لكل مقام مقال، ولكل زمان رجال
likulli maqam maqal, wa likulli zaman rijal
To each situation its words, to each era its men.
मतलब
Adapt your speech and actions to the occasion, and leaders emerge for their specific times.
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
The concept of 'Maqam' is not just physical; it's social. It refers to the 'standing' of the people you are with. Speaking to an elder requires a different 'Maqal' than speaking to a child. Egyptians often use this phrase with a touch of humor to shut down someone who is being 'too much' or 'out of line' in a public space. In the Majlis (social gathering), there are strict rules about who speaks when. This proverb is the underlying rule of the Majlis. Often used in political discussions to explain the rise of new movements or the fall of old political figures.
The Half-Phrase Trick
You don't always need the whole thing. Just saying 'لكل مقام مقال' is enough for 90% of social situations.
Don't be a snob
Using this phrase too much can make you sound like you are lecturing people. Use it sparingly!
मतलब
Adapt your speech and actions to the occasion, and leaders emerge for their specific times.
The Half-Phrase Trick
You don't always need the whole thing. Just saying 'لكل مقام مقال' is enough for 90% of social situations.
Don't be a snob
Using this phrase too much can make you sound like you are lecturing people. Use it sparingly!
The Gender Note
While 'Rijal' means men, in this proverb it refers to 'people of influence' or 'leaders' of any gender in modern contexts.
खुद को परखो
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
لكل مقام _______، ولكل زمان _______.
The traditional proverb uses 'maqāl' (speech) and 'rijāl' (men/leaders).
Which part of the proverb fits this situation? 'Discussing why a 1950s strategy doesn't work in 2024.'
Situation: Discussing why a 1950s strategy doesn't work in 2024.
This part specifically addresses the change of eras and the people/methods suited to them.
Someone is telling jokes at a funeral. What do you say to them politely?
Someone is telling jokes at a funeral. What do you say to them politely?
This is the standard way to remind someone to be appropriate to the current social setting.
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: لماذا لا نلبس الجينز في المقابلة؟ خالد: يا أحمد، ________.
Khaled is reminding Ahmed that an interview requires a specific (formal) dress code.
🎉 स्कोर: /4
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
When to use 'Maqal' vs 'Rijal'
Maqal (Speech)
- • Weddings
- • Funerals
- • Job Interviews
- • Majlis
Rijal (Leaders)
- • History
- • Management
- • Politics
- • Technology
अभ्यास बैंक
4 अभ्यासلكل مقام _______، ولكل زمان _______.
The traditional proverb uses 'maqāl' (speech) and 'rijāl' (men/leaders).
Situation: Discussing why a 1950s strategy doesn't work in 2024.
This part specifically addresses the change of eras and the people/methods suited to them.
Someone is telling jokes at a funeral. What do you say to them politely?
This is the standard way to remind someone to be appropriate to the current social setting.
أحمد: لماذا لا نلبس الجينز في المقابلة؟ خالد: يا أحمد، ________.
Khaled is reminding Ahmed that an interview requires a specific (formal) dress code.
🎉 स्कोर: /4
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
5 सवालYes, it is understood in all dialects, though it sounds formal. People use it to sound wise or serious.
Yes, especially if a friend is being embarrassing in public. It's a polite way to say 'stop it'.
Makan is just a place (like a room). Maqam is a 'station' or 'status' (like a funeral or a meeting).
Generally no. It's a historical idiom where 'Rijal' is understood as 'leaders'. However, in very modern settings, some might just use the first half.
Usually, you should say 'صدقت' (You are right) or 'حقك علي' (My apologies/You are right).
संबंधित मुहावरे
لكل حادث حديث
similarFor every event, there is a discussion.
مقتضى الحال
builds onThe requirements of the situation.
وضع الرجل المناسب في المكان المناسب
similarPutting the right man in the right place.
السكوت من ذهب
contrastSilence is golden.
