هذا من أهم المتطلبات.hâdhâ min ahammi al-mutaṭallabât
This is one of the most important requirements.
Breakdown of هذا من أهم المتطلبات.
الal
the
هذاhâdhâ
this (m)
أهمahamm
most important / more important
منmin
one of, among (partitive)
Questions & Answers about هذا من أهم المتطلبات.
Why doesn't the word for 'most important' (أهم) have a definite article (ال) here?
In Arabic, the superlative is usually formed using an Idafa (possessive construction). The superlative word أهم is the first part of the Idafa, and grammar rules dictate that the first word of an Idafa never takes ال. The second word, المتطلبات, is definite, which makes the whole phrase translate to 'the most important requirements.'
Why do we use من (from) to mean 'one of'?
In Arabic, to say something is 'one of the [plural noun]', you literally say it is 'from' that group. By combining من with a superlative Idafa, the phrase من أهم المتطلبات perfectly translates the English concept of 'one of the most important requirements.' There is no need to add a specific word for 'one'.
What is the root and pattern of المتطلبات?
The root is ط ل ب, which relates to seeking or requesting. The singular form متطلب (mutaṭallab) is based on the Form V passive participle pattern, literally meaning 'that which is required.' The suffix ـات makes it a sound feminine plural.
How is the superlative أهم formed? It looks slightly different from standard patterns like أكبر.
Comparatives and superlatives usually follow the أفعل (af'al) pattern. The root for 'important' is ه م م. Because the second and third root letters are identical, they merge together with a shadda (the doubled consonant mark). So instead of the three-syllable 'ahmam', it contracts into أهم (ahamm).