al-nāfidha wa-intazart al-mawʿid.
I sat opposite the window and waited for the appointment.
كان لديّ مقابلة عمل مقابل الفندق الشهير.
Kāna ladayya muqābalat ʿamal muqābil al-funduq al-shahīr.
I had a job interview opposite the famous hotel.
يعمل بمقابل مادي جيد.
Yaʿmal bi-muqābil māddī jayyid.
He works for good monetary compensation.
In Arabic business culture, the word مقابل is essential when discussing interviews and negotiations. The concept of meeting 'face-to-face' (مقابلة) holds significant cultural importance in Arab societies, where direct personal contact is often preferred in professional and social contexts. Job interviews and business meetings are typically conducted in-person rather than virtually, reflecting traditional values of trust and personal relationships.
Remember that مقابل can function as both a preposition (meaning 'opposite' or 'in exchange for') and a noun (meaning 'interview' or 'meeting'). When discussing interviews, use the noun form 'مقابلة' (muqābalah) more frequently than just 'مقابل.' Pay attention to context: in formal business settings, it often refers to official interviews, while in daily conversation it simply means 'facing' or 'opposite.' The verb 'قابل' (qābala) means 'to meet,' making these words part of the same word family.
مقابل (muqābil) is a fundamental Arabic word with multiple meanings depending on its grammatical context. The most common uses include 'opposite,' 'facing,' 'in front of,' 'interview,' and 'in exchange for.' This versatility makes it an essential vocabulary item for anyone learning Arabic.
The word مقابل functions as several parts of speech. As a preposition, it means 'opposite' or 'facing,' typically used with other words. The noun form 'مقابلة' (muqābalah) specifically means 'interview' or 'meeting,' and is derived from the root ق-ب-ل (q-b-l), which relates to 'meeting' or 'receiving.' The verb form 'قابل' (qābala) means 'to meet' or 'to interview,' forming the basis of the noun.
When used as a preposition, مقابل indicates a spatial relationship or exchange:
The word مقابلة (muqābalah) is more commonly used when specifically referring to an interview:
Interviews (مقابلات) are an integral part of the hiring process in Arabic-speaking countries. The formal job interview structure is gaining prominence, though personal networks and connections often remain important in securing positions. In traditional Arab business culture, face-to-face meetings are preferred for their ability to establish trust and allow for more meaningful personal interaction.
Understanding مقابل is easier when you know related words:
Learners should familiarize themselves with these common phrases:
When learning to use مقابل correctly, remember that context is crucial. In formal business environments, you'll typically use مقابلة for 'interview.' When describing spatial relationships, use مقابل as a preposition. In everyday conversation, you might hear both the formal and colloquial versions, so exposure to native speakers is helpful.
Practice using this word in sentences about meeting people, interviews, and positional relationships. The more you use it in context, the more natural it will become. Pay special attention to how native speakers use it in news articles, business correspondence, and everyday conversation.