Breakdown of يجب أن ندافع عن حقوقنا.
ناnâ
our / us (object) / we (subject suffix on past verb)
أنan
to (with verbs)
عن'an
about / from (far from) / on the basis of (merit)
يجبyajibu
must / has to
دافعdâfa'a
to defend
حقhaqq
right / truth
Questions & Answers about يجب أن ندافع عن حقوقنا.
Why is the first verb يجب in the "it" form when the English translation says "WE must"?
In Arabic, يجب is an impersonal verb meaning "it is necessary" or "it is obligatory." The "we" is expressed by the second verb ندافع (we defend). Literally, the structure means "It is necessary that we defend."
Why does the verb ندافع take the subjunctive mood here?
It is in the subjunctive mood (mansub) because it directly follows the particle أن (that/to). You will hear it pronounced as ندافعَ (nudaafi'a) with a fatha on the final letter, instead of the default damma.
Why do we use the preposition عن instead of making "our rights" a direct object?
The Form III verb دافع (to defend) does not take a direct object in Arabic. It always pairs with the preposition عن, so you are literally saying that you defend "about" or "on behalf of" something.
What is the singular form of حقوق (rights)?
The singular is حق (Haqq). While you might already know this word as "truth" or "rightness" from earlier lessons, in political or social contexts it specifically means a legal or moral "right."
Learn يجب أن ندافع عن حقوقنا and more in Arabic
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free