Meaning
Serving no purpose or achieving no result; futile.
Cultural Background
The phrase is often used in the context of 'Jadal' (argumentation). Arab culture values eloquence, but also warns against 'Jadal 'aqim' (sterile argument) where 'la ta'ila minhu' is the standard verdict. In Egypt, while MSA is used in news, the phrase is often replaced by 'مافيش فايدة' (mafish fayda), famously attributed to the nationalist leader Saad Zaghloul on his deathbed (though the context is debated). Intellectuals in Beirut often use this phrase in literary salons and political talk shows to dismiss outdated ideologies. In business contexts in the Gulf, 'la ta'ila minhu' is used to describe investments or projects that don't align with 'Vision' plans or strategic goals.
Match the Gender
Always check the gender of the subject. If you are talking about a 'Fikra' (idea), use 'minha'.
Don't use for people
Calling a person 'la ta'ila minhu' is very harsh and grammatically awkward. Use 'shakhs ghayr mufid' instead.
Meaning
Serving no purpose or achieving no result; futile.
Match the Gender
Always check the gender of the subject. If you are talking about a 'Fikra' (idea), use 'minha'.
Don't use for people
Calling a person 'la ta'ila minhu' is very harsh and grammatically awkward. Use 'shakhs ghayr mufid' instead.
The 'La' Rule
Remember this is a formal 'La'. It makes you sound very educated and precise.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
حاولت الحكومة خفض الأسعار ولكن لا _______ منها.
The word 'طائل' is a masculine singular noun in this construction.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a formal context?
Choose the best sentence:
This correctly applies the phrase to an abstract process (discussions) and uses the feminine 'minha' to match 'niqashat'.
Match the situation to the most appropriate response.
Situation: Someone is trying to open a locked door with a toothpick.
Using a toothpick to open a lock is a textbook definition of a futile effort.
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: هل تعتقد أننا سنقنع المدير بتغيير رأيه؟ خالد: بصراحة، _______.
The preposition 'min' is required.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesحاولت الحكومة خفض الأسعار ولكن لا _______ منها.
The word 'طائل' is a masculine singular noun in this construction.
Choose the best sentence:
This correctly applies the phrase to an abstract process (discussions) and uses the feminine 'minha' to match 'niqashat'.
Situation: Someone is trying to open a locked door with a toothpick.
Using a toothpick to open a lock is a textbook definition of a futile effort.
أحمد: هل تعتقد أننا سنقنع المدير بتغيير رأيه؟ خالد: بصراحة، _______.
The preposition 'min' is required.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsRarely. It is mostly an MSA phrase. In dialects, people say 'ma fi fayda' or 'ma bi-nfa'.
It is better to use 'minhu'. 'Fihi' is occasionally used but 'minhu' is the standard idiomatic choice.
The phrase usually stays in the singular form 'ta'il' regardless of the subject, as it negates the concept.
It is not rude, but it is very firm. It's a way to shut down a topic decisively.
Only if you mean that trying to fix it is a waste of time. If you just want to say it's broken, use 'ta'lana' or 'kharbana'.
Not really. You would say 'mufid' (useful) or 'dhu fa'ida' (beneficial) instead.
The root is used, but this specific three-word expression is more common in post-classical and modern Arabic.
It's a 'hamza on a ya' (ئ). It sounds like a tiny catch in the throat before the 'i' sound.
Yes, it is very appropriate for formal emails to describe unproductive processes.
'Bi-la jadwa' is more common in news about economy/politics. 'La ta'ila minhu' is slightly more literary.
Related Phrases
بلا جدوى
synonymWithout utility
هباءً منثوراً
similarScattered dust
ضياع وقت
similarWaste of time
عقيم
specialized formSterile/Unproductive
ذو فائدة
contrastUseful/Beneficial
