أنت من يقرر
anta man yuqarrir
You are the one who decides
Literally: You [are] the [one] who decides
In 15 Seconds
- Hands the final decision over to the other person.
- Shows respect, flexibility, and trust in their judgment.
- Common in both casual social chats and professional collaboration.
Meaning
This phrase is the ultimate way to hand over the decision-making power to someone else. It translates to 'it is up to you' or 'the choice is yours,' showing that you are flexible and trust their judgment.
Key Examples
3 of 6Picking a restaurant with a friend
أي مطعم بدك؟ إنت اللي تقرر.
Which restaurant do you want? You are the one who decides.
Setting a meeting time with a client
أنا متاح طول اليوم، إنت اللي تقرر الوقت.
I am available all day, you decide the time.
Texting a partner about a movie
كل الأفلام شكلها حلوة، إنتي اللي تقرري.
All the movies look good, you (f) decide.
Cultural Background
In the Levant, people often use 'على راحتك' (at your ease) alongside 'أنت من يقرر'. It's part of a culture of 'Mudarat' (social grace) where you try to make the other person feel in control. In the Gulf, 'تم' (Done/Agreed) is often the response once someone says 'أنت من يقرر'. It shows that the decision is accepted immediately without further debate. Egyptians might use 'اللي تشوفه' (Whatever you see/deem fit) as a synonym. It's very common in service industries and among friends to show trust in the other's vision. In the Maghreb, Modern Standard Arabic is used in formal settings, but in Darija, they might say 'اللي بغيتي' (What you want). 'أنت من يقرر' remains the go-to for professional emails.
The Gender Flip
Always remember to change the verb to 'tuqarrireen' when talking to a woman. It's a common B2-level mistake to forget this.
Don't sound indifferent
If you say this too quickly, it might sound like you don't care. Add 'أنا أثق برأيك' (I trust your opinion) to make it warmer.
In 15 Seconds
- Hands the final decision over to the other person.
- Shows respect, flexibility, and trust in their judgment.
- Common in both casual social chats and professional collaboration.
What It Means
إنت اللي تقرر is a versatile expression used to give someone else the final say. It is the Arabic equivalent of saying "the ball is in your court." By using this, you are stepping back from the steering wheel. You are telling the other person that their preference matters more than yours. It is a phrase built on flexibility and trust. It is not just about being indecisive. It is often about being a gracious host or a supportive friend. You are essentially saying, "I am happy with whatever you choose."
How To Use It
Using this phrase is very straightforward. You usually say it after a suggestion has been made or when a choice needs to be made. If a friend asks, "Should we eat Italian or Lebanese?" you can respond with إنت اللي تقرر. Just remember to match the gender of the person you are talking to. For a man, use إنت اللي تقرر (Inta elli tqarrir). For a woman, say إنتي اللي تقرري (Enti elli tqarriri). If you are talking to a group, use إنتو اللي تقرروا (Entu elli tqarru). It fits perfectly at the end of a sentence to close a discussion.
When To Use It
This phrase shines in social settings. Use it at a restaurant when you truly don't mind the menu. It is great for planning a weekend trip with your partner. In a professional setting, it works when you want to empower a teammate. For example, if a colleague asks for your opinion on a design, you can give feedback and then say, إنت اللي تقرر to show you respect their creative control. It is also a lifesaver when texting. It keeps the conversation moving without you having to do the heavy lifting of planning.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase if you actually have a strong opinion. There is nothing more frustrating than saying "you decide" and then complaining about the choice! Do not use it if you are in a leadership position where a firm decision is expected from you. Using it too often can make you seem passive or like you don't care about the outcome. Also, avoid it in high-stakes legal or medical situations where clear instructions are needed. In those cases, being vague can cause real confusion.
Cultural Background
In many Arabic-speaking cultures, hospitality and generosity (Karam) are core values. Part of being a good host is making your guest feel in control. By saying إنت اللي تقرر, you are practicing a form of social etiquette. You are putting the guest's comfort above your own desires. However, this often leads to a "politeness loop." This is a funny cultural phenomenon where two people spend ten minutes insisting the other person should decide. It is a dance of respect that usually ends when someone finally gives in and picks a place to eat!
Common Variations
Depending on where you are, you might hear different versions. In the Levant, you might hear على ذوقك (Ala zawqak), which means "according to your taste." In Egypt, people often say اللي تشوفه (Elli tshoofuh), meaning "whatever you see [fit]." Another common one is الشور شورك (Al-shour shourak), which is a bit more traditional and means "the advice/decision is yours." All of these carry the same spirit of giving the other person the power to choose.
Usage Notes
This phrase is highly adaptable across all Arabic dialects. While it is grammatically simple, its impact depends on your tone—keep it light and friendly to ensure it's received as a gesture of politeness.
The Gender Flip
Always remember to change the verb to 'tuqarrireen' when talking to a woman. It's a common B2-level mistake to forget this.
Don't sound indifferent
If you say this too quickly, it might sound like you don't care. Add 'أنا أثق برأيك' (I trust your opinion) to make it warmer.
Use it in emails
It's a great way to end an email to a client: 'نحن بانتظار ردكم، فأنتم من يقرر الخطوة التالية.'
Examples
6أي مطعم بدك؟ إنت اللي تقرر.
Which restaurant do you want? You are the one who decides.
A classic way to show you are easy-going about food.
أنا متاح طول اليوم، إنت اللي تقرر الوقت.
I am available all day, you decide the time.
Shows professional flexibility and respect for the client's schedule.
كل الأفلام شكلها حلوة، إنتي اللي تقرري.
All the movies look good, you (f) decide.
Using the feminine form 'Enti' and 'tqarriri' for a female partner.
خلص، إنت اللي تقرر عشان ما تشتكي بعدين!
Fine, you decide so you don't complain later!
A playful way to avoid blame for a potentially bad choice.
هذا مستقبلك، وإنت اللي تقرر المسار.
This is your future, and you are the one who decides the path.
Used here to provide emotional support and empowerment.
إنت بتعرف ذوقها أكتر، إنت اللي تقرر.
You know her taste better, you decide.
Deferring to someone with more expertise in the situation.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'to decide' for a female friend.
يا مريم، أنتِ من ________ أي فستان نشتريه.
Since the subject is 'Anti' (feminine singular), the verb must be 'tuqarrireen' in the present tense.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
Situation: You are a manager giving a trusted employee the power to choose their own team.
This phrase correctly delegates the authority to the employee.
Which of these is the most formal way to say 'It's up to you'?
اختر الجملة الأكثر رسمية:
'Al-amr ya'ood li-siyadatikum' is highly formal and used in official or very respectful contexts.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
أحمد: هل نذهب إلى الحديقة أم إلى الشاطئ؟ خالد: ________، الجو جميل في كل مكان.
Khaled is being flexible and letting Ahmed choose.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesيا مريم، أنتِ من ________ أي فستان نشتريه.
Since the subject is 'Anti' (feminine singular), the verb must be 'tuqarrireen' in the present tense.
Situation: You are a manager giving a trusted employee the power to choose their own team.
This phrase correctly delegates the authority to the employee.
اختر الجملة الأكثر رسمية:
'Al-amr ya'ood li-siyadatikum' is highly formal and used in official or very respectful contexts.
أحمد: هل نذهب إلى الحديقة أم إلى الشاطئ؟ خالد: ________، الجو جميل في كل مكان.
Khaled is being flexible and letting Ahmed choose.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but often shortened or modified. However, every Arabic speaker will understand the MSA version perfectly.
Yes, it's a respectful way to acknowledge their authority, especially if they've asked for your input first.
'Man' is specifically for people and is more common in this idiom. 'Alladhi' is more formal and slightly clunky here.
Only if your body language and tone are negative. In Arabic culture, it's usually seen as very polite.
Related Phrases
الأمر يعود إليك
synonymThe matter returns to you.
الخيار لك
similarThe choice is yours.
كما تشاء
similarAs you wish.
أنت المسؤول
builds onYou are the one responsible.
