In 15 Seconds
- A friendly reminder to avoid jumping to conclusions about people or things.
- Commonly used in Egyptian dialect but understood across the Arab world.
- Encourages patience and giving others the benefit of the doubt.
Meaning
This phrase is a friendly reminder to stay open-minded and avoid jumping to conclusions. It is used to tell someone to wait for more information before forming a final opinion.
Key Examples
3 of 6A friend dislikes a new neighbor after one meeting.
يا صاحبي ماتحكمش بسرعة، يمكن هو بس تعبان.
My friend, don't judge quickly, maybe he is just tired.
Trying a new dish that looks unusual.
دوق الأول وماتحكمش بسرعة على الأكل.
Taste it first and don't judge the food quickly.
Discussing a new project at work with a colleague.
خلينا نشوف النتائج الأول، ماتحكمش بسرعة.
Let's see the results first, don't judge quickly.
Cultural Background
Often used with a hand gesture indicating 'wait'.
Pronunciation
Focus on the 'ħ' sound.
In 15 Seconds
- A friendly reminder to avoid jumping to conclusions about people or things.
- Commonly used in Egyptian dialect but understood across the Arab world.
- Encourages patience and giving others the benefit of the doubt.
What It Means
This phrase is a friendly reminder to stay open-minded. It literally means "don't judge with speed." You use it when someone jumps to conclusions. It’s like saying "give it a chance." Don't write off a person or thing too early. It’s about seeking the full truth first. We all make snap judgments sometimes. This phrase helps us pause and reflect. It’s a call for fairness and patience. It reminds us that first impressions can be wrong. You are basically asking for more time.
How To Use It
You can say this phrase all by itself. It works perfectly in casual conversations. The word ماتحكمش is the negative command. The ش at the end makes it Egyptian. بسرعة simply means "quickly" or "fast." Just say it with a calm, steady voice. It sounds like wise advice from a friend. You can use it with family or friends. It’s also fine with colleagues you know well. Try to smile while saying it. This makes it sound helpful, not like a lecture. It’s a very versatile and common expression.
When To Use It
Use it when a friend hates a new song. Use it when someone dislikes a new colleague instantly. It’s great for first dates that feel awkward. Use it when a movie starts out very slow. It’s perfect for office gossip about a new boss. It helps keep the social atmosphere very balanced. Use it when trying a new type of food. Maybe the smell is weird, but the taste is great. Use it when traveling to a new city. Sometimes the first hour is just stressful. It reminds everyone to wait for the magic.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it during a real emergency. If a building is on fire, don't say it. Avoid it if someone is sharing a serious problem. It might seem like you are dismissing their feelings. Don't use it in a formal court of law. Stick to Modern Standard Arabic in those settings. If someone is clearly being mistreated, don't use it. It can sound like you are defending the wrong side. Use your emotional intelligence before speaking. It’s meant for light to medium social situations. Don't use it to ignore red flags.
Cultural Background
Arab culture values the concept of "Husn al-Zann." This means assuming the best of others. Jumping to conclusions is often seen as being hasty. Patience is a highly respected trait in the region. This phrase reflects the wisdom of waiting for clarity. It’s a staple in Egyptian movies and drama. People in the Middle East value social harmony. Judging someone unfairly can damage relationships deeply. This phrase acts as a social safety net. It encourages people to be kind and thorough. It’s a small phrase with a big heart.
Common Variations
In Modern Standard Arabic, use لا تحكم بسرعة. In the Levant, you might hear ما تحكم قوام. You can also say استنى وشوف for "wait and see." Another common one is بلاش تسرع meaning "don't rush." In Morocco, they might use different negation styles. But ماتحكمش is understood almost everywhere thanks to media. You can also add على الناس to mean "on people." This makes the advice more specific. Each version carries the same helpful, patient vibe. It’s all about slowing down the mind.
Usage Notes
This is a quintessential Egyptian dialect phrase. It is informal but polite enough for most social and semi-professional settings. The key is in the delivery—keep it sounding like a helpful suggestion rather than a direct order.
Pronunciation
Focus on the 'ħ' sound.
Examples
6يا صاحبي ماتحكمش بسرعة، يمكن هو بس تعبان.
My friend, don't judge quickly, maybe he is just tired.
Used to offer an alternative explanation for someone's behavior.
دوق الأول وماتحكمش بسرعة على الأكل.
Taste it first and don't judge the food quickly.
Encouraging someone to try something before dismissing it.
خلينا نشوف النتائج الأول، ماتحكمش بسرعة.
Let's see the results first, don't judge quickly.
A professional way to suggest waiting for data.
استنى لما الفيلم ينزل، ماتحكمش بسرعة!
Wait until the movie is out, don't judge quickly!
Common reaction to early criticism of media.
لسه بدري، ماتحكمش بسرعة على الفريق.
It's still early, don't judge the team quickly.
Used to maintain hope during a slow start.
ماتحكمش بسرعة، ممكن يكون الموبايل ضاع.
Don't judge quickly, maybe the phone was lost.
Providing emotional support by suggesting a harmless reason.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word.
لا تحكم ______.
The correct adverbial form is 'bi-sur'a'.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesلا تحكم ______.
The correct adverbial form is 'bi-sur'a'.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, it is helpful advice.
Related Phrases
تأنَّ في الحكم
synonymDeliberate in judgment