نصنع الفرص
nasna' al-furas
We create opportunities
Literally: We manufacture the opportunities
In 15 Seconds
- A proactive motto about taking initiative and making things happen.
- Used in professional and motivational contexts to inspire action.
- Shifts the focus from waiting for luck to creating success.
Meaning
It describes a proactive mindset where you take initiative instead of waiting for luck. It’s about building your own path to success through hard work and creativity.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting about market challenges
السوق صعب، لكننا نصنع الفرص دائماً.
The market is tough, but we always create opportunities.
Encouraging a friend who can't find a job
لا تنتظر الاتصال، نحن نصنع الفرص بالبحث المستمر.
Don't wait for the call; we create opportunities through constant searching.
Posting a motivational update on social media
في هذه الشركة، نحن لا ننتظر، نحن نصنع الفرص.
In this company, we don't wait; we create opportunities.
Cultural Background
In the Gulf, this phrase is often linked to national development. It reflects the 'can-do' attitude of cities built in the desert. Used frequently by the large diaspora and entrepreneurial youth who have to 'make opportunities' due to economic instability. Egyptians use a similar concept called 'Fahlawa' (resourcefulness), though 'Nasna' al-furas' is the formal way to express it in media. Often used in the context of startups and tech hubs in Casablanca and Tunis.
Use it in Interviews
This is a 'power phrase' in Arabic interviews. It makes you sound like a leader.
Don't over-vocalize
In professional settings, don't pronounce the final short vowels (harakat) too strongly; it can sound like you are reading a children's book.
In 15 Seconds
- A proactive motto about taking initiative and making things happen.
- Used in professional and motivational contexts to inspire action.
- Shifts the focus from waiting for luck to creating success.
What It Means
This phrase is your ultimate 'go-getter' anthem. It means you are the architect of your own fate. You don't sit around waiting for a lucky break. Instead, you build the door and then knock on it. It’s about turning a 'no' into a 'not yet.' It moves you from a passive observer to an active creator.
How To Use It
Use it when you want to sound determined and visionary. It works best in a 'we' context (نحن) to build team spirit. You can use it as a standalone motto for a project. Or, use it to justify a risky but smart move. It sounds powerful because it uses the verb نصنع, which implies craftsmanship.
When To Use It
This is perfect for business meetings or LinkedIn-style posts. Use it when talking to your startup co-founder about strategy. Use it when your friend is feeling stuck in their career. It’s a great way to pivot a negative conversation into a positive one. It’s very common in the modern Arab professional world.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it if someone just faced a major personal tragedy. It can sound a bit like 'toxic positivity' if used at the wrong time. Don't use it for trivial things like finding a parking spot. Unless you're being funny, it might sound a bit too dramatic. Keep it for things that actually require effort.
Cultural Background
Many people think of Arab culture as purely fatalistic. You might have heard the word Maktub (It is written). But modern Arab culture is incredibly entrepreneurial and resilient. Cities like Dubai or Riyadh are literally built on this phrase. It represents a shift toward self-reliance and global innovation. It’s the sound of the modern Arab dream.
Common Variations
You might hear اصنع فرصتك بنفسك which means 'Create your opportunity yourself.' Another popular one is الفرص لا تأتي، بل تُصنع. This translates to 'Opportunities don't come; they are made.' Both carry the same punchy, motivational energy. They all focus on the power of the individual to change their reality.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile. It sits comfortably between formal business language and motivational everyday speech. Just ensure you use the correct verb conjugation if you are speaking about yourself versus a group.
Use it in Interviews
This is a 'power phrase' in Arabic interviews. It makes you sound like a leader.
Don't over-vocalize
In professional settings, don't pronounce the final short vowels (harakat) too strongly; it can sound like you are reading a children's book.
Add 'Insha'Allah'
Even when saying you make your own opportunities, adding 'Insha'Allah' (God willing) makes you sound culturally grounded and humble.
Examples
6السوق صعب، لكننا نصنع الفرص دائماً.
The market is tough, but we always create opportunities.
Shows leadership and a refusal to give up.
لا تنتظر الاتصال، نحن نصنع الفرص بالبحث المستمر.
Don't wait for the call; we create opportunities through constant searching.
A supportive way to push a friend toward action.
في هذه الشركة، نحن لا ننتظر، نحن نصنع الفرص.
In this company, we don't wait; we create opportunities.
Classic corporate branding/motivational style.
خلنا نبدأ المشروع، نصنع الفرص بأنفسنا!
Let's start the project; we create the opportunities ourselves!
Casual and high-energy for a collaborative start.
الثلاجة فاضية؟ عادي، نصنع الفرص ونطلب بيتزا.
Fridge is empty? No worries, we create opportunities and order pizza.
Using a grand phrase for a small, funny situation.
رغم كل التحديات، استطعنا أن نصنع الفرص من الألم.
Despite all challenges, we were able to create opportunities out of pain.
Deeply emotional and resilient.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'Sana'a'.
الناجحون هم الذين _______ الفرص بأنفسهم.
The subject 'الناجحون' (the successful ones) is masculine plural, so the verb must be 'يصنعون'.
Which phrase best describes a proactive person?
الشخص المبادِر هو الذي:
'يصنع الفرص' (makes opportunities) is the definition of being proactive.
Match the Arabic phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are standard translations of common success-related phrases.
Fill in the missing line in this interview.
المذيع: كيف وصلت إلى هذا النجاح؟ الضيف: _________.
This is the most professional and inspiring answer.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesالناجحون هم الذين _______ الفرص بأنفسهم.
The subject 'الناجحون' (the successful ones) is masculine plural, so the verb must be 'يصنعون'.
الشخص المبادِر هو الذي:
'يصنع الفرص' (makes opportunities) is the definition of being proactive.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are standard translations of common success-related phrases.
المذيع: كيف وصلت إلى هذا النجاح؟ الضيف: _________.
This is the most professional and inspiring answer.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsIt's a bit formal, but perfectly fine if you are talking about serious life goals. For casual talk, use 'بنعمل فرص'.
Because a proactive person doesn't just make one chance; they create a lifestyle of multiple possibilities.
Yes, but 'Nasna' al-furas' (We make the opportunities) is the more common idiomatic form, even when speaking for yourself.
Related Phrases
يخلق من الفسيخ شربات
similarTo make something great out of nothing (Egyptian idiom).
طرق الحديد وهو ساخن
builds onStrike while the iron is hot.
فتح باب جديد
synonymTo open a new door.
الاعتماد على النفس
specialized formSelf-reliance.
