قل لي من تصاحب أقل لك من أنت
kl ly mn tsahb akl lk mn ant
Tell me who you associate with, I'll tell you who you are.
Meaning
A person's character and values are often reflected by the company they keep.
Cultural Background
In the Levant, family reputation is closely tied to social circles. This proverb is often used by elders to maintain social 'purity' and ensure that young people don't tarnish the family name by associating with 'unsuitable' families. The concept of 'Khuwa' (brotherhood/companionship) is sacred. A 'Khawi' (companion) is expected to be a source of pride. The proverb is used to emphasize that a man's honor is reflected in his 'Majlis' (gathering). Egyptians often use the more rhythmic 'الصاحب ساحب' in daily life, but 'قل لي من تصاحب...' is used in educational settings and TV dramas to deliver a moral message. There is a strong Sufi influence in the Maghreb that emphasizes 'Suhba' for spiritual growth. The proverb is used to encourage seeking the company of 'Saliheen' (righteous people).
Master the Jussive
Remembering to say 'Aqul' instead of 'Aqool' will instantly make you sound like a high-level Arabic speaker.
Don't be too judgmental
Using this proverb to someone's face about their friends can be seen as a direct insult. Use it as general wisdom or advice instead.
Meaning
A person's character and values are often reflected by the company they keep.
Master the Jussive
Remembering to say 'Aqul' instead of 'Aqool' will instantly make you sound like a high-level Arabic speaker.
Don't be too judgmental
Using this proverb to someone's face about their friends can be seen as a direct insult. Use it as general wisdom or advice instead.
The 'Sahib' vs 'Sadiq'
A 'Sahib' is someone you accompany (from the verb 'to accompany'), while 'Sadiq' is someone who is truthful to you. The proverb uses 'Sahib' because it's about the time spent together.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct verb form.
قل لي من تصاحب ____ لك من أنت.
The verb must be in the jussive mood (Majzum) as it is the response to the command 'Qul'.
Which situation best fits the use of this proverb?
متى نستخدم هذا المثل؟
The proverb is primarily used to highlight the influence of friends on one's character.
Match the Arabic phrase with its English equivalent.
صل الجملة بمعناها:
These are all related to the theme of social influence.
Complete the dialogue using the proverb.
الأم: لماذا تخرج مع هؤلاء المشاغبين؟ الابن: هم ليسوا سيئين يا أمي. الأم: يا بني، انتبه، فـ ________.
This is the most appropriate proverb for a context involving social circles and character judgment.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Sahib vs. Sadiq
Practice Bank
4 exercisesقل لي من تصاحب ____ لك من أنت.
The verb must be in the jussive mood (Majzum) as it is the response to the command 'Qul'.
متى نستخدم هذا المثل؟
The proverb is primarily used to highlight the influence of friends on one's character.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all related to the theme of social influence.
الأم: لماذا تخرج مع هؤلاء المشاغبين؟ الابن: هم ليسوا سيئين يا أمي. الأم: يا بني، انتبه، فـ ________.
This is the most appropriate proverb for a context involving social circles and character judgment.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is not from the Quran, but its meaning aligns with many Quranic verses about the influence of companions on the Day of Judgment.
Yes, especially when discussing partnerships or team building. It shows you value the quality of the people involved.
It's a grammatical rule called 'Jawab al-Amr'. When a verb is the result of a command, it becomes jussive (Majzum), which shortens the long vowel.
Yes, 'الصاحب ساحب' (Al-sahib saahib) is the most common short version used in daily life.
Modern Arabs often use it this way, saying 'Tell me who you follow, I'll tell you who you are.'
It can be if used to criticize someone's friends directly. It's better used as general advice.
There isn't a direct opposite proverb, but the concept of 'not judging a book by its cover' (لا تحكم على الكتاب من غلافه) is the closest counter-argument.
Absolutely! If someone hangs out with geniuses, you use it to imply they are also smart.
The Fusha version is understood everywhere, but each dialect has its own local variation of the same meaning.
Related Phrases
الصاحب ساحب
similarThe companion drags you (to his ways).
المرء على دين خليله
builds onA person follows the faith/way of his close friend.
الطيور على أشكالها تقع
synonymBirds of a feather flock together.
من جاور السعيد يسعد
similarHe who lives near a happy person becomes happy.
