من شب على شيء شاب عليه
man shabba ala shay'in shaba alayhi
He who grew up with something, grew old with it
Meaning
Emphasizes that habits and character formed in youth persist into old age.
Cultural Background
The proverb is often used by elders to emphasize 'Tarbiyah' (upbringing). It places a heavy responsibility on parents to ensure their children develop good habits early. In the Levant, this proverb is frequently used in social gatherings to discuss family reputations. If a family is known for honesty, this proverb reinforces that their children will be too. Egyptians often use this proverb in a slightly more humorous or resigned way when someone shows a persistent (and sometimes annoying) trait. In the Gulf, it is common to hear this in the context of traditional skills like falconry or horse riding, which are passed down from youth.
Focus on the Rhyme
The rhyme between Shabba and Shaba is what makes this proverb stick. Practice saying them together.
Don't Overuse
Using this proverb too often when someone is trying to change can make you sound pessimistic.
Meaning
Emphasizes that habits and character formed in youth persist into old age.
Focus on the Rhyme
The rhyme between Shabba and Shaba is what makes this proverb stick. Practice saying them together.
Don't Overuse
Using this proverb too often when someone is trying to change can make you sound pessimistic.
Use in Writing
This is a great 'closer' for an essay about education or social behavior.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct verb.
من ____ على شيء شاب عليه.
The first part of the proverb uses 'shabba' (grew up).
In which situation is this proverb most appropriate?
A person has been a vegetarian since they were 5 and is now 70.
The proverb explains how early habits persist into old age.
Match the Arabic word to its meaning in the proverb.
1. شبّ, 2. شاب, 3. شيء, 4. عليه
These are the core components of the proverb.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
أحمد: جدي ما زال يمارس الرياضة كل يوم! خالد: طبعاً، ________.
This proverb best explains why the grandfather still exercises.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن ____ على شيء شاب عليه.
The first part of the proverb uses 'shabba' (grew up).
A person has been a vegetarian since they were 5 and is now 70.
The proverb explains how early habits persist into old age.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the core components of the proverb.
أحمد: جدي ما زال يمارس الرياضة كل يوم! خالد: طبعاً، ________.
This proverb best explains why the grandfather still exercises.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it is used equally for good and bad habits. It simply emphasizes consistency.
Yes, though 'shaba' literally means grey-haired, the proverb applies to any adult who has carried a habit from their youth.
'Shabba' (with a shadda) means to grow up/be young. 'Shaba' (with a long 'a') means to grow old/grey.
Yes, it is one of the most universally understood proverbs in the Arabic-speaking world.
Related Phrases
التعليم في الصغر كالنقش على الحجر
similarEducation in youth is like engraving on stone.
الطبع غلاب
synonymNature overcomes [nurture].
هذا الشبل من ذاك الأسد
builds onThis cub is from that lion.
العادة تملك الإنسان
similarHabit possesses the human.
