אין מצב
ein matzav
The Hebrew phrase for "no way" is אין מצב (ein matzav).
אין מצב is used to express that something is absolutely not happening or is impossible.
Meaning: absolutely not (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, אין מצב translates to "there is no situation."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
אין מצב is highly informal and is used in casual speech rather than in formal writing.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "there is no way that [something happens]", you can follow אין מצב with the particle ש (she) and then a clause.
How do you pronounce it?
ein matzav
Did you know?
- While אין מצב means 'no way', it is frequently used by younger speakers to express extreme disbelief or shock, similar to 'no way!' or 'get out of here!' in English.
- Because אין מצב is so common, it is often used with a specific, exaggerated facial expression or a dismissive hand gesture to show absolute refusal.
- Though it translates to 'no way', the phrase lacks a direct equivalent in formal Biblical Hebrew, as it is a modern construction reflecting a contemporary Israeli mindset.
Examples in context
- אין מצב שאני עושה את זה.There's no way I can do it.This sentence is useful for practicing how to say there is no way to do something with אין מצב.Tatoeba #1440246 by MrShoval, translation #763169 by Eldad
- אין מצב שאני ממשיך בשיחה הזאת.There's no way I'll continue this conversation.This sentence is useful for expressing that there is no way to continue a specific conversation with אין מצב.Tatoeba #1433581 by Eldad, translation #1432372 by bmaynard87
- אין מצב.No way.This sentence is useful for using אין מצב as a standalone exclamation.Tatoeba #571564 by Geek_God, translation #272638 by Eldad
- בכלל לא! אתה משוגע!No way! You're crazy!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noa and Ido are discussing a difficult task at work.
- נועה Noaעידו, אתה יכול לעזור לי עם הפרויקט?Ido, ata yakhol la'azor li im ha'proyekt?Ido, can you help me with the project?
- עידו Idoאין מצב, אני ממש עמוס היום.ein matzav, ani mamash amus hayom.No way, I'm really busy today.
- נועה Noaאבל זה ממש דחוף לי.aval ze mamash dachuf li.But it's really urgent for me.
- עידו Idoאני מצטער, נועה, אני לא יכול.ani mitzta'er, Noa, ani lo yakhol.I'm sorry, Noa, I can't.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
