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لو سمحت

A1 interjection #1,000 más común 14 min de lectura

لو سمحت

Top 1,000

At the A1 beginner level, 'لو سمحت' (law samaht) is introduced as a fixed phrase meaning 'please' or 'excuse me'. It is one of the first survival phrases you learn to interact politely in Arabic-speaking environments. You do not need to understand the complex grammar behind it yet; simply memorize it as a polite tag to add to your requests. For example, when you learn to say 'I want water' (أريد ماء), you immediately learn to add 'لو سمحت' at the end to make it 'أريد ماء، لو سمحت' (I want water, please). It is also taught as the primary way to get someone's attention, such as calling a waiter in a restaurant or stopping someone on the street to ask for directions. At this level, the focus is purely on communication and basic politeness. You will practice using it in simple role-plays, like ordering food, buying tickets, or asking where the bathroom is. The key takeaway for A1 learners is that Arabic culture places a high value on politeness, and omitting this phrase can make you sound demanding or rude. Memorize it, use it often, and you will find that native speakers respond much more warmly to your attempts to speak their language.

At the A2 elementary level, the focus shifts from treating 'لو سمحت' as a single, unchangeable block of sound to understanding its basic grammatical variations, specifically gender agreement. You will learn that the phrase actually changes depending on who you are talking to. This is a crucial step in sounding more natural. You will practice using 'لو سمحتَ' (law samahta) when addressing a man, and 'لو سمحتِ' (law samahti) when addressing a woman. This distinction is vital because using the wrong gender can sound slightly awkward, even though you will still be understood. You will also be introduced to the plural form 'لو سمحتم' (law samahtum) for addressing groups. At this stage, you will start incorporating the phrase into slightly more complex sentences, such as 'هل يمكنك مساعدتي، لو سمحت؟' (Can you help me, please?). You will also practice its placement, learning that it can go at the beginning of a sentence to get attention ('لو سمحت، أين البنك؟') or at the end to soften a request. The goal at A2 is to build muscle memory so that you automatically select the correct gender ending without having to pause and think about it during a conversation.

At the B1 intermediate level, learners dive deeper into the literal meaning and grammatical structure of 'لو سمحت'. You will learn that 'لو' (law) is a conditional particle meaning 'if', and 'سمحت' (samaht) is a past tense verb meaning 'you permitted'. Understanding that the phrase literally means 'if you permitted' helps you grasp the indirect nature of Arabic politeness. You will also start comparing 'لو سمحت' with other polite phrases like 'من فضلك' (min fadlak - from your grace) and 'بعد إذنك' (ba'd iznak - with your permission), learning the subtle nuances of when to use each. For instance, you will learn that 'بعد إذنك' is better when you are asking for permission to do something yourself (like leaving a room), while 'لو سمحت' is better when asking someone else to do something for you. At this level, you will also be exposed to regional dialect variations. While 'law samaht' is universally understood, you might learn that in the Levant, people often say 'إذا بتريد' (iza btreed), or in Egypt, the pronunciation of the 'h' might be slightly softer. You will practice using the phrase in more complex scenarios, such as making polite complaints in a hotel or negotiating prices in a market, where tone and politeness are key to achieving your desired outcome.

At the B2 upper-intermediate level, your use of 'لو سمحت' becomes highly nuanced and context-dependent. You are no longer just using it to order food; you are using it to navigate complex social interactions, professional environments, and formal written communication. You will learn how to use it mid-sentence to add a layer of formal deference, such as 'أرجو منك، لو سمحت، مراجعة هذا التقرير' (I request of you, please, to review this report). You will also master the intonation associated with the phrase. A rising intonation can turn it into a genuine question of permission, while a flat or falling intonation makes it a polite directive. At this level, you will also be expected to recognize and correct common errors, such as the incorrect spelling 'لو سمحتي' (with a yaa) in formal writing, knowing that it must be written as 'لو سمحتِ' (with a kasra). You will explore the root س-م-ح (s-m-h) and learn other words derived from it, such as 'تسامح' (tasamuh - tolerance) and 'مسموح' (masmouh - permitted), enriching your vocabulary and deepening your understanding of the cultural values embedded in the language. Your goal is to use the phrase with the same effortless pragmatism as a native speaker.

At the C1 advanced level, your understanding of 'لو سمحت' transcends basic grammar and enters the realm of sociolinguistics and pragmatics. You will analyze how the phrase is used to negotiate power dynamics and social hierarchy in the Arab world. For example, how does a manager use 'لو سمحت' with an employee versus how an employee uses it with a manager? You will notice that while the phrase is the same, the tone, body language, and surrounding vocabulary shift to reflect the relationship. You will also study its use in modern Arabic literature, media, and political discourse, noting how it can be used rhetorically or even sarcastically in certain contexts. At this level, you are fully comfortable switching between Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and various dialects, knowing exactly how the pronunciation and usage of 'law samaht' adapt in each. You will be able to write highly formal business emails, academic requests, and official correspondence, seamlessly integrating 'لو سمحت' alongside more complex polite formulas like 'تفضلوا بقبول فائق الاحترام' (Please accept my highest respects). Your use of the phrase is sophisticated, culturally embedded, and flawlessly executed in both speech and writing.

At the C2 mastery level, 'لو سمحت' is a microscopic lens through which you can examine the historical evolution of Arabic politeness and the deep philosophical underpinnings of the root س-م-ح. You will understand how the concept of 'samaha' (magnanimity, tolerance, ease) is central to Arab-Islamic ethics and how this single phrase encapsulates a worldview that values communal harmony and mutual respect over direct, individualistic demands. You can engage in academic discussions about the grammatical classification of 'law' as a particle of hypothetical condition and debate its syntactic role when paired with a past tense verb to express a present/future polite request. You are capable of analyzing classical texts to see how requests were formulated before the modern standardization of 'law samaht', and you can trace its rise as the dominant polite marker in contemporary Arabic. In practical use, your application of the phrase is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker. You instinctively know when to omit it for brevity without causing offense, when to emphasize it for rhetorical effect, and how to pair it with specific regional gestures and eye contact to convey exactly the right shade of deference, urgency, or formal distance.

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

لو سمحت en 30 segundos

Means 'please' or 'excuse me'.
Literally translates to 'if you permitted'.
Changes based on gender (samahta/samahti).
Used to soften requests or get attention.

The Arabic phrase لو سمحت (law samaht) is one of the most fundamental and frequently used expressions in the Arabic language, serving primarily as the equivalent of the English words 'please' and 'excuse me'. To truly understand this phrase, we must break it down into its constituent parts and examine the cultural and linguistic contexts in which it thrives. The phrase consists of two distinct words: 'لو' (law) and 'سمحت' (samaht). The word 'لو' is a conditional particle in Arabic, typically translated as 'if'. In classical Arabic grammar, 'لو' is often described as a particle of impossibility, used for hypothetical situations that cannot or did not happen. However, in the context of polite requests, it functions as a softening agent, making the request conditional and therefore less demanding. The second word, 'سمحت', is a verb derived from the three-letter Arabic root س-م-ح (s-m-h). This root carries profound meanings related to tolerance, permission, forgiveness, and magnanimity. The verb 'سمحت' is in the past tense, second person singular masculine, literally translating to 'you permitted' or 'you allowed'. Therefore, the literal translation of the entire phrase 'لو سمحت' is 'if you permitted' or 'if you were so kind as to allow'. This literal meaning perfectly encapsulates the indirect, respectful nature of Arabic politeness strategies. When people use this phrase, they are not issuing a direct command; rather, they are acknowledging the agency and graciousness of the person they are addressing. You will hear this phrase in an incredibly wide variety of situations. It is the standard way to get someone's attention, much like saying 'Excuse me' before asking a stranger for directions on the street. For instance, if you are lost in Cairo or Dubai, you would approach a passerby and say 'لو سمحت, أين المحطة؟' (Excuse me, where is the station?). It is also the standard way to make a request in a restaurant, cafe, or shop. When ordering food, you append it to your request to ensure politeness.

Sentence لو سمحت, أريد كوباً من القهوة.

Usage Context: Use it at the beginning of a sentence to get attention, or at the end of a sentence to soften a request.

The versatility of this phrase cannot be overstated. It bridges the gap between formal Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and the various colloquial dialects spoken across the Middle East and North Africa. Whether you are speaking to a taxi driver, a high-level executive, a shopkeeper, or a teacher, 'لو سمحت' is universally understood and appreciated. It is a marker of good upbringing and respect. In Arab culture, hospitality and respect for others, especially strangers and elders, are paramount values. Using phrases derived from the root س-م-h signals that you are a person of good character who respects the social fabric.

Sentence أعطني القائمة لو سمحت.

Furthermore, the phrase can be used to politely interrupt someone or to ask them to move out of the way. If you are navigating a crowded market (souq) and need to pass, a gentle 'لو سمحت' will prompt people to step aside without taking offense. It is far more polite than simply pushing through or using a more abrupt command.

Grammar Note: The verb is conjugated in the past tense, which is a common feature in Arabic for expressing polite, hypothetical requests.

Sentence لو سمحت, هل يمكنك مساعدتي؟

In professional environments, such as offices or during business meetings, 'لو سمحت' maintains a professional distance while ensuring that requests do not sound like dictatorial orders. When a manager asks an employee for a report, adding this phrase maintains a positive working relationship.

Cultural Nuance: Arabs highly value indirectness in requests to save face for both the speaker and the listener.

Sentence افتح الباب لو سمحت.

Sentence لو سمحت, كم سعر هذا؟

To summarize, mastering this phrase is your first major step into sounding natural, polite, and culturally aware when speaking Arabic. It is not just a vocabulary word; it is a cultural key that opens doors and elicits smiles from native speakers who appreciate your effort to respect their linguistic norms of politeness.

Using لو سمحت (law samaht) correctly in sentences requires an understanding of Arabic sentence structure, gender agreement, and the nuances of placement. Unlike English, where 'please' can often be thrown in without changing much of the surrounding grammar, Arabic requires you to pay attention to who you are speaking to. The most critical rule to remember is that the verb سمحت must agree with the gender and number of the person you are addressing. This is because, as established, it is a conjugated verb meaning 'you permitted'. When speaking to a single male, you say 'لو سمحتَ' (law samahta), with a fatha (a short 'a' sound) on the final letter taa. In spoken dialects, this final vowel is often dropped, resulting in 'law samaht'.

Sentence يا سيدي، لو سمحت ساعدني.

When addressing a single female, the phrase becomes 'لو سمحتِ' (law samahti), with a kasra (a short 'i' sound) under the final taa. This distinction is absolutely crucial. Using the masculine form for a female is a common beginner mistake and, while usually forgiven, immediately marks you as a novice.

Gender Agreement: Always use law samahta for men and law samahti for women. For groups, use law samahtum.

When addressing a group of people, whether all male or mixed gender, you use the plural form 'لو سمحتم' (law samahtum). If you are addressing a group of exclusively females, strict Modern Standard Arabic dictates the use of 'لو سمحتن' (law samahtunna), though in everyday spoken Arabic, 'law samahtum' is often used universally for any group. Regarding placement within a sentence, 'لو سمحت' is highly flexible. It can be placed at the very beginning of a sentence to serve as an attention-getter, equivalent to 'Excuse me'. For example, 'لو سمحت، أين الحمام؟' (Excuse me, where is the bathroom?). In this position, it alerts the listener that a request or question is coming.

Sentence لو سمحت، هل هذا المقعد فارغ؟

Alternatively, it can be placed at the end of a sentence to soften a command or request, functioning exactly like the English 'please'. For instance, 'أعطني هذا الكتاب، لو سمحت' (Give me this book, please). Placing it at the end makes the preceding imperative verb feel less harsh.

Sentence Position: Beginning = Excuse me (attention). End = Please (softening a request).

Sentence احضر لي الفاتورة لو سمحت.

It can even be used in the middle of a sentence, often set off by commas in writing, or slight pauses in speech, to add a layer of extreme politeness or deference. For example, 'هل يمكنك، لو سمحت، أن تتحدث ببطء؟' (Could you, please, speak slowly?). This mid-sentence placement is slightly more formal and is often heard in professional or academic settings.

Sentence أريد، لو سمحت، أن أرى المدير.

Intonation: A rising intonation turns it into a question of permission, while a falling intonation makes it a polite statement.

Sentence دقيقة من وقتك لو سمحت.

In negative requests, you simply place it before or after the negative command. 'لا تفعل هذا، لو سمحت' (Do not do this, please). The grammatical flexibility of this phrase makes it an indispensable tool for learners. By mastering its placement and gender agreements, you instantly elevate your Arabic from sounding like a translated textbook to sounding like a natural, respectful communicator. Practice conjugating it mentally every time you address someone new, and it will soon become second nature.

If you travel to any Arabic-speaking country, from the bustling streets of Cairo to the modern malls of Dubai, or the historic souqs of Marrakech, لو سمحت (law samaht) will be one of the most ubiquitous sounds in your auditory environment. It is the social lubricant that keeps daily interactions smooth and respectful. Let us explore the specific environments where this phrase is not just common, but practically mandatory. First and foremost, the hospitality industry relies heavily on this phrase. When you sit at a cafe in Amman and want to order a mint tea, you will catch the waiter's eye and say 'لو سمحت'. It is considered rude to simply shout 'تعال' (come) or 'أريد' (I want).

Sentence لو سمحت، واحد شاي بالنعناع.

Restaurants: Essential for calling waiters, asking for the menu, or requesting the bill.

In transportation, particularly with taxis, it is the standard way to give directions. When you want the driver to pull over, you don't just say 'stop'. You say 'على اليمين لو سمحت' (On the right, please). This shows respect to the driver, who is providing a service.

Sentence قف هنا لو سمحت.

Retail environments are another major domain for this phrase. Whether you are in a high-end boutique or haggling in a traditional market, you will use it to ask to see an item, inquire about a price, or ask for a different size. 'بكم هذا لو سمحت؟' (How much is this, please?). It sets a polite tone that can even help you get a better price during negotiations, as it establishes a rapport based on mutual respect.

Shopping: Use it before asking for prices or requesting to see specific merchandise.

Sentence أريد أن أرى هذا القميص لو سمحت.

In public spaces, such as crowded sidewalks, metro stations, or airports, 'لو سمحت' is the polite way to navigate through crowds. If someone is blocking your path, a gentle tap on the shoulder accompanied by 'لو سمحت' will part the sea of people. It is the equivalent of 'Excuse me, coming through'.

Sentence الطريق لو سمحت.

Furthermore, in formal settings like government offices, banks, or universities, it is expected. When approaching a teller or a clerk, starting your inquiry with this phrase demonstrates that you understand the formal register of the environment. Even in digital communication, such as WhatsApp messages to colleagues or formal emails, typing 'لو سمحت' before making a request is standard etiquette.

Digital Use: Highly common in text messages and emails to soften written requests.

Sentence أرسل لي الملف لو سمحت.

In summary, there is virtually no social interaction in the Arab world where 'لو سمحت' would be out of place. It is the universal key to polite interaction, functioning seamlessly across different social classes, geographic regions, and levels of formality. By actively listening for it, you will notice its rhythm in everyday Arabic life, acting as the gentle glue that holds polite society together.

While لو سمحت (law samaht) is a straightforward phrase, English speakers learning Arabic frequently make a few specific errors that can lead to confusion or slight awkwardness. Understanding these common pitfalls is essential for achieving fluency and sounding natural. The most prevalent mistake, by far, is ignoring gender agreement. In English, 'please' is gender-neutral. You say 'please' to a man, a woman, or a group. In Arabic, because 'samaht' is a conjugated verb, it must match the listener.

Sentence (To a woman) أعطني الماء لو سمحتِ.

Mistake 1: Using the masculine 'law samaht' when speaking to a female. Always use 'law samahti' for women.

Many beginners memorize the masculine form 'law samaht' and use it universally. When a male learner says 'law samaht' to a female waitress or shopkeeper, it sounds grammatically incorrect and slightly jarring, though locals will usually understand and forgive the error. To fix this, practice associating the 'i' sound (kasra) with female addressees.

Sentence (To a group) انتبهوا لو سمحتم.

Another common mistake is spelling the feminine form incorrectly in informal digital communication. Many learners, and even some native speakers, write 'لو سمحتي' with a 'yaa' (ي) at the end. While this reflects the pronunciation, grammatically, the past tense second-person feminine verb ends with a 'taa' and a kasra (تِ), not a 'yaa'. In formal writing, adding the 'yaa' is a spelling error.

Mistake 2: Spelling the feminine form with a yaa (ي) instead of a kasra. Write it as لو سمحتِ.

Sentence (Correct writing) شكرا لك لو سمحتِ.

A third mistake involves overuse or inappropriate context. While 'لو سمحت' is excellent for requests and getting attention, it is not used as a response to 'thank you' (which would be 'afwan' - you're welcome), nor is it used to mean 'go ahead' or 'after you' when holding a door (which would be 'tafaddal'). English speakers sometimes use 'please' in these contexts, leading them to misuse 'law samaht'.

Sentence (Getting attention) لو سمحت، أين المخرج؟

Mistake 3: Using it to mean 'here you go' or 'after you'. It strictly means 'excuse me' or 'please' for requests.

Sentence (Requesting) ساعدني لو سمحت.

Finally, pronunciation errors can occur. The letter 'haa' (ح) in 'samaht' is a pharyngeal fricative, a sound that does not exist in English. It is a sharp, breathy 'h' produced deep in the throat. English speakers often pronounce it as a regular English 'h' (هـ), which changes the word entirely. Practicing the crisp, raspy sound of the Arabic 'haa' is crucial for making your 'law samaht' sound authentic and clear to native speakers. Overcoming these mistakes will significantly improve your conversational Arabic.

The Arabic language is incredibly rich in expressions of politeness, and while لو سمحت (law samaht) is the most versatile, there are several excellent alternatives that you should know. Expanding your vocabulary with these synonyms will allow you to adjust your register, sound more native, and adapt to different regional dialects. The most direct and common alternative is 'من فضلك' (min fadlak).

Sentence أعطني القلم من فضلك.

Alternative 1: من فضلك (Min fadlak) - Literally 'from your grace'. Highly interchangeable with law samaht.

'Min fadlak' literally translates to 'from your grace' or 'from your favor'. It is used exactly like 'law samaht' to mean 'please'. It also requires gender agreement: 'min fadlak' for a male, 'min fadlik' for a female, and 'min fadlikum' for a group. In many contexts, especially in formal writing or slightly more elevated speech, 'min fadlak' is preferred, though 'law samaht' remains the champion of everyday street Arabic.

Sentence أرجوك، لا تذهب.

Another alternative is 'أرجوك' (arjouk), which translates to 'I beg you' or 'I request of you'. This is a much stronger, more emotional form of 'please'. You would not use 'arjouk' to ask for a cup of coffee; it would sound overly dramatic. Instead, you use it when you are pleading for a favor, asking someone to reconsider a decision, or in situations of urgency. It carries a heavy emotional weight.

Alternative 2: أرجوك (Arjouk) - 'I beg you'. Use only for strong, emotional, or urgent requests.

Sentence بعد إذنك، سأغادر الآن.

If you want to say 'excuse me' in the sense of asking for permission to leave or pass, 'بعد إذنك' (ba'd iznak) is the perfect phrase. It literally means 'after your permission'. If you are sitting in a meeting and need to step out to take a phone call, you would say 'ba'd iznak' rather than 'law samaht'. It is highly polite and specifically targeted at seeking permission for an action you are about to take.

Sentence عذراً، لم أسمعك.

Finally, for a simple 'excuse me' or 'pardon me' when you didn't hear someone, or when you accidentally bump into someone, 'عذراً' (uthran) or 'آسف' (aasif - sorry) are appropriate. 'Uthran' is formal and means 'apologies' or 'excuse me'.

Alternative 3: عذراً (Uthran) - 'Excuse me / Pardon'. Used when apologizing or asking someone to repeat themselves.

Sentence إذا بتريد، أعطني هذا. (Levantine)

Regionally, in the Levant (Lebanon, Syria), you will frequently hear 'إذا بتريد' (iza btreed), which literally means 'if you want', used exactly like 'please'. Knowing these variations enriches your understanding of Arabic politeness and allows you to navigate diverse social landscapes with grace and cultural fluency.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Jerga

Dato curioso

The root س-م-ح (s-m-h) is also the root for the Arabic word for 'tolerance' (تسامح - tasamuh). When you say 'please' in Arabic, you are literally invoking the concept of human tolerance and forgiveness!

Guía de pronunciación

UK /law saˈmaħt/

US /laʊ sɑˈmɑħt/

law sa-MAHT (stress falls heavily on the second syllable of the second word)

Rima con

فرحت (faraht) نجحت (najaht) فتحت (fataht) طرحت (taraht) شرحت (sharaht) مسحت (masaht) نصحت (nasaht) سبحت (sabaht)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 'ح' (haa) as a regular English 'h' (هـ). It must be raspy and deep in the throat.
Forgetting to pronounce the final vowel for gender (a for male, i for female).
Pronouncing 'law' like the English word 'law' (as in legal). It should sound like 'loud' without the 'd'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to read, but beginners might miss the unwritten short vowels (fatha/kasra) that indicate gender.

Escritura 3/5

Spelling is easy, but remembering to use the kasra (تِ) instead of yaa (تي) for females requires attention.

Expresión oral 4/5

Pronouncing the pharyngeal 'ح' (haa) correctly is challenging for English speakers.

Escucha 2/5

Very distinct and frequently used, making it easy to pick out in fast speech.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

أريد (I want) أين (Where) شكرا (Thank you) نعم (Yes) لا (No)

Aprende después

من فضلك (Please/From your grace) عفوا (Excuse me/You're welcome) تفضل (Go ahead/Here you go) آسف (Sorry) ممكن (Is it possible)

Avanzado

تسامح (Tolerance) تصريح (Permit) أرجوك (I beg you) بعد إذنك (With your permission) استأذن (To ask permission)

Gramática que debes saber

Gender Agreement in Verbs

أنتَ سمحتَ (You permitted - M) vs أنتِ سمحتِ (You permitted - F)

Conditional Particles

لو (If - for hypothetical/impossible conditions)

Imperative Sentences

افتح الباب (Open the door) - often softened with law samaht.

Pronoun Suffixes

لو سمحت لي (If you permitted ME) - adding the preposition 'li' (to me).

Plural Conjugation

أنتم سمحتم (You permitted - Plural)

Ejemplos por nivel

لو سمحت، أريد ماء.

Please, I want water.

Used at the beginning of a sentence to make a polite request.

أين الحمام، لو سمحت؟

Where is the bathroom, please?

Used at the end of a question to soften it.

لو سمحت، بكم هذا؟

Excuse me, how much is this?

Functions as 'excuse me' to get the vendor's attention.

أعطني القائمة، لو سمحت.

Give me the menu, please.

Softens the imperative verb 'give me'.

لو سمحت، افتح الباب.

Please, open the door.

Basic polite command.

شكرا لك، لو سمحت.

Thank you, please (if you permit).

Often paired with other polite words.

لو سمحت، دقيقة.

Excuse me, one minute.

Used as a standalone phrase for 'just a minute'.

تفضل، لو سمحت.

Go ahead, please.

Used to politely offer something or give way.

لو سمحتَ، ساعدني.

Please (to a male), help me.

Notice the fatha on the taa (تَ) for a male.

لو سمحتِ، أريد قهوة.

Please (to a female), I want coffee.

Notice the kasra under the taa (تِ) for a female.

لو سمحتم، اجلسوا هنا.

Please (to a group), sit here.

Uses the plural form (تم) for a group.

هل يمكنك أن تتحدث ببطء، لو سمحت؟

Can you speak slowly, please?

Placed at the end of a modal request.

لو سمحتِ، ما اسمك؟

Excuse me (to a female), what is your name?

Feminine agreement used as an icebreaker.

أعطني هذا الكتاب لو سمحتَ.

Give me this book please (to a male).

Masculine agreement softening a direct object request.

لو سمحتم، الهدوء.

Please (group), quiet.

Plural form used with a noun for a command.

انتظرني هنا لو سمحت.

Wait for me here, please.

Softening an imperative verb.

لو سمحت، هل يمكنني استخدام هاتفك؟

Excuse me, may I use your phone?

Used to introduce a request for permission.

أريد أن أدفع الحساب، لو سمحت.

I want to pay the bill, please.

Standard restaurant phrasing.

لو سمحتِ، هل هذا المقعد فارغ؟

Excuse me (female), is this seat empty?

Polite inquiry to a stranger.

من فضلك أو لو سمحت، أرسل لي رسالة.

Please or if you permit, send me a message.

Demonstrates interchangeability with 'min fadlak'.

لو سمحتم، لا تدخنوا في هذه المنطقة.

Please (group), do not smoke in this area.

Used to soften a negative command (prohibition).

عفواً، لو سمحت، أين أقرب صيدلية؟

Pardon, excuse me, where is the nearest pharmacy?

Combined with 'afwan' for extra politeness.

سأعود بعد قليل، لو سمحت لي.

I will return shortly, if you permit me.

Adding 'li' (to me) emphasizes the literal conditional meaning.

لو سمحت، أريد تغيير هذه الغرفة.

Please, I want to change this room.

Used to make a polite complaint or request a change.

أرجو منك، لو سمحت، مراجعة هذا التقرير قبل الغد.

I request of you, please, to review this report before tomorrow.

Mid-sentence placement in a formal context.

لو سمحت، هل تتكرم بإرسال التفاصيل عبر البريد الإلكتروني؟

Please, would you be so kind as to send the details via email?

Paired with 'tatakarram' (be so kind) for elevated formality.

أود أن أطرح سؤالاً، لو سمحت لي بذلك.

I would like to ask a question, if you permit me to do so.

Expanded phrase 'law samaht li bithalik' for formal permission.

لو سمحتِ، أبلغي المدير أنني سأتأخر.

Please (female), inform the manager that I will be late.

Feminine imperative 'abllighi' matching 'law samahti'.

يمكنك الانصراف الآن، لو سمحت.

You may leave now, if you please.

Used by a superior to soften a dismissal.

لو سمحتم، نحتاج إلى تركيزكم الكامل في هذه النقطة.

Please (group), we need your full attention on this point.

Plural form used to manage a group's attention.

لا تقاطعني أثناء الحديث، لو سمحت.

Do not interrupt me while speaking, please.

Softening a firm boundary or reprimand.

لو سمحت، قم بتعبئة هذا النموذج والتوقيع في الأسفل.

Please, fill out this form and sign at the bottom.

Standard administrative instruction.

إن كان بالإمكان، لو سمحت، تأجيل الاجتماع إلى الأسبوع المقبل.

If it is possible, please, postpone the meeting to next week.

Embedded within complex conditional and formal structures.

لو سمحت لي بالمقاطعة، أعتقد أن هناك خطأ في الحسابات.

If you permit me to interrupt, I believe there is an error in the calculations.

Used as a highly polite interjection strategy.

أحتاج إلى توضيح لهذه المسألة، لو سمحت، لتجنب أي لبس.

I need clarification on this issue, please, to avoid any confusion.

Used to maintain diplomacy while demanding clarity.

لو سمحت، دعنا نركز على صلب الموضوع بدلاً من التفاصيل الجانبية.

Please, let us focus on the core of the subject instead of side details.

Used to politely but firmly redirect a conversation.

أرجو ألا تأخذ كلامي على محمل شخصي، لو سمحت.

I hope you do not take my words personally, please.

Softening a potentially offensive or critical statement.

لو سمحتم، أود أن أعرب عن خالص شكري لجهودكم المبذولة.

If you please (group), I would like to express my sincere thanks for your exerted efforts.

Used as a rhetorical opener in formal public speaking.

تفضل بالدخول، لو سمحت، المدير بانتظارك.

Please enter, if you permit, the manager is waiting for you.

Combining 'tafaddal' and 'law samaht' for extreme deference.

لو سمحت، هل لك أن تفصل في هذه النقطة أكثر؟

Please, could you elaborate on this point more?

Paired with 'hal laka an' (could you) for advanced polite inquiry.

لو سمحت لي، فإن هذا الطرح يتنافى مع المبادئ الأساسية التي اتفقنا عليها.

If you permit me, this proposition contradicts the fundamental principles we agreed upon.

Used to introduce a strong counter-argument politely.

أستميحك عذراً، ولو سمحت، أود أن أضيف تعقيباً بسيطاً على ما تفضلت به.

I beg your pardon, and if you please, I would like to add a simple comment to what you kindly stated.

Layering multiple politeness markers (astamihuka, law samaht, tafaddalta).

لو سمحت، لا مجال للمساومة في القضايا التي تمس الأمن القومي.

Please, there is no room for compromise in issues that touch national security.

Used ironically or firmly to underscore a non-negotiable stance.

إن تكرمت، ولو سمحت، هلا أعدت صياغة هذا البند ليكون أكثر شمولية؟

If you would be so kind, and if you please, could you rephrase this clause to be more comprehensive?

Combining 'in takarramt' and 'law samaht' for absolute formal precision.

لو سمحت لي أن أستعير تعبيراً من الفيلسوف ابن رشد في هذا السياق...

If you permit me to borrow an expression from the philosopher Averroes in this context...

Used to humbly introduce a learned quotation.

أرجو، لو سمحت، أن تولي هذه المسألة جل اهتمامك نظراً لحساسيتها المفرطة.

I request, if you please, that you give this matter your utmost attention due to its extreme sensitivity.

Mid-sentence placement in highly elevated, sensitive correspondence.

لو سمحتم، لنجعل من هذا الحوار منصة للتفاهم لا ساحة للتراشق.

If you please (group), let us make this dialogue a platform for understanding, not an arena for bickering.

Used to assert moral authority and restore order politely.

وما كان لي، لو سمحت، أن أتجاوز صلاحياتي لولا الضرورة القصوى.

And it was not for me, if you permit, to overstep my authorities were it not for extreme necessity.

Embedded in a complex classical Arabic syntactic structure.

Colocaciones comunes

لو سمحت لي

دقيقة لو سمحت

الحساب لو سمحت

ممكن لو سمحت

تفضل لو سمحت

عفواً لو سمحت

لو سمحتم جميعاً

مرة أخرى لو سمحت

بكم هذا لو سمحت

على اليمين لو سمحت

Frases Comunes

لو سمحت، أريد...

أين... لو سمحت؟

هل يمكنني... لو سمحت؟

ساعدني لو سمحت

انتظر لو سمحت

تحدث ببطء لو سمحت

أعطني... لو سمحت

افتح... لو سمحت

أغلق... لو سمحت

لو سمحت، ما الوقت؟

Se confunde a menudo con

لو سمحت vs عفواً (Afwan)

'Afwan' means 'excuse me' (when bumping into someone) or 'you're welcome'. 'Law samaht' is 'excuse me' (to get attention) or 'please'.

لو سمحت vs تفضل (Tafaddal)

'Tafaddal' means 'go ahead' or 'here you go'. Do not use 'law samaht' when offering something to someone.

لو سمحت vs شكراً (Shukran)

Means 'thank you'. Beginners sometimes panic and say 'please' when they mean 'thank you'.

Modismos y expresiones

"من باب السماحة"

Out of magnanimity or tolerance. Refers to doing something good without being forced.

سامحه من باب السماحة وليس عن ضعف.

Formal

"سمح المحيا"

Having a forgiving or pleasant face. Used to describe a friendly, approachable person.

كان رجلاً سمح المحيا يحبه الجميع.

Literary

"البيع السمح"

Easy or tolerant selling. Refers to a merchant who doesn't haggle aggressively.

يبارك الله في البيع السمح.

Religious/Cultural

"سماحة المفتي"

His Eminence the Mufti. A formal title of respect for high-ranking Islamic scholars.

أصدر سماحة المفتي فتوى جديدة.

Formal/Religious

"لو تكرمت"

If you would be so generous. A slightly more elevated idiom functioning exactly like law samaht.

لو تكرمت، أرسل لي الملف.

Formal

"إن شاء الله"

If God wills. Often paired with requests to show humility regarding the future.

سأزورك غداً إن شاء الله.

Universal

"على عيني وراسي"

On my eye and my head. An idiomatic polite response to a request, meaning 'I will gladly do it'.

طلبك على عيني وراسي.

Colloquial

"من عيوني"

From my eyes. Another polite response to a request, meaning 'with pleasure'.

أجلب لك القهوة من عيوني.

Colloquial

"كثر خيرك"

May your goodness increase. A way to say thank you after someone fulfills your 'law samaht' request.

شكراً، كثر خيرك.

Colloquial

"الله يخليك"

May God keep you. Used as 'please' or 'thank you' in many dialects.

الله يخليك، ساعدني.

Colloquial

Fácil de confundir

لو سمحت vs لو سمحت (law samaht) vs من فضلك (min fadlak)

Both mean 'please'.

They are 99% interchangeable. 'Law samaht' (if you permitted) is slightly more common in spoken street Arabic, while 'min fadlak' (from your grace) is slightly more common in formal writing or elevated speech.

أعطني القلم لو سمحت / أعطني القلم من فضلك.

لو سمحت vs لو سمحتَ (law samahta) vs لو سمحتِ (law samahti)

Only a one-vowel difference.

'Samahta' (with fatha) is for speaking to a male. 'Samahti' (with kasra) is for speaking to a female. Using the wrong one is a grammatical error.

يا أخي، لو سمحتَ. / يا أختي، لو سمحتِ.

لو سمحت vs سمحت (samaht) vs سمعت (sami't)

Sound very similar to untrained ears (haa vs ayn).

'Samaht' means 'you permitted'. 'Sami't' means 'you heard'. Mixing them up changes 'please' to 'if you heard'.

لو سمحت (please) vs لو سمعت (if you heard).

لو سمحت vs لو (law) vs لا (la)

Similar short words.

'Law' means 'if'. 'La' means 'no'. Saying 'la samaht' would mean 'you did not permit', which makes no sense as a request.

لو سمحت (if you permitted) vs لا (no).

لو سمحت vs عفواً (afwan) vs لو سمحت (law samaht)

Both translate to 'excuse me' in English.

Use 'afwan' when you step on someone's toe (apology). Use 'law samaht' when you tap someone's shoulder to ask a question (attention).

عفواً، دست على قدمك. (Sorry, I stepped on your foot) vs لو سمحت، أين المحطة؟ (Excuse me, where is the station?)

Patrones de oraciones

[Noun] + لو سمحت

ماء لو سمحت (Water, please)

لو سمحت + أين + [Noun]

لو سمحت، أين البنك؟ (Excuse me, where is the bank?)

[Imperative Verb] + لو سمحت

ساعدني لو سمحت (Help me, please)

لو سمحت + هل يمكنني + [Verb]

لو سمحت، هل يمكنني الجلوس؟ (Excuse me, can I sit?)

أريد أن + [Verb] + لو سمحت

أريد أن أدفع لو سمحت (I want to pay, please)

لا + [Negative Imperative] + لو سمحت

لا تدخن هنا لو سمحت (Do not smoke here, please)

أرجو + [Verbal Noun] + لو سمحت

أرجو الانتظار لو سمحت (I request waiting, please)

لو سمحت لي بـ + [Verbal Noun]

لو سمحت لي بالمقاطعة (If you permit me to interrupt)

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Verbos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely High (Top 100 most spoken phrases)

Errores comunes

Using 'law samaht' for a female. → لو سمحتِ (law samahti)
'Samaht' is a conjugated verb. You must use the feminine ending (kasra) when addressing a woman.
Writing 'لو سمحتي' with a yaa. → لو سمحتِ (with a kasra)
Grammatically, the past tense second-person feminine verb ends with a taa and a kasra (تِ), not a yaa (ي).
Using 'law samaht' to mean 'you're welcome'. → عفواً (afwan)
'Law samaht' is for requests (please). 'Afwan' is the response to 'thank you' (you're welcome).
Using 'law samaht' when offering someone a seat. → تفضل (tafaddal)
When you are offering something or inviting someone to do something, use 'tafaddal' (go ahead), not 'law samaht'.
Pronouncing the 'ح' as an English 'h'. → Pronounce it as a deep, raspy pharyngeal 'ح'.
The Arabic 'ح' is distinct from 'هـ'. Mispronouncing it changes the root of the word entirely.

Consejos

Gender Agreement is Key

Always remember: 'law samahta' (male), 'law samahti' (female), 'law samahtum' (group). Muscle memory is crucial here.

Master the 'Haa' (ح)

Practice the deep, breathy 'ح' sound. If you use a soft English 'h', native speakers might struggle to understand you at first.

The Universal Attention Getter

Whenever you need to ask a stranger a question, always start with 'law samaht'. It is the safest and most polite icebreaker.

Beware the Yaa (ي)

Resist the urge to write 'لو سمحتي' in formal contexts. Always use the kasra: 'لو سمحتِ'.

Body Language Matters

When saying 'law samaht', a slight nod or placing your right hand over your heart adds an extra layer of cultural respect.

Mix it Up

Once you master 'law samaht', try alternating it with 'min fadlak' to sound more advanced and varied in your speech.

Listen for the Vowel

Pay attention to how native speakers end the word. Hearing the 'a' or 'i' will help you confirm the gender dynamics of the conversation.

Formal vs Informal

In highly formal emails, you can upgrade to 'law takarramt' (if you were so kind), but 'law samaht' is never wrong.

Adding 'Li' (To me)

For advanced politeness, say 'law samaht li' (if you permitted me) before interrupting someone or taking an action.

Mental Conjugation

Every time you see a person, mentally ask yourself: 'Would I say samahta or samahti to them?' This builds rapid recall.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Imagine a LAWyer named SAM who is wearing a HAT. You have to politely ask him for legal advice: 'LAW SAM HAT, please help me!'

Asociación visual

Picture yourself holding a green traffic light (permission) and handing it to someone while bowing slightly, symbolizing 'if you permit'.

Word Web

لو (if) سمحت (permitted) من فضلك (please) عفوا (excuse me) سماحة (tolerance) مسموح (allowed) أريد (I want) شكرا (thank you)

Desafío

Next time you order food or ask a question in English, whisper 'law samaht' to yourself first. Try to identify the gender of the person you are speaking to and mentally conjugate it to 'samahta' or 'samahti'.

Origen de la palabra

The phrase originates from classical Arabic. The particle 'لو' (law) is an ancient Semitic conditional marker. The verb 'سمح' (samaha) comes from the Proto-Semitic root Š-M-Ḥ, which relates to concepts of breadth, ease, and letting go. In classical times, 'samaha' meant to be generous or to act with ease and magnanimity. Over centuries, asking someone to act with 'samaha' evolved into the standard formula for requesting permission or a favor.

Significado original: Literally 'If you acted with magnanimity/ease' or 'If you permitted'.

Afroasiatic > Semitic > Central Semitic > Arabic

Contexto cultural

Failure to use 'law samaht' or a similar politeness marker when addressing service workers (waiters, drivers) can be perceived as highly arrogant or classist in Arab societies. Always use it to show respect.

English speakers use 'please' very freely, even when giving firm orders ('Sit down, please'). In Arabic, 'law samaht' is slightly more deferential. If an Arab speaker wants to give a firm but polite order, they might use different structures rather than just appending 'law samaht'.

Often heard in classic Egyptian cinema when a character is trying to politely interrupt a heated argument. A common lyric in Arabic pop songs when a singer is pleading with a lover ('Law samaht, irja' li' - Please, come back to me). Frequently used by news anchors when politely interrupting a guest on Al Jazeera or Al Arabiya.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At a Restaurant

القائمة لو سمحت (The menu, please)
الحساب لو سمحت (The bill, please)
كوب ماء لو سمحت (A glass of water, please)
أريد أن أطلب لو سمحت (I want to order, please)

Asking for Directions

لو سمحت، أين المحطة؟ (Excuse me, where is the station?)
لو سمحت، كيف أذهب إلى...؟ (Excuse me, how do I go to...?)
عفواً لو سمحت، هل هذا هو الطريق إلى...؟ (Pardon, excuse me, is this the way to...?)
لو سمحت، أين أقرب حمام؟ (Excuse me, where is the nearest bathroom?)

Shopping

بكم هذا لو سمحت؟ (How much is this, please?)
أريد هذا لو سمحت (I want this, please)
هل يوجد لون آخر لو سمحت؟ (Is there another color, please?)
أعطني فاتورة لو سمحت (Give me a receipt, please)

In a Taxi

إلى المطار لو سمحت (To the airport, please)
قف هنا لو سمحت (Stop here, please)
على اليمين لو سمحت (On the right, please)
شغل العداد لو سمحت (Turn on the meter, please)

Office/Professional

وقع هنا لو سمحت (Sign here, please)
أرسل الإيميل لو سمحت (Send the email, please)
دقيقة من وقتك لو سمحت (A minute of your time, please)
اطبع هذه الأوراق لو سمحت (Print these papers, please)

Inicios de conversación

"لو سمحت، هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟ (Excuse me, do you speak English?)"

"عفواً لو سمحت، ما اسم هذا الشارع؟ (Pardon, excuse me, what is the name of this street?)"

"لو سمحت، هل هذا المقعد متاح؟ (Excuse me, is this seat available?)"

"لو سمحت، هل يمكنك التقاط صورة لنا؟ (Excuse me, can you take a picture of us?)"

"لو سمحت، من أين اشتريت هذا؟ (Excuse me, where did you buy this?)"

Temas para diario

Write a short dialogue between a customer and a waiter using 'law samaht' multiple times.

Describe a situation where you forgot to use 'law samaht' and how it made you feel.

Write down 5 requests you would make to a hotel receptionist, ending each with 'law samaht'.

Explain the difference between 'law samahta' and 'law samahti' in your own words.

Reflect on how the concept of 'samaha' (tolerance) connects to saying 'please' in Arabic.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, you must change the ending vowel. Say 'law samahti' when speaking to a woman. The base word 'samaht' is a verb that must agree with the gender of the listener. Using the masculine form for a female is a common beginner mistake.

Yes, it is universally understood across the Arab world because it is rooted in Modern Standard Arabic. While some dialects have local alternatives (like 'iza btreed' in Lebanon), 'law samaht' will always be understood and appreciated everywhere.

If they are asking for something, you can reply with 'tafaddal' (go ahead/here you go), 'min euyuni' (from my eyes/with pleasure), or simply 'na'am' (yes). You fulfill their request politely.

In informal texting (WhatsApp, social media), many native speakers do write it this way to reflect the pronunciation. However, in formal or correct Arabic writing, it is a spelling mistake. It must be written as 'لو سمحتِ' with a kasra.

Practically, there is no difference; both mean 'please'. 'Law samaht' literally means 'if you permitted', while 'min fadlak' means 'from your grace'. You can use them interchangeably in almost all situations.

It can go in both places! Put it at the beginning to get attention ('Excuse me, where is the bank?'). Put it at the end to soften a request ('Give me the book, please.').

You use the plural form: 'لو سمحتم' (law samahtum). This works for a group of men or a mixed group of men and women.

It depends on the context and your tone, but generally, yes. Arabic culture highly values politeness. Giving a direct command like 'Give me water' without 'law samaht' sounds demanding and abrupt.

No. To say 'you're welcome' in response to 'thank you' (shukran), you should say 'عفواً' (afwan). 'Law samaht' is strictly for making requests or getting attention.

The letter 'ح' (haa) is a pharyngeal fricative, meaning it is pronounced deep in the throat. It doesn't exist in English. Imagine breathing hot air onto a glass to clean it—that raspy sound is close to the Arabic 'ح'.

Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas

writing

Write 'Excuse me, where is the station?' in Arabic.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use law samaht at the beginning to get attention.