Meaning
An action or thing that brings no positive outcome or advantage.
Cultural Background
The phrase 'Ma fish fayda' is iconic in Egypt, linked to the last words of Sa'd Zaghloul. It often reflects a humorous or weary acceptance of bureaucratic hurdles. In Lebanon and Syria, the phrase is often used with a sigh (Uff) to express frustration with political or economic instability. The concept of 'Naf'' (benefit) is central to ethics. Knowledge that has 'no benefit' is considered a waste of life. Existentialist Arab writers like Naguib Mahfouz use this phrase to highlight the struggle of the individual against an indifferent fate.
Use the Masdar
Always follow 'min' with a noun or verbal noun (Masdar) for the most natural sound.
Don't be too rude
Using this phrase about someone's ideas can be dismissive. Use it carefully in social settings.
Meaning
An action or thing that brings no positive outcome or advantage.
Use the Masdar
Always follow 'min' with a noun or verbal noun (Masdar) for the most natural sound.
Don't be too rude
Using this phrase about someone's ideas can be dismissive. Use it carefully in social settings.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition.
لا فائدة ___ المحاولة مرة أخرى.
The expression 'لا فائدة' always takes the preposition 'من' (min) when followed by an action or object.
Choose the grammatically correct form of 'Fā'ida'.
____ فائدة من البكاء.
Because of 'La of Absolute Negation', the noun must be 'mabni 'ala al-fath' (built on fatha) without tanween.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
أ: هل ستتصل بالدعم الفني؟ ب: لا، ________، لقد انتهى وقت عملهم.
Since their working hours are over, calling them would be futile.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesلا فائدة ___ المحاولة مرة أخرى.
The expression 'لا فائدة' always takes the preposition 'من' (min) when followed by an action or object.
____ فائدة من البكاء.
Because of 'La of Absolute Negation', the noun must be 'mabni 'ala al-fath' (built on fatha) without tanween.
أ: هل ستتصل بالدعم الفني؟ ب: لا، ________، لقد انتهى وقت عملهم.
Since their working hours are over, calling them would be futile.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, that is the dialectal version. It is very common in daily life, while 'La fa'ida' is for writing and formal speech.
Standard Arabic uses 'min'. Some dialects use 'fi', but for B2 level exams, always use 'min'.
Related Phrases
لا جدوى من
synonymNo avail/utility from
ضياع للوقت
similarA waste of time
دون جدوى
builds onTo no avail / unsuccessfully
