A2 Expression Neutral 3 min de lectura

ممكن أجرب ده؟

Can I try this?

Literalmente: Possible I try this?

Use this phrase whenever you want to test a physical object before buying or using it.

En 15 segundos

  • Use it to ask to test food, clothes, or electronics.
  • Very common in markets, shops, and casual social settings.
  • Combines 'possible' with 'I try' and 'this'.

Significado

This is the most common way to ask for permission to test something out. Use it when you want to try on clothes, taste a sample of food, or test a new gadget.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 7
1

Shopping for a shirt

القميص ده جميل، ممكن أجرب ده؟

This shirt is beautiful, can I try this?

😊
2

At a street food stall

الريحة حلوة قوي، ممكن أجرب ده؟

The smell is very nice, can I try this?

🤝
3

Asking a colleague to see their new laptop

اللابتوب بتاعك جديد؟ ممكن أجرب ده؟

Is your laptop new? Can I try this?

💼
🌍

Contexto cultural

In Middle Eastern 'souks' (markets), the act of trying before buying is a ritual. Sellers often take pride in their goods and view your desire to try them as a compliment. This phrase often acts as an icebreaker for price negotiations later on.

💡

The Magic Word

Always lead with `ممكن` (Mumkin). It is the universal softener in Arabic that turns a demand into a polite request.

⚠️

The 'Action' Trap

Don't use this for 'trying to do' something difficult. If you're trying to solve a math problem, use `أحاول` (ahawil) instead.

En 15 segundos

  • Use it to ask to test food, clothes, or electronics.
  • Very common in markets, shops, and casual social settings.
  • Combines 'possible' with 'I try' and 'this'.

What It Means

This phrase is your ultimate permission slip in the Arab world. It is a simple, polite way to ask if you can test an object. It works for almost anything physical. Think of it as your 'all-access pass' to shops and markets. It shows you are interested but careful.

How To Use It

Start with ممكن (Mumkin), which means 'possible' or 'can I.' Then add أجرب (ajarrab), the verb for 'I try.' Finish with ده (dah), which means 'this.' It is a very flexible structure. You do not need to change much to sound natural. Just point at what you want and say the phrase. Most people will understand you immediately. It is the perfect 'survival' phrase for any traveler.

When To Use It

You will use this constantly while shopping. Use it at a clothing store before heading to the fitting room. Use it at a spice market to taste a bit of halva. It is great when a friend shows you a new phone. You can even use it at a perfume shop. It is the standard way to interact with products. It makes you look like a savvy shopper.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this for 'trying' to do an action. For example, do not use it to say 'I will try to run.' That requires a different verb entirely. Also, avoid using it for abstract concepts like 'trying a new lifestyle.' This phrase is strictly for physical objects you can touch or taste. Using it for tasks will make you sound a bit confused. Stick to things you can hold in your hand.

Cultural Background

Arab culture is famous for its hospitality and generosity. In many markets, sellers will actually insist that you try things. Asking ممكن أجرب ده؟ is seen as a sign of respect for the product. It starts a conversation between you and the vendor. Often, trying one thing leads to a free tea and a long chat. It is the first step in the dance of Middle Eastern commerce. Do not be shy; people expect you to ask!

Common Variations

In Egypt, people say ده (dah) for 'this.' In Lebanon or Syria, you might hear هيدا (hayda). If the object is feminine, like a car or a bag, you say دي (di) or هيدي (haydi). Some people might just say ممكن؟ (Mumkin?) while pointing. This is the 'lazy' but effective version. If you want to be extra polite, add لو سمحت (law samaht) at the end. That means 'if you please.'

Notas de uso

The phrase is neutral and safe for all settings. Note that `dah` is the Egyptian/Cairene dialect version of 'this'; it is understood everywhere but sounds very 'street' and friendly.

💡

The Magic Word

Always lead with `ممكن` (Mumkin). It is the universal softener in Arabic that turns a demand into a polite request.

⚠️

The 'Action' Trap

Don't use this for 'trying to do' something difficult. If you're trying to solve a math problem, use `أحاول` (ahawil) instead.

💬

The Tasting Secret

In many traditional nut and spice shops (Roastery), it is culturally expected that you taste before you buy. If you don't ask to try, they might think you aren't a serious buyer!

Ejemplos

7
#1 Shopping for a shirt
😊

القميص ده جميل، ممكن أجرب ده؟

This shirt is beautiful, can I try this?

Standard use in a retail environment.

#2 At a street food stall
🤝

الريحة حلوة قوي، ممكن أجرب ده؟

The smell is very nice, can I try this?

A polite way to ask for a small taste.

#3 Asking a colleague to see their new laptop
💼

اللابتوب بتاعك جديد؟ ممكن أجرب ده؟

Is your laptop new? Can I try this?

Using it to test out a gadget.

#4 Texting a friend about a new video game
😊

اللعبة شكلها جامد، ممكن أجرب ده عندك؟

The game looks awesome, can I try this at your place?

Informal use among friends.

#5 In a high-end jewelry store
👔

لو سمحت، ممكن أجرب ده؟

If you please, can I try this?

Adding 'if you please' makes it more formal.

#6 Joking with a friend who has a fancy car
😄

عربيتك تحفة! ممكن أجرب ده وأسوق شوية؟

Your car is amazing! Can I try this and drive a bit?

A cheeky way to ask for a test drive.

#7 Trying a grandmother's secret recipe
💭

يا تيتا، ممكن أجرب ده؟ تسلم إيدك.

Grandma, can I try this? Bless your hands.

Emotional context showing appreciation for cooking.

Ponte a prueba

You are at a clothing store. Fill in the blank to ask to try the jacket.

الجاكيت ده شيك، ___ أجرب ده؟

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

`ممكن` (Mumkin) is the word for 'can I' or 'is it possible,' which is needed for a request.

Complete the phrase to ask to try something specific.

ممكن ___ ده؟

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

`أجرب` (ajarrab) specifically means 'I try' or 'I test,' which fits the context of testing an object.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality Spectrum of 'Mumkin ajarrab dah?'

Very Informal

Pointing and just saying 'Ajarrab?'

أجرب؟

Neutral

Standard phrase used with shopkeepers.

ممكن أجرب ده؟

Formal

Adding polite titles or 'if you please'.

حضرتك، ممكن أجرب ده لو سمحت؟

Where to use 'Can I try this?'

ممكن أجرب ده؟
👕

Clothing Store

Trying on a jacket

🧀

Food Market

Tasting a piece of cheese

🎮

Friend's House

Testing a new game console

Perfume Shop

Spraying a sample scent

Preguntas frecuentes

12 preguntas

Yes! It is the standard phrase for both. Whether you are in a fitting room or a bakery, ممكن أجرب ده؟ is perfectly natural.

No, ده (dah) is Egyptian. In Modern Standard Arabic, you'd say هذا (hatha), but in daily life, dah is much more common.

The verb أجرب (ajarrab) stays the same because it means 'I try.' The gender of the speaker doesn't change this specific phrase.

If the object is feminine (like a 'shanta' / bag), you should change ده (dah) to دي (di). So it becomes ممكن أجرب دي؟.

Not at all. It is a neutral phrase. To make it 'fancier,' just add لو سمحت (law samaht) which means 'if you please' at the end.

Usually no. This is for physical objects. For a hobby, you would say عايز أجرب... (I want to try...) followed by the hobby name.

You can use the same phrase, but if you want to be specific, you can say ممكن أقيس ده؟ (Mumkin aqees dah?), where aqees means 'measure/try on'.

Usually, they will say تفضل (Tafaddal) for a man or تفضلي (Tafaddali) for a woman, which means 'Go ahead' or 'Please, help yourself.'

In Arab culture, it's generally fine, especially in markets. It's part of the shopping process. Just say شكراً (Shukran) politely if you decide not to buy.

Yes, but ممكن أدوق ده؟ (Mumkin adouq dah?), which means 'Can I taste this?', is slightly more common for liquids and food.

You can say ممكن أجرب دول؟ (Mumkin ajarrab dol?), where dol means 'these' (plural).

Not really a slang version, but people often shorten it to just ممكن؟ (Mumkin?) while holding the item and looking at the seller.

Frases relacionadas

ممكن أقيس ده؟

ممكن أدوق؟

فين غرفة القياس؟

بكام ده؟

عايز أشوف ده

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