B2 Expression Neutral 3 min de lectura

كلنا سواسية

We are all equal

Literalmente: All of us are equals

Use this phrase to assert that everyone deserves equal respect regardless of their status or background.

En 15 segundos

  • A powerful reminder that all humans share the same fundamental worth.
  • Used to promote fairness and humble those acting superior to others.
  • Rooted in historical metaphors comparing people to the teeth of combs.

Significado

This phrase is a beautiful way to say that every person is fundamentally the same. It means that regardless of wealth, status, or background, we all deserve the same respect and rights.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

Defending a colleague

لا يجب أن تصرخ عليه، كلنا سواسية هنا.

You shouldn't yell at him; we are all equal here.

💼
2

Discussing social justice with a friend

في نهاية اليوم، كلنا سواسية أمام الله.

At the end of the day, we are all equal before God.

💭
3

Texting about a news event

سمعت الخبر؟ القانون يجب أن يطبق على الجميع، كلنا سواسية.

Did you hear the news? The law should apply to everyone; we're all equal.

😊
🌍

Contexto cultural

The phrase is deeply rooted in the Islamic concept of 'Musawah' (equality). It historically challenged the rigid tribal hierarchies of the Arabian Peninsula. Today, it remains a powerful social equalizer used in political discourse and daily ethics.

💬

The Comb Metaphor

If you want to sound extra poetic, add 'ka asnan al-misht' (like the teeth of a comb) to the end. It’s a classic idiom everyone knows.

💡

Pronunciation Secret

The word 'Sawasiya' comes from the root 'Sawa' (together/same). Emphasize the 'ya' at the end for a more rhythmic, native sound.

En 15 segundos

  • A powerful reminder that all humans share the same fundamental worth.
  • Used to promote fairness and humble those acting superior to others.
  • Rooted in historical metaphors comparing people to the teeth of combs.

What It Means

كلنا سواسية is a profound statement about human dignity. It suggests that at our core, no one is superior to another. You are saying that social hierarchies don't define our worth. It is like saying 'we are all in the same boat' but with a focus on justice. It's a reminder that we all share the same human experience.

How To Use It

You can use this phrase to advocate for fairness. It works well when you see someone being treated poorly. You can also use it to humble someone who is acting arrogant. It is a versatile phrase that fits both serious and casual conversations. Just drop it into a sentence when you want to emphasize balance. It sounds natural and carries a lot of moral weight.

When To Use It

Use it during a heated debate about social rights or justice. It is perfect for a workplace setting if a manager is being unfair. You might use it when texting a friend about a news story. It also fits beautifully in a speech or a formal presentation. If you are at a restaurant and see a waiter being mistreated, say it. It reminds everyone present that we are all just people.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use this phrase in a competitive sports environment. If your team wins 5-0, saying كلنا سواسية might feel a bit sarcastic. Avoid using it for mathematical or technical equality. It is about people and souls, not numbers or sizes. Also, don't use it if you are trying to highlight someone's specific achievements. It might come off as if you are downplaying their hard work.

Cultural Background

This expression has deep roots in Islamic and Arab history. It is often linked to a famous saying by the Prophet Muhammad. He compared people to the 'teeth of a comb'—all equal in height. This concept helped bridge gaps between different tribes and social classes. It is a cornerstone of the 'Ummah' or the global community feeling. In the modern era, it's a popular slogan for human rights movements. It carries the weight of centuries of struggle for social equality.

Common Variations

You might hear people say الناس سواسية which means 'people are equals.' Another common version is كلنا بشر meaning 'we are all human.' Some might say لا أحد فوق القانون meaning 'no one is above the law.' In more poetic settings, you'll hear سواسية كأسنان المشط (equal like comb teeth). All these variations carry the same spirit of fairness and humility. They all remind us to keep our egos in check.

Notas de uso

The phrase is highly respected. It bridges the gap between formal literature and daily life. Use it to sound wise and grounded in ethics.

💬

The Comb Metaphor

If you want to sound extra poetic, add 'ka asnan al-misht' (like the teeth of a comb) to the end. It’s a classic idiom everyone knows.

💡

Pronunciation Secret

The word 'Sawasiya' comes from the root 'Sawa' (together/same). Emphasize the 'ya' at the end for a more rhythmic, native sound.

⚠️

Don't be a Buzzkill

Avoid using this when someone is celebrating a unique achievement. It can sound like you're trying to take away their 'special' moment.

Ejemplos

6
#1 Defending a colleague
💼

لا يجب أن تصرخ عليه، كلنا سواسية هنا.

You shouldn't yell at him; we are all equal here.

Used to stop someone from abusing their power in an office.

#2 Discussing social justice with a friend
💭

في نهاية اليوم، كلنا سواسية أمام الله.

At the end of the day, we are all equal before God.

A very common spiritual way to use the expression.

#3 Texting about a news event
😊

سمعت الخبر؟ القانون يجب أن يطبق على الجميع، كلنا سواسية.

Did you hear the news? The law should apply to everyone; we're all equal.

Applying the phrase to legal fairness in a casual chat.

#4 Humorous moment during a difficult task
😄

لا تقلق، كلنا سواسية في الفشل في هذا الاختبار!

Don't worry, we are all equal in failing this test!

Using the phrase to bond over a shared struggle.

#5 A formal speech about human rights
👔

يجب أن نتذكر دائماً أننا كلنا سواسية في هذا الوطن.

We must always remember that we are all equal in this nation.

High-level usage in a patriotic or civic context.

#6 Reminding a wealthy person to be humble
🤝

المال يذهب ويأتي، لكن كلنا سواسية كبشر.

Money comes and goes, but we are all equal as humans.

A gentle reminder that character matters more than wealth.

Ponte a prueba

Complete the sentence to express that everyone should be treated the same at work.

في هذا المكتب، لا يوجد فرق بين المدير والموظف، ___.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: كلنا سواسية

The context of 'no difference between manager and employee' requires the phrase for equality.

Choose the best response when someone acts like they are better than others because of their car.

السيارة مجرد وسيلة نقل، و___.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: كلنا سواسية

While 'الناس أجناس' means people are different types, 'كلنا سواسية' is the direct way to assert equality.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality and Context Spectrum

Informal

Used with friends to joke about shared struggles.

We all failed the cooking class!

Neutral

Standard daily use for fairness and respect.

Treat the waiter kindly.

Formal

Used in legal, religious, or political speeches.

Equality under the law.

Where to say 'Kulluna Sawasiya'

كلنا سواسية
💼

Workplace Fairness

Challenging a bossy colleague

📢

Social Activism

Protesting for equal rights

🌙

Spiritual Reflection

Discussing humility in faith

📝

Shared Hardship

Bonding over a difficult exam

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It is a plural form meaning 'equals.' It comes from the word سواء (Sawaa), which means equal or same.

While it has religious origins in the Hadith, it is used by everyone today regardless of their faith as a general humanistic statement.

Yes, but be careful. Using كلنا سواسية can be seen as a challenge to their authority if used during a disagreement.

Yes. كلنا بشر means 'we are all human,' focusing on our shared flaws. كلنا سواسية focuses on shared rights and status.

You might say كلنا في الهوا سوا (Kulluna fil hawa sawa), which means 'we are all in the same boat' or 'facing the same fate.'

It is neutral. You can use it in a PhD thesis or while eating street food with a friend.

Absolutely. It is frequently used in modern Arabic discourse to advocate for equal rights between men and women.

No. You wouldn't say two phones are سواسية. Use نفس الشيء (the same thing) for objects.

Learners sometimes say كلنا متساويين. While grammatically correct, it sounds more like a math equation than a moral statement.

The phrase is Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), so it is understood perfectly from Morocco to Iraq without change.

Frases relacionadas

الناس معادن

كلنا في الهوا سوا

لا فرق بين عربي وأعجمي

العدل أساس الملك

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