Signification
The more one talks, the higher the chance of making mistakes, revealing flaws, or saying wrong things.
Contexte culturel
In the Gulf, the 'Majlis' culture is very strong. Silence is often seen as a sign of 'Ruzana' (dignity and weight). A young man who talks too much in the presence of elders is often corrected with this proverb. In Lebanon and Syria, while people are known for being expressive, this proverb is used to caution against 'Latt' (meaningless chatter) that leads to social drama or 'Qil wa Qal' (he said, she said). Egyptians often use humor to convey this. While they might use the formal proverb, they also say 'اللسان ملوش عضم' (The tongue has no bone), meaning it can slip easily and cause trouble. In Morocco and Tunisia, there is a strong emphasis on 'Hifz al-Sir' (keeping secrets). This proverb is used to warn that talking too much will inevitably lead to leaking secrets.
The 'Power Pause'
Use this proverb to justify a long pause in a conversation. It makes you look thoughtful rather than confused.
Don't be a Mute
While the proverb warns against talking *too much*, being completely silent can also be seen as suspicious or rude. Balance is key.
Signification
The more one talks, the higher the chance of making mistakes, revealing flaws, or saying wrong things.
The 'Power Pause'
Use this proverb to justify a long pause in a conversation. It makes you look thoughtful rather than confused.
Don't be a Mute
While the proverb warns against talking *too much*, being completely silent can also be seen as suspicious or rude. Balance is key.
The Majlis Rule
In traditional Arab gatherings, wait for the oldest person to finish before you start. This proverb is the reason why.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct verb form.
من يتكلم كثيراً _______ كثيراً.
The proverb specifically links talking (yatakallam) with erring (yakhta').
In which situation is it MOST appropriate to use this proverb?
A friend is rambling during a job interview and losing the interviewer's interest.
The proverb is a warning against verbosity in high-stakes situations.
Which of these is a common variation of the proverb?
ما هو البديل الشائع لهذا المثل؟
'Khayr al-kalam ma qalla wa dalla' also emphasizes brevity in speech.
Complete the dialogue using the proverb.
أحمد: لماذا سكتَّ فجأة في الاجتماع؟ خالد: سكتُّ لأنني شعرت أنني بدأت أهذي، و_______.
Khaled is explaining his silence as a way to avoid making mistakes.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesمن يتكلم كثيراً _______ كثيراً.
The proverb specifically links talking (yatakallam) with erring (yakhta').
A friend is rambling during a job interview and losing the interviewer's interest.
The proverb is a warning against verbosity in high-stakes situations.
ما هو البديل الشائع لهذا المثل؟
'Khayr al-kalam ma qalla wa dalla' also emphasizes brevity in speech.
أحمد: لماذا سكتَّ فجأة في الاجتماع؟ خالد: سكتُّ لأنني شعرت أنني بدأت أهذي، و_______.
Khaled is explaining his silence as a way to avoid making mistakes.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsWhile it aligns with Islamic values, it is a general cultural proverb used by people of all faiths in the Arab world.
Yes, it's very common to send this to a friend who is 'ranting' or oversharing in a group chat.
There isn't a direct 'opposite' proverb that encourages talking too much, but 'الساكت عن الحق شيطان أخرس' (He who is silent about the truth is a mute devil) encourages speaking up when necessary.
In Modern Standard Arabic, it is 'yakhta'' (يخطئ). Some dialects might change the vowel, but 'yakhta'' is the standard form for the proverb.
Absolutely. It is often used to criticize long, rambling articles or books that lack a clear point.
Expressions liées
خير الكلام ما قل ودل
similarThe best speech is brief and meaningful.
إذا كان الكلام من فضة فالسكوت من ذهب
synonymIf speech is silver, silence is gold.
سكت دهراً ونطق كفراً
contrastHe was silent for an age, then spoke blasphemy.
لسانك حصانك
builds onYour tongue is your horse.
