ما زلت أتعلم
Ma ziltu ata'allam
The English phrase 'I am still learning' can be expressed in Arabic as ما زلت أتعلم (Ma ziltu ata'allam).
This phrase is used to state that you are continuing to acquire knowledge or a new skill. The components ما زلت or لا زلت translate to 'still' or 'yet', and the single word مازلت can also mean 'still'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ما زلت أتعلم and أنا لا زلت أتعلم are formal ways to express this idea. In a more colloquial or informal setting, you might use أنا لسا بتعلم or لسه بتعلم.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb أتعلم (ata'allam) is in the first-person singular present tense, which corresponds to 'I learn' or 'I am learning'.
How do you pronounce it?
Ma ziltu ata'allam
Did you know?
- The formal phrase ما زلت uses a verb that originally stems from the concept of 'ceasing' or 'stopping', making the phrase literally mean 'I have not yet ceased learning'.
- Arabic has a unique way of expressing continuous learning through the concept of طلب العلم (seeking knowledge). Rather than just 'learning', it is often framed as a lifelong quest or a physical journey.
- The particle لا (la) in the formal لا زلت can sometimes be used in poetry to express a wish that something never stops happening, such as 'may you never cease to learn'.
Examples in context
- ما زلت أتعلم اللغة العربيةI am still learning the Arabic language.
- أستاذ، أنا لا زلت أتعلم اللغة العربيةProfessor, I am still learning the Arabic language.
- ما زلت أتعلم اللغة العربية.ma ziltu ata'allamu al-lughata al-'arabiyya.I am still learning Arabic.
- ما زلت أتعلم العزف على البيانو.ma ziltu ata'allamu al-'azfa 'ala al-piano.I am still learning to play the piano.
- أنا ما زلت أتعلم الطبخ.ana ma ziltu ata'allamu al-tabkh.I am still learning how to cook.
Example conversation
Omar and Maryam are talking about their hobbies at a café.
- عمر Omarهل تتحدثين العربية بطلاقة يا مريم؟hal tatahaddathina al-'arabiyyata bi-talaqa ya Maryam?Do you speak Arabic fluently, Maryam?
- مريم Maryamلا، ما زلت أتعلم.la, ma ziltu ata'allam.No, I am still learning.
- عمر Omarأنتِ رائعة جداً يا مريم.anti ra'i'atun jiddan ya Maryam.You are very wonderful, Maryam.
- مريم Maryamشكراً لك يا عمر.shukran laka ya Omar.Thank you, Omar.
