Meaning
Clearly and unambiguously, leaving no doubt.
Cultural Background
This phrase is a staple of news tickers. It is used to translate 'unequivocally' or 'categorically' from Western news agencies, but it has become a native part of the modern Arabic media lexicon. Scholars use the concept of 'labs' to discuss ambiguous verses of the Quran. 'La labsa fih' is the ideal state of a legal ruling—clear and binding. In Arab summits, the final communiqué (al-bayan al-khitami) often uses this phrase to show unity among member states on a specific issue, like the Palestinian cause. In literary and philosophical debates, using this phrase is a way to 'claim the floor' and assert that one's argument has reached a point of objective truth.
The 'La' Secret
If you want to sound like a C1 student, make sure you don't put tanwin on 'labs'. It's 'labsa', not 'labsan'.
Don't use with friends
It makes you sound like a robot or a lawyer. Stick to 'waadih' (clear) for daily life.
Meaning
Clearly and unambiguously, leaving no doubt.
The 'La' Secret
If you want to sound like a C1 student, make sure you don't put tanwin on 'labs'. It's 'labsa', not 'labsan'.
Don't use with friends
It makes you sound like a robot or a lawyer. Stick to 'waadih' (clear) for daily life.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
أكد القاضي براءة المتهم ______.
The noun 'labs' must be in the accusative (fatha) because of the 'La' of absolute negation.
Which situation is MOST appropriate for this phrase?
Where would you use 'بشكل لا لبس فيه'?
This is a very formal phrase reserved for official and high-stakes communication.
Complete the dialogue with the most professional response.
الصحفي: هل ستغير الشركة سياستها؟ المدير: لا، سياستنا ثابتة ______.
In a press conference, a director needs to sound firm and clear.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesأكد القاضي براءة المتهم ______.
The noun 'labs' must be in the accusative (fatha) because of the 'La' of absolute negation.
Where would you use 'بشكل لا لبس فيه'?
This is a very formal phrase reserved for official and high-stakes communication.
الصحفي: هل ستغير الشركة سياستها؟ المدير: لا، سياستنا ثابتة ______.
In a press conference, a director needs to sound firm and clear.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, if you are discussing a serious project or a final decision. It shows professionalism.
Rarely. It's almost exclusively Modern Standard Arabic (MSA).
بشكل غامض (bi-shaklin ghamid) or فيه لَبْس (fih labs).
Related Phrases
بوضوح تام
synonymWith complete clarity
دون أدنى شك
similarWithout the slightest doubt
على وجه اليقين
similarWith certainty
بصورة غامضة
contrastIn an ambiguous/vague way
