Meaning
Expressing disapproval or negative sentiment towards a situation.
Cultural Background
Using formal MSA phrases like this in business shows respect and education. It helps avoid the 'roughness' of some dialects in professional settings. People here might mix this MSA phrase with French loanwords or local expressions of sorrow like 'يا ضيعان الشغل' (What a waste of work). In the Gulf, 'أمر' is often used in legal and administrative contexts. Saying 'هذا أمر سيء' to a government official is a very clear but polite way to register a complaint. Egyptians are known for their humor. Using this very formal phrase in a casual setting might be seen as 'acting' or being melodramatic for comedic effect.
Use 'Jiddan'
Add 'جداً' (very) at the end to sound more natural when you are truly annoyed.
Gender Check
Never say 'هذه أمر سيء'. 'Amr' is always masculine.
Meaning
Expressing disapproval or negative sentiment towards a situation.
Use 'Jiddan'
Add 'جداً' (very) at the end to sound more natural when you are truly annoyed.
Gender Check
Never say 'هذه أمر سيء'. 'Amr' is always masculine.
Softening the Blow
In professional emails, use 'أمر مؤسف' instead of 'سيء' to sound more diplomatic.
Spelling the Hamza
The hamza in 'سيء' is on the line because it follows a 'ya' with a kasra. Don't put it on an Alif!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the formal reaction.
لقد خسرنا العقد، هذا ____ سيء.
'أمر' is the correct noun to describe a situation or matter.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct form:
The subject 'هذا' and noun 'أمر' are masculine, so the adjective 'سيء' must be masculine and nominative.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate response.
أحمد: 'لقد تم إلغاء الرحلة بسبب العاصفة.' أنت: '_______'
This is a natural reaction to bad news about a trip.
Match the phrase to the most likely situation.
'إن هذا لأمر سيء للغاية يهدد استقرار المنطقة.'
The use of 'إن' and 'للغاية' indicates a very formal and serious context, like politics.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal 'Bad'
Practice Bank
4 exercisesلقد خسرنا العقد، هذا ____ سيء.
'أمر' is the correct noun to describe a situation or matter.
Select the correct form:
The subject 'هذا' and noun 'أمر' are masculine, so the adjective 'سيء' must be masculine and nominative.
أحمد: 'لقد تم إلغاء الرحلة بسبب العاصفة.' أنت: '_______'
This is a natural reaction to bad news about a trip.
'إن هذا لأمر سيء للغاية يهدد استقرار المنطقة.'
The use of 'إن' and 'للغاية' indicates a very formal and serious context, like politics.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is only for situations. To call a person bad, say 'هو شخص سيء'.
Slightly. With friends, you might say 'هاد شي مو حلو' or 'مو زين'.
The plural of 'أمر' is 'أمور'. So you would say 'هذه أمور سيئة'. Note that 'أمور' is a non-human plural, so the adjective becomes feminine singular.
Say 'هذا هو الأسوأ' (Hādhā huwa al-aswa').
No, 'Satan' (Shaytan) comes from a different root (Sh-T-N), though both involve negativity!
Yes, if you are discussing a challenge or a problem you solved, it is very appropriate.
'أمر' is more formal and implies a situation or affair. 'شيء' is just 'thing' and is more general.
Not necessarily. It sounds more like a calm, objective judgment.
Seen, Ya (with shadda and kasra), then Hamza on the line (س-ي-ء).
It's better to say 'هذا الطعام سيء' or 'هذا الأكل مو طيب'. 'أمر' doesn't fit food.
Related Phrases
هذا أمر مؤسف
similarThis is a regrettable matter
هذا أمر فظيع
specialized formThis is a terrible matter
هذا أمر جيد
contrastThis is a good matter
يا للأسف
similarWhat a pity
هذا لا يبشر بالخير
builds onThis doesn't bode well
