Meaning
The situation or outcome is similar to another, with minor variations.
Cultural Background
Egyptians often use the slang 'Kollo mahassel ba'do' (It all reaches the same point) to express this idea, often with a humorous or resigned tone. In the Levant, 'Ma biyifri' (It doesn't differ/matter) is the go-to casual version. It's used constantly in social negotiations. Gulf speakers might use 'Nafs al-tariqa' (The same way) or 'Ma fi farq' to emphasize that two options are identical in value. In the Maghreb, you might hear 'Kif kif' (Like like), which is a famous way to say 'it's the same.'
Use it to be Diplomatic
If you don't want to choose between two friends' suggestions, use this phrase to stay neutral.
Watch the Gender
If you are talking about a specific feminine noun (like 'the city' - al-madina), change the verb to 'la takhtalifu'.
Meaning
The situation or outcome is similar to another, with minor variations.
Use it to be Diplomatic
If you don't want to choose between two friends' suggestions, use this phrase to stay neutral.
Watch the Gender
If you are talking about a specific feminine noun (like 'the city' - al-madina), change the verb to 'la takhtalifu'.
The 'Egyptian Shrug'
When using the slang version 'Kollo mahassel ba'do', a slight shrug of the shoulders adds perfect native authenticity.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
سواء سافرنا بالسيارة أو بالحافلة، لا _______ الأمر كثيراً.
The verb must be in the third-person masculine singular to agree with 'al-amr'.
Which of these is the most formal way to say 'It's all the same'?
اختر التعبير الأكثر رسمية:
'Al-amru sayyan' is a classical, formal expression.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
أحمد: هل تريد القميص الأبيض أم الأسود؟ خالد: ________، كلاهما جميل.
This is the most natural way to express that both options are equally acceptable.
Match the situation to the best use of the phrase.
Comparing two political candidates who have the same platform.
The phrase is used to highlight that the core reality (the platform) is the same.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Similarity vs Difference
Practice Bank
4 exercisesسواء سافرنا بالسيارة أو بالحافلة، لا _______ الأمر كثيراً.
The verb must be in the third-person masculine singular to agree with 'al-amr'.
اختر التعبير الأكثر رسمية:
'Al-amru sayyan' is a classical, formal expression.
أحمد: هل تريد القميص الأبيض أم الأسود؟ خالد: ________، كلاهما جميل.
This is the most natural way to express that both options are equally acceptable.
Comparing two political candidates who have the same platform.
The phrase is used to highlight that the core reality (the platform) is the same.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, but it can be slightly rude. Saying 'They don't differ much' about two people implies they are both equally unremarkable.
No, you can say 'La yakhtalifu al-amru' (The matter doesn't differ), but adding 'kathiran' makes it sound more natural and less absolute.
The opposite would be 'هناك فرق شاسع' (There is a vast difference).
The specific phrase is modern, but the verb 'ikhtalafa' and the word 'amr' are used frequently in the Quran.
Absolutely. It is very professional for comparing two proposals or strategies.
Related Phrases
الأمر سيان
synonymIt is all the same.
لا فرق
similarNo difference.
وجهان لعملة واحدة
figurativeTwo sides of the same coin.
سيان عندي
specialized formIt's all the same to me.
