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Service
#13
الخدمة (al-khidma) is a feminine noun meaning 'service' in Arabic. It refers to the act of serving, providing assistance, or the work/duty performed for someone. The word is widely used in both formal and informal contexts, from customer service to religious service, and is fundamental to Arabic business and social vocabulary.
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هذا المطعم يقدم خدمة عملاء ممتازة.
Hadha al-mat'am yuqaddim khidma umala' mumtaza.
This restaurant provides excellent customer service.
أعمل في مجال خدمة المجتمع.
A'mal fi majal khidma al-mujtama'.
I work in the field of community service.
الخدمة العسكرية إلزامية في بعض الدول العربية.
Al-khidma al-'askariya ilzamiya fi ba'd al-duwal al-'arabiya.
Military service is mandatory in some Arab countries.
شكراً على خدمتك وتعاونك معنا.
Shukran 'ala khidmatik wa-ta'awunik ma'ana.
Thank you for your service and cooperation with us.
نحن نسعى لتحسين جودة الخدمات المقدمة.
Nahnu nas'a li-tahsin jawda al-khidmat al-muqaddama.
We strive to improve the quality of services provided.
Service (الخدمة) holds significant cultural importance in Arab societies, where hospitality and service are deeply valued virtues rooted in Islamic principles and Bedouin traditions. The concept extends beyond commercial transactions to encompass community service, military service, and familial duties. In modern Arab countries, the term is frequently used in business contexts, government services, and customer care industries, reflecting both traditional values and contemporary professionalism.
Remember that الخدمة is a feminine noun (takes feminine articles and adjectives), so you'll see 'خدمة جيدة' (good service) not 'خدمة جيد'. The plural form is 'خدمات' (khidmat). Pay attention to context: it can mean a single act of service, a job/position, or an entire industry (e.g., خدمات التوصيل = delivery services). When used with possessive pronouns, it becomes 'خدمتك' (your service), 'خدمتنا' (our service), etc.
الخدمة (al-khidma) is a feminine Arabic noun that translates to 'service' in English. This fundamental word encompasses the concept of serving, providing assistance, performing work for someone, or offering a product/function that meets a customer's needs. Understanding this word is essential for anyone learning Arabic, as it appears frequently in both everyday conversations and formal business contexts.
As a feminine noun in Arabic, الخدمة takes the feminine article 'ال' (al-) when used definitively. The word follows standard Arabic noun patterns and can be pluralized to 'خدمات' (khidmat). When possessive pronouns are added, the structure changes: 'خدمتي' (my service), 'خدمتك' (your service), 'خدمته' (his service), etc.
The versatility of الخدمة makes it suitable for various contexts:
Commercial and Business: In customer-facing industries, 'خدمة العملاء' (customer service) is a critical term. Companies strive to provide 'خدمات عالية الجودة' (high-quality services) to maintain customer satisfaction.
Social and Community: 'الخدمة الاجتماعية' (social services) refers to government or non-governmental programs providing support to communities. Many Arabs take pride in 'خدمة المجتمع' (community service) as a moral and religious obligation.
Military and National: 'الخدمة العسكرية' (military service) is mandatory in several Arab countries. This reflects the formal, official nature the word can convey.
Religious Context: Islam emphasizes 'خدمة الدين' (service to religion) and serving one's community as religious duties. This spiritual dimension adds depth to the word's cultural significance.
'في خدمتك' (at your service) is a polite, traditional expression used to indicate readiness to help someone. 'خدمات الإنترنت' (internet services) and 'خدمات البنوك' (banking services) represent modern usage of the term.
In Arab culture, the concept of service is deeply rooted in Islamic principles and historical Bedouin values emphasizing hospitality and generosity. The idea of serving others—whether as an obligation or virtue—remains important in contemporary Arab society. From a business perspective, the rise of service industries reflects the modernization of Arab economies while maintaining these traditional values of respect and duty.
When learning الخدمة, remember its feminine gender—this affects adjectives and other modifiers that must agree in gender. Pay attention to the context where the word appears, as it can refer to a single act of service, a job position, or an entire industry or sector. Practice using it with common collocations like 'جودة الخدمة' (quality of service) and 'رضا العملاء' (customer satisfaction) to build practical vocabulary.
Understanding related words enriches your comprehension: 'خادم' (servant), 'يخدم' (he/she serves), 'خدمات' (services), 'العامل' (worker), and 'المهنة' (profession). These words form a semantic family that helps deepen understanding of service-related concepts in Arabic.
الخدمة is more than a simple business term; it represents a cultural value in Arab societies. Whether discussing customer service, military duty, social support, or religious obligation, this word carries weight and significance. Mastering its usage will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Arabic across formal and informal settings.