B1 noun Neutral

أقلية

/ʔa.qal.lij.ja/

A small part of a group, numbering less than half of the whole. It is often used to discuss vulnerable groups or specific segments in data analysis.

Examples

3 of 5
1

هناك أقلية فقط تعارض هذا القانون.

There is only a minority that opposes this law.

2

يجب حماية حقوق الأقلية في المجتمع.

The rights of the minority in society must be protected.

3

تمثل هذه الصادرات أقلية من دخل الشركة.

These exports represent a minority of the company's income.

Word Family

Noun
أقلية
Verb
قلّ
Adverb
قليلاً
Adjective
قليل
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Memory Tip

Think of 'Aqall' (less/least). 'Aqalliyya' is the 'lesser' group.

Quick Quiz

تمثل النساء ______ في هذا التخصص العلمي.

Correct!

The correct answer is: أقلية

Examples

1

هناك أقلية فقط تعارض هذا القانون.

formal

There is only a minority that opposes this law.

2

يجب حماية حقوق الأقلية في المجتمع.

academic

The rights of the minority in society must be protected.

3

تمثل هذه الصادرات أقلية من دخل الشركة.

business

These exports represent a minority of the company's income.

4

أقلية من الناس يمشون للعمل في هذا الجو.

everyday

A minority of people walk to work in this weather.

5

ليش بس أقلية اللي حضروا الحفلة؟

informal

Why did only a minority attend the party?

Word Family

Noun
أقلية
Verb
قلّ
Adverb
قليلاً
Adjective
قليل

Common Collocations

أقلية عرقية Ethnic minority
أقلية دينية Religious minority
حقوق الأقلية Minority rights
أقلية ضئيلة Tiny minority
حكومة أقلية Minority government

Common Phrases

أقلية صوتية

Vocal minority

في الأقلية

In the minority

أقلية فاعلة

Active minority

Often Confused With

أقلية vs قليل

Qalil is an adjective meaning 'few/little', while Aqalliyya is the noun for 'a minority group'.

📝

Usage Notes

Essential for contrasting with 'Aghlabiyya' in academic writing task 1.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often forget to use the feminine Taa Marbuta ending when referring to the group as a whole.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Aqall' (less/least). 'Aqalliyya' is the 'lesser' group.

📖

Word Origin

From the root Q-L-L, meaning little or few.

Grammar Patterns

أقلية من + Plural Noun الأقلية الـ + Adjective

Quick Quiz

تمثل النساء ______ في هذا التخصص العلمي.

Correct!

The correct answer is: أقلية

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