الكاميرا لا تعمل
al-kamera la ta'mal
The camera doesn't work
Literally: The camera not it-works
In 15 Seconds
- Used when your camera has a technical glitch or hardware failure.
- Common in Egyptian dialect but understood by almost all Arabic speakers.
- Combines the loanword 'Camera' with the negation 'Mish' and 'Work'.
Meaning
This is how you say your camera isn't working. It is the go-to phrase for technical glitches during video calls or when your phone's camera app crashes.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a professional Zoom meeting
أنا آسف، الكاميرا مش بتشتغل عندي
I'm sorry, the camera isn't working on my end.
Texting a friend who asked for a selfie
مش عارف أصورك، الكاميرا مش بتشتغل
I can't take a photo for you, the camera isn't working.
Trying to fix a phone at a repair shop
بص، الكاميرا مش بتشتغل خالص
Look, the camera isn't working at all.
Cultural Background
In cities like Dubai or Doha, video calls are standard. Saying 'the camera isn't working' is a common way to maintain privacy if one is working from a non-private space. Technicians will often use the word 'khabrana' (broken) or 'shaghala' (working). 'La ta'mal' is seen as very polite and educated. In areas with slower internet, 'the camera isn't working' is often a shorthand for 'my internet is too slow to support video'. Arab influencers often use this phrase in 'stories' to explain why they aren't showing their face or why a certain piece of gear is missing.
Gender is Key
Always remember that 'Camera' is feminine. If you say 'ya'mal', people will understand, but it sounds like a beginner mistake.
Don't say 'Not Walking'
In some languages, machines 'walk'. In Arabic, they 'work' (ta'mal) or 'operate' (tishtaghil).
In 15 Seconds
- Used when your camera has a technical glitch or hardware failure.
- Common in Egyptian dialect but understood by almost all Arabic speakers.
- Combines the loanword 'Camera' with the negation 'Mish' and 'Work'.
What It Means
This phrase is your digital lifesaver. It literally means the camera is not working. In the Egyptian dialect, we use مش (mish) to negate things. The word بتشتغل (bitishtaghal) comes from the root for 'work'. It is simple, direct, and very common.
How To Use It
You use it exactly like the English version. Just drop it into conversation when technology fails you. You do not need complex grammar here. If you are on Zoom and your screen is black, say this. If your phone drops and the lens breaks, this is the phrase. It is a workhorse of modern Arabic conversation.
When To Use It
Use it during online classes or work meetings. It is perfect for those awkward moments when everyone is waiting for you. You can also use it at a tourist site. If a stranger offers to take your photo but your phone freezes, use this. It sounds natural and native in almost any tech-related context.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for people. If a colleague is being lazy, you cannot say they are مش بتشتغل. That would sound like they are a broken robot! Also, avoid it in very high-level classical literature. It is a modern, everyday expression for modern gadgets. Don't use it if the battery is just dead; say the battery is empty instead.
Cultural Background
Technology has changed how we speak Arabic. In the past, people rarely used the verb اشتغل (ishtaghal) for machines. Now, it is the standard way to talk about anything with a power button. Egyptians especially love to shorten things. This phrase is a perfect example of that 'get to the point' attitude. It reflects the fast-paced, tech-heavy life in cities like Cairo or Dubai.
Common Variations
You might hear الكاميرا عطلانة (al-kamera 'atlana). This means the camera is specifically 'broken' or 'out of order'. Another one is الكاميرا مش راضية تفتح (al-kamera mish radya tiftah). This translates to 'the camera refuses to open'. That one adds a bit of personality to the device, as if it has a mind of its own!
Usage Notes
This phrase is perfect for B1 learners because it uses a loanword you already know ('Camera') and a very common verb. It sits right in the middle of the formality scale—polite enough for a boss, but casual enough for a friend.
Gender is Key
Always remember that 'Camera' is feminine. If you say 'ya'mal', people will understand, but it sounds like a beginner mistake.
Don't say 'Not Walking'
In some languages, machines 'walk'. In Arabic, they 'work' (ta'mal) or 'operate' (tishtaghil).
The Polite Excuse
If you don't want to be on video, 'الكاميرا لا تعمل' is the most socially acceptable excuse in the Arab world.
Examples
6أنا آسف، الكاميرا مش بتشتغل عندي
I'm sorry, the camera isn't working on my end.
Adding 'andi' (at my place/on my end) makes it sound very professional.
مش عارف أصورك، الكاميرا مش بتشتغل
I can't take a photo for you, the camera isn't working.
Short and direct for a quick text message.
بص، الكاميرا مش بتشتغل خالص
Look, the camera isn't working at all.
Adding 'khalis' emphasizes that it is completely dead.
الحمد لله الكاميرا مش بتشتغل اليوم!
Thank God the camera isn't working today!
A humorous way to say you're glad no one can see you.
الموبايل جديد بس الكاميرا مش بتشتغل!
The phone is new but the camera isn't working!
Expresses annoyance at a technical failure.
ممكن تشوف ليه الكاميرا مش بتشتغل؟
Can you see why the camera isn't working?
A friendly request for tech support.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb form for 'The camera is not working'.
الكاميرا ___ تعمل.
'La' is the standard negation for present tense facts in MSA.
Complete the sentence with the correct feminine verb.
أنا آسف، الكاميرا لا ____ (work).
Since 'Kāmīrā' is feminine, the verb must start with 'ta'.
What would you say if your camera fails during a meeting?
Manager: 'Please turn on your camera.' You: '________'
This is the standard polite way to report the issue.
Match the Arabic phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
Notice how the verb changes gender for 'Mikrufun' and 'Internet' (masculine) vs 'Camera' (feminine).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Things that 'La Ta'mal' (Feminine)
Devices
- • الكاميرا (Camera)
- • الشاشة (Screen)
- • الساعة (Watch)
Practice Bank
4 exercisesالكاميرا ___ تعمل.
'La' is the standard negation for present tense facts in MSA.
أنا آسف، الكاميرا لا ____ (work).
Since 'Kāmīrā' is feminine, the verb must start with 'ta'.
Manager: 'Please turn on your camera.' You: '________'
This is the standard polite way to report the issue.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Notice how the verb changes gender for 'Mikrufun' and 'Internet' (masculine) vs 'Camera' (feminine).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIn MSA, yes. Some very formal texts might use 'ālat taswīr' (imaging machine), but everyone says 'Kāmīrā'.
No, for a TV you would say 'التلفاز لا يعمل' (al-tilfāz lā ya'mal). Note the masculine verb.
In the Gulf, you'd likely hear 'الكاميرا ما تشتغل' (al-kāmīrā mā tishtaghil).
You say 'تم إصلاح الكاميرا' or 'الكاميرا تعمل الآن'.
Related Phrases
الميكروفون لا يعمل
similarThe microphone isn't working.
الصوت لا يعمل
similarThe sound/audio isn't working.
الكاميرا معطلة
synonymThe camera is broken/out of order.
إصلاح الكاميرا
builds onRepairing the camera.
