Arabic is a rich and diverse language spoken by millions of people across the Arab world. If you want to express the idea of “unbelievable” in Arabic, you’ll find that there are several ways to do so. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to convey this concept, focusing on Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) with regional variations included where necessary. So let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Unbelievable” in Arabic
In formal situations, it is essential to use appropriate vocabulary and expressions. Here are a few formal ways to express “unbelievable” in Arabic:
1. لا يُصَدَّق (La Yusaddaq)
This phrase literally translates to “not believed.” It is a commonly used term to convey the idea of something being unbelievable or incredible. For example:
Example: القصة التي سمعتها لا يصدقها أحد! (Al-qissa allati sami’tuha la yusaddiquha ahad!)
Translation: The story I heard is unbelievable!
2. مذهل (Mudhhil)
This word means “astonishing” or “amazing” and can be used formally to express something as unbelievable. It denotes a sense of wonder or being taken aback. Here’s an example:
Example: قرأت رواية مذهلة حقًا! (Qara’tu riwayah mudhhilah haqqan!)
Translation: I read an incredibly astonishing novel!
3. غير معقول (Ghayr Maqoul)
This phrase translates to “unreasonable” or “unthinkable” and is used when something is beyond belief or comprehension. It conveys a sense of disbelief or incredulity. Here’s an example:
Example: الأخبار التي سمعتها غير معقولة! (Al-akhbar allati sami’tuha ghayr maqoulah!)
Translation: The news I heard is unbelievable!
Informal Ways to Say “Unbelievable” in Arabic
In informal conversations or among friends, you can use different expressions to convey the sense of “unbelievable.” Here are a few informal ways to do so:
1. ما يصحش (Ma Yesheesh)
This phrase is colloquial and is widely used in various Arabic dialects. It translates to “it’s not possible” and is often used to express disbelief or astonishment. For example:
Example: شفت الصورة، ما يصحش! (Shift el-sora, ma yesheesh!)
Translation: I saw the picture, it’s unbelievable!
2. واقع مش طبيعي (Waaqi’ mish tabi’i)
This expression translates to “an unnatural reality” and is used informally when something is beyond belief or extraordinary. It reflects a sense of awe or incredulity. Here’s an example:
Example: الفيديو اللي شفته واقع مش طبيعي! (El-veedio elly shufto waaqi’ mish tabi’i!)
Translation: The video I saw is unbelievably extraordinary!
3. مش معقول (Mish Maqoul)
This colloquial phrase, similar to its formal counterpart mentioned earlier, means “not reasonable” or “unthinkable.” It carries a stronger sense of disbelief or being amazed. Here’s an example:
Example: اللي حصل مش معقول بالمرة! (Elly 7asal mish maqoul bil-marah!)
Translation: What happened is completely unbelievable!
Conclusion
Arabic offers various ways to express the concept of “unbelievable,” whether in formal settings or informal conversations. In formal situations, you can use phrases like “لا يصدق” (la yusaddaq) or “مذهل” (mudhhil). When speaking casually, you can opt for expressions such as “ما يصحش” (ma yesheesh) or “واقع مش طبيعي” (waaqi’ mish tabi’i). Remember, regional variations may exist, so it’s always a good idea to adapt these expressions based on the specific dialect or region you are in.
