Signification
In spite of that; however.
Contexte culturel
Using 'Ma'a dhalik' is a sign of 'Fasaha' (eloquence). It shows the speaker is educated and can handle complex thoughts without resorting to simple dialect. In Egypt, the formal 'Ma'a dhalik' is often replaced by 'Ma'a keda' in movies to show a character is middle-class and educated but not overly stiff. The equivalent 'Ma' hayk' is used very frequently in daily life, even in semi-formal situations, showing a cultural preference for this specific logical structure. In Arabic literature, this phrase is used to create suspense or to highlight the resilience of a character against the odds.
The 'Waw' Secret
Always add a 'Waw' (و) before 'مع ذلك' to sound like a native writer. It smooths the transition significantly.
Don't Overuse
In a single paragraph, don't use it more than once. Switch to 'لكن' or 'غير أن' to keep your writing fresh.
Signification
In spite of that; however.
The 'Waw' Secret
Always add a 'Waw' (و) before 'مع ذلك' to sound like a native writer. It smooths the transition significantly.
Don't Overuse
In a single paragraph, don't use it more than once. Switch to 'لكن' or 'غير أن' to keep your writing fresh.
Polite Disagreement
In a meeting, say 'نقطة جيدة، ومع ذلك...' (Good point, nevertheless...) to disagree without offending.
Dialect Swap
If you forget 'Ma'a dhalik' in a casual conversation, just say 'بس' (bas). Everyone will understand.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase to show contrast.
السيارة قديمة جداً؛ _______، فهي لا تزال تعمل بشكل جيد.
The sentence shows a contrast between the car being old and it working well. 'Ma'a dhalik' is the correct pivot.
Which sentence uses 'مع ذلك' correctly in a formal context?
Choose the correct option:
Option B uses the phrase as a logical transition. Option A and C use it literally/incorrectly.
Complete the dialogue between two colleagues.
أحمد: الميزانية محدودة جداً هذا العام. سارة: ________، يجب أن نستمر في المشروع.
Sarah is acknowledging the budget limit but suggesting a contrasting action (continuing).
Match the sentence to the most likely situation.
Sentence: 'الأدلة كانت ناقصة، ومع ذلك تمت إدانة المتهم.'
The vocabulary (evidence, conviction, accused) points to a legal context.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
But vs. Nevertheless
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesالسيارة قديمة جداً؛ _______، فهي لا تزال تعمل بشكل جيد.
The sentence shows a contrast between the car being old and it working well. 'Ma'a dhalik' is the correct pivot.
Choose the correct option:
Option B uses the phrase as a logical transition. Option A and C use it literally/incorrectly.
أحمد: الميزانية محدودة جداً هذا العام. سارة: ________، يجب أن نستمر في المشروع.
Sarah is acknowledging the budget limit but suggesting a contrasting action (continuing).
Sentence: 'الأدلة كانت ناقصة، ومع ذلك تمت إدانة المتهم.'
The vocabulary (evidence, conviction, accused) points to a legal context.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsThe individual words are used frequently, but the specific idiomatic combination 'Ma'a dhalik' as a concessive marker is more characteristic of later classical and modern prose.
Yes, it is very common to start a new sentence with 'ومع ذلك،' followed by a comma.
'Lakin' is a simple 'but'. 'Ma'a dhalik' is 'nevertheless'. The latter is more formal and emphasizes that the first point is still true.
Yes, especially in modern free verse, to show the complexities and contradictions of life.
No, it is a fixed expression. 'Dhalik' refers to the situation, not a person.
While the words are simple, using it correctly to structure a logical argument requires upper-intermediate proficiency.
Only if you are being intentionally formal or ironic. Otherwise, use 'بس'.
Not really, but 'لكن' is the shorter logical equivalent.
No, it can be used with past, present, or future tenses.
Yes, as part of Modern Standard Arabic, it is understood and used in formal contexts from Morocco to Iraq.
No, that would be redundant. Use one or the other.
'غير أن' (ghayra anna) is its biggest rival in news headlines.
Expressions liées
على الرغم من ذلك
synonymDespite that
بيد أن
similarHowever / But
غير أن
similarExcept that / However
بالرغم من
builds onIn spite of...
خلافاً لذلك
contrastContrary to that
