Meaning
Something that serves no purpose or brings no benefit.
Cultural Background
In the Levant, people often use 'Ma fi fayda' (ما في فايدة) in daily life, but 'La jadwa' is very common in the highly active local news media and political discourse. Egyptians might say 'Mafish fayda' (مفيش فايدة), a phrase famously attributed to the nationalist leader Saad Zaghloul on his deathbed (though the context is debated). 'La jadwa' remains the choice for formal writing. In formal business environments in the Gulf, 'La jadwa' is used to politely but firmly reject proposals that are not economically viable. Due to the strong influence of French, speakers might code-switch, but in 'Fusha' (MSA) contexts, 'La jadwa' is the standard term used in literature and law.
The Feminine Switch
Always check the gender of the object. If you're talking about a 'Sayyara' (car), it's 'minha'. This is the #1 mistake for C1 learners.
Don't be too harsh
Using this about a person's work to their face is very blunt. Use 'ربما نحتاج لتغيير الخطة' (Maybe we need to change the plan) instead.
Meaning
Something that serves no purpose or brings no benefit.
The Feminine Switch
Always check the gender of the object. If you're talking about a 'Sayyara' (car), it's 'minha'. This is the #1 mistake for C1 learners.
Don't be too harsh
Using this about a person's work to their face is very blunt. Use 'ربما نحتاج لتغيير الخطة' (Maybe we need to change the plan) instead.
The 'Khalas' Connection
This phrase is often the logical conclusion before someone says 'Khalas' (Finished/Enough).
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form (minhu or minha).
محاولة إقناعها بالبقاء لا جدوى _______.
The subject is 'Muhawala' (attempt), which is a feminine noun in Arabic.
Which of the following is the most formal way to say 'It's no use'?
اختر الجملة الأكثر فصاحة:
'لا جدوى منه' is the standard Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) form used in formal contexts.
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of the phrase.
أي موقف يناسبه قول 'النقاش لا جدوى منه'؟
The phrase is used when effort (like arguing) will not lead to a result because of a barrier (like stubbornness).
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: هل ستصلح هذا الراديو القديم؟ خالد: لا، لقد فحصته ووجدت أن _______.
'Radio' is masculine, so 'minhu' is the correct agreement.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمحاولة إقناعها بالبقاء لا جدوى _______.
The subject is 'Muhawala' (attempt), which is a feminine noun in Arabic.
اختر الجملة الأكثر فصاحة:
'لا جدوى منه' is the standard Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) form used in formal contexts.
أي موقف يناسبه قول 'النقاش لا جدوى منه'؟
The phrase is used when effort (like arguing) will not lead to a result because of a barrier (like stubbornness).
أحمد: هل ستصلح هذا الراديو القديم؟ خالد: لا، لقد فحصته ووجدت أن _______.
'Radio' is masculine, so 'minhu' is the correct agreement.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt's grammatically possible but very rude. It implies the person has no value. Better to say 'لا جدوى من الاعتماد عليه' (No use in relying on him).
'La Jadwa' is more formal and literary. 'La Fa'ida' is more common in daily conversation.
The root J-D-W appears, but this specific three-word phrase is more characteristic of later classical and modern prose.
Just add 'Kana' (كان) at the beginning: 'كان لا جدوى منه'.
Related Phrases
لا فائدة منه
synonymNo benefit from it
دون جدوى
similarTo no avail
هباءً منثوراً
specialized formScattered dust
ضياع للوقت
similarA waste of time
عقيم
similarSterile/Fruitless
