أستطيع
'astaṭī'
The English phrase "I can" is translated into Arabic as أستطيع ('astaṭī').
أستطيع is used to express that someone has the ability or permission to do something.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb أستطيع is typically followed by the particle أن (meaning "that" or "to") before another verb is used.
How do you pronounce it?
'astaṭī'
Did you know?
- The root of أستطيع comes from the word طاقة, which refers to 'energy' or 'capacity'. To be able to do something in Arabic is literally to have the energy to do it.
- The word قدرة, related to the ability expressed in أقدر, is also the root for 'fate' or 'destiny' (قدر).
- Arabic often expresses 'i can' using the word ممكن, which means 'possible'. A speaker might say ممكن to mean 'i can' or 'it is possible for me'.
Examples in context
- أستطيع أن أراه الآن.I can see it now.This sentence is useful for practicing how to say you can see something currently.Tatoeba #5834016 by OsoHombre, translation #5828256 by OsoHombre
- أستطيع أن أعلمك شيئا.I can teach you something.This sentence is useful for expressing the ability to teach someone.Tatoeba #11985940 by dididodo, translation #1739454 by Amastan
- العب أين أستطيع أن أراك.Play where I can see you.This sentence is useful for describing a location based on where you are able to see someone.Tatoeba #11977467 by dididodo, translation #8094486 by Amastan
- أنا قادر على إكمال المشروع بمفرديI can complete the project on my own
- بقدر أساعدك في تحضير العشاءI can help you prepare dinner
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ziad asks Maryam if she can help him with his homework.
- زياد Ziadهل تستطيعين مساعدتي في الواجب؟Hal tastatī'īna musā'adatī fī al-wājib?Can you help me with the homework?
- مريم Maryamنعم، أستطيع مساعدتك الآن.Na'am, astatī'u musā'adataka al-ān.Yes, I can help you now.
- زياد Ziadشكراً لكِ يا مريم.Shukran laki yā Maryam.Thank you, Maryam.
- مريم Maryamلا شكر على واجب.Lā shukra 'alā wājib.You're welcome.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
