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Cheap
رخيص (rakhīṣ) is an adjective meaning 'cheap' or 'inexpensive,' describing something that costs little money or has low value. It can also carry the secondary meaning of 'despicable' or 'vile' in certain contexts, though the commercial sense is most common in modern usage. This word is frequently used in everyday shopping and economic discussions throughout the Arab world.
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11
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هذا الفستان رخيص جداً وجميل الشكل.
Hādhā al-fustān rakhīṣ jiddan wa-jamīl ash-shakl.
This dress is very cheap and has a beautiful style.
لا أشتري من هذا المتجر لأن منتجاته رخيصة الجودة.
Lā ashtarī min hādhā al-mutjjir li-anna muntajātuh rakhīṣat al-jawdah.
I don't shop at this store because its products are cheap in quality.
وجدت سعراً رخيصاً للتذاكر في السوق.
Wajadt si'ran rakhīṣan li-at-tadhākir fi as-sūq.
I found an inexpensive price for tickets in the market.
الأسعار رخيصة في هذا الموسم.
Al-as'ār rakhīṣah fī hādhā al-mawsim.
The prices are cheap this season.
لا تشتر منتجات رخيصة الثمن بدون التحقق من جودتها.
Lā tashtarī muntajāt rakhīṣat ath-thaman bidūn at-tahqquq min jawdatihā.
Don't buy low-priced products without verifying their quality.
In Arab markets and souks, bargaining over prices is a cultural tradition, and describing items as رخيص is common when negotiating deals. The word reflects the Arab emphasis on value-for-money, particularly in traditional shopping contexts. Additionally, in older literary contexts, رخيص can carry moral connotations of something being worthless or despicable, though this usage is less common in contemporary vernacular.
Remember that رخيص agrees with the noun it modifies in gender and number—use رخيصة for feminine nouns and رخيصون/رخيصات for plural forms. Be careful not to confuse cheapness with poor quality; many items can be رخيص yet maintain good quality. When bargaining in markets, Arabs often use this word to negotiate better prices, so understanding its nuances helps in authentic communication.
The Arabic word رخيص (rakhīṣ) is one of the most commonly used adjectives when discussing prices and value in everyday Arabic conversation. As an English speaker learning Arabic, understanding this word and its various contexts will significantly enhance your ability to shop, negotiate, and discuss economic matters in Arabic-speaking regions.
رخيص literally translates to 'cheap' or 'inexpensive,' describing anything that has a low price or costs little money. In modern Arabic, this is the primary and most frequently used meaning. The word derives from a root that historically could indicate something worthless or of little value, which explains why it can occasionally carry negative connotations when referring to quality rather than price.
As an adjective, رخيص must agree with the noun it modifies in several ways:
Example: "سيارة رخيصة" (sayārah rakhīṣah) - a cheap car (the adjective agrees with the feminine noun).
The word رخيص appears frequently in:
It's crucial to understand that in Arabic, describing something as رخيص refers to its price point, not necessarily its quality. A product can be رخيص (cheap) yet maintain excellent quality, or it can be رخيص and of poor quality. Context determines the implication.
When emphasizing quality alongside price, Arabs often combine this word with other descriptors: "سلعة رخيصة عالية الجودة" (goods that are cheap but high quality).
In traditional Arab markets (souks), the concept of رخيص is central to the shopping experience. Bargaining is a cultural practice, and vendors and customers negotiate prices regularly. Saying "هذا السعر غير رخيص" (this price is not cheap) is a standard opening negotiation phrase.
The word reflects the Arab cultural emphasis on obtaining fair value and good deals. Shopping is often a social activity, and discussing prices and finding رخيص items is part of the engagement.
In classical Arabic literature and older texts, رخيص can mean 'vile,' 'despicable,' or 'worthless.' This archaic usage is rarely encountered in modern conversational Arabic but may appear in literary or formal contexts. Modern speakers focus almost exclusively on the price-related meaning.
To use رخيص effectively, learners should familiarize themselves with related words:
Here are realistic scenarios where you'd use رخيص:
When learning to use رخيص correctly:
Understanding رخيص (rakhīṣ) opens doors to authentic economic conversations in Arabic. Whether you're shopping in a bustling souk, discussing prices online, or simply chatting about the cost of living, this word is invaluable. By practicing its proper grammatical agreement and understanding its cultural significance in Arab societies, you'll communicate more naturally and effectively with native speakers.