لسانه حصانه إن صنته صانك
lsanh hsanh an snth sank
Your tongue is your horse; if you guard it, it guards you.
뜻
Control your words carefully, or they will control you and lead to trouble.
문화적 배경
In the Gulf, the 'Majlis' culture is very strong. Men gather to discuss matters, and being 'Thaqeel' (heavy/dignified) in speech is highly valued. Using this proverb in a Majlis shows you understand the local etiquette of restraint. Egyptians love proverbs and often use them with a bit of humor or sarcasm. While 'Lisanuka Hisanuka' is formal, an Egyptian might use it to mock someone who just got into trouble for talking too much. In Syria and Lebanon, there is a high value on 'Labaqa' (eloquence/politeness). This proverb is used to teach children that being polite is not just about being nice, but about self-protection. In Morocco and Algeria, there is a similar proverb: 'اللسان ما فيه عظم' (The tongue has no bone), meaning it can move easily and cause trouble. They often use 'Lisanuka Hisanuka' in formal education to bridge dialect and Modern Standard Arabic.
Use it as a 'Mic Drop'
In an argument, if you want to end the discussion with dignity, say this proverb and stop talking. It signals that you are the bigger person.
Don't over-conjugate
While you can change it to 'my tongue' or 'your tongue', the proverb is most powerful in its standard 'your' (Lisanuka) or 'his' (Lisanuhu) form. Don't try to make it plural or feminine unless you are very advanced.
뜻
Control your words carefully, or they will control you and lead to trouble.
Use it as a 'Mic Drop'
In an argument, if you want to end the discussion with dignity, say this proverb and stop talking. It signals that you are the bigger person.
Don't over-conjugate
While you can change it to 'my tongue' or 'your tongue', the proverb is most powerful in its standard 'your' (Lisanuka) or 'his' (Lisanuhu) form. Don't try to make it plural or feminine unless you are very advanced.
The 'Sana' Verb
The verb 'صان' is also used for 'maintenance' (like car maintenance - Siyana). Think of it as 'maintaining' your reputation through your words.
셀프 테스트
Complete the proverb with the correct verb form.
لسانك حصانك إن _______ صانك.
The verb 'صان' becomes 'صنت' when attached to the second-person subject 'ta', and the object 'hu' is added.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'لسانك حصانك'?
A friend is about to tell a secret they promised to keep.
Guarding a secret is a perfect example of 'preserving' your tongue to protect your reputation as a trustworthy person.
Choose the best response using the idiom.
أحمد: 'أريد أن أخبر الجميع برأيي الصريح في المدير، هو لا يفهم شيئاً!' خالد: '__________'
This is the classic use of the proverb to advise caution in a professional setting.
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시각 학습 자료
연습 문제 은행
3 연습 문제لسانك حصانك إن _______ صانك.
The verb 'صان' becomes 'صنت' when attached to the second-person subject 'ta', and the object 'hu' is added.
A friend is about to tell a secret they promised to keep.
Guarding a secret is a perfect example of 'preserving' your tongue to protect your reputation as a trustworthy person.
أحمد: 'أريد أن أخبر الجميع برأيي الصريح في المدير، هو لا يفهم شيئاً!' خالد: '__________'
This is the classic use of the proverb to advise caution in a professional setting.
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자주 묻는 질문
5 질문Absolutely. It is one of the most common proverbs in the Arab world, used in everything from political speeches to parenting.
Yes, but it sounds a bit formal. It's best used when giving serious advice rather than joking around.
It represents power, speed, and the potential for both great help and great danger. It's a metaphor for the 'wild' nature of our impulses.
The concept is religious (Hifz al-Lisan), but the 'horse' wording is a secular cultural proverb.
'Hisan' specifically refers to a male horse (stallion), which in traditional contexts symbolized more raw power and difficulty to control than 'Faras' (which is more general).
관련 표현
السكوت من ذهب
similarSilence is gold.
الكلمة كالسهم
similarA word is like an arrow.
عثرة القدم أسلم من عثرة اللسان
builds onA slip of the foot is safer than a slip of the tongue.
قل خيراً أو اصمت
specialized formSpeak good or remain silent.