تغيير
taghyīr
The English word 'change' can be translated into Arabic as تغيير (taghyīr).
تغيير is used to describe the act of changing something or the process of making something different. It functions as a noun describing the change itself or the act of changing something else.
Meaning: to become something different (verb)
Which one should you use?
While تغيير refers to the act of changing or causing a change, the verb تغيّر is used when something changes on its own, such as the weather. For instances involving replacement or substitution, the formal word تبديل is more appropriate.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Gulf countries, the word بدّل is commonly used for change.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
taghyīr
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using تغيير to mean that something is changing by itself (intransitive). Instead, use the verb تغيّر for things that change on their own, as تغيير specifically refers to the act of changing something else.
Did you know?
- In Arabic, the root غ ي ر associated with تغيير also forms the word for 'jealousy' غيرة. This connects the idea of 'change' to the desire to change a situation where a loved one is with someone else.
- If you say you are 'changing' your clothes using تغيير, a native speaker might think you are physically altering the fabric or tailoring the garment.
- While تغيير describes a general change, Arabic has a specific term تحوّل for a fundamental transformation, such as a caterpillar becoming a butterfly or a political system shifting.
Examples in context
- قرر ياني تغيير إشهاره.Yanni decided to change his commercial.This sentence shows the use of تغيير regarding a commercial.Tatoeba #11643592 by dididodo, translation #10013153 by Amastan
- لم يكن سامي يفكّر قطّ في تغيير دينه.Sami had no plan to change his religion at all.This sentence demonstrates the use of تغيير in the context of religion.Tatoeba #6977035 by OsoHombre, translation #6445384 by OsoHombre
- آمل أن أُحدث تغييرا إيجابيا على العالم.I hope to effect positive change in the world.This sentence illustrates the use of تغيير when talking about making an impact on the world.Tatoeba #1581490 by Amastan, translation #488481 by FeuDRenais
- أنا أرغب في تغيير حياتيI want to change my life.
- أحتاج إلى تبديل البطاريةI need to change the battery.
- حابب أغير ملابسيI want to change my clothes.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nour and Ahmed are discussing a home renovation project.
- نور Nourأريد تغيير لون هذه الغرفة.Urīdu taghyīr lawn hādhī al-ghurfa.I want to change the color of this room.
- أحمد Ahmedهل تظنين أن تغيير اللون سيساعد؟Hal taẓunnīna anna taghyīr al-lawn sayusā‘id?Do you think changing the color will help?
- نور Nourنعم، تغيير اللون سيجعلها تبدو أوسع.Na‘am, taghyīr al-lawn sayaj‘aluhā tabdū awsa‘.Yes, changing the color will make it look wider.
- أحمد Ahmedحسناً يا نور، لنبدأ تغييرها غداً.Ḥasanan yā Nour, linabda' taghyīrahā ghadan.Alright Nour, let's start changing it tomorrow.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
