توتر
tawattur
The Arabic word for stress is توتر (tawattur).
The noun توتر is used to describe both psychological stress and physical or political tension (e.g., tension between two countries). To describe a person who is feeling stressed, use the active participle متوتر.
Meaning: emotional pressure (noun)
Which one should you use?
The term توتر is a common formal term used to denote stress. The term ضغط means pressure and can be used metaphorically to describe stress in formal contexts. The word إجهاد signifies strain or exhaustion and can be applied to mental stress in formal situations. The term عصبية refers to being edgy, tense or irritable and is used in informal contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
tawattur
Did you know?
- The word ضغط is the same word used to describe 'blood pressure' in a medical context.
- In many Arabic dialects, words meaning 'stress' or 'pressure' are used to describe a 'tight' or 'difficult' period of time, such as a financial crisis.
- While توتر refers to the feeling of stress, the active participle متوتر can be used to describe both a person and a 'tense atmosphere' in a room.
Examples in context
- يعاني جون من توتر شديد بسبب العمل.John is experiencing severe stress because of work.
- أنا مريض والضغط عليّ كبير جدًا هذه الفترة.I am sick, and the stress on me is very high recently.
- لا تزيد عصبيتك، الوضع مؤقت وسيتحسن قريبًا.Don't increase your stress, the situation is temporary, and it will improve soon.
- أشعر بالتوترI feel stressed
Example conversation
Layla and Omar are talking about work at a cafe.
- ليلى Laylaلماذا وجهك يبدو متعباً يا عمر؟limadha wajhuka yabdu mut'aban ya 'umar?Why does your face look tired, Omar?
- عمر Omarأنا أعاني من توتر العمل.ana a'ani min tawtur al-'amal.I am suffering from work stress.
- ليلى Laylaلا تدع هذا التوتر يؤثر عليك.la tada' hadha al-tawattur yu'athiru 'alayk.Don't let this stress affect you.
- عمر Omarسأحاول الاسترخاء الليلة.sa-uhawilu al-istirkha' al-layla.I will try to relax tonight.
