If you accidentally break a glass or a plate in an Arab home, you might expect people to get upset. Instead, in many parts of the Arab world, you will often hear someone say a phrase that sounds surprising: “Inkasar i-shshar - إنكَسَر الشَّر”
This expression is commonly heard in Levantine Arabic, especially in Jordanian Arabic and Palestinian Arabic. The phrase literally translates to “The evil is broken”. The idea behind it is that the broken object has taken away something bad that could have happened.
In everyday conversations in Jordanian Arabic and Palestinian Arabic, people use this expression to make someone feel better after they break something. Instead of focusing on the broken glass or plate, the phrase turns the situation into something positive.
In Arab culture, hospitality is very important, and hosts often try to make guests feel comfortable. If a guest accidentally breaks something, saying “Inkasar i-shshar” is a simple way to reassure them that it’s not a big problem.
Expressions like this are common in Levantine Arabic and show how language and culture are closely connected. Many everyday phrases in Jordanian Arabic and Palestinian Arabic carry meanings that go beyond literal translation and reflect cultural values such as kindness, optimism and hospitality.
For learners of Levantine Arabic, understanding expressions like “Inkasar i-shshar” can make conversations feel more natural and help you better understand the cultural context behind the language.
