Significado
A subordinate cannot surpass or disrespect a superior; know your place.
Contexto cultural
In the Levant, this proverb is often used to settle family disputes. If a younger brother speaks out of turn, an elder might say this to remind him of the family structure. Egyptians use this phrase frequently in the 'Sha'abi' (popular/working class) quarters to show respect to the 'Mo'allem' (boss/master of a trade). In the Gulf, it is deeply tied to the concept of 'Majlis' etiquette. You would use it when deferring to a tribal elder or a senior official. While understood, they sometimes use 'الفرخ ما يقرّي بّاه' (The chick doesn't teach its father) as a more colorful local equivalent.
Use it to deflect compliments
If an older person praises you, saying this makes you look incredibly cultured and humble.
Don't use it to sound superior
Never say this to someone younger to 'put them in their place.' It's for the junior to say to the senior.
Significado
A subordinate cannot surpass or disrespect a superior; know your place.
Use it to deflect compliments
If an older person praises you, saying this makes you look incredibly cultured and humble.
Don't use it to sound superior
Never say this to someone younger to 'put them in their place.' It's for the junior to say to the senior.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the proverb with the correct verb form.
العين لا _______ على الحاجب.
The subject 'Al-ayn' is feminine singular, so the verb must be 'ta'lu'.
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
You are a young doctor talking to the veteran surgeon who trained you.
The proverb is used to show humility and acknowledge a mentor's role.
What is the literal meaning of 'Al-Hajib'?
ما هو المعنى الحرفي لكلمة 'الحاجب'؟
Hajib means eyebrow. It comes from the root H-J-B (to veil/protect).
Complete the dialogue.
الأب: يا بني، لقد أصبحت أغنى مني الآن. الابن: يا أبي، المال لا يغير شيئاً، فـ ________________.
The son is showing humility to his father despite his wealth.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosالعين لا _______ على الحاجب.
The subject 'Al-ayn' is feminine singular, so the verb must be 'ta'lu'.
You are a young doctor talking to the veteran surgeon who trained you.
The proverb is used to show humility and acknowledge a mentor's role.
ما هو المعنى الحرفي لكلمة 'الحاجب'؟
Hajib means eyebrow. It comes from the root H-J-B (to veil/protect).
الأب: يا بني، لقد أصبحت أغنى مني الآن. الابن: يا أبي، المال لا يغير شيئاً، فـ ________________.
The son is showing humility to his father despite his wealth.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
3 preguntasNo, it is a cultural proverb, though it aligns with Islamic values of respecting elders.
Yes, if you are asked how you handle feedback from senior managers. It shows you respect hierarchy.
In Arabic, most body parts that come in pairs (eyes, hands, ears) are grammatically feminine.
Frases relacionadas
اليد الواحدة لا تصفق
similarOne hand alone cannot clap.
رحم الله امرأً عرف قدر نفسه
builds onGod have mercy on him who knows his limits.
الولد سر أبيه
similarThe son is the secret of his father.
