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Expense
النفقة (an-nifqah) is an Arabic noun meaning 'expense,' 'expenditure,' or 'cost.' It refers to money spent or consumed for a particular purpose, and is commonly used in financial, legal, and everyday contexts to describe various types of spending.
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تبلغ نفقات البيت الشهرية حوالي ألف دولار.
Tablighu nifqātu al-bayt ash-shahiriyyah hawala alf dōlār.
The monthly expenses of the house amount to about one thousand dollars.
يجب أن نقلل النفقات غير الضرورية.
Yajib an naqallil an-nifqāt ghayru ad-darūriyyah.
We must reduce unnecessary expenses.
النفقة على التعليم استثمار في المستقبل.
An-nifqah 'alā at-ta'līm istiithmār fī al-mustaqbal.
Spending on education is an investment in the future.
كانت نفقات السفر أكثر من المتوقع.
Kānat nifqātu as-safar akthar min al-mutawaqqa'.
Travel expenses were more than expected.
تغطي الشركة جميع النفقات الطبية للموظفين.
Tughattī ash-sharikah jamī' an-nifqāt at-tibbiyyah lil-muwazzafīn.
The company covers all medical expenses for employees.
In Islamic law, النفقة has particular significance, referring to spousal maintenance and child support obligations. The concept is deeply embedded in Islamic family law and Arab culture, where financial responsibility is a fundamental aspect of family relationships. Understanding this word is essential for discussing family finances, business matters, and social welfare in Arab communities.
Remember that النفقة is typically used in the singular form for the concept of 'expense,' but can also appear in plural forms (نفقات) when discussing multiple expenses. The word is formal enough for business and legal contexts but also common in everyday conversation. Pay attention to prepositional phrases like 'نفقات على' (expenses for/on) which indicate the purpose of spending.
The Arabic word النفقة (an-nifqah) is a fundamental term in both everyday Arabic and formal financial discourse. It translates to 'expense,' 'expenditure,' or 'cost,' and is used to describe money spent for any purpose. Whether discussing household budgets, business finances, or legal matters, understanding this word is essential for English speakers learning Arabic.
النفقة literally refers to the act of spending or the amount of money spent. The root verb ينفق (yanfiq) means 'to spend,' and النفقة represents the noun form describing the expense itself. In Arabic, this word encompasses all types of spending—from personal household expenses to corporate budgets and governmental expenditures.
As a feminine noun, النفقة follows specific grammatical patterns in Arabic. When pluralized, it becomes نفقات (nifqāt). The word commonly appears with the definite article "ال" (al-), making it "النفقة" (the expense), and can be modified with adjectives like شهرية (shahiriyyah—monthly) to specify the type of expense. For example: "النفقات الشهرية" (al-nifqāt ash-shahiriyyah) means 'monthly expenses.'
In everyday Arabic conversation, النفقة appears frequently when discussing finances. Families might discuss "نفقات البيت" (nifqāt al-bayt—household expenses) or "نفقات التعليم" (nifqāt at-ta'līm—education expenses). Business professionals use phrases like "تقليل النفقات" (taqīīl an-nifqāt—reducing expenses) in work contexts. The word is neutral and appropriate in both formal and informal settings.
In Islamic law and Arab culture, النفقة holds particular importance beyond its general financial meaning. It refers to mandatory financial support that husbands must provide for wives and children, and fathers must provide for their families. This legal concept is codified in Islamic family law and is foundational to understanding Arab family structures and legal systems. The phrase "نفقة الزوجة" (nifqat az-zawjah—spousal support) has specific legal implications in Arab countries.
While several Arabic words relate to expense, each carries slightly different connotations. المصروف (al-masrūf) often refers to pocket money or personal spending, while التكلفة (at-taklafah) emphasizes the cost aspect, particularly in commercial contexts. الإنفاق (al-infāq) is the verbal noun form emphasizing the action of spending itself. Understanding these distinctions helps learners use the most appropriate term in context.
Several phrases using النفقة are essential for intermediate learners:
When learning النفقة, connect it with the verb ينفق (yanfiq—to spend) to solidify understanding of both forms. Practice using it with prepositional phrases, as "النفقة على" (expense for/on) is very common. Additionally, noting that it's a feminine noun will help with correct article and adjective agreement. Remember that in business and formal contexts, both the singular form النفقة and the plural form نفقات are frequently used.
مastering النفقة is crucial for anyone learning Arabic, whether for business, travel, or cultural understanding. Its prevalence in everyday conversation, combined with its importance in legal and financial contexts, makes it a high-value vocabulary word. By understanding its nuances, synonyms, and cultural significance—particularly in Islamic law—learners can communicate more effectively and comprehensively in Arabic-speaking environments.