تلاعب
talā‘ub
The English word manipulation is translated into Arabic as تلاعب (talā‘ub).
تلاعب is a noun used to describe devious management.
Meaning: devious management (noun)
Which one should you use?
The colloquial word نصب is used to describe manipulation in the sense of deception.
How do you pronounce it?
talā‘ub
Did you know?
- While تلاعب is the standard term for manipulation, the word for a 'con artist' is نصاب, which comes from the root meaning to 'set up' or 'erect' a trap.
- The root of تلاعب is the same as the word for 'play' or 'game'. This implies that manipulation in Arabic is conceptualized as treating a serious situation like a game.
- In Arabic, the word تلاعب can be used to describe 'manipulating' physical objects, such as a magician's sleight of hand, as well as psychological manipulation.
Examples in context
- هذا تلاعب بالحقائق.Hādhā talā'ub bil-ḥaqā'iq.This is a manipulation of the facts.
Example conversation
Sarah and Ahmed are discussing a news report about a dishonest politician.
- سارة Saraهذا الخبر يظهر تلاعباً واضحاً.Hādhā al-khabar yuẓhiru talā'uban wāḍiḥan.This news shows clear manipulation.
- أحمد Ahmedنعم، إنه تلاعب مبالغ فيه.Na'am, innahu talā'ub mubālagh fīh.Yes, it is exaggerated manipulation.
- سارة Saraلا يجب أن نصدقهم يا أحمد.Lā yajibu an nuṣaddiqahum yā Aḥmad.We should not believe them, Ahmed.
- أحمد Ahmedأنتِ على حق يا سارة.Anti 'alā ḥaqq yā Sārah.You are right, Sarah.
