هل نحن مسيرون أم مخيرون؟
Are we controlled or free?
Literalmente: Are we steered/driven or given choice?
Use this phrase to turn a casual conversation into a deep, meaningful debate about life's direction.
En 15 segundos
- A philosophical question about fate versus free will.
- Used in deep conversations to explore destiny and choice.
- Rooted in ancient theology but common in modern daily life.
Significado
This is a philosophical question asking whether humans are predestined by fate or possess the free will to choose their own paths.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Deep talk with a friend at a cafe
بعد كل اللي حصل، تفتكر إحنا مسيرين ولا مخيرين؟
After everything that happened, do you think we are controlled or free?
Joking after a minor accident
وقعت القهوة على قميصي... إحنا مسيرين ولا مخيرين؟
I spilled coffee on my shirt... are we controlled or free?
In a philosophy seminar
السؤال الأزلي هو: هل الإنسان مسير أم مخير؟
The eternal question is: Is man steered or given choice?
Contexto cultural
This phrase stems from centuries of theological debate in the Middle East regarding 'Qadar' (predestination). While it originated in religious scholarship, it is now a common secular expression used to discuss luck, life choices, and the mystery of the future. It reflects the regional cultural blend of fatalism and agency.
The 'Both' Answer
In most Arabic conversations, the most common answer to this question is 'Both.' People like to say we are 'steered' in our birth and death, but 'free' in our actions.
Don't Use it for Excuses
While it's a deep question, using it to excuse bad behavior (like being late to a meeting) will make you look irresponsible, not philosophical.
En 15 segundos
- A philosophical question about fate versus free will.
- Used in deep conversations to explore destiny and choice.
- Rooted in ancient theology but common in modern daily life.
What It Means
This phrase is the ultimate Arabic 'deep talk' starter. It explores the age-old debate between destiny and free will. When you say إحنا مسيرين ولا مخيرين؟, you are asking if our lives are a pre-written script or a blank canvas. The word مسير (musayar) comes from the root meaning 'to move' or 'to steer.' It implies being a passenger in a car you don't drive. The word مخير (mukhayar) comes from 'choice.' It implies you are the driver. It is the Arabic equivalent of asking, 'Do we have free will?'
How To Use It
You use this phrase to spark a deep conversation. It is not a question with a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer. Instead, it is a way to invite others to share their worldview. You can use it seriously during a late-night chat. You can also use it jokingly when something unexpected happens. If you miss your bus, you might sigh and ask this to your friend. It adds a touch of intellectual flair to your speech. It shows you are thinking about the bigger picture of life.
When To Use It
Use this during long car rides or over a slow cup of coffee. It is perfect for those moments when life feels heavy or confusing. If a friend is complaining about their 'bad luck,' this phrase fits perfectly. It is also great in academic settings like a philosophy or religion class. You will often hear it in podcasts or TV dramas when characters face a moral dilemma. It is a staple of 'existential crisis' moments among friends.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this phrase when someone needs immediate, practical help. If your boss asks why a report is late, do not ask if we are controlled by fate. That will not end well for you! Avoid it in high-pressure environments like a hospital emergency or a fast-paced kitchen. It is too 'heavy' for a quick greeting. Do not say it to a stranger at a grocery store checkout line. They just want to scan your milk, not debate the universe.
Cultural Background
This question is deeply rooted in Islamic theology and 'Kalam' (scholastic theology). For centuries, scholars have debated القدر (Al-Qadar), or divine decree. Some schools of thought emphasized God's total control. Others emphasized human responsibility and choice. Today, the phrase has moved beyond the mosque and into the cafe. It is a cultural touchstone that every Arabic speaker recognizes. It reflects a culture that balances faith in destiny with the drive for personal ambition.
Common Variations
You might hear people say هل الإنسان مسير أم مخير؟ which is the more formal version. In Egyptian dialect, it sounds like إحنا مسيرين ولا مخيرين يا جماعة؟ to involve the whole group. Sometimes people just use the two keywords: مسير ولا مخير؟ as a shorthand. Regardless of the dialect, the core words مسير and مخير remain the same. They are the pillars of this existential debate.
Notas de uso
This phrase is neutral in formality. It works in casual settings with friends and in formal academic or religious discussions. Just avoid using it in fast-paced, practical situations.
The 'Both' Answer
In most Arabic conversations, the most common answer to this question is 'Both.' People like to say we are 'steered' in our birth and death, but 'free' in our actions.
Don't Use it for Excuses
While it's a deep question, using it to excuse bad behavior (like being late to a meeting) will make you look irresponsible, not philosophical.
The Root of the Word
The word `مسير` comes from 'Sira' (path/journey). It literally means someone is making you walk a specific path.
Ejemplos
6بعد كل اللي حصل، تفتكر إحنا مسيرين ولا مخيرين؟
After everything that happened, do you think we are controlled or free?
This is the classic way to start a long, philosophical discussion.
وقعت القهوة على قميصي... إحنا مسيرين ولا مخيرين؟
I spilled coffee on my shirt... are we controlled or free?
Using a deep question for a silly mistake adds a layer of humor.
السؤال الأزلي هو: هل الإنسان مسير أم مخير؟
The eternal question is: Is man steered or given choice?
A more formal, academic way to phrase the question.
مش عارف أقرر، بحس أحياناً إننا مسيرين مش مخيرين.
I can't decide, sometimes I feel like we are controlled, not free.
Expressing a feeling of being overwhelmed by life's paths.
زواجي كان صدفة غريبة، فعلاً إحنا مسيرين ولا مخيرين؟
My marriage was a strange coincidence, really, are we controlled or free?
Reflecting on how destiny seems to play a role in big moments.
هل المجتمع مسير ولا مخير في تطوره؟
Is society steered or free in its development?
Applying the concept to a collective group rather than an individual.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct word to complete the philosophical question.
إحنا مسيرين ولا ___؟
`مخيرين` means 'given choice,' which is the logical opposite of `مسيرين` (steered) in this context.
Which word describes the feeling that everything is already written for you?
لما تحس إنك مفيش في إيدك حاجة، يبقى إنت ___.
`مسير` means you are being moved or steered by forces outside your control.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality Spectrum of 'Musayar vs Mukhayar'
Joking about a spilled drink or a missed bus.
Spilled my tea... ehna musayarin?
Late night deep talks with close friends.
Do you believe in fate?
Theological or philosophical debates in a classroom.
The nature of human agency.
Where to ask 'Are we controlled or free?'
At a dimly lit cafe
Debating life with a best friend.
After a streak of bad luck
Wondering why things keep going wrong.
In a university lecture
Discussing ethics and free will.
While stargazing
Feeling small in a big universe.
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasNot at all! While it has religious roots, atheists and agnostics in the Arab world use it to discuss luck and the laws of physics too.
Generally, no. It is too abstract. Stick to it during breaks or social dinners with colleagues instead.
مسير (Musayar) means you are driven like a car. مخير (Mukhayar) means you are the one choosing the direction.
Yes, you can just say مسير ولا مخير؟ and people will immediately know you are starting a deep debate.
It is pronounced 'Mu-khay-ya-reen.' The 'kh' is a throaty sound, like the 'ch' in 'Bach'.
Yes, it is extremely common in Egypt, often used with a bit of humor or dramatic flair.
A common response is الله أعلم (God knows best) or a long explanation of why it's a mix of both.
Only ironically. Like if a storm ruins your picnic, you could say it to imply the universe had other plans.
No, it is a timeless question. Young people use it just as much as older generations during late-night talks.
No, it is seen as a sign of intelligence and curiosity. It is a very respected topic of conversation.
إحنا (Ehna) is the colloquial word for 'We' in many dialects like Egyptian and Levantine.
Yes, it's great for essays, blog posts about life, or even as a thought-provoking social media caption.
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نصيب وقدر
المكتوب على الجبين
كل شيء قسمة ونصيب
إرادة حرة
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