قابَلَ — meaning in English: Met

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for to meet

حَرّ

قابَلَ

زَرْع

أقرَب، أقارِب

اِتِّخاذ

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Arabic for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word قابَلَ when talking about meetings or encounters, such as when discussing a recent catch-up with a friend or a professional meeting with a colleague. It can also be used in storytelling, where someone recounts a memorable encounter with a cultural figure or someone of significance.

Synonyms & nuances

While قابَلَ means 'met,' a similar word, التقى (iltaka), implies a more formal or possibly planned meeting. If you want to express a casual or spontaneous encounter, قابَلَ is the preferred choice, making it more versatile in everyday conversation.

Culture

The word قابَلَ is derived from the Arabic root ق ب ل, which relates to 'facing' or 'encountering.' In Arab cultures, personal encounters often hold significant value, emphasizing the importance of relationships and hospitality. This word also reflects the deep-rooted traditions of meeting and greeting in Arabic-speaking societies, which can often involve elaborate social rituals.

FAQ

Q.How do you use قابَلَ in a sentence?

You can use قابَلَ like this: 'قابلت صديقي في المقهى' which translates to 'I met my friend at the café.' It’s a straightforward way to talk about meeting someone.

Q.What is the past tense of قابَلَ?

The past tense of قابَلَ is قابَلَ (qaabala), and it is used to indicate that the meeting has already taken place. You might say 'قابلتُه' meaning 'I met him.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes with using قابَلَ?

One common mistake is confusing قابَلَ with other verbs that imply meeting but in different contexts. Remember, قابَلَ is generally used for informal or neutral situations rather than formal introductions.

Learn arabic with Maspeak →

Arabic 5000