Signification
To ask for assistance, charity, or financial support.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Iffah' (chastity/restraint) means that even those in extreme poverty try to hide their need so they don't have to 'extend their hand.' Charity is a pillar of faith, but begging is discouraged unless absolutely necessary. This creates a culture where giving is highly public but asking is often private or shameful. In Egypt, the phrase is often used in social dramas to highlight the gap between the rich and the poor, often with a focus on the 'dignity of the poor.' The phrase is used in the context of 'Karam' (generosity). To say someone 'made you extend your hand' can be an insult to the host's generosity.
Context is King
Without context, 'مد يده' can just mean reaching for an object. Always look for clues like 'money' or 'help'.
The 'Awn' Trick
Always add 'Al-Awn' (العون) if you want to sound like a hero (helping), and leave it out if you are describing a victim (needy).
Signification
To ask for assistance, charity, or financial support.
Context is King
Without context, 'مد يده' can just mean reaching for an object. Always look for clues like 'money' or 'help'.
The 'Awn' Trick
Always add 'Al-Awn' (العون) if you want to sound like a hero (helping), and leave it out if you are describing a victim (needy).
Dignity Matters
In Arabic, it's often more polite to say 'طلب المساعدة' (asked for help) than 'مد يده' if you are talking about someone you respect.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
بعد أن خسر كل أمواله في التجارة، لم يجد بداً من أن ___ للناس.
The context of losing money and having no choice suggests asking for help (begging).
Which sentence means 'He offered help'?
اختر الجملة الصحيحة التي تعني 'تقديم المساعدة':
'مد يد العون' is the specific idiom for offering assistance.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match: 1. مد يد السلام, 2. مد يده للسؤال, 3. مد يد العون
Peace (B), Asking (A), Helping (C).
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: هل تعتقد أن زيداً سيطلب منا قرضاً؟ خالد: لا أظن ذلك، فهو رجل عزيز النفس ولا ___ لأحد.
The phrase 'عزيز النفس' (dignified) is commonly followed by 'لا يمد يده' (doesn't ask for help).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesبعد أن خسر كل أمواله في التجارة، لم يجد بداً من أن ___ للناس.
The context of losing money and having no choice suggests asking for help (begging).
اختر الجملة الصحيحة التي تعني 'تقديم المساعدة':
'مد يد العون' is the specific idiom for offering assistance.
Match: 1. مد يد السلام, 2. مد يده للسؤال, 3. مد يد العون
Peace (B), Asking (A), Helping (C).
أحمد: هل تعتقد أن زيداً سيطلب منا قرضاً؟ خالد: لا أظن ذلك، فهو رجل عزيز النفس ولا ___ لأحد.
The phrase 'عزيز النفس' (dignified) is commonly followed by 'لا يمد يده' (doesn't ask for help).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt can be if used to describe someone who isn't actually in need, implying they are a beggar. Use it carefully.
Yes, but it sounds very dramatic. For a small favor, just use 'طلب خدمة'.
The plural is 'مدوا أيديهم' (They extended their hands).
You say 'مددتُ يدي' (Madadtu yadi). Note the 'd' splits here.
Only if a company is failing and needs a bailout. Otherwise, use 'طلب شراكة' (asked for partnership).
The opposite is 'عفّ عن السؤال' (refrained from asking) or 'أعطى' (gave).
90% of the time, yes. Occasionally it means asking for a significant favor.
No, that would be 'طلب حلوى'. 'مد يده' is too heavy for that.
Similar forms appear, often regarding the 'hands' of God or people's actions.
In formal Arabic, it's a clear 'h'. In dialects, it becomes an 'o' sound (Yado).
Yes, in a thriller context: 'مد يده إلى سلاحه'. Context is vital.
'شحت' is the direct verb for 'to beg' and is more informal/harsh. 'مد يده' is more idiomatic and slightly softer.
Expressions liées
مد يد العون
similarTo offer help
يد واحدة لا تصفق
builds onOne hand alone cannot clap
طويل اليد
contrastLong-handed (thief)
بسط يده
similarTo be generous or to reach out
