من الواضح نظرياً
It is theoretically clear
Littéralement: From the clear theoretically
Use it to sound smart while expressing subtle doubt about a plan's practical success.
En 15 secondes
- Used for plans that sound perfect but are untested.
- Common in professional, academic, and intellectual discussions.
- Suggests a gap between logical theory and messy reality.
Signification
You use this when a plan or idea makes perfect sense in your head or on paper, but you suspect it might be difficult to actually do. It's the intellectual way of saying 'it sounds good, but let's see what happens in reality.'
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Discussing a new business strategy
من الواضح نظرياً أن هذه الخطة ستزيد الأرباح.
It is theoretically clear that this plan will increase profits.
Planning a strict new diet with a friend
من الواضح نظرياً أنني سأخسر الوزن، لكن البيتزا موجودة.
It is theoretically clear I will lose weight, but pizza exists.
Assembling complicated furniture
من الواضح نظرياً كيف نركب هذا الكرسي.
It is theoretically clear how we assemble this chair.
Contexte culturel
This expression is a staple of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) used in news, academia, and business. It reflects the high value placed on 'Mantiq' (logic) in Arabic discourse. Interestingly, it is often used as a polite way to disagree with a superior's plan without being confrontational.
The 'But' Clause
This phrase is almost always followed by the word 'lakin' (but). It's the perfect setup for a counter-argument.
Don't sound like a robot
If you use this too much in casual conversation, your friends might think you're trying too hard to sound like a professor. Save it for when you really want to sound analytical.
En 15 secondes
- Used for plans that sound perfect but are untested.
- Common in professional, academic, and intellectual discussions.
- Suggests a gap between logical theory and messy reality.
What It Means
من الواضح نظرياً is a sophisticated way to bridge the gap between ideas and reality. It suggests that while the logic is sound, the execution remains a mystery. When you say this, you are acknowledging that the math adds up or the steps are logical. However, you are also subtly hinting that life rarely goes according to plan. It is the phrase of a cautious optimist or a realistic skeptic.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the very beginning of your sentence. It acts as a disclaimer. For example, if you are planning a complex road trip, you might say, من الواضح نظرياً we will arrive by five. This tells your friends that while the GPS says five, traffic and coffee stops might have other plans. It’s a very flexible phrase in professional and academic settings. It makes you sound like a deep thinker who considers all variables.
When To Use It
Use this in a business meeting when reviewing a new strategy that looks flawless on a PowerPoint slide. It’s perfect for academic discussions where you are debating a scientific or social theory. You can also use it with friends when discussing a 'foolproof' plan to assemble IKEA furniture or start a new diet. It adds a layer of intelligence to your conversation. It shows you aren't just following instructions blindly; you are analyzing them.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in highly emotional or intimate moments. If a friend is crying, saying it is 'theoretically clear' why they are sad will make you sound like a robot. Also, don't use it for simple, undeniable facts. Saying من الواضح نظرياً that the sun is hot sounds redundant and a bit silly. It’s also too formal for a quick text to buy milk unless you are being intentionally sarcastic with a close friend.
Cultural Background
In Arabic-speaking cultures, there is often a deep respect for formal education and 'the book.' However, there is an equally strong appreciation for 'the street' or practical experience. This phrase captures that tension perfectly. It reflects a modern, analytical mindset that has become very common in Arab professional circles. It shows the influence of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) on daily intellectual life. It’s a phrase that marks you as someone who is well-read and articulate.
Common Variations
You might hear people say من الناحية النظرية (from the theoretical side), which is almost identical in meaning. Another common one is على الورق (on paper). If you want to be even more formal, you could say يُفترض نظرياً (it is theoretically assumed). All of these carry that same 'fingers crossed' energy. They all acknowledge that the plan is perfect, even if the world isn't.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is high-register. It is best suited for professional environments, academic writing, or when you want to sound particularly articulate. Avoid using it in very relaxed, slang-heavy settings unless you are being sarcastic.
The 'But' Clause
This phrase is almost always followed by the word 'lakin' (but). It's the perfect setup for a counter-argument.
Don't sound like a robot
If you use this too much in casual conversation, your friends might think you're trying too hard to sound like a professor. Save it for when you really want to sound analytical.
The Power of 'Nazariyyan'
In many Arab cultures, being 'nazari' (theoretical) is sometimes a polite insult meaning you have no real-world experience. Use it carefully!
Exemples
6من الواضح نظرياً أن هذه الخطة ستزيد الأرباح.
It is theoretically clear that this plan will increase profits.
The speaker acknowledges the logic but leaves room for practical challenges.
من الواضح نظرياً أنني سأخسر الوزن، لكن البيتزا موجودة.
It is theoretically clear I will lose weight, but pizza exists.
A humorous way to admit that cravings might ruin the 'clear' plan.
من الواضح نظرياً كيف نركب هذا الكرسي.
It is theoretically clear how we assemble this chair.
Used when the instructions make sense but the pieces don't fit.
من الواضح نظرياً أن التفاعل سيحدث بسرعة.
It is theoretically clear that the reaction will happen quickly.
Standard academic usage to describe an expected outcome.
الجدول ممتاز، من الواضح نظرياً أننا سنزور كل الأماكن.
The schedule is great; it's theoretically clear we'll visit all the places.
Shows excitement while acknowledging the schedule is very tight.
من الواضح نظرياً أن الابتعاد هو الحل الأفضل.
It is theoretically clear that staying away is the best solution.
Used when the logical choice is obvious but the heart disagrees.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence about a risky investment.
___ أن الاستثمار سيربح، لكن السوق متقلب.
This phrase fits because it acknowledges the logic of the investment while the second half of the sentence introduces doubt.
Complete the sentence expressing skepticism about a new law.
هذا القانون مفيد ___، ولكن تطبيقه صعب.
The word 'nazariyyan' (theoretically) creates the necessary contrast with 'tatbiquhu sa'b' (its application is difficult).
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Spectrum of 'It's Clear'
Used with close friends.
واضح (Wadih)
Standard everyday clarity.
الأمر واضح (Al-amr wadih)
Academic or professional skepticism.
من الواضح نظرياً (Min al-wadih nazariyyan)
Legal or high-level academic writing.
يتضح جلياً من الناحية النظرية
Where to use 'Min al-wadih nazariyyan'
Business Strategy
Reviewing a growth plan.
University Lecture
Discussing physics or sociology.
DIY Projects
Reading manual instructions.
Life Advice
Giving logical but hard-to-follow advice.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot really. It is a C2-level expression primarily found in formal speech, writing, or intellectual debates. In slang, people usually just say واضح (Wadih).
Yes, but it's a 'guarded' agreement. You are saying you agree with their logic, but not necessarily that you think it will work. Example: من الواضح نظرياً أنك محق.
The opposite would be من الناحية العملية (From a practical standpoint) or واقعياً (Realistically).
No, it sounds very polite and intellectual. It’s a great way to express doubt without being blunt or aggressive.
It is universal across the Arab world because it belongs to Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha), which is used in all formal contexts from Morocco to Iraq.
The 'ya' has a 'shadda' (emphasis) and ends with a 'tanween' sound (an). It sounds like Na-za-ree-yan.
Only if you are being funny or ironic. Otherwise, it’s far too cold and logical for romance!
Not necessarily. It just implies that there is a difference between thinking about something and doing it.
You can just say نظرياً at the start of a sentence. Adding من الواضح makes it sound more complete and emphatic.
This is definitely C2 level. It requires an understanding of how to structure formal arguments and use abstract adverbs.
Expressions liées
من الناحية النظرية
From a theoretical perspective
على الورق
On paper
من الناحية العملية
From a practical standpoint
بشكل عام
In general
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