كيفما

In Whatever Way

Level 5

كيفما (kayfamā) is a formal conditional tool used to express that a result will happen regardless of the manner in which an action is performed. It translates to 'however' or 'in whatever way.'

How It Works

كيفما is a compound of the interrogative كيف (how) and the augmentative particle 'mā' (mā al-zā’idah). It functions as a conditional noun of manner.

1. Grammatical Effect:
It is generally classified among the jussive-triggering particles. In formal writing, it triggers the jussive mood (ending in sukūn) for both the condition and the result verbs.

2. Syntactic Position (I‘rāb):
Syntactically, كيفما is flexible depending on the verb that follows:
• It often functions as a circumstantial adverb (ḥāl) describing the manner of the action.
• If followed by a deficient verb like كان, it functions as the predicate (khabar) of that verb (e.g., 'However you are...').
• It can also be parsed as a cognate accusative (absolute object) in certain contexts.

3. Linking the Result Clause:
While classical usage often repeats the same verb root, Modern Standard Arabic allows different verbs. If the second clause starts with a future marker, a nominal sentence, or a command, you must use linking the answer with fa-.

4. Register:
This is a high-register, literary expression used to build fluency in formal prose and legal contexts where absolute conditionality regarding 'how' something is done is required.

Examples (5)

كيفما تُعامِلِ الناسَ يُعامِلوك.
However you treat people, they will treat you.
Word by Word: However you-treat the-people they-treat-you.
Both verbs are in the jussive mood. The first verb ends in a kasra instead of a sukūn only to avoid two consecutive consonants (the 'l' of the next word).
كيفما تَكُنْ فَسأحترمُك.
However you are, I will respect you.
Word by Word: However you-be then-I-will-respect-you.
When the second verb is different from the first, the particle 'fa-' is used to link the result, and the second verb follows its normal mood (indicative here due to the future prefix).
كيفما تَكُنْ يَكُنْ قَرينُكَ.
However you are, so shall your companion be.
Word by Word: However you-be be companion-your.
This uses the jussive form of the verb 'to be' (yakun) for both the condition and the result, following the traditional 'same verb' rule.
سأقبلُ بالخطةِ كيفما كانتْ.
I will accept the plan, however it may be.
Word by Word: I-will-accept with-the-plan however it-was.
Here, it is used in a circumstantial sense with a past tense verb, meaning 'regardless of its state.'
كيفما تَجْلِسْ أَجْلِسْ.
In whatever way you sit, I will sit.
Word by Word: However you-sit I-sit.
A classic example where both verbs are identical and in the jussive mood.

Common Mistakes

Using two different verbs without the linking particle 'fa-' when the result clause requires it.
كيفما تجلس سأقرأ.
كيفما تجلس فسأقرأ.
While traditional grammar often pairs identical verbs with this particle, if the result clause contains a future marker like 'sa-', you must use the linking particle 'fa-' according to standard conditional rules.
Ignoring the jussive mood in formal contexts.
كيفما تجلسُ أجلسُ.
كيفما تَجْلِسْ أَجْلِسْ.
In formal Modern Standard Arabic, this expression is treated as one of the jussive-triggering particles, requiring the shortened present tense.

How It Connects

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كيفماLevel 5In Whatever Way

Learn This First

كيفما is a conditional particle of manner. To understand it, you need to be familiar with the base question word 'كيف' (how), the concept of conditional sentences (if/then structures), and how these structures affect verb endings (the jussive mood).

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