يجب أن نتنازل قليلاً
yajibu an natanazal qalilan
We must concede a bit
Literally: Must we-concede a-little
In 15 Seconds
- A phrase used to suggest compromise and finding middle ground.
- Common in negotiations, relationships, and resolving daily arguments.
- Focuses on maintaining harmony rather than winning the debate.
Meaning
This phrase is used to suggest that both parties in a disagreement need to meet halfway or compromise to reach a solution.
Key Examples
3 of 6Negotiating a price at a market
يا عمي السعر غالي، لازم نتنازل شوية عشان نخلص.
Sir, the price is high, we must concede a bit so we can finish the deal.
A couple deciding on home decor
أنا بدي اللون الأزرق وأنتِ بدك الأخضر، لازم نتنازل شوية.
I want blue and you want green, we must concede a bit.
In a professional business meeting
بخصوص الميزانية، لازم نتنازل شوية عشان المشروع يبدأ.
Regarding the budget, we must concede a bit so the project can start.
Cultural Background
In many Arabic-speaking societies, negotiation is an art form, especially in markets and family disputes. The concept of 'Musalaha' (reconciliation) often requires both parties to make small concessions to maintain community ties. This phrase is the verbal mechanism that allows both sides to 'save face' while ending a conflict.
The Magic of 'Shwayya'
Always include `شوية` (a little). Without it, the phrase can sound like you are asking for a total surrender. 'A little' makes the pill easier to swallow.
The Hand Gesture
In many Arab countries, pinching your fingers together and moving them slightly while saying this adds a visual 'pinch' of compromise that reinforces your point.
In 15 Seconds
- A phrase used to suggest compromise and finding middle ground.
- Common in negotiations, relationships, and resolving daily arguments.
- Focuses on maintaining harmony rather than winning the debate.
What It Means
Imagine you and a friend are stuck. You want sushi. They want pizza. Neither will budge. This phrase is the bridge. It means 'we need to give a little to get a little.' It is the ultimate tool for conflict resolution. It suggests that being right is less important than moving forward. It is about finding that sweet middle ground.
How To Use It
You drop this phrase when a conversation hits a stalemate. It is a soft, persuasive way to lead. Use it to show you are reasonable. It shifts the energy from 'me vs you' to 'us vs the problem.' The verb نتنازل comes from the root for 'stepping down.' You are literally saying 'let's step down from our high horses.' Adding شوية (a little) makes it sound less like a defeat. It makes the compromise feel small and manageable. Use it with a calm, inviting tone.
When To Use It
Use it at the local market when bargaining for a rug. Use it with your spouse when deciding on a weekend trip. It is perfect for office meetings when two departments clash. Use it when texting a friend who is being stubborn about plans. It works whenever two opinions are grinding against each other. It is the 'peace-maker' phrase of the Arabic language.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for your core values. Never use it if someone is violating your personal boundaries. If a situation involves safety or legal rights, don't 'concede.' It can sound weak if you say it too early in a negotiation. Wait until both sides have stated their case. If you use it too much, people might think you are a pushover. Use it strategically, not constantly.
Cultural Background
Middle Eastern culture deeply values social harmony and 'keeping the peace.' Being called عنيد (stubborn) is usually a critique, not a compliment. There is a long history of tribal mediation where 'giving a little' saved face for everyone. This phrase reflects the 'give and take' nature of the region. It is about maintaining the relationship over winning the argument. It is the linguistic equivalent of sharing a cup of tea after a long debate. It shows you value the person more than the point.
Common Variations
You might hear خلينا نلاقي حل وسط (Let’s find a middle solution). In Egypt, they often say نقسم البلد نصين (Let’s split the country in two). Another common one is هونّها بتهون (Make it easy, and it will be easy). If you want to be more formal, you can say يجب أن نصل إلى تسوية (We must reach a settlement). Each variation carries the same spirit of flexibility.
Usage Notes
This phrase is highly versatile and sits in the 'neutral' register. It is safe for almost any social situation. The key is the inclusive 'we' (`نـ`), which fosters a sense of teamwork rather than blame.
The Magic of 'Shwayya'
Always include `شوية` (a little). Without it, the phrase can sound like you are asking for a total surrender. 'A little' makes the pill easier to swallow.
The Hand Gesture
In many Arab countries, pinching your fingers together and moving them slightly while saying this adds a visual 'pinch' of compromise that reinforces your point.
Don't be the first!
In a hard negotiation, if you say this first, you might be showing your cards too early. Let the other person feel the tension before you offer the 'out'.
Examples
6يا عمي السعر غالي، لازم نتنازل شوية عشان نخلص.
Sir, the price is high, we must concede a bit so we can finish the deal.
Using 'nakhlas' (finish) implies you want to buy it now if the price drops.
أنا بدي اللون الأزرق وأنتِ بدك الأخضر، لازم نتنازل شوية.
I want blue and you want green, we must concede a bit.
A classic way to suggest a third color or a mix.
بخصوص الميزانية، لازم نتنازل شوية عشان المشروع يبدأ.
Regarding the budget, we must concede a bit so the project can start.
Shows professional pragmatism to move a project forward.
خلاص، لازم نتنازل شوية، نتقابل الساعة ٥؟
Fine, we must concede a bit, shall we meet at 5?
Used to end a back-and-forth about scheduling.
لازم نتنازل شوية ونطلب بيتزا خضار عشان الدايت!
We must concede a bit and order veggie pizza for the sake of the diet!
Playfully using a serious phrase for a trivial decision.
عشان خاطر العيلة، لازم نتنازل شوية وننسى اللي صار.
For the sake of the family, we must concede a bit and forget what happened.
High emotional weight; focuses on the 'greater good' of the family unit.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the phrase for 'We must compromise a bit.'
لازم ___ شوية عشان نوصل لحل.
`نتنازل` means to concede or compromise, which fits the context of reaching a solution.
Which word makes the phrase sound 'softer' and more natural in a conversation?
لازم نتنازل ___.
`شوية` means 'a little bit' and is the standard way to soften this expression in daily speech.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum
Used with siblings or very close friends.
خلصنا بقى، لازم نتنازل!
The standard way to use the phrase in most settings.
لازم نتنازل شوية.
Used in official negotiations or written agreements.
من الضروري تقديم بعض التنازلات.
When to say 'Lāzim nitnāzal shwayya'
The Souq
Lowering the price of a souvenir.
The Office
Agreeing on a project deadline.
At Home
Deciding which movie to watch.
With Friends
Choosing a restaurant for dinner.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesلازم ___ شوية عشان نوصل لحل.
`نتنازل` means to concede or compromise, which fits the context of reaching a solution.
لازم نتنازل ___.
`شوية` means 'a little bit' and is the standard way to soften this expression in daily speech.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsلازم means 'must' or 'necessary.' It is one of the most common words in spoken Arabic to express obligation.
The root is formal, but the way it's conjugated here (نتنازل) is very common in daily spoken dialects like Levantine and Egyptian.
Yes, but be careful. It’s better to say ممكن نتنازل شوية (Maybe we can concede a bit) to sound more suggestive and less demanding.
Not at all. It implies a mutual exchange. You are suggesting that *both* sides give up a little to reach a win-win.
The opposite would be أنا متمسك برأيي (I am sticking to my opinion) or being عنيد (stubborn).
You would say لازم تتنازل شوية (Lāzim titnāzal). But be careful, this sounds much more confrontational than using 'we'.
In MSA, you would say يجب أن نتنازل قليلاً. The meaning is identical, but the structure is more formal.
Yes, it is often used in marriage counseling or family mediation to encourage flexibility between parties.
It translates to 'a little.' It functions as a 'hedger,' making the request for compromise sound less aggressive and more polite.
In Egypt, you might hear مشي الليلة (Make the night walk/pass), which colloquially means 'just let it go/compromise so we can move on.'
Related Phrases
حل وسط
Middle ground / Middle solution
خليك مرن
Be flexible
هونّها بتهون
Take it easy and it will be easy
نقسم البلد نصين
Let's split the difference (lit. split the country in two)
