مفتاح الغرفة لا يعمل.

When to use

Report this problem to the hotel reception or maintenance staff if your room key card or physical key does not open the door.

How it works

This sentence states that the key does not function.

• مفتاح (miftāḥ): Means 'key'. The root is ف-ت-ح (F-T-Ḥ), related to opening. The 'م' (m) is a prefix used to form nouns of instrument.
• الغرفة (al-ghurfa): Means 'the room'. The 'ال' (al-) is the definite article.
• لا يعمل (lā yaʿmal): Means 'does not work'. 'لا' (lā) is the negation particle, and 'يعمل' (yaʿmal) is the verb 'it works' (present tense, masculine singular).

Grammar Breakdown

The structure 'Subject + لا + Verb' is the standard way to negate a present tense verb in Arabic. Because 'مفتاح' (miftāḥ) is masculine, the verb 'يعمل' (yaʿmal) takes the masculine prefix 'ي' (ya-).

Pronunciation Nuances

The 'ع' (ʿ) in 'يعمل' (yaʿmal) is a voiced pharyngeal fricative. Ensure it is distinct from the glottal stop 'أ' (ʾ).

Notes

Common front-desk issue. Neutral polite wording.