قوة
quwwa/quw.wa/
The English word "strength" is translated into Arabic as قوة (quwwa).
The word قوة is a versatile noun that can mean strength, power, force or physical might depending on how it is used in a sentence.
Meaning: quality of being strong (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective for "strong" is قوي, which is derived from the same root as قوة. When using the noun in the plural, use قوى to refer to powers or strengths and قوات to refer to forces.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /quw.wa/ (quwwa).
Did you know?
- The term قوة is used in legal contexts to describe a 'force majeure' or an irresistible power that prevents a contract from being fulfilled.
- The root letters of قوة are shared with words meaning 'ability' and 'capacity', linking the concept of strength to competence.
- The plural form قوات is almost exclusively reserved for organized military units or armed forces, rather than just general 'strengths'.
Examples in context
- مَن لا معرفة لديه لا قوة له.A people without knowledge is a people without strength.This sentence uses قوة to illustrate the relationship between knowledge and strength.Tatoeba #4935133 by Safa_Alfulaij, translation #4933258 by AlanF_US
- إلى كل أولئك الذي يتساءلون إن كان ضوء أمريكا ما يزال يشع بنفس السطوع: أثبتنا الليلة مرةً أخرى أن قوة أمتنا الحقيقية لا تأتي من قوة جيوشنا أو حجم ثروتنا، بل من القوة الدائمة لمبادئنا: الديموقراطية، والحرية، والفرص وأملنا الثابت.To all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.This sentence uses قوة to describe the various types of strength and power within a nation.Tatoeba #862192 by Samer, translation #330536 by sugisaki
- يمتلك البطل قوة هائلة في هذه المعركة.The hero possesses immense strength in this battle.
- قوتها وشدة إرادتها تلهم الجميع.Her strength and determination inspire everyone.
- أظهر قوّته الكاملة في هذه الرياضة.He demonstrated his full strength in this sport.
Example conversation
Ahmed and Sarah are talking about a difficult sports training session.
- أحمد Ahmedأنتِ تملكين قوة كبيرة يا سارة.anti tamlikīna quwwatan kabīratan yā Sarah.You have great strength, Sarah.
- سارة Saraشكرًا لك، لكنني أشعر بالتعب.shukran lak, lākinnanī ash‘uru bi-al-ta‘ab.Thank you, but I feel tired.
- أحمد Ahmedهذا أمر طبيعي بعد التمرين.hādhā amrun ṭabī‘ī ba‘da al-tamrīn.That is normal after training.
- سارة Saraسأحاول استعادة قوتي غدًا.sa-uḥāwilu istia‘āda quwwatī ghadan.I will try to regain my strength tomorrow.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry قوة, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
