مكافأة
mukāfa'ah
The English word reward is translated into Arabic as مكافأة (mukāfa'ah).
The term refers to a prize promised for a certain deed or catch.
Meaning: prize promised for a certain deed or catch (noun)
Which one should you use?
While مكافأة is a common way to express the concept, other forms exist depending on the context. The word ثَوَاب is a standard formal term for reward, while جَزَاء is also used as a formal term often specifically in a religious context. Additionally, مُكَافَأَة is frequently used in professional or work-related settings to mean reward or compensation.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
mukāfa'ah
Did you know?
- In many Arabic dialects, when someone performs a great act, people might say 'May God reward you' using the phrase جزاك الله خيرا (jazāk Allāhu khayran).
- The word مكافأة (mukāfa'ah) is derived from a root meaning 'to equal' or 'to be even', implying that a reward is something that matches the value of the effort exerted.
- The word جَزَاء can mean both 'reward' and 'punishment' depending on the context. In Arabic, it refers more broadly to the consequence or result of an action regardless of whether it is positive or negative.
Examples in context
- أعارض استخدام الموت عقوبةً. وأعارض استخدامه مكافأةً كذلك.I am against using death as a punishment. I am also against using it as a reward.This sentence is useful for showing the contrast between using something as a punishment versus a reward using مكافأة.Tatoeba #607888 by Samer, translation #2264 by Smoky
- كل جهد يستحق مكافأة.Every effort deserves a reward.This sentence illustrates that every effort deserves a مكافأة.Tatoeba #2943118 by shortiiboy, translation #2246 by shortiiboy
- سَتَتَلَقَّى ثَوَابًا عَظِيمًا عَلَى تَفَانِيكَYou will receive a great reward for your dedication.
- أعلنت الشركة عن مكافأة للفائز.a'lanat al-sharika 'an mukafa'a lil-fa'iz.The company announced a reward for the winner.
Example conversation
Sarah and Omar are discussing a lost pet.
- سارة Saraهل وضعت مكافأة لمن يجد القطة؟hal wada'ta mukafa'a liman yajid al-qitta?Did you offer a reward for whoever finds the cat?
- عمر Omarنعم، سأعطي مكافأة جيدة.na'am, sa-u'ti mukafa'a jayyida.Yes, I will give a good reward.
- سارة Saraعمر، أتمنى أن تجدها بسرعة.Omar, atamanna an tajidaha bi-sur'a.Omar, I hope you find her quickly.
- عمر Omarشكراً لكِ يا سارة.shukran laki ya Sarah.Thank you, Sarah.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
