ارجع
irji'
The English phrase 'go back' is translated into Arabic as ارجع (irji').
The verb means to return to a place.
Meaning: to return to a place (verb)
Which one should you use?
The form ارجع is an imperative (command) form, whereas يرجع is the indicative form used to state that someone is returning.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ارجع is used for masculine subjects, while ارجعي is used when addressing a female. The form ارجعوا is used when addressing a group of people.
How do you pronounce it?
irji'
Did you know?
- The root of ارجع is shared with the word for 'echo', because an echo is essentially a sound that 'returns' to the listener.
- There is a related word رجوع used for 'returning' that also means 'recourse' or 'appeal' in legal contexts, such as when a lawyer seeks to reverse a judgment.
- The imperative form ارجع can sometimes sound incredibly abrupt or even rude if not accompanied by a polite particle, even if you are just asking someone to return to a seat.
Examples in context
- قَدْ انْتَهَيْتَ مِنْ مَهْمَتِكَ، يُرَجَّى أَنْ تَعُودَ إِلَى مَكَتَبِكَ.Since you have finished your task, please go back to your office.
- ارجع إلى البيت الآن.irja' ila al-bayt al-an.Go back to the house now.
- هل يجب أن ارجع؟hal yajibu an arji'?Do I have to go back?
- ارجع إلى المكتب بسرعة.irja' ila al-maktab bi-sur'a.Go back to the office quickly.
Example conversation
Ziad and Nour are walking in a park and realize they forgot something.
- زياد Ziadنسيت مفاتحي في السيارة!nasitu mafatihi fi as-sayyara!I forgot my keys in the car!
- نور Nourلا تقلق، يمكنك أن ارجع وتأخذها.la taqlaq, yumkinuka an arja' wa ta'khudhaha.Don't worry, you can go back and get them.
- زياد Ziadسأفعل ذلك بسرعة.sa'af'alu dhalika bisur'a.I will do that quickly.
- نور Nourسأنتظرك هنا يا زياد.sa'antadhiruka huna ya Ziyad.I will wait for you here, Ziad.
