لا تيأس
Don't despair
Literally: ma (not) + ti'as (you despair) + sh (negation suffix)
Use it to give a friend a quick, warm boost of hope when they're feeling down.
In 15 Seconds
- A friendly way to say 'don't give up' during tough times.
- Used mostly in Egyptian dialect with friends and family.
- Encourages resilience and staying positive despite setbacks.
Meaning
A warm, encouraging way to tell someone 'don't give up' or 'keep your head up' when they are facing a setback or feeling defeated.
Key Examples
3 of 6Encouraging a friend who failed a driving test
ماتيأسش، إن شاء الله هتنجح المرة الجاية
Don't despair, God willing you'll pass next time.
Texting a sibling who is struggling with exams
يا حبيبي ماتيأسش، أنت تعبت وهتلاقي نتيجة
My dear, don't give up; you worked hard and you'll see results.
A boss encouraging a team after a lost contract
يا جماعة ماتيأسوش، لسه في فرص تانية كتير
Guys, don't lose hope; there are still many other opportunities.
Cultural Background
This phrase is deeply rooted in the Egyptian spirit of 'Ma'lesh' (it's okay/never mind). It reflects a culture that prioritizes emotional support and resilience in the face of economic or personal hardships. It became a common refrain in popular music and social media during times of political or social change.
The 'Sh' Secret
The 'sh' at the end of `ماتيأسش` is a hallmark of Egyptian negation. It makes the command feel softer and more colloquial than the formal `لا`.
Don't be a 'Toxic Positivity' person
If someone is crying or very angry, wait a few minutes before saying this. Sometimes people need to feel their feelings before they're ready for hope.
In 15 Seconds
- A friendly way to say 'don't give up' during tough times.
- Used mostly in Egyptian dialect with friends and family.
- Encourages resilience and staying positive despite setbacks.
What It Means
Imagine your friend just missed the last train home after a long day. They look like the world is ending. You lean in and say ماتيأسش. It means 'don't despair.' It’s more than just 'don't give up.' It’s a call to keep your spirit alive. It’s about refusing to let a bad situation break you. In Arabic culture, hope is a powerful currency. This phrase is how you share that currency with others. It’s warm, supportive, and deeply human.
How To Use It
Using ماتيأسش is incredibly simple. It acts as a direct command. You usually place it at the start of your advice to set a positive tone. For example, you might say ماتيأسش، بكرة أحلى (Don't despair, tomorrow is better). You don't need complex grammar here. Just the phrase and a supportive smile. If you are talking to a woman, you add a 'y' sound: ماتيأسيش. For a group of people, use ماتيأسوش. It’s like a verbal pat on the back that fits into any conversation.
When To Use It
This is a daily-life superstar. Use it when a colleague's project gets rejected by the boss. Use it when your friend is tired of the endless cycle of dating apps. It’s perfect for those 'almost gave up' moments. It works beautifully in person or over a quick WhatsApp message. If someone is venting about how hard life is, this phrase is your bridge to offering them comfort. It shows you believe in their strength even when they don't.
When NOT To Use It
Be careful with your timing. If someone just experienced a major tragedy or loss, this might feel a bit dismissive or too 'simple' for the moment. In those cases, listening is better than giving a pep talk. Also, avoid it in high-stakes, very formal meetings with a CEO you don't know well. It’s a bit too personal and emotional for a cold boardroom. Don't use it if someone is actually in physical danger; they need help, not just a motivational quote!
Cultural Background
Egyptians are masters of resilience. The history of the region is full of intense ups and downs. Because of this, staying positive is practically a survival skill. ماتيأسش isn't just a word; it's a philosophy of life. It ties into the deep-rooted cultural concept of having 'Sabr' (patience) and trusting that things will eventually work out. Even if you aren't religious, the sentiment of 'never losing hope' is the soundtrack to Cairo’s busy, chaotic, and beautiful streets.
Common Variations
The most common variation is the Modern Standard Arabic version: لا تيأس. You’ll see that in books, formal speeches, or inspirational posters. In the Levant (Lebanon or Syria), you might hear ما تيأس. In Egypt, that extra ش at the end adds a distinct local flavor and makes it feel more 'street' and friendly. You can also pair it with خليك متفائل (stay optimistic) to double down on the good vibes.
Usage Notes
Mainly used in Egyptian Arabic. It is informal to neutral. The key 'gotcha' is remembering to change the ending for gender (add 'i' for women) and number (add 'u' for groups).
The 'Sh' Secret
The 'sh' at the end of `ماتيأسش` is a hallmark of Egyptian negation. It makes the command feel softer and more colloquial than the formal `لا`.
Don't be a 'Toxic Positivity' person
If someone is crying or very angry, wait a few minutes before saying this. Sometimes people need to feel their feelings before they're ready for hope.
The Religious Link
Even in secular contexts, this phrase echoes a famous Quranic verse about not despairing. It gives the word a deep, subconscious weight of authority.
Examples
6ماتيأسش، إن شاء الله هتنجح المرة الجاية
Don't despair, God willing you'll pass next time.
A classic use of the phrase followed by a common blessing.
يا حبيبي ماتيأسش، أنت تعبت وهتلاقي نتيجة
My dear, don't give up; you worked hard and you'll see results.
Using 'ya habibi' adds a layer of familial affection.
يا جماعة ماتيأسوش، لسه في فرص تانية كتير
Guys, don't lose hope; there are still many other opportunities.
The plural form 'ma-ti'assoush' used in a professional but supportive way.
ماتيأسش يا شيف، المرة الجاية ممكن تطلع تتاكل!
Don't despair, Chef; next time it might actually be edible!
Using the phrase ironically to tease a friend's bad cooking.
ماتيأسيش، هو اللي خسرك مش أنتي
Don't despair (fem.); he's the one who lost you, not the other way around.
The feminine form 'ma-ti'assish' used for emotional support.
عاش! ماتيأسش، قربت تجيبها
Bravo! Don't give up, you're close to getting it.
'Ash' (bravo) combined with the phrase for high energy.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct feminine form of the phrase to encourage your female friend.
يا سارة، ___، كل مشكلة وليها حل
In Egyptian Arabic, we add the 'i' sound (represented by 'y' in transliteration) at the end of the verb to address a female.
Which word completes the sentence to mean 'Don't despair, tomorrow is better'?
ماتيأسش، ___ أحلى
'Bokra' means tomorrow, making the phrase a common encouraging idiom: 'Don't despair, tomorrow is better.'
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
From Casual to Formal
Slang used with very close friends.
كبر دماغك وماتيأسش (Ignore it and don't despair)
The sweet spot for this phrase.
ماتيأسش، لسه بدري (Don't give up, it's still early)
Used in literature or formal speeches.
لا تيأس من رحمة الله (Do not despair of God's mercy)
When to say ماتيأسش
Job Rejection
There are better jobs waiting.
Sports Loss
We'll win the next match!
Bad Exam Grade
One test doesn't define you.
Broken Heart
Time heals everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsWhile the specific 'ma...sh' structure is very Egyptian, the root word is understood everywhere. Other dialects might just say ما تيأس (Ma tay'as).
Only if you have a very friendly, close relationship. Otherwise, it might sound a bit too casual or like you're 'coaching' them.
Lower your voice and add a hand on the shoulder. Saying يا صاحبي ماتيأسش (My friend, don't despair) makes it feel much more genuine.
They are very similar, but ماتيأسش specifically targets the feeling of 'despair' (the emotional state) rather than just the act of quitting.
Yes! Use ماتيأسوش (Ma-ti'assoush) when talking to two or more people, like a team or a group of friends.
Not strictly, but it has spiritual overtones. You can use it in a completely secular way without any problem.
Absolutely! It’s actually quite funny and common to use it for minor 'tragedies' to lighten the mood.
It's ماتيأسيش (Ma-ti'assish). Just add that 'ee' sound at the end.
Use the Modern Standard Arabic version: لا تيأس (La tay'as). You'll hear this on the news or in documentaries.
It's not rude, but it's better to use more respectful language like إن شاء الله خير (Hopefully it's for the best) with people much older than you.
Related Phrases
خلي عندك أمل (Have hope)
بكرة أحلى (Tomorrow is better)
كله بيعدي (Everything passes)
شد حيلك (Pull yourself together/Be strong)
ماعلش (It's okay/Don't worry about it)
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free