Signification
An expression of regret, surprise, frustration, or dismay, often non-verbally.
Contexte culturel
In the Levant, this gesture is often accompanied by the sound 'Tsk tsk' and a tilt of the head. It is very common in social gatherings when discussing the 'good old days' or current hardships. Egyptians use the verb 'Khaba' (to hit) more often than 'Daraba' in speech. It is a very animated gesture, often performed while sitting and leaning forward. In formal Gulf Arabic poetry (Nabati), this idiom is used to describe the pain of parting or the loss of a noble leader. It carries a sense of dignity even in sorrow. While the Fusha idiom is understood, the local dialects might use different metaphors for regret, but the physical gesture remains a universal sign of 'Hshouma' (shame/regret) or shock.
Use with 'Ala'
If you want to specify *what* you regret, use 'Ala' (e.g., Daraba kaffan bi-kaff ALA fawat al-fursa).
Not for Clapping
Never use this to mean 'I clapped for the singer.' You will sound like you hated the performance!
Signification
An expression of regret, surprise, frustration, or dismay, often non-verbally.
Use with 'Ala'
If you want to specify *what* you regret, use 'Ala' (e.g., Daraba kaffan bi-kaff ALA fawat al-fursa).
Not for Clapping
Never use this to mean 'I clapped for the singer.' You will sound like you hated the performance!
The Head Shake
When using this in speech, a slow side-to-side head shake makes it look 100% authentic.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
عندما رأى التاجر احتراق مخزنه، وقف يضرب ______ بكف.
The standard idiom is 'Daraba kaffan bi-kaff'.
Which situation best fits the use of this idiom?
متى نستخدم 'ضرب كفاً بكف'؟
The idiom is used for shock, regret, or sorrow.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the idiom.
أحمد: لقد خسرنا كل أموالنا في البورصة! سارة: يا للكارثة! أنا ______ من الصدمة.
This is the most natural way to express shock at a major loss.
Match the phrase to the feeling.
ضرب كفاً بكف = ؟
It means regret and lamentation.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesعندما رأى التاجر احتراق مخزنه، وقف يضرب ______ بكف.
The standard idiom is 'Daraba kaffan bi-kaff'.
متى نستخدم 'ضرب كفاً بكف'؟
The idiom is used for shock, regret, or sorrow.
أحمد: لقد خسرنا كل أموالنا في البورصة! سارة: يا للكارثة! أنا ______ من الصدمة.
This is the most natural way to express shock at a major loss.
ضرب كفاً بكف = ؟
It means regret and lamentation.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but usually in its dialectal forms. The Fusha version is common in news and books.
No, it is almost exclusively for negative or 'absurd' surprises.
Usually, the idiom stays singular even for groups: 'ضربوا كفاً بكف'.
Not inherently, but it appears in religious texts to describe regret.
Yes, 'striking his two palms' is a valid variation.
Yes, it is considered very eloquent (baligh).
Close, but 'facepalm' is often about someone else's stupidity; this is more about general misfortune or regret.
Only if the situation is truly disastrous. Otherwise, it's too dramatic.
It's a standard 'K' like in 'kite', not the deep 'Q'.
Yes, literally hitting the palm of one hand against the other once or twice.
Expressions liées
عض على أصابعه
synonymTo bite one's fingers
قلب له ظهر المجن
contrastTo turn the back of the shield to someone
يا للأسف
similarWhat a pity
حسرة
builds onHeartbreak/Regret
يقلب كفيه
specialized formTurning his palms
