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Adamance
The phrase 'غير مرن، صعب التعديل' (ghayru marin, sa'b al-ta'dil) describes someone or something that is inflexible, rigid, and resistant to change or modification. This expression conveys adamance—an unwillingness to bend, compromise, or adapt to new circumstances or perspectives. It's commonly used to characterize stubborn individuals, unyielding positions, or things that cannot be easily altered.
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موقفه غير مرن وصعب التعديل، لن يستمع إلى آراء الآخرين.
Mawqifuhu ghayru marin wa-sa'b al-ta'dil, lan yastami' ila ara' al-akharin.
His position is inflexible and difficult to modify; he won't listen to others' opinions.
المدير غير مرن في قراراته ولا يقبل أي تعديلات.
Al-mudir ghayru marin fi qaraarihi wa-la yaqbal ayya ta'dilat.
The manager is adamant in his decisions and accepts no modifications.
هذه القواعد غير مرنة وصعبة التعديل حسب الظروف.
Hadhih al-qawa'id ghayru marinn wa-sa'bah al-ta'dil hasb al-dhuruf.
These rules are inflexible and difficult to modify according to circumstances.
تصرفه غير مرن جعله يفقد الكثير من الفرص.
Tasarrufu ghayru marin ja'alahu yafqid al-kathir min al-furas.
His unyielding behavior caused him to lose many opportunities.
السياسة الجديدة غير مرنة وتحتاج إلى مراجعة سريعة.
Al-siyasah al-jadidah ghayru marinn wa-tahtaj ila muraija'ah suriah.
The new policy is rigid and needs urgent review.
In Arabic discourse, inflexibility is often viewed negatively, particularly in modern business and diplomatic contexts where adaptation is valued. However, firmness of principle (متمسك بالمبادئ) is sometimes praised when dealing with matters of ethics or core values. The phrase reflects a cultural appreciation for balance—maintaining principles while remaining pragmatic in implementation.
Use this phrase to describe attitudes, policies, or behavioral patterns rather than physical objects (though it can apply to rigid materials metaphorically). Be aware that calling someone 'غير مرن' is typically a criticism, so use it carefully in formal contexts. Pair it with 'قرار' (decision), 'موقف' (position), or 'شخص' (person) for common combinations.
The Arabic phrase غير مرن، صعب التعديل (ghayru marin, sa'b al-ta'dil) translates to "inflexible" or "difficult to modify" and embodies the concept of adamance—an uncompromising, rigid stance that resists change. Breaking down the components:
Together, this phrase describes a person, decision, policy, or system that refuses to bend, compromise, or adapt to new circumstances or alternative viewpoints.
This expression is widely used in contemporary Arabic, particularly in business, politics, and social discourse. When describing an individual as 'غير مرن,' it typically implies criticism, suggesting they lack the flexibility needed for effective collaboration or problem-solving. In professional contexts, leaders who are described this way are often viewed as obstacles to progress.
The phrase functions as a noun phrase in Arabic. 'غير مرن' is a negated adjective derived from the root م-ر-ن (m-r-n, meaning "to be flexible"). The addition of 'صعب التعديل' (difficult to modify) reinforces the concept by adding a second descriptive layer. This redundancy is common in Arabic for emphasis and clarity.
In everyday use, you might hear this phrase applied to various situations:
Arabic culture values both principle and pragmatism. While steadfastness (متمسك بالمبادئ) in matters of honor, ethics, or religious conviction is respected, rigidity in everyday matters is often seen negatively. The phrase reflects a modern Arabic perspective that adaptation and flexibility are essential for success in business, diplomacy, and social harmony.
Understanding 'غير مرن' requires familiarity with related terms:
When learning this phrase, consider these scenarios where it naturally appears:
Arabic offers several ways to express similar ideas:
To fully grasp this concept, understand its opposite:
غير مرن، صعب التعديل is an essential phrase for describing inflexibility in Arabic. Whether you're discussing business negotiations, family dynamics, or political positions, this expression captures the concept of adamance effectively. By understanding its nuances and cultural implications, you'll communicate more naturally and accurately in professional and social Arabic contexts.