Meaning
Used to indicate insufficiency.
Cultural Background
The word 'Kifaya' (Enough) was the name of a famous protest movement. Using 'لا يكفي' in a political context in Egypt often carries a strong weight of social critique. In Levantine hospitality, if a guest says 'يكفي' (enough), the host will often insist 'لا، هذا لا يكفي!' and add more food, showing generosity. In business culture, 'لا يكفي' is used directly to negotiate terms, especially regarding manpower or time for large infrastructure projects. The concept of 'Baraka' (blessing) is the opposite of 'لا يكفي'. People believe that even if something 'لا يكفي' mathematically, God's blessing can make it sufficient.
Gender Agreement
If you aren't sure of the gender, just use 'لا يكفي'. Most people will understand you perfectly.
Host Etiquette
Never say 'لا يكفي' about food someone gave you. It's very rude!
Meaning
Used to indicate insufficiency.
Gender Agreement
If you aren't sure of the gender, just use 'لا يكفي'. Most people will understand you perfectly.
Host Etiquette
Never say 'لا يكفي' about food someone gave you. It's very rude!
Adding 'أن'
Use 'لا يكفي أن' followed by a verb to say 'It's not enough to [do something]'.
The 'Kifaya' Movement
Knowing the political history of the word 'Kifaya' will help you understand news headlines.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
هذه التفاحة واحدة فقط، وهي _______ للجميع.
The subject 'تفاحة' (apple) is feminine, so we use 'لا تكفي'.
Which sentence correctly expresses that time is insufficient?
Choose the correct sentence:
'لا' is the correct particle to negate the present tense verb 'يكفي'.
Complete the dialogue.
أ: هل تريد المزيد من السكر؟ ب: لا، شكراً، ملعقة واحدة _______.
The context implies one spoon IS enough, so we use the positive 'تكفي'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a bookstore and you don't have enough money for a book. What do you say?
You are referring to the money being insufficient for the purchase.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesهذه التفاحة واحدة فقط، وهي _______ للجميع.
The subject 'تفاحة' (apple) is feminine, so we use 'لا تكفي'.
Choose the correct sentence:
'لا' is the correct particle to negate the present tense verb 'يكفي'.
أ: هل تريد المزيد من السكر؟ ب: لا، شكراً، ملعقة واحدة _______.
The context implies one spoon IS enough, so we use the positive 'تكفي'.
You are at a bookstore and you don't have enough money for a book. What do you say?
You are referring to the money being insufficient for the purchase.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually no. Use 'ليس كافياً' or 'غير مؤهل' for people. 'لا يكفي' sounds like you are counting them as objects.
Yes, 'لم يكن يكفي' (it was not enough).
'لا يكفي' is a verb phrase (does not suffice), while 'ليس كافياً' is an adjective phrase (is not sufficient). The former is more common in speech.
Just say 'كفى' (Kafa) or 'خلاص' (Khalas).
Yes, 'الوقت لا يكفي' is very common.
Yes, in Egypt it's 'ما بيكفيش' and in the Levant 'ما بيكفي'.
It is neutral. It's fine for both a street market and a business report.
The root is K-F-Y (كفي).
Yes! It means 'It is not enough FOR ME'.
The root is used extensively, but the specific phrase 'لا يكفي' is more modern standard usage.
Related Phrases
غير كافٍ
synonymInsufficient
كفى!
builds onEnough!
على قد الحال
similarJust enough to get by
يفي بالغرض
contrastIt serves the purpose
ما بيقضي
similarIt doesn't cover it
