لا يقاوم
The English word 'irresistible' is translated into Arabic as لا يقاوم.
The phrase لا يقاوم is used to describe something that is not able to be resisted. This includes both physical attractiveness, such as an irresistible person and abstract qualities, such as an irresistible urge.
Meaning: not able to be resisted (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the negation particle لا (not) and the verb يقاوم (he/it resists).
How does it change in a sentence?
To agree with a feminine subject, the verb changes from the masculine يقاوم to the feminine لا تقاوم.
Did you know?
- The verb يقاوم is also the standard term used in political contexts for 'resistance' or 'fighting back' against an occupying force, giving the phrase a hidden layer of strength and struggle.
- In some Arabic dialects, describing someone as لا يقاوم can be considered overly bold or flirtatious, as the literal meaning of 'cannot be resisted' implies a loss of willpower.
- The negation particle لا is a direct relative of the Hebrew word לֹא ('lo'), showing that both languages have preserved this same way of saying 'no' for thousands of years.
Examples in context
- أصبحت ليلى جذّابة بشكل لا يقاوم.Layla became irresistible.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe someone as becoming irresistible using لا يقاوم.Tatoeba #6101791 by OsoHombre, translation #5883140 by OsoHombre
- كان عرض العمل لا يقاوم.kana ʿard al-ʿamal la yuqawam.The job offer was irresistible.
Example conversation
Ahmed and Nour are at a cafe discussing a dessert.
- نور Nourهل تريد تجربة هذا الكعك؟hal turid tajribat hadha al-kaʻk?Do you want to try this cake?
- أحمد Ahmedنعم، شكله لا يقاوم!naʻam, shaklahu la yuqawam!Yes, it looks irresistible!
- نور Nourأنا أتفق معك تماماً.ana attafiqu maʻaka tamamam.I completely agree with you.
- أحمد Ahmedسأطلب قطعة واحدة الآن.sa-atlub qit'ah wahidah al-an.I will order one piece now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries لا, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
