لا يصح أن نفعل ذلك
We can't do this
직역: It doesn't work we do like this
Use this to reject a suggestion based on logic, social norms, or personal principles in a firm way.
15초 만에
- Used to say 'we can't' or 'this isn't right.'
- Blends logical impossibility with social inappropriateness.
- Essential for setting boundaries politely in Egyptian Arabic.
뜻
This is the go-to Egyptian way of saying 'We can't do this' or 'This isn't right.' It is used for everything from technical impossibilities to moral objections.
주요 예문
3 / 6Rejecting a bad business idea
مينفعش نعمل كده، الميزانية مش هتكفي.
We can't do this; the budget won't be enough.
Correcting a child's behavior
يا حبيبي مينفعش نعمل كده في الشارع.
Sweetie, we can't do this in the street.
Texting a friend about a risky plan
يا صاحبي مينفعش نعمل كده، هنروح في داهية!
My friend, we can't do this, we'll get in big trouble!
문화적 배경
The phrase is deeply rooted in the Egyptian concept of 'Aib' (shame) and 'Osool' (principles). It is less about a lack of ability and more about a violation of social or logical norms. In Egyptian cinema, you'll often hear a hero say this when refusing a bribe or a villainous plan.
The Magic 'N'
The 'N' in `نعمل` (Na'mal) is what makes it 'we.' Change it to 'T' (`تعمل` - Ta'mal) to say 'You can't do this.' It's a quick way to switch targets!
Don't be too preachy
If you say this with a very loud voice, it can sound like you're lecturing someone. Keep your tone soft to remain polite.
15초 만에
- Used to say 'we can't' or 'this isn't right.'
- Blends logical impossibility with social inappropriateness.
- Essential for setting boundaries politely in Egyptian Arabic.
What It Means
مينفعش نعمل كده is the ultimate Swiss Army knife of Egyptian Arabic. On the surface, it means 'we can't do this.' However, the verb ينفع actually means 'to be useful' or 'to be suitable.' So, you are literally saying 'It is not suitable for us to act this way.' It covers physical impossibility, social taboos, and even just bad ideas. It is the verbal equivalent of a polite but firm headshake.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when you want to stop an action in its tracks. It is incredibly flexible because it doesn't sound too aggressive. You can use it to disagree with a plan or to set a boundary. Simply drop it at the start of a sentence to explain why a suggestion won't work. If someone suggests a shortcut that might get you in trouble, this is your shield. It sounds natural and very 'Cairene.'
When To Use It
Use it in a meeting when a colleague suggests a budget-breaking idea. Use it at a restaurant if a friend wants to leave without tipping. It is perfect for texting when someone asks for a favor you can't fulfill. You will hear it constantly in family settings when someone is breaking a tradition. It is also great for 'soft' refusals where you want to blame the situation rather than the person. It makes you sound like you have a strong moral compass.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in extremely formal legal settings where specific technical terms are required. Do not use it if you are the one in trouble with the police; it might sound like you are lecturing them! Also, if something is physically impossible (like gravity), use مش ممكن. مينفعش implies there is a choice or a standard involved. Don't use it for very small, trivial things like picking a color of a pen. It carries a bit of weight, so save it for actual decisions.
Cultural Background
Egyptians value 'El-Osool' (the right way of doing things). This phrase is the guardian of those social rules. It reflects a culture that prioritizes collective harmony and 'the proper way.' When you say مينفعش, you are often appealing to a shared sense of what is right. It is less about 'I don't want to' and more about 'This isn't how things are done.' It is a very 'community-minded' way to say no.
Common Variations
You can change the person easily. مينفعش تعمل كده means 'You can't do this.' If you want to be more emphatic, you can say ميقصحش كده, which is a bit more old-school and moralistic. In a hurry? Just say مينفعش on its own. It works as a complete sentence and carries plenty of authority. If you are talking about a specific thing, you can say ده مينفعش (This doesn't work/isn't right).
사용 참고사항
This phrase is neutral-to-informal. In Egyptian Arabic, it is the standard way to express that something is not allowed or not feasible. It is safer and more natural than the Modern Standard Arabic 'La yumkin'.
The Magic 'N'
The 'N' in `نعمل` (Na'mal) is what makes it 'we.' Change it to 'T' (`تعمل` - Ta'mal) to say 'You can't do this.' It's a quick way to switch targets!
Don't be too preachy
If you say this with a very loud voice, it can sound like you're lecturing someone. Keep your tone soft to remain polite.
The Egyptian 'No'
Egyptians often prefer `مينفعش` over a hard `لا` (No) because it feels less like a personal rejection and more like a shared constraint.
예시
6مينفعش نعمل كده، الميزانية مش هتكفي.
We can't do this; the budget won't be enough.
Focuses on the logical/financial impossibility.
يا حبيبي مينفعش نعمل كده في الشارع.
Sweetie, we can't do this in the street.
Used to teach social norms and manners.
يا صاحبي مينفعش نعمل كده، هنروح في داهية!
My friend, we can't do this, we'll get in big trouble!
Informal and uses humor to express concern.
لا يا فندم، مينفعش نعمل كده، لازم نستنى دورنا.
No sir, we can't do this, we must wait for our turn.
Polite but firm adherence to rules.
تحط سكر على المكرونة؟ مينفعش نعمل كده خالص!
You put sugar on pasta? We absolutely cannot do that!
Uses the phrase to mock a 'crime' against food.
بجد مينفعش نعمل كده معاه بعد كل اللي عمله.
Really, we can't do this to him after all he's done.
Appeals to loyalty and ethics.
셀프 테스트
Choose the correct word to complete the phrase meaning 'We can't do this.'
___ نعمل كده عشان ده غلط.
`مينفعش` is the most natural way to say 'it is not right/possible' in this context.
How do you say 'You (singular male) can't do this'?
مينفعش ___ كده.
`تعمل` is the second person masculine singular conjugation.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality of 'مينفعش نعمل كده'
Used with close friends or siblings.
مينفعش يا ابني!
Perfect for coworkers or acquaintances.
مينفعش نعمل كده دلوقتي.
Still usable, but 'لا يجوز' is more academic.
حضرتك مينفعش نعمل كده.
When to use 'مينفعش نعمل كده'
Breaking a social rule
Cutting a line
Technical failure
Software won't run
Moral objection
Lying to a friend
Safety concern
Speeding in a car
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문It comes from the verb نفع (nafa'a), meaning to benefit or be useful. The مـ and ـش are the negation sandwich used in Egyptian Arabic.
Yes, it is very common in professional settings to point out why a plan is unfeasible. For example: مينفعش نأجل المشروع (We can't delay the project).
مش ممكن usually means 'impossible' in a physical or surprising sense. مينفعش is more about appropriateness or rules.
To tell a woman 'You can't do this,' say مينفعش تعملي كده (Minfa'sh ta'mali keda).
It is specifically Egyptian/Levantine in style. In Gulf countries, they might say ما يصير (Ma yiseer) for the same meaning.
Yes! If someone asks 'Can I park here?' you can just reply لأ، مينفعش (No, it's not allowed/possible).
Not usually. It is actually a softer way to say 'No' because it implies the situation itself is the problem, not the person.
كده means 'like this' or 'so.' It refers back to the action you are discussing.
It is considered 'Ammiya' (Colloquial), not slang. It is perfectly acceptable for daily use and most professional environments.
You would say مينفعش أعمل كده (Minfa'sh a'mal keda), changing the 'N' to an 'A'.
관련 표현
ما يصحش كده
مش هينفع
عيب كده
مستحيل
댓글 (0)
로그인하여 댓글 달기무료로 언어 학습 시작하기
무료로 학습 시작