على سبيل المقارنة
By way of comparison
بهطور تحتاللفظی: On the path of comparison
Use this phrase to sound analytical and provide clear perspective when contrasting two different situations.
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Used to introduce a logical comparison between two ideas.
- Literally means 'on the path of comparison.'
- Best for professional, academic, or serious social discussions.
معنی
This phrase is used to introduce a comparison between two things, acting like a bridge to show how one situation relates to or differs from another. It's the Arabic equivalent of saying 'for the sake of comparison' or 'by way of contrast.'
مثالهای کلیدی
3 از 6Discussing the weather in two cities
الجو في لندن بارد جداً، وعلى سبيل المقارنة، الجو في دبي مشمس.
The weather in London is very cold; by way of comparison, the weather in Dubai is sunny.
Comparing business profits
حققت الشركة أرباحاً جيدة، وعلى سبيل المقارنة، كانت أرباح العام الماضي أقل بكثير.
The company made good profits; by way of comparison, last year's profits were much lower.
Texting a friend about phone prices
هذا الهاتف غالي، وعلى سبيل المقارنة، هاتف سامسونج أرخص.
This phone is expensive; by way of comparison, the Samsung phone is cheaper.
زمینه فرهنگی
The term 'Sabil' (path) has deep roots in Islamic and Arab history, often associated with public charity like water fountains. Using it in a linguistic sense suggests that comparison is a 'way' or 'path' to truth. It reflects the high value placed on logic and rhetoric in Arabic literary traditions.
The 'Smart' Factor
Using this phrase instantly makes you sound like a C1 speaker. It shows you aren't just translating word-for-word, but using native rhetorical structures.
Don't confuse with 'Example'
Be careful not to say `على سبيل المثال` (By way of example) if you actually intend to compare. One gives a sample, the other shows a difference.
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Used to introduce a logical comparison between two ideas.
- Literally means 'on the path of comparison.'
- Best for professional, academic, or serious social discussions.
What It Means
Ever felt like you need to prove a point by showing a clear contrast? على سبيل المقارنة is your best friend for that. It literally means "on the path of comparison." Think of it like holding up two photos side-by-side. You show the first one, then use this phrase to signal that the second one is coming for context. It’s not just about saying "but." It’s about providing a structured, logical example. It helps your listener see the scale or difference of what you are discussing. It turns a simple statement into a well-reasoned argument.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the start of a new sentence to transition. You can also use it after a comma or semicolon to link two related ideas. It acts as a logical connector. First, you state your main fact or observation. Then, you drop على سبيل المقارنة. Finally, you provide the second fact that highlights the difference. It’s very common in modern standard Arabic writing. However, you’ll hear it in spoken Arabic too, especially among educated speakers. It makes you sound organized and thoughtful. Your listener will appreciate the clarity you're bringing to the table.
When To Use It
Use it when you’re talking about prices or value. It’s great for comparing two cities, like Cairo and Dubai. Use it in a job interview to compare your past experiences. It shows you can analyze situations effectively. You can also use it when discussing media, like movies or books. For example, "The first season was slow. على سبيل المقارنة the second season was action-packed." It’s perfect for any situation where you want to provide perspective. If you want to sound sophisticated at a dinner party, this is the phrase to use. It signals that you are a deep, analytical thinker.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it in a very casual or high-energy setting. If you’re just shouting to a friend across the street, skip it. It might sound a bit too "academic" for a quick "Where are you?" text. "I’m at the mall. على سبيل المقارنة I was at home ten minutes ago." That sounds a bit like a robot wrote it. Avoid it during heated emotional outbursts. It’s a logical, cool-headed phrase. If you’re upset, you probably aren't looking for a "path of comparison." Use it when your brain is leading the conversation, not your heart.
Cultural Background
Arabic culture deeply values eloquence and "Bayan" (clarity). Historically, poets and scholars used comparisons to explain complex or divine concepts. The word سبيل (path) is quite poetic. It suggests that comparing two things is a journey toward understanding. In the past, a Sabil was also a public water fountain. It provided life-giving water to travelers on their path. Just as a fountain refreshes a traveler, this phrase refreshes a conversation. It provides the necessary clarity to keep the dialogue moving forward. It’s a very "civilized" and polite way to point out a difference.
Common Variations
You might hear بالمقارنة مع which means "in comparison with." Another common one is من جهة أخرى (on the other hand). Some people prefer بالمقابل (in contrast). If you want to be extremely formal, you can use من باب المقارنة. This literally means "from the door of comparison." All of these help you navigate different levels of formality. However, على سبيل المقارنة remains the most versatile choice. It’s the "Goldilocks" of comparative phrases—not too stiff, but definitely not slang.
نکات کاربردی
This phrase sits firmly in the formal to neutral register. It is the 'gold standard' for transitions in essays and news reports, but it is also perfectly acceptable in professional emails and educated conversation.
The 'Smart' Factor
Using this phrase instantly makes you sound like a C1 speaker. It shows you aren't just translating word-for-word, but using native rhetorical structures.
Don't confuse with 'Example'
Be careful not to say `على سبيل المثال` (By way of example) if you actually intend to compare. One gives a sample, the other shows a difference.
The Path to Clarity
In Arabic, the word `سبيل` (path) is often used for noble things. Using it here suggests that comparison is a noble path to finding the truth.
مثالها
6الجو في لندن بارد جداً، وعلى سبيل المقارنة، الجو في دبي مشمس.
The weather in London is very cold; by way of comparison, the weather in Dubai is sunny.
A classic use to show a stark contrast between two environments.
حققت الشركة أرباحاً جيدة، وعلى سبيل المقارنة، كانت أرباح العام الماضي أقل بكثير.
The company made good profits; by way of comparison, last year's profits were much lower.
Very common in professional reports or meetings.
هذا الهاتف غالي، وعلى سبيل المقارنة، هاتف سامسونج أرخص.
This phone is expensive; by way of comparison, the Samsung phone is cheaper.
Used here to justify a purchasing decision in a casual but clear way.
أنا أطبخ جيداً، وعلى سبيل المقارنة مع أخي الذي يحرق حتى الخبز!
I cook well, by way of comparison with my brother who even burns bread!
Uses the phrase's formal weight to create a funny contrast with a silly situation.
أشعر بنضج كبير اليوم، وعلى سبيل المقارنة، كنت طائشاً قبل سنوات.
I feel very mature today; by way of comparison, I was reckless years ago.
Used to highlight a significant emotional or personal change.
الفيلم الأول كان مملاً، وعلى سبيل المقارنة، الجزء الثاني كان رائعاً.
The first movie was boring; by way of comparison, the second part was great.
A standard way to offer a critique or review.
خودت رو بسنج
Choose the correct phrase to complete the comparison between two cars.
هذه السيارة سريعة جداً، ___، السيارة القديمة كانت بطيئة.
The sentence compares the speed of a new car and an old car, so 'by way of comparison' is the logical fit.
Which phrase fits best in a business report comparing two quarters?
كان أداء الموظفين ممتازاً في هذا الربع، ___ بالربع السابق.
In a professional context comparing performance periods, 'على سبيل المقارنة' provides the necessary formal transition.
🎉 امتیاز: /2
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
Formality Spectrum of 'على سبيل المقارنة'
Rarely used in slang; sounds a bit too stiff for the street.
Comparing snacks with a toddler.
Perfect for podcasts, news, or educated daily conversation.
Comparing two vacation spots with friends.
Highly effective in essays, business meetings, and literature.
A CEO comparing annual growth rates.
Where to use 'على سبيل المقارنة'
Business Meeting
Comparing sales targets.
Academic Writing
Contrasting two historical theories.
Shopping
Comparing the features of two laptops.
News Reporting
Comparing statistics of different countries.
سوالات متداول
10 سوالWhile it is Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), educated speakers use it in dialects like Levantine or Egyptian when discussing serious topics. In very casual street slang, people might just say مقارنة بـ (compared to).
No, it almost always acts as a prefix or a transition. You use it to introduce the second item in your comparison, like على سبيل المقارنة، الوضع هنا أفضل (By way of comparison, the situation here is better).
Both mean path or road, but سبيل is often more metaphorical or poetic. You'll see سبيل in phrases regarding methods or ways of doing things, while طريق is more often a physical road.
It depends on who you are texting. With a boss or a new acquaintance, it's great. With your best friend, it might sound like you're writing a newspaper article!
Yes, you can use it to introduce a third or fourth item to show how they all stack up against the first one you mentioned.
Not at all. It is a neutral, logical tool. It can be used for positive comparisons (better prices) or negative ones (worse weather).
It is pronounced 'Ala Sabeel Al-Muqaranah'. Make sure to emphasize the 'q' (ق) sound deep in the throat for a native feel.
There isn't a direct 'opposite,' but if you want to show similarity instead of comparison, you might use بالمثل (likewise) or على نحو مشابه (in a similar way).
The word سبيل appears frequently in the Quran, but this specific three-word expression is more characteristic of Modern Standard Arabic and classical prose.
Absolutely. It’s a fantastic way to compare your skills or previous roles. Example: في وظيفتي السابقة كنت أعمل بمفردي، وعلى سبيل المقارنة، هنا أفضل العمل الجماعي.
عبارات مرتبط
بالمقارنة مع
In comparison with
على سبيل المثال
By way of example
من ناحية أخرى
On the other hand
بالمقابل
In contrast / In return
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