لا تسمع كلام الناس
la tasma' kalam al-nas
Don't listen to people's talk
Littéralement: Don't listen to the talk of the people
En 15 secondes
- Ignore gossip and stay true to yourself.
- Commonly used to comfort friends facing social pressure.
- A popular cultural 'shield' against the fear of judgment.
Signification
This phrase is a supportive way to tell someone to ignore gossip, social pressure, or the negative opinions of others. It is the Arabic equivalent of saying 'don't let the haters get to you' or 'ignore the noise.'
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Encouraging a friend about their style
يا بنتي ماتسمعش كلام الناس، الفستان يجنن عليكِ!
Girl, don't listen to people, the dress looks amazing on you!
Support during a career change
لو ده حلمك، ماتسمعش كلام الناس وكمل طريقك.
If this is your dream, don't listen to people and keep going.
Texting a friend about a rumor
فكك منهم وماتسمعش كلام الناس.
Forget about them and don't listen to what people say.
Contexte culturel
In Egypt, 'Kalam al-Nas' is often treated with a mix of fear and humor. People might say 'Kalam al-nas la biy'addi wala biyakhkhir' to dismiss it, but social reputation remains a huge factor in marriage and business. The word 'Tannish' (ignore) is frequently used alongside this phrase. There is a strong emphasis on 'Prestige' (Barastij), making the act of ignoring gossip a sign of high self-confidence. In the Gulf, communal ties are very strong. 'Kalam al-Nas' can be quite heavy, but the younger generation uses this phrase to assert their modern identity and lifestyle choices. In Moroccan Darija, you might hear 'Ma t'ammarch rassek' (Don't fill your head), which is the local way of saying 'don't listen to the noise'.
Use it for support
This is best used when someone is vulnerable. It shows you are on their side against the world.
Don't use with elders
Telling an older person 'don't listen to people' might sound like you're telling them to ignore tradition, which can be rude.
En 15 secondes
- Ignore gossip and stay true to yourself.
- Commonly used to comfort friends facing social pressure.
- A popular cultural 'shield' against the fear of judgment.
What It Means
This phrase is your ultimate shield against the world's noise. It literally means 'don't listen to people's talk.' In reality, it is a powerful piece of advice. It tells someone to stay true to themselves. It is about ignoring judgment. It is the Arabic version of 'you do you.' When someone uses this with you, they are offering protection. They are saying your opinion matters more than the crowd.
How To Use It
You use this phrase to comfort or encourage. It is very common in friendships. You can say it when someone is feeling self-conscious. It works perfectly in person or over a quick text. You don't need a long setup. Just drop the phrase when you see someone hesitating. It acts as a verbal pat on the back. It is warm, direct, and very reassuring.
When To Use It
Use it when a friend is worried about a new haircut. Use it when a sibling is choosing a non-traditional career path. It is perfect for social media drama. If someone is upset by a mean comment, this is the fix. It is also great for creative risks. If your friend is starting a weird hobby, tell them this. It shows you are on their side.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this to ignore professional feedback. If your boss gives you a performance review, don't say this! It is not for ignoring facts or safety warnings. If a doctor gives you advice, definitely listen. Using it in these cases makes you sound stubborn. It is for social gossip, not for expert guidance. Also, avoid it in high-stakes formal negotiations.
Cultural Background
In many Arab societies, the community is very close-knit. This is beautiful, but it means people talk. A lot. There is a heavy cultural weight on 'what will people say?' (El-nas hay-ooloo eh?). This phrase is the rebellion against that pressure. It became even more iconic because of the legendary singer George Wassouf. His song 'Kalam El Nas' is a classic anthem. It turned this sentiment into a cultural staple.
Common Variations
You might hear سيبك من كلام الناس (Sibak min kalam al-nas). This means 'leave people's talk alone.' Another common one is كلام الناس لا بيقدم ولا بيأخر. This translates to 'people's talk doesn't move things forward or backward.' It implies that gossip is functionally useless. All these variations share the same rebellious, independent spirit. They all encourage you to live your life on your own terms.
Notes d'usage
This is a quintessentially colloquial expression. While the Egyptian version with the 'sh' suffix is the most famous, the sentiment is universal across all Arabic dialects. Use it to build rapport and show emotional support.
Use it for support
This is best used when someone is vulnerable. It shows you are on their side against the world.
Don't use with elders
Telling an older person 'don't listen to people' might sound like you're telling them to ignore tradition, which can be rude.
The 'Ayn' Factor
Sometimes people ignore 'kalam al-nas' because they fear 'Al-Ayn' (the evil eye) which is triggered by people talking too much about one's success.
Exemples
6يا بنتي ماتسمعش كلام الناس، الفستان يجنن عليكِ!
Girl, don't listen to people, the dress looks amazing on you!
Used here to boost confidence against potential judgment.
لو ده حلمك، ماتسمعش كلام الناس وكمل طريقك.
If this is your dream, don't listen to people and keep going.
Used as serious, supportive life advice.
فكك منهم وماتسمعش كلام الناس.
Forget about them and don't listen to what people say.
Uses 'fakkak' (forget it) for an extra casual vibe.
الأكل طعمه حلو، ماتسمعش كلام الناس اللي بتقول محروق!
The food tastes good, don't listen to the people saying it's burnt!
Using the phrase ironically to joke about a clear mistake.
أهم حاجة تكون راضي عن نفسك، ماتسمعش كلام الناس.
The most important thing is to be happy with yourself, don't listen to people.
Focuses on internal validation.
إحنا عارفين شغلك كويس، ماتسمعش كلام الناس في المكتب.
We know your work well, don't listen to the talk in the office.
Provides professional solidarity in a casual way.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the advice.
يا ليلى، لا ______ كلام الناس، أنتِ ذكية جداً.
Since the speaker is addressing 'Layla' (female), the verb must be 'tasma'ee'.
Which of these is the most common informal Egyptian equivalent?
How do you say 'Ignore them' in Egyptian slang?
'Kabbir dimaghak' is the quintessential Egyptian way to say 'ignore it'.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: A friend is crying because of a mean comment on her photo.
This response provides both the idiom and a reason to ignore the gossip.
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: هل تعتقد أنني يجب أن أترك وظيفتي؟ الناس يقولون إنها مخاطرة. سارة: ____________________.
This is the most natural way to encourage someone to follow their dreams despite social pressure.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesيا ليلى، لا ______ كلام الناس، أنتِ ذكية جداً.
Since the speaker is addressing 'Layla' (female), the verb must be 'tasma'ee'.
How do you say 'Ignore them' in Egyptian slang?
'Kabbir dimaghak' is the quintessential Egyptian way to say 'ignore it'.
Situation: A friend is crying because of a mean comment on her photo.
This response provides both the idiom and a reason to ignore the gossip.
أحمد: هل تعتقد أنني يجب أن أترك وظيفتي؟ الناس يقولون إنها مخاطرة. سارة: ____________________.
This is the most natural way to encourage someone to follow their dreams despite social pressure.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNo, it's usually supportive. However, if said to someone giving you advice, it can be dismissive.
It's better to use more formal language like 'نحن نركز على أهدافنا بغض النظر عن الآراء الخارجية'.
You say 'La tasma'ee' (لا تسمعي).
No, 'Al-Nas' specifically refers to 'the public' or 'the crowd', not specific trusted advisors.
Expressions liées
كبر دماغك
synonymIgnore it / Don't care
طنش تعش تنتعش
builds onIgnore, live, and flourish
كلام الناس
similarGossip / Social pressure
واثق الخطوة يمشي ملكاً
contrastHe who is confident walks like a king
