لا يصح أن نفعل ذلك
la yasih an naf'al dhalik
We can't do this
Literally: It doesn't work we do like this
In 15 Seconds
- Used to say 'we can't' or 'this isn't right.'
- Blends logical impossibility with social inappropriateness.
- Essential for setting boundaries politely in Egyptian Arabic.
Meaning
This is the go-to Egyptian way of saying 'We can't do this' or 'This isn't right.' It is used for everything from technical impossibilities to moral objections.
Key Examples
3 of 6Rejecting a bad business idea
مينفعش نعمل كده، الميزانية مش هتكفي.
We can't do this; the budget won't be enough.
Correcting a child's behavior
يا حبيبي مينفعش نعمل كده في الشارع.
Sweetie, we can't do this in the street.
Texting a friend about a risky plan
يا صاحبي مينفعش نعمل كده، هنروح في داهية!
My friend, we can't do this, we'll get in big trouble!
Cultural Background
In Egypt, 'ما ينفعش' is used almost exclusively in daily life. More formal versions like 'لا يجوز' are preferred in religious contexts. Often mixed with French-influenced social etiquette. Uses a blend of Arabic and Darija structures.
Tone matters
Say it with a calm, serious face to be taken seriously.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to say 'we can't' or 'this isn't right.'
- Blends logical impossibility with social inappropriateness.
- Essential for setting boundaries politely in Egyptian Arabic.
What It Means
مينفعش نعمل كده is the ultimate Swiss Army knife of Egyptian Arabic. On the surface, it means 'we can't do this.' However, the verb ينفع actually means 'to be useful' or 'to be suitable.' So, you are literally saying 'It is not suitable for us to act this way.' It covers physical impossibility, social taboos, and even just bad ideas. It is the verbal equivalent of a polite but firm headshake.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when you want to stop an action in its tracks. It is incredibly flexible because it doesn't sound too aggressive. You can use it to disagree with a plan or to set a boundary. Simply drop it at the start of a sentence to explain why a suggestion won't work. If someone suggests a shortcut that might get you in trouble, this is your shield. It sounds natural and very 'Cairene.'
When To Use It
Use it in a meeting when a colleague suggests a budget-breaking idea. Use it at a restaurant if a friend wants to leave without tipping. It is perfect for texting when someone asks for a favor you can't fulfill. You will hear it constantly in family settings when someone is breaking a tradition. It is also great for 'soft' refusals where you want to blame the situation rather than the person. It makes you sound like you have a strong moral compass.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in extremely formal legal settings where specific technical terms are required. Do not use it if you are the one in trouble with the police; it might sound like you are lecturing them! Also, if something is physically impossible (like gravity), use مش ممكن. مينفعش implies there is a choice or a standard involved. Don't use it for very small, trivial things like picking a color of a pen. It carries a bit of weight, so save it for actual decisions.
Cultural Background
Egyptians value 'El-Osool' (the right way of doing things). This phrase is the guardian of those social rules. It reflects a culture that prioritizes collective harmony and 'the proper way.' When you say مينفعش, you are often appealing to a shared sense of what is right. It is less about 'I don't want to' and more about 'This isn't how things are done.' It is a very 'community-minded' way to say no.
Common Variations
You can change the person easily. مينفعش تعمل كده means 'You can't do this.' If you want to be more emphatic, you can say ميقصحش كده, which is a bit more old-school and moralistic. In a hurry? Just say مينفعش on its own. It works as a complete sentence and carries plenty of authority. If you are talking about a specific thing, you can say ده مينفعش (This doesn't work/isn't right).
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral-to-informal. In Egyptian Arabic, it is the standard way to express that something is not allowed or not feasible. It is safer and more natural than the Modern Standard Arabic 'La yumkin'.
Tone matters
Say it with a calm, serious face to be taken seriously.
Examples
6مينفعش نعمل كده، الميزانية مش هتكفي.
We can't do this; the budget won't be enough.
Focuses on the logical/financial impossibility.
يا حبيبي مينفعش نعمل كده في الشارع.
Sweetie, we can't do this in the street.
Used to teach social norms and manners.
يا صاحبي مينفعش نعمل كده، هنروح في داهية!
My friend, we can't do this, we'll get in big trouble!
Informal and uses humor to express concern.
لا يا فندم، مينفعش نعمل كده، لازم نستنى دورنا.
No sir, we can't do this, we must wait for our turn.
Polite but firm adherence to rules.
تحط سكر على المكرونة؟ مينفعش نعمل كده خالص!
You put sugar on pasta? We absolutely cannot do that!
Uses the phrase to mock a 'crime' against food.
بجد مينفعش نعمل كده معاه بعد كل اللي عمله.
Really, we can't do this to him after all he's done.
Appeals to loyalty and ethics.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
___ أن نفعل ذلك أمام الضيوف.
The phrase 'لا يصح' is the correct expression for social disapproval.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises___ أن نفعل ذلك أمام الضيوف.
The phrase 'لا يصح' is the correct expression for social disapproval.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, it is a very professional way to point out a mistake.
Related Phrases
لا يجوز
synonymIt is not permitted.
هذا خطأ
similarThis is wrong.
