What does it mean word for word?
The word اضطراب is derived from the root ḍ-r-b (ض ر ب), which relates to striking or hitting, implying a state of being struck or disturbed.
Which one should you use?
While اضطراب is the general term for agitation, other words specify the type of feeling. ارتباك describes a state of confusion, perplexity or disorientation. توتر primarily translates to tension or stress but can also encompass agitation. عصبية is used when the agitation results in being edgy or irritable.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Egyptian dialect, you can use the colloquial term عصبية to describe agitation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the noun is اضطرابات (iḍṭirābāt), which is often used when referring to multiple instances of unrest or various types of disturbances.
How do you pronounce it?
iḍṭirāb
Did you know?
- Because the root ضرب is so versatile, the word for 'agitation' is distantly related to Arabic words for 'playing a musical instrument' and 'traveling'.
- While اضطراب can describe a political riot, it is also the standard medical term for a 'disorder' or 'dysfunction' of a biological system.
- In the Egyptian dialect, calling someone عصبي can be a neutral description of their temperament rather than a criticism of their current state of agitation.
Examples in context
- أمل سامي أن يزول اضطراب ليلى.Sami was hopeful that Layla's agitation might be subsiding.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe someone's agitation subsiding using اضطراب.Tatoeba #9843323 by OsoHombre, translation #6134959 by OsoHombre
- بإمكان ذلك أن يهدىء اضطراب الشعب في الجزائر.That would calm people's agitation in Algeria.This sentence is useful for describing the calming of people's agitation using اضطراب.Tatoeba #9843322 by OsoHombre, translation #8602186 by Amastan
- شكله متعصب اليوم، مش عارف شو صار له.He seems agitated today, I'm not sure what happened to him.
- تشعر بالقلق والتوتر الشديد.She feels extreme anxiety and tension.
- حدث اضطراب في حركة المرور بسبب الحادث.hadatha idtirab fi harakat al-murur bi-sabab al-hadith.There was a disturbance in the traffic flow because of the accident.
Example conversation
Sara and Ahmed are discussing a tense situation at work.
- سارة Saraهل لاحظت اضطراب الموظفين في المكتب؟Hal lahazta idtirab al-muwazzafin fil-maktab?Did you notice the agitation of the employees in the office?
- أحمد Ahmedنعم، الجميع يشعرون بالقلق من القرار الجديد.Na'am, al-jami' yash'uruna bil-qalaq min al-qarar al-jadid.Yes, everyone is worried about the new decision.
- سارة Saraهذا اضطراب غير معتاد في بيئة العمل.Hadha idtirab ghayr mu'tad fi bi'at al-'amal.This is an unusual disturbance in the work environment.
- أحمد Ahmedيجب على المدير تهدئة الأمور بسرعة.Yajibu 'ala al-mudir tahdi'at al-umur bisur'a.The manager must calm things down quickly.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
