سحب

Plucked

Difficulty Level

Description

سحب (sahaba) is a versatile Arabic verb meaning 'to pull,' 'to draw,' 'to drag,' or 'to withdraw.' It is commonly used in both literal physical contexts (pulling an object) and figurative contexts (withdrawing money, drawing a conclusion). The word is fundamental in Arabic and appears frequently in everyday conversation, literature, and formal writing.

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Example Sentences

سحبت الباب نحوي بقوة.

Sahbat al-bāb nahwī bi-quwwa.

She pulled the door toward me forcefully.

سحب الرجل المال من حسابه البنكي.

Sahab ar-rajul al-māl min hisābihi al-bankī.

The man withdrew money from his bank account.

لا تسحب انتباه الناس عن القضية الحقيقية.

Lā tasahab intibāh an-nās 'an al-qadiyya al-haqīqa.

Don't divert people's attention from the real issue.

سحب الفنان الخط بعناية فائقة.

Sahab al-fannān al-khatt bi-'ināya fāiqa.

The artist drew the line with great care.

سحبوا القوات من المنطقة الحدودية.

Sahbū al-quwwāt min al-mintaqa al-hudūdiyya.

They withdrew the forces from the border region.

Synonyms

جرّ(to drag, to pull)رسم(to draw, to sketch)انسحب(to withdraw, to retreat)شد(to pull, to tighten)

Antonyms

دفع(to push)أطلق(to release, to let go)أرجع(to return, to give back)

Cultural Notes

The word سحب is deeply embedded in Arabic culture and appears in classical poetry, modern literature, and everyday speech. In banking and financial contexts, it is the standard term for withdrawing money, reflecting its adaptation to modern institutional life. The word also carries metaphorical significance in Arabic discourse, often used to discuss political withdrawals, attention-diversion, and strategic retreats.

Usage Tips

When using سحب, pay attention to the prepositions that follow it: 'سحب من' (pull from), 'سحب إلى' (pull toward), 'سحب على' (draw on). The verb can be used reflexively as 'انسحب' (to withdraw oneself) for more formal or strategic contexts. Remember that while 'جرّ' emphasizes dragging with effort, سحب is more neutral and versatile in application.

## Understanding the Arabic Word سحب (Sahab) The Arabic verb **سحب** (sahab) is one of the most commonly used verbs in the Arabic language, with multiple meanings depending on context. The primary meanings include "to pull," "to draw," "to drag," and "to withdraw." This versatility makes it an essential word for learners to master, as it appears frequently in both colloquial and formal Arabic. ## Primary Meanings and Usage ### Physical Pulling and Dragging In its most literal sense, سحب refers to the physical action of pulling something toward you or away from a location. For example, "سحبت الباب" (sahbat al-bāb) means "she pulled the door." This usage is straightforward and widely used in everyday contexts when describing physical actions with objects. ### Withdrawal and Removal In financial and institutional contexts, سحب is the standard verb for withdrawing money from a bank account. The phrase "سحب مال" (sahab māl) means "to withdraw money." This usage has become increasingly important in modern Arabic, particularly in banking and commerce. ### Drawing and Sketching The verb also means "to draw" in artistic contexts. Artists use سحب when describing the action of drawing lines, sketching figures, or creating visual designs. "سحب رسمة" (sahab rasmah) means "to draw a picture." ### Strategic Withdrawal In political and military discourse, سحب conveys the meaning of "to withdraw" forces, troops, or personnel from a location. This usage appears frequently in news reporting and diplomatic communications. ## Grammar and Conjugation As a regular verb in Arabic, سحب follows standard conjugation patterns. The past tense forms are: - أنا سحبت (anā sahbat) - I pulled - أنت سحبت (anta sahbat) - You (m.) pulled - هو سحب (huwa sahab) - He pulled - هي سحبت (hiya sahbat) - She pulled The present tense uses the root with different patterns: - أسحب (asahab) - I pull - تسحب (tasahab) - You pull - يسحب (yasahab) - He pulls ## Common Phrases and Expressions Several important idioms use سحب: **سحب البساط من تحته** (sahab al-basāt min tahtih) literally means "to pull the carpet from under someone," expressing the idea of undermining someone or removing their support unexpectedly. **سحب الخط** (sahab al-khatt) means "to draw a line," used metaphorically to set boundaries or establish limits in discussions or relationships. **سحب قرعة** (sahab qur'a) means "to draw lots," referring to the process of making a random selection. ## Related Words and Forms Understanding related words enriches comprehension: - **السحب** (as-sahb) - clouds (the noun form with different meaning) - **الانسحاب** (al-insiḥāb) - withdrawal or retreat (noun form) - **المسحوب** (al-masḥūb) - the thing pulled, or drafted - **السحابة** (as-sahāba) - a cloud (singular) ## Synonyms and Near-Equivalents While سحب is versatile, other verbs offer nuances: - **جرّ** (jarra) emphasizes dragging with difficulty or effort - **رسم** (rasama) specifically means to draw or sketch - **شد** (shada) means to pull or tighten, often with force - **انسحب** (insiḥaba) is the reflexive form meaning to withdraw oneself ## Practical Tips for Learners When using سحب, pay careful attention to the prepositions that follow it. The construction سحب من (pull from) indicates pulling something away from a location, while سحب إلى (pull toward) indicates movement toward a destination. Understanding these prepositions is crucial for using the verb correctly in context. Additionally, learners should familiarize themselves with the reflexive form انسحب, which is commonly used in formal contexts when discussing political or military withdrawals. This form is particularly important for understanding news reports and formal discussions in Arabic media. ## Cultural Significance In Arabic literature and poetry, سحب has metaphorical significance beyond its literal meanings. Classical poets used variations of this root to express concepts of attraction, influence, and movement. In modern Arabic, the word remains central to discussions of economics, politics, and daily life, making it indispensable for learners seeking fluency.