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دَقيقة، دَقائِق — meaning in English: Minutes, minutes

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كَسْب
شِتاء
حَلَّ، يَحُلُّ، الحَلّ
دَقيقة، دَقائِق
عن كَثَب
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neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers commonly use the word دَقيقة، دَقائِق when discussing time, whether in casual conversations or during formal meetings. For instance, one might say, 'I will be there in five دَقائِق' when confirming a meeting time, showing its relevance in both personal and professional contexts.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 'سَاعة' (sa'ah), which means 'hour.' However, دَقيقة is specifically used to indicate minutes, making it essential for precise time discussions. You would choose دَقيقة when you need to convey short increments of time, while سَاعة would be more appropriate for longer durations.
Culture
The word دَقيقة shares roots with the Arabic verb دَقَّ, meaning 'to strike or to hit.' This connection highlights the word's underlying notion of marking the passing of time, much like a clock striking the hour. In Arabic-speaking cultures, timekeeping is often tied to social events, making دَقيقة a word that plays a crucial role in everyday life and interactions.
FAQ
Q.How do you pronounce دَقيقة in Arabic?
دَقيقة is pronounced as 'daqeekah.' The stress is on the second syllable, and it has a soft 'q' sound typical in Arabic pronunciation.
Q.Is دَقيقة used in formal writing?
Yes, دَقيقة can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal writing, such as reports or official documents, it's perfectly acceptable to use دَقيقة when referring to time.
Q.Are there common phrases that include دَقيقة?
Certainly! One common phrase is 'دَقائق معدودة' (daqaiq ma'dooda), which means 'a few minutes.' This expression is often used to indicate a short wait or duration.
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