يمكننا أن نفعل هكذا
We can do it this way
Littéralement: Possible we-do like-this
Use this phrase to suggest a collaborative solution without sounding bossy or demanding.
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to suggest a plan or a solution.
- Combines 'possible' with 'we do' and 'like this'.
- Widely understood, especially in Egyptian and Levantine dialects.
Signification
It's a gentle way to suggest a plan or agree on a method. It translates to 'We can do it this way' and is perfect for being collaborative without being bossy.
Exemples clés
3 sur 7Deciding on a meeting spot
ممكن نعمل كده ونتقابل في الكافيه.
We can do it this way and meet at the cafe.
Solving a technical problem at work
لو السيستم مش شغال، ممكن نعمل كده.
If the system isn't working, we can do it this way.
Ordering food with a friend
ممكن نعمل كده ونطلب بيتزا واحدة كبيرة.
We can do it this way and order one large pizza.
Contexte culturel
This phrase embodies the 'Insha'Allah' spirit of flexibility and cooperation. It became a staple of modern spoken Arabic through Egyptian cinema and music, which spread the word 'kida' across the Arab world. It’s a linguistic tool for 'Musayara'—the art of getting along with others politely.
The Question Trick
To turn this into a question, just raise your pitch at the end of `كده`. You don't need to change any words!
Pronunciation of 'Kida'
In Egypt, the 'd' is soft. Don't stress it too hard. It should sound like 'ki-da', almost like a little bounce.
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to suggest a plan or a solution.
- Combines 'possible' with 'we do' and 'like this'.
- Widely understood, especially in Egyptian and Levantine dialects.
What It Means
ممكن نعمل كده is your go-to phrase for problem-solving. It literally means "Possible we do like this." In English, we use it to suggest a solution. It sounds helpful and open-minded. It’s not a command; it’s a suggestion. You are inviting the other person to agree with you. It feels like a shared decision.
How To Use It
Start with ممكن (mumkin), which means "possible" or "can." Then add نعمل (na'mal), meaning "we do." Finish with كده (kida), which means "like this" or "this way." You can use it as a statement or a question. If you raise your voice at the end, it becomes "Can we do it this way?" It’s very flexible. You don't need complex grammar to sound natural here.
When To Use It
Use it when you are planning with friends. Use it at a restaurant when deciding to share dishes. It works great in meetings to suggest a workaround. If a friend is stressed, use it to offer a simple plan. Use it when texting to confirm a meeting spot. It’s a very "low-pressure" phrase. It helps keep the conversation moving forward smoothly.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very formal legal contracts. Don't use it if you are giving a direct order. If you are a doctor giving a prescription, it sounds too unsure. It might sound weak if you need to be very firm. Also, don't use it if you are talking about the past. It is strictly for current or future plans. In some very traditional settings, it might feel too casual.
Cultural Background
Arabic culture highly values consensus and "saving face." Directly saying "Do this" can sometimes feel a bit harsh. Using ممكن (possible) softens the blow. It shows you respect the other person's opinion. The word كده is very Egyptian but understood everywhere. It reflects a culture of flexibility and finding a middle ground. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a friendly shrug and a smile.
Common Variations
In the Levant (Lebanon, Syria, Jordan), you’ll hear ممكن نعمل هيك (mumkin na'mal heik). In the Gulf, people might say ممكن نسوي كذا (mumkin naswi kidha). If you want to say "I can do it," change it to ممكن أعمل كده (mumkin a'mal kida). If you want to be more formal, use يمكننا القيام بذلك (yumkinuna al-qiyam bi-dhalik), but that’s mostly for books. Stick to the casual version for daily life.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is highly versatile and sits comfortably in the 'neutral' register. It is safe for both social and professional environments, though you should swap 'kida' for 'heik' if you are specifically in the Levant to sound more local.
The Question Trick
To turn this into a question, just raise your pitch at the end of `كده`. You don't need to change any words!
Pronunciation of 'Kida'
In Egypt, the 'd' is soft. Don't stress it too hard. It should sound like 'ki-da', almost like a little bounce.
The 'Heik' vs 'Kida' Secret
If you are in Beirut, use 'heik'. If you are in Cairo, use 'kida'. Using the local version of 'this way' instantly makes you sound like an insider.
Exemples
7ممكن نعمل كده ونتقابل في الكافيه.
We can do it this way and meet at the cafe.
Suggesting a location politely.
لو السيستم مش شغال، ممكن نعمل كده.
If the system isn't working, we can do it this way.
Offering a workaround to a colleague.
ممكن نعمل كده ونطلب بيتزا واحدة كبيرة.
We can do it this way and order one large pizza.
Suggesting a shared meal plan.
خلاص، ممكن نعمل كده بكرة الصبح.
Okay, we can do it this way tomorrow morning.
Confirming a rescheduled plan via text.
ممكن نعمل كده... ننام ونسيب المواعين!
We can do it this way... we sleep and leave the dishes!
Using the phrase to suggest a lazy (and funny) alternative.
لو انت تعبان، ممكن نعمل كده ونتكلم بعدين.
If you're tired, we can do it this way and talk later.
Showing empathy and offering space.
بخصوص العقد، ممكن نعمل كده لتقليل التكاليف.
Regarding the contract, we can do it this way to reduce costs.
Proposing a business solution.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence to suggest doing something 'this way'.
لو عايز توفر وقت، ___ نعمل كده.
`ممكن` (possible) is the key word to make a suggestion.
Choose the correct word for 'this way' in the Egyptian dialect.
ممكن نعمل ___؟
`كده` (kida) means 'this way' or 'like this' in this context.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Spectrum of 'Mumkin na'mal kida'
Used with siblings or best friends.
نعمل كده؟ (Shortened)
The standard phrase for daily life.
ممكن نعمل كده
Used in professional emails or meetings.
يمكننا القيام بذلك بهذه الطريقة
Where to use 'Mumkin na'mal kida'
At the Office
Suggesting a new deadline.
With Friends
Choosing a movie or restaurant.
At Home
Deciding how to rearrange furniture.
Shopping
Negotiating a price or bundle.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt means 'possible' or 'maybe'. In this phrase, it functions like 'we can' or 'we could'.
It is originally Egyptian, but because of Egyptian media, almost every Arabic speaker understands it perfectly.
Yes, it is neutral and polite. It shows you are proactive but still respectful of their authority.
Just change the 'n' in 'na'mal' to an 'a'. It becomes ممكن أعمل كده (mumkin a'mal kida).
Yes, in Modern Standard Arabic you would say يمكننا فعل ذلك (yumkinuna fi'l dhalik), but it sounds very stiff for conversation.
Not really. It sounds collaborative. It’s better than saying 'We must do this,' which can be too aggressive.
You could say مش ممكن نعمل كده (mish mumkin na'mal kida), which means 'We can't do it this way'.
Usually no. It's a constructive phrase. If you're angry, you'd likely use more direct language.
No, you can swap it! For example, ممكن نمشي كده (We can walk this way) or ممكن ناكل كده (We can eat like this).
Saying كده كده (kida kida) often means 'anyway' or 'regardless'. For example: 'I was going there anyway'.
Expressions liées
ماشي
Okay / Walking (used to agree)
فكرة حلوة
Good idea
زي ما تحب
As you like / Up to you
خلاص تمام
Alright, perfect
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