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mana'a
to forbid
منع (mana'a) is a verb meaning 'to forbid,' 'to prohibit,' or 'to prevent.' It is commonly used to express the act of restricting someone from doing something or preventing an action from occurring. This word carries both literal and figurative meanings and is frequently used in formal contexts, rules, and everyday communication.
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منعت الحكومة بيع الكحول في الليل.
Mana'at al-hukuma baye' al-kuḥul fi al-layl.
The government forbade the sale of alcohol at night.
والداي منعاني من الخروج مع أصدقائي.
Walidāy mana'āni min al-khurūj ma'a aṣdiqāʾi.
My parents prevented me from going out with my friends.
لا يمكنك منع الآخرين من التحدث برأيهم.
Lā yumkinuka mana'a al-ākhirīn min al-taḥadduth bi-raʾyihim.
You cannot prevent others from speaking their opinion.
القانون يمنع التدخين في الأماكن العامة.
Al-qānūn yamna'u al-tadbkhīn fi al-amākin al-ʿāmma.
The law prohibits smoking in public places.
ما الذي يمنعك من محاولة مرة أخرى؟
Mā al-ladhī yamna'uka min muḥāwalat marra ukhrā?
What prevents you from trying again?
In Arabic-speaking cultures, the concept of prohibition (منع) is deeply embedded in Islamic law, social customs, and governmental regulations. The word is frequently encountered in religious contexts when discussing what is forbidden (حرام) according to Islamic principles. In modern daily life, it's used extensively in public announcements, traffic signs (ممنوع الدخول - 'Entry Forbidden'), workplace policies, and parental guidance.
منع is typically followed by the preposition 'من' (min) when indicating what someone is prevented from doing, as in 'منع من الدخول' (mana'a min al-dukhul - prevented from entering). Remember that this verb requires a direct object or a prepositional phrase to be complete. In formal writing and legal contexts, it's more commonly used than casual speech, though it appears regularly in everyday conversations as well.
The Arabic verb منع (mana'a) is one of the most commonly used verbs in the Arabic language, carrying the meaning of "to forbid," "to prohibit," or "to prevent." This fundamental verb appears in both modern standard Arabic (Fusha) and many regional dialects, making it essential for learners at all levels. Whether you're reading Arabic news, understanding Islamic principles, or navigating daily interactions, understanding منع is crucial for comprehensive language comprehension.
منع is a regular (triliteral) verb with the root م-ن-ع. Its conjugation follows standard Arabic verb patterns:
Past Tense (Perfect):
Present Tense (Imperfect):
منع is used in various contexts:
Legal and Formal Contexts: In government regulations and laws, منع expresses prohibitions. For example: "القانون يمنع التدخين في المستشفيات" (The law forbids smoking in hospitals).
Religious Context: In Islamic discourse, منع often relates to what is forbidden or permissible according to Islamic law. The related noun form "منع" can refer to something that is prohibited.
Personal and Social Contexts: Parents use منع when setting rules for children: "منعت ابنتي من استخدام الهاتف المحمول بعد منتصف الليل" (I forbade my daughter from using her mobile phone after midnight).
Prevention and Obstruction: منع also carries the meaning of "to prevent" or "to obstruct," as in: "لا شيء يمنعني من تحقيق أحلامي" (Nothing prevents me from achieving my dreams).
Understanding words related to منع enhances language learning:
While منع is the most direct translation of "to forbid," other Arabic verbs convey similar meanings with subtle differences:
In Arab cultures, the concept of prohibition represented by منع holds significant weight, particularly in:
Islamic Tradition: Islamic law (Sharia) categorizes actions as forbidden (حرام) or permissible (حلال), with منع being used to express these restrictions.
Social Norms: Traditional family structures often involve parents exercising their authority through منع, establishing boundaries for children and dependents.
Modern Governance: Contemporary Arabic-speaking nations use منع in legislation, public notices, and official communications.
Here are realistic scenarios where you'll encounter منع:
Preposition Awareness: Remember that منع typically requires the preposition "من" (min) when expressing what someone is prevented from doing: منع من + action.
Formal vs. Informal: While منع appears in both formal and informal contexts, it's particularly prevalent in official documents, laws, and formal writing.
Direct Object: Unlike some English usage, Arabic requires a clear object after منع. You cannot simply say "منع" without specifying what is being forbidden.
Recognition Forms: Learn the related noun (منع) and adjective (ممنوع) forms, as these appear frequently in signage and formal communications.
منع is an indispensable verb in the Arabic language, essential for understanding regulations, respecting cultural norms, and engaging in meaningful conversations. By mastering its various forms and understanding its cultural context, English speakers can significantly enhance their Arabic language proficiency and cultural awareness. Regular practice with منع in different contexts will help solidify its usage and make it a natural part of your Arabic vocabulary.