لا تفعل هذا
Don't do this
Literally: Not you do not like this
Use this phrase to stop someone's annoying or incorrect behavior in casual, everyday Egyptian settings.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard Egyptian way to say 'Don't do that' to someone.
- Uses the unique 'Ma...sh' negation sandwich common in Cairo dialect.
- Adjusts easily for gender and number by changing the verb ending.
Meaning
This is the go-to Egyptian way to tell someone 'Don't do that.' It is used to stop an action, correct a behavior, or playfully chide a friend.
Key Examples
3 of 6A child playing with their food
يا حبيبي ماتعملش كده في الأكل.
My dear, don't do that with the food.
A friend makes a prank that goes too far
يا عم ماتعملش كده، خضتني!
Man, don't do that, you scared me!
A colleague is touching your laptop without asking
لو سمحت ماتعملش كده تاني.
Please don't do that again.
Cultural Background
The phrase utilizes the 'Ma...sh' negation structure, which is a hallmark of the Egyptian dialect and distinguishes it from Modern Standard Arabic. It is often accompanied by specific hand gestures, like a finger wag or a palm-down 'stop' motion. It reflects the Egyptian culture's blend of directness and communal correction.
The Negation Sandwich
The 'Ma' at the start and 'sh' at the end is the 'negation sandwich.' It's the secret sauce of Egyptian Arabic!
Watch Your Tone
If you say it too loudly, it sounds like a command. Say it with a smile to keep it friendly.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard Egyptian way to say 'Don't do that' to someone.
- Uses the unique 'Ma...sh' negation sandwich common in Cairo dialect.
- Adjusts easily for gender and number by changing the verb ending.
What It Means
ماتعملش كده is the bread and butter of Egyptian negation. It combines the verb تعمل (to do) with the classic 'Ma...sh' negation sandwich. It literally means 'Don't do like this.' It is direct, clear, and incredibly common in Cairo streets. You use it when someone is doing something you dislike. It can range from a gentle suggestion to a firm command.
How To Use It
The phrase changes slightly based on who you are talking to. For a man, say ماتعملش كده (Ma-te'melsh keda). For a woman, add an 'i' sound: ماتعمليش كده (Ma-te'melish keda). If you are talking to a group, use ماتعملوش كده (Ma-te'melush keda). It is very flexible. You can add لو سمحت (please) to soften the blow. Or add تاني (again) if they keep repeating the mistake.
When To Use It
Use it with friends when they make a bad joke. Use it with siblings who are being annoying. It is perfect for parenting or teaching. If a colleague is clicking their pen too loudly, this works. In a taxi, if the driver takes a wrong turn, you might use it. It is the ultimate 'stop it' button for daily life.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this with your boss in a high-stakes meeting. It might sound a bit too blunt or childish. Don't use it with elderly strangers unless they are doing something dangerous. In very formal settings, Modern Standard Arabic is better. Using it with a stern face can seem aggressive. Always check your tone before speaking.
Cultural Background
Egyptians are known for being expressive and direct. The 'Ma...sh' negation is a unique feature of the Egyptian dialect. It likely has roots in the ancient Coptic language. When you say this, you might see the 'Egyptian finger wag.' People often shake their index finger side-to-side while saying it. It adds a layer of 'I am serious, stop it' to the phrase.
Common Variations
You might hear بلاش تعمل كده (Balash te'mel keda). This is a slightly softer, more 'advisory' version. Another one is اوعى تعمل كده (O'a te'mel keda). This is a strong warning, like 'Don't you dare do that.' If someone is saying something wrong, use ماتقولش كده (Don't say that). Each variation adds a different spice to the conversation.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral to informal. In the Egyptian dialect, the 'Ma...sh' negation is the standard for verbs. Avoid using this in formal Modern Standard Arabic contexts where 'La taf'al' is preferred.
The Negation Sandwich
The 'Ma' at the start and 'sh' at the end is the 'negation sandwich.' It's the secret sauce of Egyptian Arabic!
Watch Your Tone
If you say it too loudly, it sounds like a command. Say it with a smile to keep it friendly.
The Finger Wag
Pair this phrase with a side-to-side index finger wag to look like a true local.
Examples
6يا حبيبي ماتعملش كده في الأكل.
My dear, don't do that with the food.
A gentle but firm parental correction.
يا عم ماتعملش كده، خضتني!
Man, don't do that, you scared me!
Used here to express surprise and minor annoyance.
لو سمحت ماتعملش كده تاني.
Please don't do that again.
Adding 'please' and 'again' makes it a professional boundary.
ماتعمليش كده في نفسك، انتي شاطرة.
Don't do that to yourself, you are clever.
Used emotionally to tell someone to stop being hard on themselves.
يا أستاذ ماتعملش كده، كلنا مستنيين.
Sir, don't do that, we are all waiting.
A public correction of behavior.
ماتعملش كده يا حرامي!
Don't do that, you thief!
Playful and teasing between close friends.
Test Yourself
How would you tell a female friend 'Don't do this'?
يا سارة، ___ كده.
For a female subject in Egyptian Arabic, you add the 'i' suffix to the verb inside the negation.
Which word means 'again' to add to the end of the phrase?
ماتعملش كده ___.
`تاني` means 'again' or 'second,' used here to tell someone not to repeat an action.
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Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Don't do this'
O'a te'mel keda (Warning)
اوعى تعمل كده
Standard Egyptian dialect
ماتعملش كده
Polite request with 'please'
لو سمحت ماتعملش كده
Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)
لا تفعل ذلك
Where to use 'Ma-te'melsh keda'
Parenting
Stopping a child from jumping on the sofa
Social Pranks
Telling a friend to stop a silly joke
Public Etiquette
Correcting someone littering
Self-Care
Telling a friend to stop doubting themselves
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, this specific form is very Egyptian. Other dialects might say لا تسوي كذا (Gulf) or ما تعمل هيك (Levantine).
You change the verb to ماتعمليش (Ma-te'melish). The extra 'i' sound at the end makes it feminine.
It can be. It's better to add لو سمحت (please) or يا فندم (sir/madam) to be polite.
Technically yes, but Egyptians prefer ماتقولش كده (Ma-te'ulsh keda) for speech.
كده means 'like this' or 'so.' It's one of the most used words in Egypt!
بلاش (Balash) is more like 'better not' or 'don't bother,' whereas ماتعملش is a direct 'don't do.'
Probably not. It's quite oral and informal. Stick to يرجى عدم فعل ذلك in formal writing.
Use ماتعملوش كده (Ma-te'melush keda) when addressing two or more people.
Only if you have a very close, casual relationship. Otherwise, it might seem disrespectful.
The 'sh' is a remnant of the word شيء (thing), essentially saying 'not doing a thing like this.'
Related Phrases
ماتقولش كده
بلاش كسل
اوعى تنسى
خلاص بقى
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