B2 Expression Neutral 3 min de lectura

لا يمكنني أن أدع العاطفة تتحكم

Reason must control

Literalmente: The mind must control

Use this phrase to advocate for rational decision-making when emotions or impulses are taking over.

En 15 segundos

  • Prioritize logic over temporary emotions.
  • A versatile reality-check for friends and colleagues.
  • Rooted in the high cultural value of wisdom.

Significado

This phrase is a gentle nudge to let logic and reason take the lead instead of letting your emotions or impulses run the show. It is the Arabic equivalent of saying 'use your head' or 'let cooler heads prevail' during a tough decision.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 7
1

Advising a friend about a big purchase

السيارة غالية جداً، العقل لازم يتحكم في القرار.

The car is very expensive; reason must control the decision.

🤝
2

During a heated business meeting

يا جماعة، العقل لازم يتحكم عشان نلاقي حل.

Everyone, reason must control so we can find a solution.

💼
3

Texting a friend who wants to send an angry text

لا تبعت الرسالة الحين، العقل لازم يتحكم.

Don't send the message now; reason must control.

😊
🌍

Contexto cultural

The term 'Aql' has deep roots in Islamic and pre-Islamic philosophy, representing the faculty that distinguishes humans from animals. In modern social contexts, it reflects the high value placed on 'Sobr' (patience) and 'Hikma' (wisdom). It is often used to de-escalate conflicts in communal societies where maintaining social harmony is vital.

💡

The 'Aql' Secret

In Arabic, calling someone 'Aaqil' (rational) is one of the highest compliments you can give. It implies they are mature and grounded.

⚠️

Don't be a Robot

If someone is crying or very upset, wait a bit before using this. If used too early, it can sound like you are dismissing their feelings.

En 15 segundos

  • Prioritize logic over temporary emotions.
  • A versatile reality-check for friends and colleagues.
  • Rooted in the high cultural value of wisdom.

What It Means

Think of this phrase as your internal compass. It is used when someone is about to make a choice based on a temporary feeling. Maybe they are angry, or maybe they are about to buy a very expensive watch they can't afford. By saying العقل لازم يتحكم, you are advocating for the long-term view. You are saying that the 'Aql' (intellect) should be the boss, not the 'Hawa' (desire or whim). It is about being the adult in the room.

How To Use It

You can use this phrase as a piece of advice for a friend. You can also use it as a self-reminder when you are feeling overwhelmed. It usually follows a description of a chaotic or emotional situation. For example, if a friend wants to quit their job because of one bad day, you would say this to ground them. It is short, punchy, and carries a lot of weight. You do not need a long preamble to use it.

When To Use It

Use it during business negotiations when things get heated. It is perfect for family discussions about big life changes like moving or marriage. Use it when you are shopping and your heart says 'yes' but your bank account says 'no.' It is also great for texting a friend who is overthinking a social interaction. In a meeting, it makes you sound like a calm, rational leader. Basically, anywhere a 'reality check' is needed, this phrase fits right in.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this at a funeral or during a moment of deep grief. In those moments, people need empathy, not a lecture on logic. Using it there can make you seem cold or robotic. Also, avoid using it in a romantic setting if your partner is looking for emotional validation. If they say 'I love you,' responding with العقل لازم يتحكم is a one-way ticket to a very lonely dinner. Keep it for situations that actually require a decision.

Cultural Background

In Arabic culture, the concept of العقل (Al-Aql) is huge. It is not just 'the brain'; it is the seat of wisdom and social responsibility. Historically, Arabic philosophy has always debated the balance between the heart and the mind. Being described as someone whose mind 'controls' is a huge compliment. It means you are stable, reliable, and wise. It is the mark of a person who can be trusted with big responsibilities.

Common Variations

You might hear people say حكّم عقلك (Make your mind the judge). Another common one is خليك عاقل (Be sensible/rational). In some dialects, you might hear شغل مخك (Turn on your brain), though that is a bit more blunt. العقل زينة (The mind is an ornament) is another beautiful way to say that being rational is a person's best feature.

Notas de uso

The phrase is neutral and widely understood. It is most effective when someone is visibly struggling between a 'smart' choice and an 'emotional' one. Be careful with your tone; a soft tone makes it sound like wise advice, while a sharp tone can make it sound like a reprimand.

💡

The 'Aql' Secret

In Arabic, calling someone 'Aaqil' (rational) is one of the highest compliments you can give. It implies they are mature and grounded.

⚠️

Don't be a Robot

If someone is crying or very upset, wait a bit before using this. If used too early, it can sound like you are dismissing their feelings.

💬

Dialect Twist

In Egyptian Arabic, you might hear 'Khalli 'aqlak fi rasak' (Keep your mind in your head), which is a more idiomatic way of saying 'be smart'.

Ejemplos

7
#1 Advising a friend about a big purchase
🤝

السيارة غالية جداً، العقل لازم يتحكم في القرار.

The car is very expensive; reason must control the decision.

Used here to prevent an impulsive financial mistake.

#2 During a heated business meeting
💼

يا جماعة، العقل لازم يتحكم عشان نلاقي حل.

Everyone, reason must control so we can find a solution.

Acts as a call for professional de-escalation.

#3 Texting a friend who wants to send an angry text
😊

لا تبعت الرسالة الحين، العقل لازم يتحكم.

Don't send the message now; reason must control.

A modern use for preventing 'text regret'.

#4 A humorous moment with a sibling wanting a third dessert
😄

يا أخي كفاية حلويات، العقل لازم يتحكم شوية!

Brother, enough sweets; reason must control a little!

Using a serious phrase for a lighthearted situation.

#5 Discussing a difficult family separation
💭

في هذه الظروف الصعبة، العقل لازم يتحكم.

In these difficult circumstances, reason must control.

Provides a grounding perspective during emotional turmoil.

#6 Deciding whether to move to a new city
😊

أنا بحب المدينة، بس العقل لازم يتحكم بخصوص الشغل.

I love the city, but reason must control regarding work.

Used for internal monologue or weighing pros and cons.

#7 A formal debate or discussion
👔

في النهاية، العقل لازم يتحكم في السياسة.

In the end, reason must control in politics.

High-level usage in a formal context.

Ponte a prueba

Choose the correct word to complete the phrase about making a wise choice.

أنا غاضب جداً، لكن ___ لازم يتحكم.

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

The phrase specifically uses `العقل` (the mind) to denote logic, whereas `القلب` is the heart and `الأكل` is food.

Your friend wants to quit their job impulsively. What do you say?

فكر مرة ثانية، العقل لازم ___.

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

The verb `يتحكم` means to control or prevail, completing the expression.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality Spectrum of 'Al-Aql Lazim Yatahakum'

Casual

Used with friends to stop them from doing something silly.

Stop buying shoes! Reason must control!

Neutral

Standard advice given in most daily situations.

Let's think about this logically.

Formal

Used in speeches or professional negotiations.

Logic must prevail in our strategy.

When to use 'Reason Must Control'

العقل لازم يتحكم
💰

Financial Decisions

Facing a huge sale at the mall.

🤝

Conflict Resolution

Two friends arguing over a misunderstanding.

💼

Career Moves

Deciding between a dream job and a stable job.

📱

Social Media

Before posting a controversial comment.

Preguntas frecuentes

11 preguntas

No, while it uses standard words, it is very common in daily conversation across the Arab world. It is 'neutral' enough to fit anywhere.

Absolutely. You can say لازم أخلي عقلي يتحكم (I must let my mind control) when you are facing a personal dilemma.

It can be risky. To an elder, it might sound like you are telling them they are being irrational. Use it more with peers or younger people.

The opposite would be اتبع قلبك (Follow your heart) or ماشي ورا مشاعره (Following his feelings blindly).

Yes, يتحكم comes from the root for 'judgment' or 'governance,' implying a position of authority or mastery.

In many dialects, you'd just say شغل عقلك (Work your mind) or فتح مخك (Open your brain/be alert).

Only if you are discussing practical matters like moving in together. Using it to explain why you aren't being affectionate will not go well!

Very often. News anchors use it when calling for calm during international tensions or internal disputes.

You could say المنطق هو اللي بيفوز (Logic is what wins), but العقل لازم يتحكم is more common as a piece of advice.

While not strictly religious, the Quran often asks 'Do you not use your intellect?' (أفلا تعقلون), so the concept of using the mind is very respected.

You could, but it would sound very dramatic and funny. It is usually reserved for things that actually matter.

Frases relacionadas

حكّم عقلك

Let your mind be the judge.

خليك عاقل

Be sensible / stay rational.

العقل زينة

Reason is an ornament (it makes you beautiful).

المنطق يقول

Logic says...

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