When learning Arabic, one of the important aspects is understanding the verbs and their nuances. In this article, we will explore two commonly used verbs: يمشي (yamshi) and يجري (yajri), which translate to “walk” and “run” in English, respectively. Knowing how to use these verbs correctly will help you describe actions more accurately and enrich your Arabic vocabulary.
يمشي (yamshi), the verb for “walk,” is a fundamental verb that you will use frequently in everyday conversations. Similarly, يجري (yajri), the verb for “run,” is also essential, especially when talking about movement, exercise, or urgency. Both verbs are derived from the root system, which is a key feature in Arabic language structure. Understanding these roots can help you decipher meanings and conjugate verbs more effectively.
Let’s start with يمشي (yamshi). This verb comes from the root م-ش-ي (m-sh-y), which is related to walking or moving. The verb يمشي (yamshi) is in the present tense and is used to describe the action of walking. Here are a few examples of how to use يمشي (yamshi) in sentences:
1. هو يمشي إلى المدرسة كل يوم. (Huwa yamshi ila al-madrasah kul yawm.) – He walks to school every day.
2. هي تمشي في الحديقة بعد الغداء. (Hiya tamshi fi al-hadiqah ba’d al-ghada.) – She walks in the park after lunch.
3. نحن نمشي معًا على الشاطئ. (Nahnu namshi ma’an ‘ala al-shati.) – We walk together on the beach.
As you can see, يمشي (yamshi) is used to indicate the simple action of walking. It is important to note the subject pronouns that change with the verb conjugation. Here is a quick conjugation chart for يمشي (yamshi) in the present tense:
– أنا أمشي (ana amshi) – I walk
– أنت تمشي (anta tamshi) – You (male) walk
– أنت تمشين (anti tamshiin) – You (female) walk
– هو يمشي (huwa yamshi) – He walks
– هي تمشي (hiya tamshi) – She walks
– نحن نمشي (nahnu namshi) – We walk
– أنتم تمشون (antum tamshoon) – You (plural) walk
– هم يمشون (hum yamshoon) – They walk
Now, let’s move on to يجري (yajri). This verb comes from the root ج-ر-ي (j-r-y), which is associated with running or flowing. The verb يجري (yajri) is also in the present tense and is used to describe the action of running. Here are some examples of يجري (yajri) in sentences:
1. هو يجري بسرعة في الملعب. (Huwa yajri bisur’ah fi almala’eb.) – He runs quickly in the field.
2. هي تجري كل صباح. (Hiya tajri kul sabah.) – She runs every morning.
3. نحن نجري معًا في الماراثون. (Nahnu najri ma’an fi al-marathon.) – We run together in the marathon.
Just like with يمشي (yamshi), the verb يجري (yajri) changes according to the subject pronoun. Here is the conjugation chart for يجري (yajri) in the present tense:
– أنا أجري (ana ajri) – I run
– أنت تجري (anta tajri) – You (male) run
– أنت تجرين (anti tajriin) – You (female) run
– هو يجري (huwa yajri) – He runs
– هي تجري (hiya tajri) – She runs
– نحن نجري (nahnu najri) – We run
– أنتم تجرون (antum tajroon) – You (plural) run
– هم يجرون (hum yajroon) – They run
Understanding the context in which each verb is used is crucial. For instance, while both يمشي (yamshi) and يجري (yajri) describe movement, the intensity and speed differ. يمشي (yamshi) implies a slower, more leisurely pace, suitable for everyday activities like walking to a destination or taking a stroll. In contrast, يجري (yajri) suggests a faster pace, typically associated with urgency, exercise, or competitive activities.
Additionally, there are idiomatic expressions and phrases where these verbs are used. Here are a few examples:
1. يمشي الحال (yamshi al-hal) – Things are going well (literally: “the situation walks”).
2. يجري الحديث (yajri al-hadith) – The conversation flows (literally: “the talk runs”).
These expressions show that the verbs can also be used metaphorically, not just to describe physical actions.
To further enhance your understanding, it’s helpful to listen to native speakers and observe how they use these verbs in different contexts. Watching Arabic movies, listening to Arabic music, and engaging in conversations with native speakers can provide practical insights and improve your fluency.
Another useful tip is to practice using these verbs in your daily routine. Try to describe your actions in Arabic. For instance, when you go for a walk, think to yourself, “أنا أمشي (ana amshi).” When you see someone running, say in your mind, “هو يجري (huwa yajri).”
In conclusion, mastering the verbs يمشي (yamshi) and يجري (yajri) is a significant step in your Arabic learning journey. These verbs not only help you describe physical movements but also enrich your ability to express different situations and actions. By understanding their roots, conjugations, and contexts, you can use them accurately and confidently in your conversations. Happy learning!




