In 15 Seconds
- Ask this to check for a product warranty or guarantee.
- Essential for electronics, cars, and expensive repairs.
- Short, two-word phrase that works in almost any shop.
Meaning
This phrase is used to ask if a product or service comes with a warranty or a guarantee. It is your safety net when making a purchase to ensure you are covered if something goes wrong.
Key Examples
3 of 6Buying a new smartphone
لو سمحت، الجوال فيه ضمان؟
Excuse me, does the phone have a warranty?
Hiring a plumber to fix a leak
شغلك فيه ضمان؟
Is there a warranty on your work?
Buying a used car from a stranger
السيارة لسه فيها ضمان؟
Does the car still have a warranty?
Cultural Background
The concept of a 'guarantee' is deeply rooted in Islamic contract law, where fairness and transparency are paramount. In modern Middle Eastern retail, the 'Agent Warranty' (ضمان الوكيل) is highly prized as it means the official manufacturer supports the product. In bustling souks, asking this phrase signals that you are a serious customer who expects quality.
Ask for the Paper
Always follow up with 'وين ورقة الضمان؟' (Where is the warranty paper?) to make sure it's documented.
Check the Duration
Don't just ask if there is one; ask 'كم مدته؟' (How long is it?) because some warranties are only for 24 hours!
In 15 Seconds
- Ask this to check for a product warranty or guarantee.
- Essential for electronics, cars, and expensive repairs.
- Short, two-word phrase that works in almost any shop.
What It Means
فيه ضمان؟ is the ultimate peace-of-mind phrase in the Arabic-speaking world. You are essentially asking, "If this breaks tomorrow, will you fix it or give me my money back?" It is short, direct, and incredibly useful. The word فيه means "there is" or "in it," and ضمان means "guarantee" or "warranty." Together, they form a simple question that every shopper needs to know. It is the verbal equivalent of checking for a safety seal on a bottle.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase as a standalone question while pointing at an item. It is grammatically simple because you do not need to conjugate anything. Just raise your pitch at the end to make it a question. If you want to be more specific, you can add the item name before it, like الجوال فيه ضمان؟ (Does the phone have a warranty?). It is like a magic spell that makes sellers take you more seriously. It shows you are a savvy buyer who knows their rights.
When To Use It
Use this whenever you are spending a significant amount of money. It is perfect for electronics shops, car dealerships, or even when hiring a technician to fix your air conditioner. If you are buying a used item from a person, asking this helps clarify if they stand by what they are selling. It is also great for online marketplaces or when buying appliances. Basically, if it has a plug or a motor, you should be saying this phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for small, everyday items like groceries or street food. Asking for a warranty on a shawarma sandwich will get you some very confused looks and probably a few laughs. It is also not used for experiences like going to the cinema or a park. Avoid using it in purely social settings where no transaction is happening. You would not ask a friend if their gift has a warranty unless you are trying to be funny.
Cultural Background
In many Arab cultures, trust and reputation are the foundation of business. Historically, a merchant's word was the only warranty you needed. Today, as markets have modernized, the written ضمان has become the standard. In some regions, like the Levant, you might hear the word كفالة instead of ضمان. Both mean the same thing. Having a warranty is often seen as a sign of a "high-end" or legitimate business versus a casual street stall.
Common Variations
You might hear عليه ضمان؟ which means "Is there a warranty on it?" Another common one is كم سنة الضمان؟ (How many years is the warranty?). If you are in a more formal setting, you might say هل يوجد ضمان؟ (Is there a warranty?). If you want to know what the warranty covers, you can ask وش يشمل الضمان؟ (What does the warranty include?). These variations help you dig deeper into the details of the protection you are getting.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any retail situation. It is grammatically feminine-neutral in this short form, so you don't need to worry about gender agreement unless you add specific nouns.
Ask for the Paper
Always follow up with 'وين ورقة الضمان؟' (Where is the warranty paper?) to make sure it's documented.
Check the Duration
Don't just ask if there is one; ask 'كم مدته؟' (How long is it?) because some warranties are only for 24 hours!
The 'Kafala' Variation
In Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria, people often say 'فيه كفالة؟' instead of 'ضمان'. They mean the exact same thing!
Examples
6لو سمحت، الجوال فيه ضمان؟
Excuse me, does the phone have a warranty?
A standard way to ask in a retail store.
شغلك فيه ضمان؟
Is there a warranty on your work?
Ensuring the service provider will return if the fix fails.
السيارة لسه فيها ضمان؟
Does the car still have a warranty?
Checking if the manufacturer's warranty is still active.
فيه ضمان مع الجهاز؟
Is there a warranty with the device?
Quick and direct for digital messaging.
هذا بريالين، فيه ضمان؟
This is only two riyals, is there a warranty?
Using the phrase ironically for something very cheap.
أهم شيء يكون فيه ضمان.
The most important thing is that it has a warranty.
Expressing concern for the longevity of a sentimental gift.
Test Yourself
You are at an electronics store. Ask if the laptop has a warranty.
الكمبيوتر ___؟
The phrase `فيه ضمان` correctly asks if the computer has a warranty.
Choose the correct word to complete the question: 'Is there a guarantee?'
فيه ___؟
`ضمان` is the Arabic word for warranty or guarantee.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'فيه ضمان؟'
Used with friends or street vendors.
فيه ضمان؟ (Quickly)
Standard use in shops and malls.
لو سمحت، فيه ضمان؟
Used in official contracts or luxury retail.
هل يوجد ضمان على هذا المنتج؟
Where to use 'فيه ضمان؟'
Mobile Shop
Checking a new iPhone.
Car Dealer
Buying a used SUV.
Repair Service
Fixing the washing machine.
Furniture Store
Buying a new sofa.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesالكمبيوتر ___؟
The phrase `فيه ضمان` correctly asks if the computer has a warranty.
فيه ___؟
`ضمان` is the Arabic word for warranty or guarantee.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! You can ask a mechanic or a painter فيه ضمان على الشغل؟ to ensure they will fix any mistakes.
Absolutely. It is a neutral, standard phrase. Adding لو سمحت (if you please) at the start makes it even better.
They are synonyms. ضمان is more common in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, while كفالة is common in the Levant.
You can say كم سنة الضمان؟ for years or كم شهر الضمان؟ for months.
Yes, but be prepared for the answer to be 'no.' It's always worth asking فيه ضمان؟ just in case.
This means a 'startup warranty.' It only guarantees the item works when you first turn it on at home.
Yes, just ask for the فاتورة (invoice) or a gift receipt so the recipient can use the warranty if needed.
It means an 'international warranty.' This is great if you are traveling and need the item fixed in another country.
No, that would be very strange. We don't use warranties for food in Arabic culture!
You would say فيه ضمان على البطارية؟. Just add على (on) and the item name.
Related Phrases
كفالة
Another word for warranty/guarantee.
فاتورة
Invoice or receipt.
ترجيع
Return (as in returning an item).
تبديل
Exchange (as in exchanging an item).
