هذا الموضوع حساس
This topic is sensitive
Littéralement: The subject this (is) sensitive
Use this phrase to politely shut down uncomfortable questions while maintaining social grace.
En 15 secondes
- Politely signals that a topic is private or delicate.
- Used to stop awkward questions without being rude.
- Common in Egyptian dialect for family, money, or politics.
Signification
This phrase is used to signal that a topic is delicate, private, or potentially offensive. It's like putting up a 'handle with care' sign on a conversation to avoid awkwardness or conflict.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Avoiding a question about your salary
بصراحة، الموضوع ده حساس شوية بالنسبة لي
Honestly, this topic is a bit sensitive for me.
Discussing family inheritance
بلاش نتكلم في الورث دلوقتي، الموضوع ده حساس
Let's not talk about the inheritance now; this topic is sensitive.
A friend asking about a recent breakup
مش عايزة أحكي، الموضوع ده لسه حساس
I don't want to talk; this topic is still sensitive.
Contexte culturel
In many Arabic-speaking societies, especially Egypt, directness can sometimes be seen as aggressive. Using the word `hassas` (sensitive) allows the speaker to decline a conversation while shifting the 'blame' to the topic itself rather than the person asking. It is a key phrase for maintaining 'face' and social harmony.
The 'Shwaya' Trick
Always add `shwaya` (a bit) at the end. It makes you sound less defensive and more like you're just stating a fact.
Don't Overuse It
If every topic is 'sensitive,' people will think you are hiding something big or just being difficult. Use it sparingly!
En 15 secondes
- Politely signals that a topic is private or delicate.
- Used to stop awkward questions without being rude.
- Common in Egyptian dialect for family, money, or politics.
What It Means
You use this phrase to set a boundary. It tells people to tread carefully. Think of it as a verbal yellow light. It means the topic is private or emotional. It is perfect for avoiding awkward questions. You are asking for respect without being rude. It is a very common way to protect your privacy.
How To Use It
You can say it as a full sentence. Just say الموضوع ده حساس. You can also add it to a longer explanation. It works well when you want to change the subject. It sounds soft but firm. It’s a polite way to say 'back off' nicely. You can use it in professional or personal settings. It is a versatile tool for your social survival kit.
When To Use It
Use it when someone asks about your salary. Use it when family drama comes up at dinner. It is great for political or religious discussions. If a friend asks about a recent breakup, use this. It helps you avoid crying in public. It also works in meetings for confidential projects. It signals that the information is not for everyone.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for trivial things like lunch choices. Saying the menu is 'sensitive' sounds very dramatic. Avoid using it if you actually want to talk. It is a conversation stopper, not a starter. Don't use it if you are joking with very close friends. They might think you are actually upset. Keep it for moments that truly require a soft touch.
Cultural Background
Arab culture values privacy, especially regarding family and money. There is a concept called khususiya (privacy). Some topics are considered aib (shameful) or just too personal. This phrase bridges the gap between being blunt and being silent. It shows you have 'taste' and social awareness. It is a very Egyptian way to navigate social minefields.
Common Variations
In Formal Arabic, you say hadha al-mawdu' hassas. In the Levant, you might hear hal mawdu' hassas. You can also say mawdu' shai'ek for a 'thorny' issue. If it is very secret, say mawdu' khass (private matter). All of these help you keep your secrets safe. They make you sound like a sophisticated speaker.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is neutral and safe for almost any context. In Egyptian Arabic, 'dah' (this) comes after the noun. If you want to be more formal, use 'hadha' before the noun.
The 'Shwaya' Trick
Always add `shwaya` (a bit) at the end. It makes you sound less defensive and more like you're just stating a fact.
Don't Overuse It
If every topic is 'sensitive,' people will think you are hiding something big or just being difficult. Use it sparingly!
Body Language Matters
When saying this, tilt your head slightly and lower your voice. It signals sincerity and helps the other person save face.
Exemples
6بصراحة، الموضوع ده حساس شوية بالنسبة لي
Honestly, this topic is a bit sensitive for me.
Using 'shwaya' (a bit) softens the refusal even more.
بلاش نتكلم في الورث دلوقتي، الموضوع ده حساس
Let's not talk about the inheritance now; this topic is sensitive.
A common way to delay a difficult family discussion.
مش عايزة أحكي، الموضوع ده لسه حساس
I don't want to talk; this topic is still sensitive.
The word 'lessa' (still) implies the wound is fresh.
خلي بالك وأنت بتتكلم معاه، الموضوع ده حساس
Be careful while talking to him; this topic is sensitive.
Used as a warning to a third party.
إحنا لازم نناقش الميزانية، بس الموضوع ده حساس
We must discuss the budget, but this topic is sensitive.
Signals that the speaker knows they are touching a nerve.
يا سيدي خلاص، عرفنا إن الموضوع ده حساس عندك
Okay man, we get it, this topic is sensitive for you!
Used sarcastically when a friend gets defensive.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct word to complete the phrase for 'This topic is sensitive'.
الموضوع ده ___
`hassas` means sensitive, which is the standard word for delicate topics.
How do you say 'This topic is a bit sensitive'?
الموضوع ده حساس ___
`shwaya` means 'a little' or 'a bit', which is often used to soften the statement.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Al-mawdu' dah hassas'
Using 'fakes' or 'kabbir' to ignore a topic.
فكك من الحوار ده
The standard way to describe a delicate topic in dialect.
الموضوع ده حساس
Used in news or official speeches.
هذا الملف يتسم بالحساسية
When to deploy the 'Sensitive' card
Money/Salary
Asking how much someone earns.
Politics
Heated debates at a cafe.
Relationships
Asking why someone got divorced.
Health
Discussing a private medical issue.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsWhile dah is Egyptian, the word hassas for 'sensitive' is understood everywhere. In other dialects, you'd just change the 'this' part.
Yes! You can say huwa shakhs hassas (he is a sensitive person). It works for both people and topics.
No, if the topic is truly private. Just use a polite tone and maybe add ya fandem (sir/ma'am) at the end.
You could say mawdu' 'adi (a normal topic) or mawdu' fari'gh (a trivial/empty topic).
Yes, for example, asnani hassasa means 'my teeth are sensitive.' The logic is the same!
The best response is fihimt (I understand) or asif, msh qasdi (Sorry, I didn't mean to pry).
It's close, but sirri is the actual word for 'secret/confidential.' Hassas implies it's emotionally or socially tricky.
Usually, for allergies, you use hassasiya (the noun). For example: andi hassasiya min el-mouz (I have an allergy to bananas).
Yes, in Modern Standard Arabic, you would say hadha al-mawdu' faya'at al-hassasiya (this topic is extremely sensitive).
Yes, you can say el-mawqif hassas (the situation is sensitive/delicate).
Expressions liées
موضوع شائك
A thorny/complicated issue
خلينا نغير الموضوع
Let's change the subject
خصوصيات
Private matters
بلاش إحراج
No embarrassment / Don't make it awkward
Commentaires (0)
Connectez-vous pour CommenterCommencez à apprendre les langues gratuitement
Commence Gratuitement