I'm learning العربية

كادَ، يَكادُ، الكَوْد — meaning in English: Almost, code

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

Guess the translation for to almost (with imperf) do sth or أنْ do sth
قَرَّرَ
كادَ، يَكادُ، الكَوْد
اِجتَمَعَ
خَفيف
دِفاع
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 كادَ, يَكادُ, الكَوْد in everyday conversations to express something that is nearly happening or almost true. For example, when discussing a film that was almost a hit or a project that is nearly complete, this word fits perfectly. It's also commonly used in educational or professional contexts to describe a task that is on the verge of completion.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 'تقريباً' (taqriban), which also means 'almost.' However, كادَ, يَكادُ has an added layer of implication that suggests a near certainty or readiness, while 'تقريباً' might simply indicate approximation. You would choose كادَ in contexts where you want to emphasize that something is on the brink of happening.
Culture
The root of كادَ, يَكادُ, الكَوْد can be traced back to the Arabic language's rich history, where it conveys a sense of proximity to an event or action. Interestingly, in various Arab cultures, this word can also imply a subtle caution, suggesting that while something is almost certain, it might not be guaranteed. This nuanced meaning reflects the Arabic language's ability to convey layers of meaning through simple words.
FAQ
Q.What does كادَ mean in English?
كادَ translates to 'almost' in English, conveying a sense of something that is very close to happening or being true.
Q.How do you use كادَ in a sentence?
You can use كادَ in a sentence like 'كادَتِ الطائرةُ أن تقلعَ' which means 'The plane was about to take off.'
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using كادَ?
One common mistake is using كادَ with a noun instead of a verb. Remember that كادَ is typically followed by a verb to express that something is nearly occurring.
Learn arabic with Maspeak →
Arabic 5000