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ta'allama
to learn
تعلم (ta'allama) is a Form II verb meaning 'to learn' or 'to acquire knowledge.' It conveys the active process of studying and gaining understanding through effort and practice. This verb is commonly used in educational contexts and everyday situations when discussing the acquisition of skills, languages, or academic subjects.
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11
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تعلمت اللغة العربية في الجامعة.
Ta'allamtu al-lugha al-'arabiyya fi al-jami'a.
I learned Arabic at the university.
يتعلم محمد البرمجة من خلال الإنترنت.
Yata'allamu Muhammad al-barmaja min khilal al-intarnit.
Muhammad is learning programming through the internet.
تعلموا الدرس الجديد بسرعة كبيرة.
Ta'allamū ad-dars al-jadīd bi-sur'a kabīra.
They learned the new lesson very quickly.
هل تتعلمين العزف على البيانو؟
Hal tata'allamīn al-'azf 'ala al-biyānū?
Are you (feminine) learning to play the piano?
تعلمنا أهمية الاجتهاد من معلمينا.
Ta'alamnā ahammiyyat al-ijtihād min mu'allimīnā.
We learned the importance of hard work from our teachers.
In Arab culture, the pursuit of knowledge (talab al-'ilm) is highly valued and considered a religious and moral obligation in Islam. The concept of تعلم reflects this deep cultural emphasis on education and lifelong learning, with the Prophet Muhammad famously encouraging believers to 'seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.' Education is seen as a pathway to personal development and societal progress in Arab societies.
Remember that تعلم is reflexive and emphasizes the learner's active participation in the learning process, unlike some other verbs that might be more passive. When using this verb, you can follow it directly with the object being learned (e.g., تعلم اللغة = to learn the language) or use the preposition من (from) to indicate a source. The verb conjugates regularly in most tenses, making it reliable once you master Form II patterns.
تعلم (ta'allama) is one of the most fundamental verbs in Arabic, essential for any English speaker studying the language. This Form II verb carries the meaning of 'to learn' or 'to acquire knowledge' and represents the active, intentional process of gaining understanding through study and practice.
تعلم is derived from the root ع-ل-م ('-l-m), which relates to knowledge and learning in Arabic. As a Form II verb, it follows the pattern of فعّل (fa''ala), which typically indicates an intensive or causative action. The verb conjugates regularly in most tenses, making it accessible to learners once they understand Form II conjugation patterns.
تعلم is used across all contexts where learning occurs: academic, professional, personal, and recreational. You might use it when discussing learning a language, mastering a skill, understanding a concept, or acquiring any form of knowledge. The verb emphasizes the learner's active participation and effort in the learning process.
Common constructions include:
In Islamic and Arab tradition, the pursuit of knowledge is paramount. The Qur'an and Hadith contain numerous references to the importance of learning, and the Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said that seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim. This cultural backdrop makes تعلم a word that carries not just linguistic but also cultural weight in Arabic-speaking communities.
Understanding تعلم is easier when you know related words:
In daily conversation, you'll encounter تعلم frequently:
When using تعلم, remember that it's a reflexive verb emphasizing the learner's effort. Unlike verbs that might describe passive receipt of information, تعلم underscores active engagement. Pay attention to the prepositions that follow it—من (from) indicates the source of learning, while في (in) or على (on) indicate location or subject matter.
Practice using تعلم in your own sentences about what you're learning, and notice how native speakers employ it in various contexts. This will deepen your understanding of both the word and Arabic learning culture overall.