المرء لا يستطيع وحده
One can't do it alone
직역: The one cannot alone
Use this phrase to show humility and acknowledge that every success is a shared journey.
15초 만에
- A humble way to acknowledge teamwork and shared success.
- Used to deflect praise or ask for help politely.
- Reflects the cultural value of community over the individual.
뜻
This phrase is a humble way to acknowledge that success is a team effort. It is used to deflect personal praise or to politely ask for a helping hand when a task is too big.
주요 예문
3 / 6Responding to a boss's praise
شكراً يا فندم، بس الواحد مايقدرش لوحده، الفريق كله تعب.
Thank you, sir, but one can't do it alone; the whole team worked hard.
Asking a friend to help move furniture
ممكن تساعدني في المكتب ده؟ الواحد مايقدرش لوحده.
Can you help me with this desk? One can't do it alone.
Texting a friend about a big project
الحمد لله خلصنا، الواحد مايقدرش لوحده فعلاً.
Praise God we finished; one really can't do it alone.
문화적 배경
This expression is deeply rooted in the collectivist nature of Middle Eastern societies, particularly in Egypt. It reflects the social value of 'Gada'ana' (chivalry and helpfulness), where offering and accepting help is a sign of strong character rather than weakness. It became a staple of daily speech as a way to maintain humility in a culture that prizes community bonds.
The Humility Hack
In the Middle East, taking 100% of the credit is often seen as arrogant. Use this phrase to instantly sound more likable and grounded.
Dialect Check
This specific phrasing is Egyptian. If you are in the Gulf, you might say `اليد الواحدة ما تصفق` (One hand doesn't clap) instead.
15초 만에
- A humble way to acknowledge teamwork and shared success.
- Used to deflect praise or ask for help politely.
- Reflects the cultural value of community over the individual.
What It Means
This expression is the ultimate 'teamwork' mantra in Arabic. It translates to 'one can't do it alone.' It is not just about physical strength. It is about the social fabric of life. In many Arabic-speaking cultures, doing things solo is seen as difficult and lonely. This phrase highlights that we all need support. Whether it is a work project or moving a sofa, you use this to stay humble. It says, 'I am capable, but I am better with you.'
How To Use It
You can use it in two main ways. First, use it to deflect a compliment. If someone says, 'You did a great job,' you say this phrase. It shows you appreciate your team. Second, use it to ask for help without sounding weak. It frames the request as a logical reality of life. Just drop it into a conversation when things get heavy. It sounds natural and very relatable.
When To Use It
Use it at the office after a successful presentation. Use it at home when the groceries are too heavy. It is perfect for social gatherings when someone thanks you for hosting. You can even use it when texting a friend about a tough week. It works whenever a task requires more than two hands or one brain. It is a great 'social glue' phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if you are in a solo competition. If you win a 100m sprint, it might sound confusing! Avoid it if you are trying to take full credit for something. Also, do not use it sarcastically if someone is actually helping you. That might come off as rude or ungrateful. Keep it for moments of genuine collaboration or shared effort.
Cultural Background
Arab culture is deeply collectivist. The group often comes before the individual. There is a strong belief in Baraka (blessing). People believe Baraka increases when people work together. This phrase reflects that ancient social contract. It is especially popular in Egypt. It shows the 'Gada'ana' (chivalry) spirit of helping neighbors. It is a verbal nod to community ties.
Common Variations
You might hear الأيد الواحدة ماتسقفش. This means 'one hand cannot clap.' It is the more poetic version of the same idea. Another one is البركة في اللمة, meaning 'the blessing is in the gathering.' In formal Arabic, you might say المرء قليل بنفسه كثير بإخوانه. This means 'a man is little by himself, much with his brothers.' All of these celebrate the power of the group.
사용 참고사항
The phrase is primarily Egyptian dialect. It sits in the 'neutral' register, making it safe for almost any social or professional situation where you want to emphasize cooperation over individual effort.
The Humility Hack
In the Middle East, taking 100% of the credit is often seen as arrogant. Use this phrase to instantly sound more likable and grounded.
Dialect Check
This specific phrasing is Egyptian. If you are in the Gulf, you might say `اليد الواحدة ما تصفق` (One hand doesn't clap) instead.
The Power of 'The One'
Using `الواحد` (the one) instead of `أنا` (I) is a common linguistic trick in Arabic to distance oneself from the ego. It makes your statement sound like a universal truth.
예시
6شكراً يا فندم، بس الواحد مايقدرش لوحده، الفريق كله تعب.
Thank you, sir, but one can't do it alone; the whole team worked hard.
This shows high emotional intelligence and leadership by sharing credit.
ممكن تساعدني في المكتب ده؟ الواحد مايقدرش لوحده.
Can you help me with this desk? One can't do it alone.
A polite, non-demanding way to ask for physical assistance.
الحمد لله خلصنا، الواحد مايقدرش لوحده فعلاً.
Praise God we finished; one really can't do it alone.
Used here to express relief and gratitude for the collaboration.
كل ده كشري؟ الواحد مايقدرش لوحده على الأكلة دي!
All this Koshary? One can't handle this meal alone!
A lighthearted way to comment on a huge portion of food.
وصلت لهنا بدعمكم، الواحد مايقدرش لوحده.
I got here with your support; one can't do it alone.
Very touching and emphasizes the role of family and friends.
لازم نساعد بعض، الواحد مايقدرش لوحده.
We must help each other; one can't do it alone.
Encouraging others to join a collective cause.
셀프 테스트
Complete the phrase used to show humility after a success.
الحمد لله على النجاح، بس ___ مايقدرش لوحده.
Using `الواحد` (the one) makes the statement general and humble, rather than focusing on 'I' or 'Them'.
Which verb correctly completes the negation in Egyptian dialect?
الواحد ___ لوحده في المشاكل دي.
`مايقدرش` is the standard way to say 'cannot' in Egyptian dialect using the ma...sh negation pattern.
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시각 학습 자료
Formality Spectrum
Used with close friends while joking or asking for small favors.
Help me with this pizza!
The sweet spot for this phrase. Perfect for colleagues and acquaintances.
Acknowledging help on a project.
Acceptable in speeches, but usually replaced by MSA versions.
Official awards ceremony.
Where to use 'One can't do it alone'
Office Teamwork
Sharing credit for a win.
Moving House
Lifting heavy boxes.
Family Dinner
Cooking for twenty people.
Life Struggles
Getting through a hard time.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문No, it is used for mental, emotional, and professional tasks too. You can use it for a difficult exam or a complex business deal.
It is a bit casual for a very formal email. In that case, use the MSA version: لا يمكن للمرء أن ينجح بمفرده.
It literally means 'the one,' but in this context, it functions like the English 'one' or 'a person' (e.g., 'One does not simply walk into Mordor').
Yes! It shows you are a team player and humble. Bosses usually love hearing that you value the team.
In the Egyptian dialect, the letter ق (Qaf) is usually pronounced as a glottal stop (like the 't' in 'button'). So it sounds like 'maye-darsh'.
Actually, الواحد is used as a gender-neutral 'one.' You don't need to change it if you are a woman.
إيد واحدة means 'one hand' (meaning we are united). الواحد مايقدرش لوحده focuses more on the necessity of help.
Yes, if someone is watching you struggle and not helping, you might say it pointedly to nudge them to help.
Yes, many Arabic songs about friendship and 'Sahab' (friends) use similar themes of needing one another.
Not if you say it with a smile. It usually sounds like an observation of a shared human reality.
관련 표현
إيد لوحدها ماتسقفش
البركة في الجماعة
في الاتحاد قوة
شيلني وأشيلك
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