لا تكن بخيلاً في مدح الناس
la takun bakhilan fi madh al-nas
Don't be stingy with praise.
Signification
Encourage giving compliments and appreciating others; don't hold back positive feedback.
Contexte culturel
Generosity (Karam) is a pillar of Arab identity. Withholding praise is seen as a lack of 'Muru'a' (chivalry). The Prophet Muhammad said, 'The kind word is a charity.' This phrase is a secular extension of that religious duty. People in the Levant are known for 'Mujamala' (social pleasantries). Not praising someone's effort can be seen as a social snub. Poetry and 'Madih' (encomium) are still very popular. Praising a leader or a friend in verse is a common way to show respect.
Be Specific
When you use this phrase, follow it up with a specific example of what to praise. It makes your advice more actionable.
Avoid Flattery
Don't confuse being generous with being insincere. Arabs value 'Sadaq' (truthfulness) highly.
Signification
Encourage giving compliments and appreciating others; don't hold back positive feedback.
Be Specific
When you use this phrase, follow it up with a specific example of what to praise. It makes your advice more actionable.
Avoid Flattery
Don't confuse being generous with being insincere. Arabs value 'Sadaq' (truthfulness) highly.
The Power of 'Mashallah'
In many Arabic-speaking cultures, it's polite to say 'Mashallah' before or after a compliment to show it's sincere and not envious.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the word.
لا تكن _______ في مدح الناس.
The word must be in the accusative case (Mansub) because it is the predicate of 'takun'.
Which situation is most appropriate for this phrase?
متى تقول: 'لا تكن بخيلاً في مدح الناس'؟
The phrase is used to encourage giving credit and praise to others.
Match the Arabic word to its English concept in this phrase.
Match the following:
Direct translation of the components.
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: 'لقد فاز خالد بالجائزة، لكنني لن أهنئه.' سارة: 'لماذا؟ _______.'
Sarah is advising Ahmed to be generous with his praise for Khalid's achievement.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Stinginess vs. Generosity of Words
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesلا تكن _______ في مدح الناس.
The word must be in the accusative case (Mansub) because it is the predicate of 'takun'.
متى تقول: 'لا تكن بخيلاً في مدح الناس'؟
The phrase is used to encourage giving credit and praise to others.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Direct translation of the components.
أحمد: 'لقد فاز خالد بالجائزة، لكنني لن أهنئه.' سارة: 'لماذا؟ _______.'
Sarah is advising Ahmed to be generous with his praise for Khalid's achievement.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNot at all! It's a very common way to give friendly advice. It sounds wise rather than stiff.
Yes, you can say 'كن كريماً في مدحك' (Be generous in your praise), but the original phrase is more idiomatic because it highlights the 'stinginess' as a negative trait.
It can, but in this context, it means sincere appreciation and recognition of merit.
Because it's the Khabar (predicate) of the verb 'Kana' (to be), which must be in the accusative case.
Expressions liées
الكلمة الطيبة صدقة
similarA kind word is a charity.
أعطِ كل ذي حق حقه
builds onGive everyone their due right.
من لا يشكر الناس لا يشكر الله
similarHe who does not thank people does not thank God.
لا تمدح نفسك
contrastDon't praise yourself.
