يد واحدة لا تصفق
One hand doesn't clap
Literalmente: One hand doesn't clap
Use this phrase to emphasize that cooperation is the only way to achieve a shared goal.
Em 15 segundos
- Success requires teamwork and cooperation from everyone involved.
- You cannot finish a big task by working alone.
- A gentle way to offer help or encourage group effort.
Significado
It means you cannot achieve great things entirely on your own. Cooperation and teamwork are essential for success, just as you need two hands to make the sound of a clap.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Helping a friend move furniture
خليني أساعدك، إيد واحدة ماتصفقش.
Let me help you, one hand doesn't clap.
Encouraging a team at work
يا جماعة لازم نشتغل مع بعض، إيد واحدة ماتصفقش.
Guys, we have to work together; one hand doesn't clap.
Texting a group about a party plan
كلنا لازم نشارك في التجهيزات، إيد واحدة ماتصفقش!
We all need to participate in the preparations, one hand doesn't clap!
Contexto cultural
The phrase reflects the 'collectivist' nature of Middle Eastern cultures where family and community ties are paramount. It originates from ancient folk wisdom and is used to encourage 'Takaful' (social solidarity). While used across the Arab world, the Egyptian version `إيد واحدة ماتصفقش` is particularly famous due to Egyptian cinema and music.
The 'Offer' Trick
Use this phrase when you want to help someone who is too proud to ask. It makes the help feel like a logical necessity rather than a favor.
Dialect Matters
The word `ماتصفقش` is Egyptian. In Lebanon, they might say `ما بتزقف`, and in MSA it is `لا تصفق`. Use the one that fits your location!
Em 15 segundos
- Success requires teamwork and cooperation from everyone involved.
- You cannot finish a big task by working alone.
- A gentle way to offer help or encourage group effort.
What It Means
Imagine trying to clap with just your right hand. It is impossible, right? You just end up waving at the air. This phrase is the ultimate Arabic reminder that we need each other. It is about the power of the collective. No matter how strong or smart you are, some things require a team. It is a humble acknowledgment of human limitation. It is also a beautiful celebration of community. When you say this, you are saying that strength lies in numbers.
How To Use It
You can use this as a warm offer of help. If you see a friend struggling to organize a big dinner, say it. It shows you are ready to jump in and help. You can also use it to explain why a project succeeded or failed. It is a great way to build bridges in a conversation. It sounds supportive and wise. Just drop it into a conversation when teamwork is the topic. It makes you sound like someone who values others.
When To Use It
Use it at the office during a big project launch. Use it at home when the chores are piling up. It is perfect for community projects or volunteer work. If you are texting a group chat about a trip, it fits perfectly. It is a very versatile social glue. It works in almost any situation involving more than one person. It is especially common when someone is being stubborn about doing everything alone. It gently nudges them to accept help.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for things that are strictly personal. If someone is taking a solo exam, it does not apply. Avoid it if someone is trying to have a private, quiet moment. If someone is bragging about a personal achievement, using it might sound a bit rude. It could seem like you are downplaying their hard work. Use your judgment on the timing. It is about cooperation, not raining on someone’s parade. Also, do not use it if you are actually refusing to help!
Cultural Background
This phrase is deeply rooted in the communal nature of Arab society. Historically, survival in harsh environments required tribal unity. You did not just build a house; the whole village helped. This spirit of mutual aid is still very much alive today. It is why you will see neighbors helping each other without being asked. The phrase is a linguistic fossil of this beautiful tradition. It is common in Egypt, the Levant, and the Gulf. It reflects a culture that prioritizes the group over the individual.
Common Variations
In Modern Standard Arabic, you will hear اليد الواحدة لا تصفق. This version is used in news reports or formal speeches. In some North African dialects, the pronunciation shifts slightly. However, the 'clapping hand' imagery remains universal across the Arab world. Some people might just say إيد على إيد بتساعد which means 'Hand on hand helps.' But the clapping version is definitely the most iconic and recognizable.
Notas de uso
This phrase is primarily informal and neutral. It is perfect for daily life, but use the MSA version `اليد الواحدة لا تصفق` for academic writing or formal speeches.
The 'Offer' Trick
Use this phrase when you want to help someone who is too proud to ask. It makes the help feel like a logical necessity rather than a favor.
Dialect Matters
The word `ماتصفقش` is Egyptian. In Lebanon, they might say `ما بتزقف`, and in MSA it is `لا تصفق`. Use the one that fits your location!
The Sound of Silence
In Arab culture, silence after a request for help is rare. Using this phrase shows you understand the 'unwritten rule' of helping your neighbor.
Exemplos
6خليني أساعدك، إيد واحدة ماتصفقش.
Let me help you, one hand doesn't clap.
A friendly way to offer physical assistance.
يا جماعة لازم نشتغل مع بعض، إيد واحدة ماتصفقش.
Guys, we have to work together; one hand doesn't clap.
Used to boost morale and emphasize collaboration.
كلنا لازم نشارك في التجهيزات، إيد واحدة ماتصفقش!
We all need to participate in the preparations, one hand doesn't clap!
Reminding everyone to contribute their share.
ساعدوا بعض في تنضيف البيت، إيد واحدة ماتصفقش.
Help each other clean the house; one hand doesn't clap.
Teaching children the value of helping out.
كنت فاكر إني هخلص لوحدي؟ إيد واحدة ماتصفقش فعلاً!
Did I think I'd finish alone? One hand really doesn't clap!
Admitting one's own mistake in trying to do too much alone.
إحنا جنبك، إيد واحدة ماتصفقش في الظروف دي.
We are with you; one hand doesn't clap in these circumstances.
Showing solidarity during a difficult time.
Teste-se
Choose the correct word to complete the proverb.
إيد واحدة ___.
The word `ماتصفقش` means 'doesn't clap', which completes the metaphor.
Which situation best fits this phrase?
If your colleague is struggling with a heavy box, you say: ___
The phrase is used to offer help and acknowledge that the task is too big for one person.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality Spectrum
Used in very casual street talk.
إيد واحدة يا زميلي!
Perfect for friends and family.
إيد واحدة ماتصفقش.
The MSA version for speeches.
اليد الواحدة لا تصفق.
Where to use 'One Hand Doesn't Clap'
Office Projects
Collaborating on a presentation.
Family Events
Preparing a big holiday feast.
Sports
Encouraging teammates on the field.
Volunteering
Working at a food bank.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasWhile the specific wording ماتصفقش is Egyptian, the concept and similar versions are used all across the Arab world.
Yes, if you have a friendly relationship. It shows you are a team player who values the company's collective effort.
The formal Modern Standard Arabic version is اليد الواحدة لا تصفق (Al-yadu al-wahidatu la tusaffiq).
No, it is almost always positive or encouraging, though it can be used to explain why something failed due to lack of support.
Absolutely! It is very common in group chats when planning events or asking for volunteers.
Yes, it is often used to say that a relationship requires effort from both partners to work.
Sometimes people will actually hold up one hand and try to clap against the air to emphasize the point visually.
Yes! You can say ساعدوني يا جماعة، إيد واحدة ماتصفقش to ask for a hand.
Yes, it is a very old piece of folk wisdom that has been passed down through generations.
Don't use it for tasks that are meant to be done alone, like taking a test, or it might sound like you are encouraging cheating!
Frases relacionadas
في الاتحاد قوة
In unity there is strength.
البركة في اللمة
Blessing is in the gathering (group).
شيلني وأشيلك
Carry me and I'll carry you (mutual support).
إيد على إيد بتساعد
Hand on hand helps.
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