ممنوع
mamnū‘
The phrase 'not allowed' in Arabic is expressed as ممنوع (mamnū‘).
The term is used to describe something that is forbidden or prohibited by a rule or law. For instance, you will often see ممنوع الدخول on signs to indicate 'No entry' or 'Entry forbidden'.
What does it mean word for word?
ممنوع is a passive participle derived from a root meaning 'to forbid' or 'to prohibit'.
Which one should you use?
While ممنوع is a common way to say 'not allowed', the phrase غير مسموح به is used in more formal or administrative contexts to mean 'not permitted'. If you need to express that something is 'forbidden' or 'banned', the term محظور is used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ممنوع and غير مسموح به are formal ways to state that something is not allowed. محظور also carries a formal tone implying a ban. In contrast, the expression ما بيجوز is an informal way to say something is prohibited or not permissible.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The expression ما بيجوز is common in Levantine Arabic.
How do you pronounce it?
mamnū‘
Did you know?
- The formal alternative غير مسموح به actually uses a root related to 'hearing' (S-M-A), implying that something is not 'allowed' because it has not been 'heard' or 'granted' permission.
- While ممنوع is the standard way to say 'forbidden', you might see the word ممنوع used in a poetic or religious sense to describe someone being 'prevented' from reaching a spiritual goal.
- While ممنوع is a general term for 'not allowed', the specific word محظور is the standard term for contraband or items banned by customs officers at a border.
Examples in context
- التدخين ممنوع هنا.Smoking is not allowed here.
- التصوير غير مسموح في هذا المتحف.Photography is not allowed in this museum.
- الكحول محظور في هذا الفندق.Alcohol is forbidden in this hotel.
- ما يصير ندخل بدون تذكرة.It's not allowed to enter without a ticket.
- ما بيجوز ندخل هون.It's not allowed to enter here.
- الدخول إلى هذا المبنى ممنوع.al-dukhūl ilā hādhā al-mabnā mamnu‘.Entering this building is not allowed.
Example conversation
Ziad and Layla are walking in a park.
- زياد Ziadانظري يا ليلى، هناك لوحة.Unẓurī yā Laylā, hunāka lawḥah.Look, Layla, there is a sign.
- ليلى Laylaماذا تقول اللوحة؟Mādhā taqūl al-lawḥah?What does the sign say?
- زياد Ziadمكتوب أن المشي على العشب ممنوع.Maktūb anna al-mashy ‘alā al-‘ushb mamnū‘.It says that walking on the grass is not allowed.
- ليلى Laylaحسناً، لنبقى على الطريق.Ḥasanan, linabqā ‘alā aṭ-ṭarīq.Okay, let's stay on the path.
