ما حك جلدك مثل ظفرك
ma hakka jildaka mithl zufrilka
Nothing scratches your skin like your own nail
Significado
Means no one can help you as well or effectively as you can help yourself.
Contexto cultural
The proverb is a staple of 'Hekma' (wisdom) literature. It reflects the value of 'Izza' (self-respect/dignity), where asking for help is sometimes seen as a last resort that might diminish one's standing. In the harsh environment of the desert, self-reliance was a survival necessity. This proverb resonates with the Bedouin ideal of the 'independent knight' who can manage his own affairs. As these societies move toward knowledge economies, this proverb is being used in motivational seminars to encourage 'entrepreneurial spirit' and moving away from reliance on government jobs. In these cultures, the proverb is often used with a bit of 'tough love' among friends to stop someone from complaining about others not helping them.
Use it for Motivation
If you see a friend complaining about a slow customer service or a lazy colleague, drop this proverb. It makes you sound wise and encouraging.
Watch the Suffixes
If you are talking about yourself, change '-ka' (your) to '-i' (my): 'Ma hakka jildi mithlu zufri'.
Significado
Means no one can help you as well or effectively as you can help yourself.
Use it for Motivation
If you see a friend complaining about a slow customer service or a lazy colleague, drop this proverb. It makes you sound wise and encouraging.
Watch the Suffixes
If you are talking about yourself, change '-ka' (your) to '-i' (my): 'Ma hakka jildi mithlu zufri'.
The Full Verse
Memorizing the second half ('fa-tawalla anta jami'a amrika') will seriously impress native speakers.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
ما حك جلدك مثل ____.
The proverb specifically uses 'ظفرك' (your nail) to complete the metaphor of scratching.
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
A friend is waiting for someone else to fix their computer for three weeks.
The proverb is used to encourage someone to stop being lazy and solve their own problems.
Match the Arabic words to their English literal meanings.
Match the following:
These are the core components of the proverb.
Choose the best response using the proverb.
أحمد: 'أنا أنتظر المدير ليعطيني فكرة للمشروع.' سارة: '________'
Sarah is advising Ahmed to be proactive and rely on himself.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosما حك جلدك مثل ____.
The proverb specifically uses 'ظفرك' (your nail) to complete the metaphor of scratching.
A friend is waiting for someone else to fix their computer for three weeks.
The proverb is used to encourage someone to stop being lazy and solve their own problems.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
These are the core components of the proverb.
أحمد: 'أنا أنتظر المدير ليعطيني فكرة للمشروع.' سارة: '________'
Sarah is advising Ahmed to be proactive and rely on himself.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasWhile it was said by a famous religious scholar (Imam Al-Shafi'i), the proverb itself is secular and practical advice about life.
Yes, but only if you are giving advice to someone you have a reasonably close relationship with. It might be too informal for a first-time contact.
'Jild' means skin. In this context, it represents your body, your person, or your personal problems.
Because a nail is part of your own body and is the most effective tool for scratching an itch. It's a perfect metaphor for using your own resources.
Yes, in many dialects, 'Ma' is replaced by 'Ma bi-' and 'Hakka' might be used in the present tense: 'Ma bi-yihikkalak illa dufrak'.
It depends on the tone. If said encouragingly, it's helpful. If said while someone is struggling, it can sound like you are refusing to help them.
It is the letter 'ظ' (Zha). Place your tongue between your teeth and make a heavy 'th' sound, like the 'th' in 'this' but much deeper.
No, it promotes self-sufficiency. It doesn't say 'don't help others,' it says 'don't rely on others to do what you should do for yourself.'
Yes, you would change the suffixes to '-kum' (your plural): 'Ma hakka jildakum mithlu zufrikum'.
He was a 9th-century scholar and poet, one of the four great Imams of Sunni Islam, known for his eloquence in the Arabic language.
Frases relacionadas
يد واحدة لا تصفق
contrastOne hand alone cannot clap.
على قدر أهل العزم تأتي العزائم
similarGreat deeds come to those with great resolve.
من جد وجد
builds onHe who strives, finds.
كل شاة تـُعلق بعرقوبها
similarEvery sheep is hung by its own leg.
