Meaning
To create an issue or difficulty.
Cultural Background
People often use 'Ma fi mushkila' (No problem) as a filler word or to show hospitality. If someone says 'yusabbib mushkila,' they are being very direct. In business, 'yusabbib mushkila' is used to highlight risks. There is a high value on avoiding 'mushakil' (problems) to maintain honor. Egyptians are known for their humor. They might say 'bit'amil mushkila' (you're making a problem) jokingly to a friend who is being difficult. The word 'mushkila' is universal, but the verb 'yusabbib' might be replaced by French-influenced structures in casual speech.
Use with 'li'
Always remember to use 'li' (لـ) to specify who is suffering from the problem.
Gender Agreement
Don't forget that 'mushkila' is feminine. Adjectives must end in Ta Marbuta.
Meaning
To create an issue or difficulty.
Use with 'li'
Always remember to use 'li' (لـ) to specify who is suffering from the problem.
Gender Agreement
Don't forget that 'mushkila' is feminine. Adjectives must end in Ta Marbuta.
Formal vs. Informal
Use 'yusabbib' in writing and 'ya'mal' when chatting with friends in Egypt or the Levant.
The 'Ma fi mushkila' rule
Even if something 'yusabbib mushkila,' many Arabs will say 'Ma fi mushkila' to be polite. Look for non-verbal cues!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb (يسبب).
هذا العطل في السيارة _______ مشكلة كبيرة.
The subject 'العطل' (the breakdown) is masculine singular, so we use 'يسبب'.
Choose the correct sentence to say 'I don't want to cause a problem for you.'
كيف تقول 'I don't want to cause a problem for you'؟
'أسبب' is the verb for 'I cause' and 'لك' means 'for you'.
Match the Arabic phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
Matching adjectives to their specific contexts.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs. Informal
Practice Bank
3 exercisesهذا العطل في السيارة _______ مشكلة كبيرة.
The subject 'العطل' (the breakdown) is masculine singular, so we use 'يسبب'.
كيف تقول 'I don't want to cause a problem for you'؟
'أسبب' is the verb for 'I cause' and 'لك' means 'for you'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matching adjectives to their specific contexts.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, almost exclusively. You wouldn't say 'yusabbib happiness.' For positive things, use 'yؤدي إلى' (leads to).
Yes, you can say 'He causes problems' (هو يسبب مشاكل).
The plural is 'mashakil' (مشاكل).
Yes, it is professional. Just be sure to follow it up with how you solved the problem!
You say 'Sababtu mushkila' (سببتُ مشكلة).
'Mushkila' is a general problem; 'Azma' is a serious crisis.
Yes! 'Yusabbib alam' (causes pain), 'yusabbib fawda' (causes chaos).
It is understood everywhere, but 'ya'mal' is more common in daily speech in Egypt and the Levant.
You say 'La yusabbib mushkila' (لا يسبب مشكلة).
It's moderate. It's stronger than 'inconvenience' but weaker than 'disaster.'
Yes, like 'Smoking causes problems' (التدخين يسبب مشاكل).
The root is S-B-B (س ب ب).
The 'yu-' prefix indicates the present tense for Form II verbs in Arabic.
No, that's a common mistake for learners of other languages. Use 'Su'al' for question.
Related Phrases
أدى إلى
similarLed to
حل المشكلة
contrastSolving the problem
واجه مشكلة
similarFaced a problem
أثار جدلاً
specialized formSparked controversy
