إكراه
ikrāh
The English word 'compulsion', meaning an irrational need to perform an action, is translated into Arabic as إكراه (ikrāh).
Meaning: irrational need to perform some action (noun)
Which one should you use?
While إكراه and إجبار are both formal terms for compulsion, ضغط is used in more informal contexts to convey the idea of compulsion.
How do you pronounce it?
ikrāh
Did you know?
- The word إكراه shares a root with the word كاره, meaning 'someone who hates' or 'dislikes' something.
- If you are describing a 'compulsive' habit in a medical sense, Arabic speakers might use the term قهر to imply a sense of being overwhelmed or defeated by a sensation.
- Arabic distinguishes between إكراه, which implies an external force, and internal psychological urges, which are often described using terms related to وسواس, meaning 'whisperings' or 'obsessions'.
Examples in context
- لا يجوز إجبار أحد على فعل شيء يخالف مبادئه.It is not permissible to compel someone to do something that contradicts their principles.
- ما تضغط عليّ، أنا أعرف ماذا أفعل.Don't pressure me, I know what I'm doing.
- ما قدرت أخلص التقرير، يمكن تحت الإجبار أسويه بكرا.I couldn't finish the report, maybe I'll do it tomorrow under compulsion.
Example conversation
Yousef and Sarah are discussing mental health.
- يوسف Youssefأعاني من إكراه لترتيب الأشياء بدقة.u'ani min ikrah li-tartib al-ashya' bi-diqqa.I have a compulsion to arrange things precisely.
- سارة Saraهل يزعجك هذا الأمر في يومك؟hal yuz'ijuka hadha al-amr fi yawmik?Does this bother you during your day?
- يوسف Youssefنعم، يأخذ من وقتي الكثير.na'am, ya'khudhu min waqti al-kathir.Yes, it takes up a lot of my time.
- سارة Saraربما يجب أن تستشير طبيباً يا يوسف.rubbama yajibu an tastashira tabiban ya Yousef.Perhaps you should consult a doctor, Yousef.
