In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to say 'I need time to think.'
- Common in business, marriage proposals, and big purchases.
- Shows you are serious and not making impulsive decisions.
Meaning
This phrase is used when someone needs to carefully consider a proposal or decision before giving a final answer. It’s like saying 'let me sleep on it' or 'I need to evaluate the situation' in a polite way.
Key Examples
3 of 7Responding to a job offer
شكراً على العرض، سأدرس الموضوع وأرد عليك.
Thank you for the offer, I will study the matter and get back to you.
A father talking to a suitor
يا بني، اتركنا ندرس الموضوع وسنتصل بك.
My son, let us study the matter and we will call you.
Texting a friend about a vacation
فكرة السفر حلوة، خليني أدرس الموضوع.
The travel idea is nice, let me study the matter.
Cultural Background
In the Levant, this phrase is often a 'polite no.' If someone says they will study the matter and doesn't call back in two days, they likely aren't interested but didn't want to hurt your feelings. Decision-making is often communal. 'Studying the matter' usually involves talking to the 'Kabir' (elder) of the family or the head of the department. Egyptians might use 'Hafakkar' (I'll think) more often, but 'Adrus' is used when the situation is serious, like a contract or a marriage proposal. The influence of French 'étudier' makes this phrase very common in professional environments, often used exactly like the French 'étudier la question'.
The Follow-up Rule
Always pair 'Sa-adrus al-mawdu' with a timeframe (e.g., 'wa ardu 'alayka ghadan' - and I'll get back to you tomorrow) to sound truly professional.
Don't Overuse
If you use this for every small question, people will think you are indecisive or hiding something.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to say 'I need time to think.'
- Common in business, marriage proposals, and big purchases.
- Shows you are serious and not making impulsive decisions.
What It Means
ادرس الموضوع is your ultimate 'pause button' in Arabic. It literally means 'study the matter.' When you say this, you are telling someone that their idea deserves deep thought. You aren't saying yes yet. You definitely aren't saying no. You are simply creating space to breathe and analyze. It sounds much more professional than just saying 'I don't know.'
How To Use It
You can use this phrase as a command or a statement. If a friend suggests a business idea, tell them ادرس الموضوع to encourage them to be careful. If a boss offers you a promotion, say سأدرس الموضوع (I will study the matter). It shows you are a serious person. You don't make impulsive choices. It’s a very safe, middle-ground response.
When To Use It
This phrase shines in professional settings. Use it during a job interview when discussing salary. Use it when a salesperson is pressure-selling you a car. It is also famous in family life. If someone asks for a daughter’s hand in marriage, the father almost always says this. It’s a sign of respect for the gravity of the decision. You can even text it to a friend who wants to go on a spontaneous trip.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for tiny, everyday choices. If someone asks if you want sugar in your tea, don't say ادرس الموضوع. You will look like a robot or a very confused philosopher. Avoid using it if a decision is urgent. If the house is on fire, don't 'study the matter'—just run! Also, don't use it if you’ve already decided 'no' but are just being lazy. It can lead people on.
Cultural Background
In many Arab cultures, direct rejection can feel a bit harsh. People value 'saving face' and maintaining social harmony. ادرس الموضوع acts as a polite buffer. It allows for a 'soft no' later or a 'calculated yes' now. Historically, consultation (Mushawara) is a huge part of tribal and family life. This phrase reflects that tradition of taking time to consult others before acting. It’s about wisdom over speed.
Common Variations
In daily dialects, you might hear فكر بالموضوع (Think about the matter). Some people say خليني أشوف (Let me see). In formal settings, you might hear قيد الدراسة (Under study). If you want to sound very relaxed, you can say بنشوف (We’ll see). But ادرس الموضوع remains the most balanced and respected version across the Arab world.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and sits in the 'neutral' register. It is safe for both professional emails and conversations with elders. Avoid using it for trivial decisions to prevent sounding sarcastic.
The Follow-up Rule
Always pair 'Sa-adrus al-mawdu' with a timeframe (e.g., 'wa ardu 'alayka ghadan' - and I'll get back to you tomorrow) to sound truly professional.
Don't Overuse
If you use this for every small question, people will think you are indecisive or hiding something.
The 'Soft No'
Be aware that if someone says this to you with a hesitant tone, they might be trying to say 'no' politely. Look for body language.
Examples
7شكراً على العرض، سأدرس الموضوع وأرد عليك.
Thank you for the offer, I will study the matter and get back to you.
A classic professional way to delay an answer.
يا بني، اتركنا ندرس الموضوع وسنتصل بك.
My son, let us study the matter and we will call you.
Very common in traditional marriage contexts.
فكرة السفر حلوة، خليني أدرس الموضوع.
The travel idea is nice, let me study the matter.
Shows interest without making a firm commitment yet.
السعر مرتفع قليلاً، سأدرس الموضوع في البيت.
The price is a bit high, I will study the matter at home.
A polite way to walk away from a salesperson.
هل آكل القطعة الثالثة؟ يجب أن أدرس الموضوع بعمق!
Should I eat the third piece? I must study the matter deeply!
Using a serious phrase for a silly situation.
هذه خطة كبيرة، ادرس الموضوع جيداً قبل التنفيذ.
This is a big plan, study the matter well before implementing.
Giving advice to be cautious.
لا أستطيع الموافقة الآن، سأدرس الموضوع مع والدك.
I can't agree now, I will study the matter with your father.
Indicates a need for family consultation.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
سأدرس _______ وأرد عليك غداً.
The standard idiom is 'adrus al-mawdu' (study the matter/topic).
Which response is most appropriate for a job offer you need time to think about?
Recruiter: 'نحن نعرض عليك هذا المنصب.'
Option B is the polite, professional way to ask for time.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
Context: A friend asks you to invest in a new restaurant.
This is advice to think carefully before a financial commitment.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
أ: هل ستشتري هذه السيارة؟ ب: لا أعرف، _________.
When unsure about a purchase, 'studying the matter' is the natural response.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesسأدرس _______ وأرد عليك غداً.
The standard idiom is 'adrus al-mawdu' (study the matter/topic).
Recruiter: 'نحن نعرض عليك هذا المنصب.'
Option B is the polite, professional way to ask for time.
Context: A friend asks you to invest in a new restaurant.
This is advice to think carefully before a financial commitment.
أ: هل ستشتري هذه السيارة؟ ب: لا أعرف، _________.
When unsure about a purchase, 'studying the matter' is the natural response.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt's slightly formal but perfectly acceptable if the topic is serious (like lending money or a big trip). For small things, use 'Bashouf' (I'll see).
Yes, it is the standard way to acknowledge a proposal in a professional Arabic email.
'Adrus' implies a more logical, data-driven analysis. 'Afakkir' is more about personal feelings or general thought.
Say 'Darastu al-mawdu' (درستُ الموضوع).
Yes, without the 'ayn', the word changes meaning. It's a core part of the root.
Related Phrases
سأفكر في الأمر
synonymI will think about the matter
قيد البحث
specialized formUnder investigation
أعطني مهلة
builds onGive me a grace period/time
لا تستعجل
contrastDon't rush
