دَعَا
daʕā
The English phrase 'invite' can be translated into Arabic as دَعَا (daʕā) or عَزَمَ.
Meaning: ask for the presence or participation of someone (verb)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| دَعَا | daʕā |
| عَزَمَ | ʕazama |
The verb دَعَا is a broad term used to mean inviting someone, calling out to someone or even praying and supplicating to God. In contrast, عَزَمَ is used specifically for inviting someone to a social gathering, a feast or a meal.
Which one should you use?
دَعَا is a general term that covers calling, inviting and praying. عَزَمَ is a more specific term used when the context involves a social event or a meal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The present tense of دَعَا is يَدْعُو (yad'ū), meaning 'he invites' or 'he calls'. The present tense of عَزَمَ is يَعْزِمُ (ya'zimu), meaning 'he invites'. Additionally, the noun دَعْوَة (da'wah) is used to mean 'an invitation' and is derived from the root of دَعَا.
How do you pronounce it?
daʕā
Did you know?
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, it is common to offer a 'polite invitation' using عَزَمَ that the guest is expected to decline several times before finally accepting.
- The word دَعْوَة (da'wah) is used globally in English-speaking Muslim communities to refer to the act of inviting people to Islam.
- The root of عَزَمَ relates to 'determination', implying that once a host invites you to a meal, they have firmly resolved to provide for you.
Examples in context
- دَعَا الرَّجُلُ صَدِيقَهُ إِلَى الْعَشَاءِ.da'a ar-rajulu sadiqahu ila al-'ashaa'.The man invited his friend to dinner.
Example conversation
Layla and Omar are talking about a party.
- ليلى Laylaهل دَعَاك عمر إلى الحفل؟Hal da'āka Omar ilā al-hafl?Did Omar invite you to the party?
- عمر Omarنعم، دَعاني بالأمس.Na'am, da'ānī bil-ams.Yes, he invited me yesterday.
- ليلى Laylaهل ستذهب معه؟Hal sata-dhabu ma'ahu?Will you go with him?
- عمر Omarبالطبع، سأذهب بالتأكيد.Bil-tab'i, sa-adhabu bil-ta'kīd.Of course, I will definitely go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “invite” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
