معنی
Don't count your chickens before they hatch; don't make decisions or commitments based on uncertainties.
زمینه فرهنگی
In the Gulf, where pearl diving and fishing were the primary industries before oil, this proverb carries immense weight. It's not just a saying; it's a reflection of the 'Nakhuda' (sea captain) wisdom. Egyptians often use the version 'selling' (tabi') instead of 'buying'. It's frequently used in the bustling markets of Cairo to ward off 'Fahlawa' (over-cleverness or bluffing). In the Levant, agricultural metaphors like 'beans' (foul) are more common, but the 'fish' proverb is used in formal education and literature to show linguistic prowess. In Morocco and Tunisia, the proverb is often linked to the idea of 'Baraka' (blessing)—you don't claim the blessing until it has actually landed in your hand.
Master the Jussive
Always remember to drop the 'ya' in writing. Writing 'تشتري' is a sign of a B1 learner; 'تشترِ' is the mark of a C1 master.
Use it in Business
This is a very 'safe' proverb for business. It makes you sound prudent and grounded in traditional ethics.
معنی
Don't count your chickens before they hatch; don't make decisions or commitments based on uncertainties.
Master the Jussive
Always remember to drop the 'ya' in writing. Writing 'تشتري' is a sign of a B1 learner; 'تشترِ' is the mark of a C1 master.
Use it in Business
This is a very 'safe' proverb for business. It makes you sound prudent and grounded in traditional ethics.
Don't be a Killjoy
If a child is excited about a future dream, maybe don't use this. It's better for financial or professional warnings.
خودت رو بسنج
Choose the grammatically correct form of the proverb.
عندما عرض عليه التاجر بضاعة لم تصل بعد، قال له: ...
The verb must be 'تشترِ' with a kasra because it is in the Jussive mood (مجزوم) and the final 'ya' is dropped.
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of the proverb.
أي موقف يناسبه قول 'لا تشترِ السمك في الماء'؟
The proverb is about planning for or relying on something that is not yet guaranteed.
Complete the sentence with the correct words.
الاستثمار في مشاريع غير مضمونة هو بمثابة شراء ___ في ___.
The standard proverb uses 'fish' and 'water'.
Complete the dialogue logically.
أحمد: سأستقيل من عملي لأنني متأكد أن الشركة الأخرى ستوظفني. سارة: يا أحمد، ...
Sarah is warning Ahmed not to take a risk based on an uncertain future outcome.
🎉 امتیاز: /4
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
بانک تمرین
4 تمرینهاعندما عرض عليه التاجر بضاعة لم تصل بعد، قال له: ...
The verb must be 'تشترِ' with a kasra because it is in the Jussive mood (مجزوم) and the final 'ya' is dropped.
أي موقف يناسبه قول 'لا تشترِ السمك في الماء'؟
The proverb is about planning for or relying on something that is not yet guaranteed.
الاستثمار في مشاريع غير مضمونة هو بمثابة شراء ___ في ___.
The standard proverb uses 'fish' and 'water'.
أحمد: سأستقيل من عملي لأنني متأكد أن الشركة الأخرى ستوظفني. سارة: يا أحمد، ...
Sarah is warning Ahmed not to take a risk based on an uncertain future outcome.
🎉 امتیاز: /4
سوالات متداول
5 سوالNo, it can be used for any situation involving premature expectations, like assuming you've won an argument or a race before it's over.
Yes, 'لا تبع السمك في الماء' is equally common and means the same thing from the seller's perspective.
The word 'water' (ma') is more general and covers rivers and lakes too, making the proverb more universal.
It depends on your relationship. In a formal meeting, it's better to say 'أخشى أننا نشتري السمك في الماء' (I fear we are...) to make it less direct.
A related positive proverb is 'عصفور في اليد خير من عشرة على الشجرة' (A bird in the hand...).
عبارات مرتبط
لا تبع جلد الدب قبل صيده
synonymDon't sell the bear's skin before hunting it.
الماء يكذب الغطاس
similarThe water proves the diver a liar.
عصفور في اليد خير من عشرة على الشجرة
builds onA bird in the hand is worth ten on the tree.
لا تقول فول ليصير بالمكيول
synonymDon't say 'beans' until they are in the measure.
