The Particles (هلا) and (ألا)
To give strong advice, gently scold, or firmly encourage action in Arabic, use the particles of urging and reproach (أدوات التحضيض): هلا and ألا. Their meaning changes based on the tense of the verb that follows.
Urging Action: Particles + Present Tense
When هلا or ألا precedes a present tense verb, it acts as a strong suggestion or firm push to take action (translated as "Why don't you...?" or "Won't you...?"). It is an excellent way to guide someone toward making a good decision.
| Why don't you listen closely to the wise man? | هلا تنصت إلى الرجل الحكيم؟hallâ tunsitu ilâ r-rajuli l-hakîm? |
| Won't you consult your father before the decision? | ألا تشاور أباك قبل القرار؟alâ tushâwiru abâka qabla-l-qarâr? |
| Why don't you pardon her misstep? | هلا تعفو عن زلتها؟hallâ taafu an zallatihâ |
Reproach and Regret: Particles + Past Tense
When these same particles precede a past tense verb, they express reproach or regret over a missed opportunity. They point out what the person should have done but failed to do ("Why didn't you...?" or "You should have...").
| Why didn't you seize the opportunity yesterday? | هلا اغتنمت الفرصة أمس؟hallâ ightanamta al-fursata amsi? |
| Why didn't you two take your time before speaking? | ألا تأنيتما قبل أن تتحدثا؟alâ ta'annaytumâ qabla an tataḥaddathâ? |
| Why didn't you mend the mistake? | هلا أصلحت الخطأ؟hallâ aslahta l-khata'a? |
Giving Life Advice
Because these particles naturally deal with urging good behavior and pointing out missteps, they are perfect for offering mentorship and correcting mistakes.
Note that the particle itself never changes form; only the verb following it conjugates to match the person you are addressing.
| Whichever setback you notice, why don't you mend it? | أي عثرة تلاحظ، فهلا تصلحها؟ayya 'athratin tulâhidh, fahallâ tuslihuhâ? |
| Why didn't you guide us when we lost the way? | هلا أرشدتنا عندما أضعنا الطريق؟hallâ arshadtanâ 'indamâ ada'nâ at-tareeq? |