الشاشة اتكسرت
el-shasha etkassaret
The screen is broken
Literally: The screen broke itself / was broken
In 15 Seconds
- Used for cracked phone, TV, or laptop screens.
- Uses passive voice to describe the damage.
- Essential for tech repairs and daily mishaps.
Meaning
This phrase is used to describe a broken screen on any electronic device. It is the most common way to report a cracked phone, tablet, or television.
Key Examples
3 of 6Dropping your phone in front of a friend
يا ساتر! الشاشة اتكسرت!
Oh my god! The screen is broken!
Calling a repair shop
لو سمحت، شاشة الموبايل اتكسرت، بكام التصليح؟
Excuse me, my mobile screen is broken, how much is the repair?
Explaining a tech issue to a parent
بابا، الشاشة اتكسرت لوحدها والله!
Dad, the screen broke by itself, I swear!
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects a modern linguistic shift where tech terms have become deeply integrated into daily Arabic. Using the passive 'it got broken' is a common cultural linguistic trait to soften the blow of an accident. It is a universal 'oops' moment from Dubai to Casablanca.
The 'Passive' Trick
Using `اتكسرت` (it got broken) instead of `كسرتها` (I broke it) is a great way to sound more like a native and sound less guilty!
Not for Windows
If you break a window, use the word `شباك` (shubbak) instead of `شاشة`. `شاشة` is only for electronic displays.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for cracked phone, TV, or laptop screens.
- Uses passive voice to describe the damage.
- Essential for tech repairs and daily mishaps.
What It Means
This phrase is your go-to for technology disasters. It specifically refers to the glass or display of a device being shattered. In Arabic, الشاشة means 'the screen' and اتكسرت is the passive form of 'broken'. It sounds like the screen just happened to break on its own. It is a very common phrase in modern daily life.
How To Use It
You use it just like you would in English. You can say it when you drop your phone. You can say it when your laptop screen glitches out. It is a simple subject-verb sentence. Just point at the damage and say الشاشة اتكسرت. Use a sad face for extra effect.
When To Use It
Use this when calling a repair shop. Use it when explaining to your boss why you missed a text. It is perfect for social media posts showing off your bad luck. It works for TVs, monitors, and smartphones alike. If it has pixels and it is cracked, this phrase fits.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for software issues. If your phone is frozen, this is the wrong phrase. If the battery is dead, do not use it. Also, do not use it for broken windows or mirrors. Those use different words for 'glass'. This is strictly for electronic displays.
Cultural Background
In many Arabic-speaking cultures, there is a funny habit of using the passive voice. Instead of saying 'I broke the screen,' people say الشاشة اتكسرت. It implies the screen decided to break itself. It is a subtle way to avoid direct blame. It is a very relatable 'tech-tragedy' shared across the Middle East.
Common Variations
You might hear انكسرت الشاشة in more formal settings. In some dialects, like Egyptian, you might hear الشاشة اتشرخت if it is just a small crack. If it is completely pulverized, people might say الشاشة اتدمرت. But the standard version here is understood by everyone.
Usage Notes
This phrase is highly versatile and sits in the 'neutral' register. It is safe for both casual friends and professional repair technicians.
The 'Passive' Trick
Using `اتكسرت` (it got broken) instead of `كسرتها` (I broke it) is a great way to sound more like a native and sound less guilty!
Not for Windows
If you break a window, use the word `شباك` (shubbak) instead of `شاشة`. `شاشة` is only for electronic displays.
Evil Eye Context
In some cultures, when something like a screen breaks suddenly, people say 'fada' (it's a sacrifice), meaning the broken object protected you from worse luck.
Examples
6يا ساتر! الشاشة اتكسرت!
Oh my god! The screen is broken!
A natural reaction to a sudden accident.
لو سمحت، شاشة الموبايل اتكسرت، بكام التصليح؟
Excuse me, my mobile screen is broken, how much is the repair?
Standard way to start a service inquiry.
بابا، الشاشة اتكسرت لوحدها والله!
Dad, the screen broke by itself, I swear!
Using the passive voice to avoid getting in trouble.
مش هعرف أذاكر النهاردة، شاشة اللاب توب اتكسرت.
I won't be able to study today, the laptop screen broke.
A common excuse for missing work or study.
الضمان بيغطي لو الشاشة اتكسرت؟
Does the warranty cover if the screen gets broken?
A practical question for a salesperson.
بص، الشاشة اتكسرت من الكورة.
Look, the screen got broken by the ball.
Describing how an object was damaged.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about a broken phone.
موبايلي وقع و ___ اتكسرت.
The word `الشاشة` means screen, which is what typically breaks when a phone falls.
What is the correct verb to describe a screen that is shattered?
يا خسارة! التلفزيون الجديد الشاشة بتاعته ___.
`اتكسرت` is the specific verb for something being broken or shattered.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'الشاشة اتكسرت'
Slang variations like 'اتدشدشت'
الشاشة اتدشدشت خالص
Standard daily use for all devices
الشاشة اتكسرت
Fusha/Written report style
تعرضت الشاشة للكسر
When to say 'The screen is broken'
Repair Shop
Reporting a fault
At Home
Explaining an accident
Office
Laptop malfunction
Social Media
Sharing a bad day
Practice Bank
2 exercisesموبايلي وقع و ___ اتكسرت.
The word `الشاشة` means screen, which is what typically breaks when a phone falls.
يا خسارة! التلفزيون الجديد الشاشة بتاعته ___.
`اتكسرت` is the specific verb for something being broken or shattered.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, الشاشة اتكسرت is understood in almost every dialect, though the prefix 'it-' might change slightly (e.g., انكسرت in Gulf).
Yes, even if it's just a small crack, you can use this phrase to describe the damage.
مكسورة is an adjective (is broken), while اتكسرت is a verb (got broken). Both are used frequently.
Yes, it is neutral and factual. It’s perfectly fine to use in a professional setting.
You would say أنا كسرت الشاشة, but natives rarely say this unless they are taking full responsibility.
You would say اللاصقة اتكسرت or سكرينة الحماية اتكسرت.
You can add خالص (completely) to get الشاشة اتكسرت خالص.
Technically no, for a car windshield you would use الزجاج (the glass) or البرابريز in some dialects.
In formal news or reports, you would see تحطمت الشاشة or انكسرت الشاشة.
The plural is شاشات (shashat). For example: كل الشاشات اتكسرت (All the screens broke).
Related Phrases
الموبايل باظ
فيها شرخ
مش شغال
عايز تصليح
