قوي
qawiy
The Arabic word for powerful is قوي (qawiy).
قوي is used to describe someone or something that is capable of exerting power, potency or influence. It is also the standard word used to say someone is "strong" in terms of physical strength.
Meaning: having or capable of exerting power, potency or influence (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
It takes the feminine form قوية when describing a feminine noun, and the feminine plural form قويات when describing a feminine plural noun. In its standard form, the word features a geminate (doubled) consonant on the 'y', which is emphasized in pronunciation.
How do you pronounce it?
qawiy
Did you know?
- In certain Gulf dialects, the word can be used metaphorically to describe someone who is 'sharp' or 'clever' in their dealings.
- The concept of being 'powerful' is often paired with أمين, meaning 'trustworthy', because in Arabic culture, power without integrity is seen as tyranny.
- One of the 99 Names of God in Islam is القوي, meaning 'The All-Powerful'. In this context, the definite article ال transforms the adjective into a unique proper noun.
Examples in context
- تملك الجزائر جيشا قويا.Algeria has a powerful army.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe a powerful army.Tatoeba #10795003 by Amghar, translation #8122880 by Amastan
- تحتاج الجزائر لجيش قوي.Algeria needs a powerful army.This sentence is useful for expressing a need for a powerful army.Tatoeba #10795005 by Amghar, translation #8551845 by Amastan
- تملك الجزائر جيشا قويا جدا.Algeria has a very powerful army.This sentence is useful for adding emphasis to the description of a powerful army.Tatoeba #10795017 by Amghar, translation #8104196 by Amastan
- هو رجل قويHe is a powerful man.
- هذه الشركة لديها نفوذ قويThis company has a strong influence.
- تلك الأغنية تأخذني إلى عالم قويThat song takes me to a powerful world.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A discussion about a political leader in a cafe.
- سارة Saraهل هو قائد قوي؟hal huwa qa'id qawi?Is he a powerful leader?
- أحمد Ahmedنعم، هو رجل قوي جدا.na'am, huwa rajul qawi jiddan.Yes, he is a very powerful man.
- سارة Saraلديه تأثير واسع.ladayhi ta'thir wasi'.He has a wide influence.
- أحمد Ahmedصحيح، هو شخص قوي.sahih, huwa shakhs qawi.True, he is a powerful person.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
