طرح فكرة
propose an idea
Literally: Throwing an idea
Use this phrase to confidently introduce a suggestion for group discussion or feedback.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to suggest a new plan or thought in any setting.
- Combines 'to throw/lay out' with the word for 'idea'.
- Perfect for meetings, group chats, and planning with friends.
Meaning
It's like putting a suggestion on the table for others to consider. You use it when you want to share a fresh thought or a new plan with a group.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a professional business meeting
طرح المدير فكرة جديدة لتطوير العمل.
The manager proposed a new idea to develop the work.
Planning a trip with friends
طرحت سارة فكرة السفر إلى الجبل.
Sara proposed the idea of traveling to the mountains.
Texting a group of colleagues
حابب أطرح فكرة بخصوص مشروعنا.
I’d like to propose an idea regarding our project.
Cultural Background
The verb 'طرح' originally relates to laying something out or subtracting. In a cultural sense, it implies laying out a 'carpet' of ideas for others to sit upon and discuss. It became a staple of modern standard Arabic and professional dialects as corporate and academic cultures evolved in the Middle East.
The Power of the Verb
The verb `طرح` is very versatile. In math, it actually means 'to subtract'! But don't worry, in a conversation, everyone will know you mean 'propose'.
Don't be too literal
If you use the word `رمى` (to throw) instead of `طرح`, people will think you are physically throwing a piece of paper with an idea on it!
In 15 Seconds
- Used to suggest a new plan or thought in any setting.
- Combines 'to throw/lay out' with the word for 'idea'.
- Perfect for meetings, group chats, and planning with friends.
What It Means
Imagine you are holding a physical object and you place it in the center of a circle. That is exactly what طرح فكرة feels like. It means you are introducing a concept for everyone to look at and discuss. It is the most common and natural way to say "to propose an idea" in Arabic. It suggests that the idea is now "out there" for the world to see.
How To Use It
You use the verb طرح (to throw/propose) followed by the noun فكرة (idea). You can conjugate the verb based on who is doing the proposing. For example, طرحتُ فكرة means "I proposed an idea." It works just like a standard English verb-noun pair. You can also use it in the future tense to signal you have something to share. It is a very flexible phrase that fits into many sentence structures.
When To Use It
Use it during a business meeting to sound professional and proactive. Use it with your friends when you are deciding where to go for dinner. It is perfect for brainstorming sessions or school projects. It sounds smart and confident but remains very accessible. If you are texting a group chat and have a suggestion, this is your go-to phrase. It works well in both spoken and written Arabic.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if you are just stating a boring fact. It implies that the idea is new or open for discussion. Also, avoid using the verb طرح for physical objects like "throwing a ball." In that case, you would use a different verb like رمى. Using طرح for a physical object might make people think you are trying to do math or a formal presentation! Keep it for concepts and suggestions.
Cultural Background
In many Arabic-speaking cultures, group consensus and consultation are highly valued. This is often referred to as Shura. This phrase is the "icebreaker" for that collective thinking process. It shows you are contributing to the group's success rather than just giving orders. It is a polite way to lead a conversation without being overly bossy. It reflects a culture that enjoys debating and refining ideas together.
Common Variations
You might hear عندي فكرة (I have an idea) in very casual settings like a coffee shop. In very formal legal or academic writing, you might see تقديم مقترح (presenting a proposal). However, طرح فكرة is the perfect middle ground. It is sophisticated enough for the office but simple enough for a family dinner. It is the "Goldilocks" of Arabic expressions for suggestions.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and safe for almost any context. It is more sophisticated than 'I have an idea' but less stiff than a formal 'Proposal Submission.'
The Power of the Verb
The verb `طرح` is very versatile. In math, it actually means 'to subtract'! But don't worry, in a conversation, everyone will know you mean 'propose'.
Don't be too literal
If you use the word `رمى` (to throw) instead of `طرح`, people will think you are physically throwing a piece of paper with an idea on it!
The 'Shura' Connection
Arabs love a good discussion. When you use this phrase, you are inviting others to give their opinion, which is a highly respected social move.
Examples
6طرح المدير فكرة جديدة لتطوير العمل.
The manager proposed a new idea to develop the work.
Here it sounds professional and official.
طرحت سارة فكرة السفر إلى الجبل.
Sara proposed the idea of traveling to the mountains.
A very common way to describe a friend's suggestion.
حابب أطرح فكرة بخصوص مشروعنا.
I’d like to propose an idea regarding our project.
Using 'حابب' (I'd like) makes it sound friendly and collaborative.
طرحت فكرة الهروب والكل وافق فوراً!
I proposed the idea of escaping and everyone agreed immediately!
Used here to lighten the mood with a joke.
طرح فكرة المصالحة بين أفراد العائلة.
He proposed the idea of reconciliation between family members.
Shows the phrase can be used for deep, emotional topics.
هل يمكنني طرح فكرة بسيطة؟
Can I propose a simple idea?
A polite way to ask for permission to speak.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to complete the phrase 'propose an idea'.
أريد أن ___ فكرة جديدة في الاجتماع.
The verb 'أطرح' (I propose/throw) is the standard partner for 'فكرة' (idea).
Which word means 'idea' in this collocation?
طرح المعلم ___ رائعة.
'فكرة' means idea, which completes the phrase 'The teacher proposed a great idea'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'طرح فكرة'
Used with friends for dinner plans.
عندي فكرة (I have an idea)
The phrase 'طرح فكرة' fits perfectly here.
طرح فكرة (Propose an idea)
Used in official proposals or documents.
تقديم مقترح (Presenting a proposal)
Where to use 'طرح فكرة'
Office Meeting
Suggesting a new strategy.
Group Chat
Suggesting a movie to watch.
University
Proposing a thesis topic.
Family Dinner
Suggesting a holiday destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt literally means 'throwing an idea.' Think of it as throwing a suggestion into the middle of a group for everyone to see.
Yes, absolutely! It is a neutral and professional phrase. You can say أود أن أطرح فكرة (I would like to propose an idea).
Yes, it is very common in group chats. It sounds a bit more organized than just saying 'I have an idea.'
طرح فكرة is the action of putting the idea out there, while اقترح (to suggest) is the verb for the suggestion itself. They are often interchangeable.
Usually, it's for constructive things. However, you could sarcastically say طرح فكرة سيئة (He proposed a bad idea).
Yes, while it is Modern Standard Arabic, it is understood and used in almost all regional dialects (like Egyptian or Levantine) in professional or semi-formal contexts.
You would say طرحتُ فكرة (Tarhtu fikra). The 'tu' at the end of the verb means 'I'.
Yes, in a math context, it means 'subtraction.' For example, عملية الطرح is the process of subtraction.
The words are ancient, but using them together as a 'collocation' for proposing ideas is very common in modern media and business.
You wouldn't use 'طرح' there. You would say عنده أفكار كثيرة. Use 'طرح' only when the idea is being shared or introduced.
Related Phrases
عندي فكرة
تبادل الأفكار
وجهة نظر
بناءً على فكرتك
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