أخرق
akhraq
The English word 'clumsy' is translated into Arabic as أخرق (akhraq).
The term describes someone who is awkward, lacks physical coordination or is not graceful and dextrous.
Meaning: awkward, lacking coordination, not graceful, not dextrous (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of the adjective is خرقاء.
How do you pronounce it?
akhraq
Did you know?
- While أخرق is a standard adjective, an Arabic speaker might use the term ثقيل الظل (heavy of shadow) to describe someone whose 'clumsiness' is actually a lack of social grace or a 'heavy' personality.
- In old Arabic poetry, describing someone as أخرق could be a sharp insult to their upbringing or lack of refinement, rather than a comment on their balance.
- The root of أخرق is linked to the idea of something being 'pierced' or 'torn', suggesting a person who leaves things broken or damaged in their wake.
Examples in context
- هو ولد أخرق جداً.huwa walad akharq jiddan.He is a very clumsy boy.
- أنا أشعر أنني أخرق اليوم.ana ash'ur annani akharq al-yawm.I feel clumsy today.
- ذلك الكائن أخرق في حركته.dhalika al-ka'in akharq fi harakatihi.That creature is clumsy in its movements.
Example conversation
Layla and Yusuf are watching a clumsy puppy in the garden.
- ليلى Laylaانظر إلى ذلك الكلب، إنه أخرق!unzur ila dhalika al-kalb, innahu akharq!Look at that dog, he is clumsy!
- يوسف Youssefنعم، هو لا يعرف كيف يركض.na'am, huwa la ya'rif kayfa yarkud.Yes, he doesn't know how to run.
- ليلى Laylaيا له من حيوان مضحك.ya lahu min hayawan mudhik.What a funny animal.
- يوسف Youssefإنه لطيف رغم كونه أخرق.innahu latif raghma kawnih akharq.He is cute despite being clumsy.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries أخرق, CC BY-SA 4.0.
