اعمل حساباتك
Do your calculations
Littéralement: Do your calculations
Use this to advise someone to be prepared and think through their next big step.
En 15 secondes
- Think ahead and consider all possible outcomes before acting.
- Used for financial planning, travel, or big life decisions.
- Encourages being realistic and avoiding unexpected surprises or mistakes.
Signification
It means to prepare yourself, think ahead, or consider all the factors and consequences before making a move. It's like telling a friend to 'do your homework' or 'be ready for what's coming.'
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Buying a new car
قبل ما تشتري العربية، اعمل حساباتك كويس.
Before you buy the car, do your calculations well.
Warning a friend about a long trip
الطريق طويل، اعمل حساباتك للبنزين والأكل.
The road is long, do your calculations for gas and food.
In a business meeting
لازم نعمل حساباتنا قبل ما نبدأ المشروع الجديد.
We must do our calculations before starting the new project.
Contexte culturel
The phrase stems from the historical importance of trade and commerce in the Arab world. Being a 'man of calculations' meant you were savvy, reliable, and unlikely to be cheated. Today, it has evolved into a general social idiom for being mentally prepared for any social or professional obligation.
The Singular Secret
If you use the singular 'I'mel hisab-ak', it often means 'Keep in mind' or 'Count yourself in' rather than literal math.
Tone Matters
If said with a sharp tone, it can sound like a threat, meaning 'You better watch out for what's coming to you!'
En 15 secondes
- Think ahead and consider all possible outcomes before acting.
- Used for financial planning, travel, or big life decisions.
- Encourages being realistic and avoiding unexpected surprises or mistakes.
What It Means
Imagine you are planning a big road trip. You check the gas, the tires, and the snacks. In Arabic, we say اعمل حساباتك for this kind of prep. It means to consider every detail before you act. It is about being smart and avoiding bad surprises. Think of it as 'doing your homework' mentally. You are weighing the pros and the cons carefully. It is a very practical and grounded expression.
How To Use It
You use the verb عمل which means to do or make. In the imperative, it becomes اعمل for a male friend. For a female friend, you would say اعملي. The word حسابات means calculations or accounts. You add the suffix ك to mean 'your.' You can use it as a friendly piece of advice. Or, you can use it as a firm warning. It fits perfectly at the start of a sentence. Just don't say it to your boss too loudly!
When To Use It
Use it when someone is making a big decision. Maybe a friend is quitting their job today. Tell them اعمل حساباتك to ensure they have savings. It is great for travel or event planning. Use it when you want someone to be realistic. It works well in business meetings about budgets. Even in social settings, it is very useful. You can tell someone to 'make their calculations' for a guest list. It shows you care about the outcome.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for very small things. If a friend is choosing a soda, stay quiet. Using it then makes you sound way too serious. Avoid it if someone is already very stressed out. It might sound like you are lecturing them. Also, do not use it in purely romantic moments. It sounds a bit too much like a bank. Keep it for practical or strategic life situations. Nobody wants to 'calculate' during a first kiss!
Cultural Background
In Arab culture, hospitality is a huge deal. But so is being a wise, prepared person. There is a lot of respect for forethought. This is called بُعد نظر or far-sightedness in Arabic. Historically, merchants in the souks used this phrase. They had to calculate risks for every caravan. Today, it shows you are a responsible adult. It reflects a culture that values family security and planning. It’s the mark of a 'heavy' or wise person.
Common Variations
The most common variation is اعمل حسابك. This version is slightly more idiomatic and common. It means 'keep in mind' or 'be prepared.' Another one is خد بالك which means take care. You might also hear حط في بالك. This literally means 'put it in your mind.' If you want to be formal, use خطط جيداً. That simply means 'plan well' in Standard Arabic. Each one has a slightly different flavor of caution.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is highly versatile. In its plural form `حساباتك`, it leans toward logic and planning. In its singular form `حسابك`, it is a common social filler meaning 'be aware.'
The Singular Secret
If you use the singular 'I'mel hisab-ak', it often means 'Keep in mind' or 'Count yourself in' rather than literal math.
Tone Matters
If said with a sharp tone, it can sound like a threat, meaning 'You better watch out for what's coming to you!'
The Guest Rule
In many Arab countries, if you say 'I'mel hisabi', it's a polite way to ask someone to include you in a meal or an outing.
Exemples
6قبل ما تشتري العربية، اعمل حساباتك كويس.
Before you buy the car, do your calculations well.
Here it refers to both financial and practical planning.
الطريق طويل، اعمل حساباتك للبنزين والأكل.
The road is long, do your calculations for gas and food.
A very practical use for logistics.
لازم نعمل حساباتنا قبل ما نبدأ المشروع الجديد.
We must do our calculations before starting the new project.
Used here to mean 'risk assessment.'
اعمل حسابك، الحفلة هتبدأ بدري.
Keep in mind, the party will start early.
A common variation meaning 'be prepared' or 'take note.'
الحياة بره صعبة، اعمل حساباتك صح.
Life outside is hard, do your calculations right.
Carries an emotional weight of motherly advice.
اعمل حساباتك، الأكل مش هيكفيك لوحدك!
Do your math, the food won't be enough for you alone!
A lighthearted way to tease someone.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct word to complete the advice for a female friend.
يا سارة، ___ حساباتك قبل السفر.
Since Sarah is female, we use the feminine imperative form 'I'meli'.
Which word completes the phrase meaning 'your calculations'?
لازم تعمل ___ قبل ما تصرف فلوسك.
'Hisabat-ak' is the plural form 'calculations' which fits the context of planning money.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Spectrum of 'I'mel Hisabat-ak'
Used with siblings or very close friends.
اعمل حسابك في ساندوتش!
Standard advice among peers or colleagues.
اعمل حساباتك للميزانية.
In a professional presentation or speech.
عليكم القيام بالحسابات اللازمة.
Where to use 'I'mel Hisabat-ak'
Financial Planning
Before taking a bank loan.
Travel Logistics
Packing for a winter trip.
Social Warnings
Telling a friend the host is strict.
Career Moves
Before resigning from a job.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is mostly used metaphorically for planning and considering consequences, though it can be used for literal math too.
It might be a bit too informal. It is better to use هل يمكننا مراجعة الحسابات؟ (Can we review the accounts?) instead.
حسابك is singular (your account/calculation) and often means 'keep in mind.' حساباتك is plural and implies a more thorough planning process.
Yes, it is understood everywhere, though the pronunciation of اعمل (I'mel vs. A'mal) changes between Egypt, the Levant, and the Gulf.
It can be seen as unsolicited advice. Only use it if you are helping them or have a friendly rapport.
You change the verb and the suffix: اعملوا حساباتكم (I'melu hisabat-kum).
Yes! You can use it when planning a surprise party or a happy event to ensure everything goes perfectly.
Usually people say أكيد (Sure) or ما تقلق، عامل حسابي (Don't worry, I've taken it into account).
In Egypt, people might say ظبط أمورك (Adjust your affairs) which carries a similar meaning of getting prepared.
Only if you are planning something practical together, like a budget for a wedding. Otherwise, it's not very romantic!
Expressions liées
خد احتياطاتك
Take your precautions
حط في بالك
Keep in mind / Put in your mind
ظبط حالك
Get yourself ready / Fix your situation
خليك مستعد
Stay ready
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