في فيروس على الجهاز
fi fayrus 'ala el-gihaz
There's a virus on the device
Literally: In virus on the device
In 15 Seconds
- Used to report malware or viruses on electronic devices.
- Combines the word 'in/there is' with the loanword 'virus'.
- Works for phones, computers, and tablets in any Arabic dialect.
Meaning
This phrase is used exactly like its English counterpart to say that a computer, phone, or tablet has been infected with malware. It is the standard way to complain about tech issues in the digital age.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking to a technician
يا فني، أعتقد في فيروس على الجهاز.
Technician, I think there is a virus on the device.
Warning a sibling
لا تفتح الرابط! في فيروس على الجهاز.
Don't open the link! There's a virus on the device.
Explaining a slow laptop to a boss
آسف، الشغل متأخر لأن في فيروس على الجهاز.
Sorry, the work is late because there is a virus on the device.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the rapid digitization of the Arab world. While classical Arabic has formal terms for technology, daily life relies on loanwords like 'virus'. It bridges the gap between traditional language and the modern tech-heavy lifestyle common in urban centers like Cairo, Riyadh, and Dubai.
The 'Fi' Secret
The word `في` (Fi) is the ultimate shortcut. In dialects, it replaces 'there is', 'there are', and 'in'. Use it often!
Don't get biological
If you say this about a person, people will be very confused or think you're calling them a robot. Use `عدوى` (infection) for humans.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to report malware or viruses on electronic devices.
- Combines the word 'in/there is' with the loanword 'virus'.
- Works for phones, computers, and tablets in any Arabic dialect.
What It Means
This phrase is your go-to whenever technology betrays you. The word في means 'there is' or 'in'. فيروس is a direct loanword from 'virus'. على الجهاز means 'on the device'. Put it together and you have a clear warning. It is simple, direct, and understood by every Arabic speaker.
How To Use It
You use it as a statement of fact. Usually, it follows a moment of frustration. You might see a pop-up or a slow screen. Then you point and say في فيروس على الجهاز. You can use it for laptops, smartphones, or even smart TVs. It is a very versatile tech complaint.
When To Use It
Use it when your phone starts acting possessed. Use it at the office when the printer stops working mysteriously. It is perfect for texting a friend to explain why you cannot reply. If your screen freezes during a movie, this is your line. It is the universal 'tech-support' icebreaker.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for biological illnesses. If you have the flu, do not say this. For a human virus, you just say أنا مريض (I am sick). Also, do not use it for mechanical car problems. A car is a سيارة, not usually called a جهاز in this context. Keep it strictly to electronics and digital gadgets.
Cultural Background
Technology terms in Arabic are often a mix of roots and loanwords. While 'computer' has a formal name حاسوب, most people just say كمبيوتر or جهاز. The word جهاز literally means 'apparatus' or 'equipment'. It shows how modern life has standardized tech talk across the Middle East. Everyone from Dubai to Casablanca knows this struggle.
Common Variations
You might hear الجهاز مهنك (the device is hanging/frozen). Or الجهاز خربان (the device is broken). If you want to be specific, say في فيروس على اللابتوب. Some people might just say ضربوا فيروس, meaning 'a virus hit it'. These all lead back to the same digital headache.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and safe for all audiences. It uses a mix of a common Arabic preposition and a global loanword, making it highly effective for non-native speakers to communicate tech issues.
The 'Fi' Secret
The word `في` (Fi) is the ultimate shortcut. In dialects, it replaces 'there is', 'there are', and 'in'. Use it often!
Don't get biological
If you say this about a person, people will be very confused or think you're calling them a robot. Use `عدوى` (infection) for humans.
The Loanword Loop
Arabic speakers love using English tech terms. You can swap `جهاز` for `لابتوب` (laptop) or `موبايل` (mobile) and you'll sound like a local.
Examples
6يا فني، أعتقد في فيروس على الجهاز.
Technician, I think there is a virus on the device.
A standard way to start a repair conversation.
لا تفتح الرابط! في فيروس على الجهاز.
Don't open the link! There's a virus on the device.
Urgent warning to prevent further damage.
آسف، الشغل متأخر لأن في فيروس على الجهاز.
Sorry, the work is late because there is a virus on the device.
Using the phrase as a legitimate excuse for a delay.
تلفوني خرب، في فيروس على الجهاز.
My phone is ruined, there's a virus on the device.
Short and clear for messaging apps.
هذا الجهاز قديم جداً، أكيد في مئة فيروس عليه!
This device is so old, surely there are a hundred viruses on it!
Exaggerating for comedic effect.
ليش ما يشتغل؟ شكلو في فيروس على الجهاز.
Why isn't it working? It looks like there's a virus on the device.
Expressing frustration with public technology.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the phrase for 'There is a virus on the device'.
في ___ على الجهاز.
`فيروس` is the Arabic word for virus, fitting the tech context.
Complete the sentence to say 'on the device'.
في فيروس ___ الجهاز.
`على` means 'on', which is the standard preposition used for software on hardware.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum
Used with friends when a phone glitches.
جهازي فيه فيروس!
Standard way to describe the problem to anyone.
في فيروس على الجهاز.
Technical report or formal complaint.
يوجد فيروس في النظام.
Where to use 'في فيروس على الجهاز'
Phone Repair Shop
Explaining why the screen is flickering.
Office Desk
Telling a colleague why the file won't open.
Gaming session
Blaming a loss on a laggy console.
School Library
Warning others about a public computer.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesفي ___ على الجهاز.
`فيروس` is the Arabic word for virus, fitting the tech context.
في فيروس ___ الجهاز.
`على` means 'on', which is the standard preposition used for software on hardware.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, في فيروس على الجهاز is understood across the Middle East and North Africa because 'virus' and 'device' are standard terms.
No, for biological viruses, you would use the word فيروس but the sentence structure changes to عندي فيروس (I have a virus) or مصاب بالفيروس (infected with the virus).
No, الجهاز can refer to a phone, tablet, laptop, or even a microwave. It literally means 'the device'.
In Modern Standard Arabic, you would say يوجد فيروس في الجهاز (Yujad virus fi al-jihaz).
You can say الفيروس مسح ملفاتي (Al-virus masah malafati).
Yes, it is a neutral, factual statement. It is perfectly fine for a professional setting.
No, that sounds like a personification. Stick to خربان (broken) or فيه فيروس (has a virus).
The plural is فيروسات (fayrousat). You could say في فيروسات كثيرة (There are many viruses).
You could say الجهاز مضروب (The device is 'hit'), implying it's been attacked by malware.
You can add شكله (shaklo) at the beginning: شكله في فيروس (It looks like there's a virus).
