Meaning
Politely (or sometimes firmly) telling someone not to interfere in personal or irrelevant matters.
Cultural Background
In the Levant, the phrase 'Mā dakhalk' is often used among friends in a joking way, but 'Hādhā laysa min sha'nik' remains the serious version for strangers. Egyptians often use 'Malaksh da'wa' with a specific hand gesture (waving the hand away). It is very common in Egyptian cinema to show a tough character. Privacy is highly valued in the Gulf. Using 'Mā yikhussak' is a very strong statement and usually ends a conversation immediately. In the Maghreb, 'Sūqak khāwi' (Your market is empty) can be a colorful way to say mind your own business, though MSA is used in formal settings.
Tone Matters
If said with a smile, it can be a joke. If said with a frown, it's a declaration of war.
The 'Min' Rule
Always include 'min'. 'Laysa sha'nak' sounds like a robot or a non-native speaker.
Meaning
Politely (or sometimes firmly) telling someone not to interfere in personal or irrelevant matters.
Tone Matters
If said with a smile, it can be a joke. If said with a frown, it's a declaration of war.
The 'Min' Rule
Always include 'min'. 'Laysa sha'nak' sounds like a robot or a non-native speaker.
The Polite Alternative
If you want to be polite, say 'أعتذر، لا أحب التحدث في هذا الموضوع' (I apologize, I don't like to talk about this topic).
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
هذا ليس ___ شأنك.
The preposition 'min' (from/of) is required in this standard expression.
Which phrase is most appropriate to tell a nosy stranger to mind their business?
A stranger asks about your salary in the street.
This is the standard way to set a boundary with a stranger.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form.
أحمد: لماذا لم تذهب إلى الحفلة؟ خالد: _________.
If Khaled doesn't want to answer a personal question, he uses this phrase.
Match the phrase to the correct register.
Match 'ما دخلك؟' to its register.
'Mā dakhalk' is the common informal/dialectal way to say this.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
MSA vs Dialect
Practice Bank
4 exercisesهذا ليس ___ شأنك.
The preposition 'min' (from/of) is required in this standard expression.
A stranger asks about your salary in the street.
This is the standard way to set a boundary with a stranger.
أحمد: لماذا لم تذهب إلى الحفلة؟ خالد: _________.
If Khaled doesn't want to answer a personal question, he uses this phrase.
Match 'ما دخلك؟' to its register.
'Mā dakhalk' is the common informal/dialectal way to say this.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, it is generally considered blunt. Use it only when a boundary has been crossed.
Only if you want to get fired. Use 'هذا خارج نطاق عملي' instead.
هذا ليس من شأنِكِ (Hādhā laysa min sha'niki).
The closest equivalent is 'اهتم بشؤونك' or 'خليك في حالك'.
'Laysa' is specifically for negating nouns and adjectives in the present tense.
Yes: هذا ليس من شأنكم (Hādhā laysa min sha'nikum).
Only in a very confrontational one. In business, use 'This is confidential'.
It means 'matter', 'affair', or 'importance'.
The word 'sha'n' is, but this specific phrase is a modern construction.
Malaksh da'wa (مالكش دعوة).
هذا شأني (Hādhā sha'nī).
Yes, if they are being too nosy about your dating life or money.
It is very common in both, especially in drama and news.
هذا يهمك (This concerns you).
Related Phrases
دع ما لا يعنيك
similarLeave what does not concern you.
لا تتدخل
synonymDon't interfere.
خليك في حالك
informalStay in your own state/business.
هذا أمر خاص
similarThis is a private matter.
