Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “not allowed” in Arabic. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to express this concept. While there may be some regional variations, we will primarily focus on standard Arabic spoken across the Arab world. Whether you’re traveling to an Arabic-speaking country or simply want to expand your language skills, these tips and examples will surely be of great help.
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Formal Ways to Say “Not Allowed” in Arabic
In formal situations where politeness is crucial, you can use the following phrases to convey the idea of “not allowed” in Arabic:
- ممنوع (mamnoun): This is a common term used to indicate prohibition or being not permitted. It is widely understood across the Arab world and can be used in various contexts. For example, you might say:
التدخين ممنوع هنا. (At-tadkhin mamnoun huna.)
Smoking is not allowed here.
غير مسموح (ghair musammah): This phrase also means “not allowed” and is commonly used in formal contexts. It can be paired with specific activities or places where something is prohibited. For instance:
التصوير غير مسموح في هذا المتحف. (At-Tasweer ghair musammah fi hadha al-mat’haf.)
Photography is not allowed in this museum.
محظور (mahzoor): This term implies forbidden or banned and is often employed to describe activities or items that are strictly prohibited. For example:
الكحول محظور في هذا الفندق. (Al-khulool mahzoor fi hadha al-funduq.)
Alcohol is forbidden in this hotel.
Informal Ways to Say “Not Allowed” in Arabic
In more casual situations or when communicating with friends and family, you can use the following phrases to express “not allowed” in Arabic conversation:
- ما يصير (ma yseer): This phrase is commonly used in colloquial Arabic and translates to “it’s not possible” or “it can’t happen.” It can be used to indicate that something is not allowed or just simply not feasible. For example:
ما يصير ندخل بدون تذكرة. (Ma yseer nadkhol bidoon tathkira.)
It’s not allowed to enter without a ticket.
ما بيجوز (ma bi-jooz): This expression is used to signify that something is prohibited or not permissible. It is particularly common in Levantine Arabic. For instance:
ما بيجوز ندخل هون. (Ma bi-jooz nadkhol hawn.)
It’s not allowed to enter here.
ما بتسمح (ma betsmah): This phrase is used primarily in the Levant region and means “not allowed” or “not permitted.” It is commonly used in everyday conversations. For example:
ما بتسمحلنا ندخل هون. (Ma betsmah-lina nadkhol hawn.)
They don’t allow us to enter here.
Regional Variations
While standard Arabic is understood across the Arab world, there might be some regional variations in the way “not allowed” is expressed. For example:
- In the Gulf region, it is common to hear the phrase “ممنوع الدخول (mamnoo’ ad-dokhol)” to mean “no entry” or “not allowed.”
- In Moroccan Arabic, you might hear the phrase “ممنوع داز (mamnoo’ daz)” to express the concept of “not allowed.”
Remember that while understanding these variations can be useful, using the formal or informal expressions listed above will generally be well-received and understood throughout the Arabic-speaking world.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned various formal and informal ways to say “not allowed” in Arabic. By using phrases such as “ممنوع” (mamnoun) or “غير مسموح” (ghair musammah) in formal contexts, and “ما يصير” (ma yseer) or “ما بيجوز” (ma bi-jooz) in informal conversations, you will be able to communicate this concept effectively. Remember that while there might be some regional variations, the phrases covered in this guide are widely understood across the Arab world. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll become even more proficient in Arabic!
