From the Arabic root ذ-ك-ر (dh-k-r), meaning "to remember" or "to mention." The Form III verb ذَاكَرَ (dhākara) adds a reciprocal/intensive dimension — to repeatedly bring something back to mind — making it the standard term for the act of studying by rehearsing and reviewing material. The same root gives us ذِكْر (dhikr, remembrance/mention) and تَذَكَّرَ (tadhakkara, to recall).

ذَاكَرَ is the everyday verb for studying in Egyptian and Levantine Arabic, and is widely understood across the Arab world. It specifically implies revision and rehearsal — going over what you've learned — rather than encountering material for the first time. During exam season (امتحانات), you'll hear phrases like "هتذاكر إمتى؟" ("When are you going to study?") constantly. Note that Modern Standard Arabic also uses دَرَسَ (darasa) for "to study," but ذَاكَرَ carries the nuance of deliberate review.