أعتقد
The English phrase "i believe" is translated into Arabic as أعتقد.
أعتقد is used to express an opinion or a thought, similar to saying "I think".
What does it mean word for word?
The word أعتقد is a first-person singular present tense verb. The prefix أ (a-) denotes "I".
Which one should you use?
While أعتقد is used for opinions or thoughts, the form أؤمن is used for expressing religious faith or deep-seated convictions.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb أعتقد is almost always followed by the particle أن (that) when introducing a clause. To express "I believed" in the past tense, use the form اعتقدت.
Did you know?
- The root of أعتقد is related to the concept of a 'knot' or something tightly tied. Historically, this implies that a belief is something tied firmly in the mind and cannot be easily undone.
- The distinction between أعتقد (opinion) and أؤمن (faith) is so sharp that using أؤمن for a simple opinion about a movie or a meal would sound like you are treating the subject as a divine revelation.
- In classical Arabic literature, the act of 'believing' is often expressed through the heart rather than the mind. While English speakers 'think' or 'believe' with their heads, Arabic often associates these convictions with the قلب (qalb), which means 'heart'.
Examples in context
- أعتقد أن ما تقوله صحيح.I believe what you said is true.This sentence shows how to use أعتقد to express belief in the truth of a statement.Tatoeba #394041 by saeb, translation #961157 by Adou_Fr
- أعتقد أنه ثمة طرقة أخرى.I believe that there are other ways.This sentence uses أعتقد to suggest the existence of other ways.Tatoeba #5831639 by OsoHombre, translation #5828249 by OsoHombre
- أعتقد أنه سيصبح غنياً يوماً ما.I believe he is going to be rich one day.This sentence demonstrates using أعتقد to express a belief about someone's future.Tatoeba #384280 by saeb, translation #289023 by CK
- أنا أؤمن بالمساواة للجميعI believe in equality for all.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Omar and Nour are discussing where to eat lunch.
- عمر Omarأعتقد أن هذا المطعم جيد.A'taqid anna hadha al-mat'am jayyid.I believe this restaurant is good.
- نور Nourلكن قائمة الطعام غالية جداً.Lakin qa'imat al-ta'am ghalia jiddan.But the menu is very expensive.
- عمر Omarأعتقد أن الجودة تستحق الثمن.A'taqid anna al-jawda tastahiqq al-thaman.I believe the quality is worth the price.
- نور Nourحسناً، لنذهب إلى هناك إذاً.Hasanan, linadhhab ila hunak idhan.Okay, let's go there then.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
