كبح
The English phrase 'hold back' can be translated into Arabic as كبح.
The verb كبح means to contain or to stop. A common idiomatic way to express the idea of holding back or reining something in is the phrase كبح جماح, which is often used for emotions or power.
Meaning: to contain, to stop (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form كبح is the past tense third-person singular masculine form, meaning 'he restrained' or 'he held back'. The present tense third-person singular masculine form is يكبح.
Did you know?
- In modern political Arabic, كبح جماح التضخم is the standard way to describe 'curbing inflation', treating the rising prices like a runaway horse.
- Using كبح to describe emotions often suggests a struggle between logic and passion, reflecting a classical Arabic literary theme of the 'soul' versus the 'desires'.
- In the idiom كبح جماح, the word جماح refers to a horse that is bolting or uncontrollable. To 'hold back' in this context is literally to stop a runaway animal.
Examples in context
- لا تمتنع عن مساعدة الآخرين.Don't hold back from helping others.
- اكتم رأيك للحفاظ على سلامة الجو.Hold back your opinion to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
- يجب كبح جماح الغضب.yajibu kabh jimaah al-ghadab.One must curb one's anger.
- حاولت كبح مشاعري في تلك اللحظة.hawaltu kabh masha'iri fi tilka al-lahzah.I tried to hold back my emotions at that moment.
- من الصعب كبح جماح التضخم.min al-sa'bi kabh jimaah al-tadakhum.It is difficult to curb inflation.
Example conversation
Sarah and Youssef are discussing an argument.
- سارة Saraهل استطعت كبح غضبك اليوم؟Hal istataʿta kabha ghadabika al-yawm?Were you able to hold back your anger today?
- يوسف Youssefنعم، حاولت أن أبقى هادئاً.Naʿam, hawaltu an abqā hādiʾan.Yes, I tried to stay calm.
- سارة Saraهذا جيد يا يوسف.Hādhā jayyid yā Youssef.That is good, Youssef.
- يوسف Youssefشكراً لسؤالك يا سارة.Shukran li-suʾāliki yā Sarah.Thank you for asking, Sarah.
