محاولة
muhawala
In Arabic, the word for to try or attempt is محاولة (muhawala).
The word محاولة is used to denote the act of trying or an attempt at something. It can also refer to an attack in certain contexts.
Meaning: to try (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the root ح–و–ل (ḥ-w-l), which relates to the concepts of changing, turning or attempting.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
While محاولة is the noun meaning 'an attempt', the related verb is حَاوَلَ (to attempt / to try). The present tense form 'he attempts' or 'he is attempting' is يُحَاوِلُ (yuḥāwilu).
How do you pronounce it?
muhawala
Did you know?
- In Arabic, the same root used for 'attempt' is used to describe the transition of time, such as the passing of a year. The word حول (hawl) can specifically refer to a full year of time.
- The root ح–و–ل also produces the word for 'power' or 'strength' (حول). In a common Islamic phrase, Muslims ask for 'Hawl' and 'Quwwah', meaning the strength and the capacity to effect change.
- The root ح–و–ل (ḥ-w-l) is also the basis for the word حول (hawl), which means 'around'. This links the idea of 'attempting' to the concept of 'turning' or 'circling' around a problem to find a solution.
Examples in context
- أفسد مكتب التحقيقات الفيدرالية محاولة لاغتيال العمدة مات براون.The FBI thwarted an assassination attempt against Mayor Matt Brown.This sentence shows how to use محاولة to describe an assassination attempt.Tatoeba #9840413 by OsoHombre, translation #3928760 by Amastan
- كيف ستكون الحياة إن لم تكن لدينا الشّجاعة على محاولة فعل أيّ شيء؟What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?This sentence uses محاولة in the context of having the courage to attempt something.Tatoeba #7238442 by OsoHombre, translation #2405165 by maesro
- في محاولة يائسة للهروب، اختطف توم حافلة مدرسية لكن الشرطة سرعان ما ألقت القبض عليه.In a desperate attempt to escape, Tom hijacked a school bus but was quickly captured by the police.This sentence illustrates the use of محاولة to describe a desperate attempt.Tatoeba #11250509 by Amghar, translation #3922869 by Amastan
- لقد قام بمحاولة جادة للفوز بالجائزة.He made a serious attempt to win the prize.
- حاول كتابة مقالة جيدة.Attempt to write a good article.
- جرب فتح الباب بلطف.Try to open the door gently.
Example conversation
Nour and Ziad are discussing a difficult puzzle.
- نور Nourهل هذه محاولة جديدة لحل اللغز؟Hal hadhihi muhawala jadida li-hall al-lughz?Is this a new attempt to solve the puzzle?
- زياد Ziadنعم، سأقوم بمحاولة أخيرة الآن.Na'am, sa-aqum bi-muhawala akhira al-an.Yes, I will make one last attempt now.
- نور Nourبالتوفيق يا زياد، أنت تستطيع فعلها.Bil-tawfiq ya Ziyad, anta tastati' fa'laha.Good luck Ziad, you can do it.
- زياد Ziadشكرًا يا نور، أتمنى أن تنجح هذه المرة.Shukran ya Nour, atamanna an tanjah hadhihi al-marra.Thanks Nour, I hope it succeeds this time.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
