Egyptian Arabic is the most widely understood Arabic dialect in the Arab world. Thanks to Egypt’s film, television, and music industries, people across the Middle East and North Africa are familiar with the Egyptian dialect.
For learners of Arabic, Egyptian Arabic is often the first dialect they study because it is widely understood and commonly used in everyday conversation.
Whether you are traveling to Egypt, speaking with Egyptian friends, or learning the dialect for personal or professional reasons, knowing common phrases can help you communicate naturally and confidently.
In this guide, you’ll find some of the most common Egyptian Arabic phrases used in everyday conversation. Each phrase includes the Arabic spelling, pronunciation, English translation, and audio.
Table of Contents
Egyptian Arabic Greetings
Greetings are an important part of everyday communication in Egypt. People often exchange several greetings before beginning a conversation.
Here are some of the most common ways Egyptians greet each other.
Hello ʔáhlan أهْلاً
Welcome ʔáhlan wi sáhlan أهْلاً و سهْلاً
Good morning ʂabāɧ ilxēr صباح الخيْر
Good evening masāʔ ilxēr مساء الخيْر
How are you? (to a man) ʔizzáyyak? إزّيّك؟
How are you? (to a woman) ʔizzáyyik? إزّيِّك؟
How are you doing? (to a man) 3āmil ʔē? عامِل أيْه؟
How are you doing? (to a woman) 3ámla ʔē? عامْلة أيْه؟
How are things with you? (to a man) ʔaxbārak ʔē? أخْبارك أيْه؟
How are things with you? (to a woman) ʔaxbārik ʔē? أخْبارِك أيْه؟
How’s life going? iddúnya 3ámla ʔē? الدُّنْيا عامْلة أيْه؟
Everything good? kullu tamām? كُلُّه تمام؟
What’s going on? ʔē -lɧikāya? أيْه الحِكايَة؟
Polite Egyptian Arabic Phrases
Politeness is an important part of everyday communication in Egypt. Expressions such as “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me” appear frequently in daily conversations, whether you are asking for help, ordering food, or speaking with strangers.
please (to a man) law samáɧt لَوْ سمحْت
please (to a woman) law samáɧti لَوْ سمحْتي
excuse me / with your permission (to a man) ba3d ʔíznak بعْد إذْنك
excuse me / with your permission (to a woman) ba3d ʔíznik بعْد إذْنِك
thank you šúkran شُكْراً
thank you (said by a man) mutšákkir مُتْشكِّر
thank you (said by a woman) mutšakkíra مُتْشكِّرة
you’re welcome il3áfw العفْو
sorry / never mind / it’s okay ma3lišš معْلِشّ
here you go / please (offering something to a man) itfáɖɖal اِتْفضّل
here you go / please (offering something to a woman) itfaɖɖáli اِتْفضّلي
sorry (said by a man) ʔána ʔāsif أنا آسِف
sorry (said by a woman) ʔána ʔásfa أنا آسْفة
my fault / I owe you an apology (to a man) ɧáʔʔak 3aláyya حقّك عليّا
my fault / I owe you an apology (to a woman) ɧáʔʔik 3aláyya حقِّك عليّا
may God keep you / thank you kindly (to a man) rabbína yixallīk ربِّنا يِخلّيك
may God keep you / thank you kindly (to a woman) rabbína yixallīki ربِّنا يِخلّيكي
Egyptian Arabic Conversation Starters
Once greetings are exchanged, Egyptians often continue with a few simple questions to keep the conversation going. These phrases help you ask basic questions and start everyday conversations with new people.
What’s your name? (to a man) ʔísmak ʔē? إسْمك أيْه؟
What’s your name? (to a woman) ʔísmik ʔē? إسْمِك أيْه؟
Where are you from? (to a man) ʔínta mnīn? إنْتَ مْنين؟
Where are you from? (to a woman) ʔínti mnīn? إنْتي مْنين؟
Where do you live? (to a man) sākin fēn? ساكِن فيْن؟
Where do you live? (to a woman) sákna fēn? ساكْنة فيْن؟
What do you do for work? (to a man) bitištáɣal ʔē? بِتِشْتغل أيْه؟
What do you do for work? (to a woman) bitištáɣalī ʔē? بِتِشْتغلي أيْه؟
What do you study? (to a man) bitídris ʔē? بِتِدْرِس أيْه؟
What do you study? (to a woman) bitidrísi ʔē? بِتِدْرِسي أيْه؟
Do you speak English? (to a man) bititkállim ʔingilīzī? بِتِتْكلِّم إنْجِليزي؟
Do you speak Arabic? (to a woman) bititkallími 3arabī? بِتِتْكلِّمي عربي؟
Have you been to Egypt before? (to a man) gēt maʂrə ʔablə kida? جيْت مصْر قبْل كِده؟
Have you been to Egypt before? (to a woman) gēti maʂrə ʔablə kida? جيْتي مصْر قبْل كِده؟
What are you doing here? (to a man) bití3mil ʔē hína? بِتِعْمِل أيْه هِنا؟
What are you doing here? (to a woman) biti3míli ʔē hína? بِتِعْمِلي أيْه هِنا؟
Do you like Egypt? (to a man) bitɧíbbə maʂr? بِتْحِبّ مصْر؟
Do you like Egypt? (to a woman) bitɧíbbi maʂr? بِتْحِبّي مصْر؟
Egyptian Arabic Restaurant and Food Phrases
Food is an important part of daily life in Egypt, and meals are often shared with friends and family. These phrases can help you order food, ask for the bill, or talk about what you’re eating at restaurants and cafés.
I want to order (said by a man) 3āyiz ʔáʈlub عايِز أطْلُب
I want to order (said by a woman) 3áyza ʔáʈlub عايْزة أطْلُب
What do you have? 3andúku ʔē? عنْدُكو أيْه؟
What do you have today? fī ʔē innahárda? فيه أيْه النّهارْده؟
Can I see the menu? múmkin ilmínyu? مُمْكِن المينْيو؟
The bill, please ilɧisāb law samáɧt الحِساب لَوْ سمحْت
The food is very good ilʔáklə ɧilwə ʔáwi الأكْل حِلْو أَوي
I’m hungry (said by a man) ʔána ga3ān أنا جعان
I’m hungry (said by a woman) ʔána ga3āna أنا جعانة
I’m thirsty (said by a man) ʔána 3aʈšān أنا عطْشان
I’m thirsty (said by a woman) ʔána 3aʈšāna أنا عطْشانة
Common Egyptian Arabic Expressions
In everyday conversation, Egyptians often use short expressions that can have several meanings depending on context. These words appear constantly in casual speech and are useful for understanding natural conversations.
okay / alright māši ماشي
fine / good / okay tamām تمام
that’s it / done / enough xalāʂ خلاص
let’s go / come on yálla يَلّا
really? bi-gádd? بِجدّ؟
normal / no problem 3ādi عادي
okay / right away ɧāɖir حاضِر
God willing ʔin šāʔ ałłāh إنْ شاء الله
thank God ilɧámdu li-łłāh الحمْدُ لِلّه
may God protect us / hopefully things go well rabbína yústur ربِّنا يُسْتُر
Egyptian Arabic Survival Phrases
When speaking a new language, there will be moments when you need someone to repeat something or speak more slowly. These phrases are especially useful for learners who are still getting used to the sounds and rhythm of Egyptian Arabic.
I don’t understand (said by a man) miš fāhim مِش فاهِم
I don’t understand (said by a woman) miš fáhma مِش فاهْمة
Can you repeat that? (to a man) múmkin ti3īd? مُمْكِن تِعيد؟
Can you repeat that? (to a woman) múmkin ti3īdi? مُمْكِن تِعيدي؟
Please speak a little more slowly (to a man) itkállim bi-rrāɧa šwáyya اِتْكلِّم بِالرّاحة شْوَيّة
Please speak a little more slowly (to a woman) itkallími bi-rrāɧa šwáyya اِتْكلِّمي بِالرّاحة شْوَيّة
What does that mean? yá3ni ʔē? يَعْني أيْه؟
What are you saying? (to a man) bitʔūl ʔē? بِتْقول أيْه؟
What are you saying? (to a woman) bitʔūli ʔē? بِتْقولي أيْه؟
Can you write it down? (to a man) múmkin tiktíbha? مُمْكِن تِكْتِبْها؟
Can you write it down? (to a woman) múmkin tiktibīha? مُمْكِن تِكْتِبيها؟
I understood fihímt فِهِمْت
Okay, got it tamām kída تمام كِده
Egyptian Arabic Shopping and Market Phrases
Markets and small shops are everywhere in Egypt, and bargaining is common in many places. These phrases can help you ask about prices and interact with shopkeepers.
How much is this? da b-kām? ده بْكام؟
That’s very expensive ɣāli ʔáwi غالي أَوي
Can it be cheaper? múmkin yíbʔa ʔárxaʂ? مُمْكِن يِبْقى أرْخص؟
Do you have a smaller one? 3ándak ʔáʂɣar? عنْدك أصْغر؟
Do you have a bigger one? 3ándak ʔákbar? عنْدك أكْبر؟
Can you lower the price? múmkin tixáffiɖ issí3r? مُمْكِن تِخفِّض السِّعْر؟
I’m just looking ʔána bassə batfárrag أنا بسّ بتْفرّج
I want this (said by a man) 3āyiz da عايِز ده
I want this (said by a woman) 3áyza da عايْزة ده
Do you have change? 3ándak fákka? عنْدك فكّة؟
Egyptian Arabic Transportation Phrases
Whether you are taking a taxi, asking for directions, or navigating public transportation, these phrases can help you get around more easily in Egypt.
I want to go here (said by a man) 3āyiz ʔarūɧ hína عايِز أروح هِنا
I want to go here (said by a woman) 3áyza ʔarūɧ hína عايْزة أروح هِنا
Go straight ímši 3ála ʈūl اِمْشي على طُول
Turn right (to a man) liffə ymīn لِفّ يْمين
Turn left (to a woman) líffi šmāl لِفّي شْمال
Stop here, please wáʔʔif hína law samáɧt وَقِّف هِنا لَوْ سمحْت
Is it far from here? bi3īd min hína? بِعيد مِن هِنا؟
Is it near from here? ʔuráyyib min hína? قُريِّب مِن هِنا؟
How long is the trip? ilmišwār ʔaddə ʔē? المِشْوار قدّ أيْه؟
When will we arrive? haníwʂal ʔímta? هنِوْصل إمْتى؟
Talking About Time and Plans
When making plans or arranging to meet someone, it’s helpful to know a few basic expressions related to time. These phrases are commonly used when discussing schedules and future plans.
today innahárda النّهارْده
tomorrow búkra بُكْره
yesterday ʔimbāriɧ إمْبارِح
now dilwáʔti دِلْوَقْتي
later ba3dēn بعْديْن
What time is it? issā3a kām? السّاعة كام؟
Are you free? (to a man) fāɖi? فاضي؟
Are you free? (to a woman) fáɖya? فاضْيَة؟
When should we meet? nišūf ba3ɖə ʔímta? نِشوف بعْض إمْتى؟
Will you come with me? (to a man or woman) tīgi ma3āya? تيجي معايا؟
Do you have time now? (to a man) 3ándak waʔtə dilwáʔti? عنْدك وَقْت دِلْوَقْتي؟
Do you have time now? (to a woman) 3ándik waʔtə dilwáʔti? عنْدِك وَقْت دِلْوَقْتي؟
Talking About Feelings and Opinions
In everyday conversations, people often talk about how they feel or what they think about something. These phrases can help you express basic emotions and opinions in Egyptian Arabic.
I’m happy (said by a man) ʔána mabsūʈ أنا مبْسوط
I’m happy (said by a woman) ʔána mabsūʈa أنا مبْسوطة
I’m upset (said by a man) ʔána za3lān أنا زعْلان
I’m upset (said by a woman) ʔána za3lāna أنا زعْلانة
I’m tired (said by a man) ʔána ta3bān أنا تعْبان
I’m tired (said by a woman) ʔána ta3bāna أنا تعْبانة
I like this 3agíbni da عاجِبْني ده
I don’t like this miš 3agíbni da مِش عاجِبْني ده
This is very nice da ɧilwə ʔáwi ده حِلْو أَوي
This is bad da wíɧiš ده وِحِش
Getting Someone’s Attention and Asking for Help
When speaking with strangers or asking for assistance, these expressions help you politely get someone’s attention and ask for help.
Can I ask a question? múmkin suʔāl? مُمْكِن سُؤال؟
Can you help me? (to a man) múmkin tisa3ídni? مُمْكِن تِساعِدْني؟
Can you help me? (to a woman) múmkin tisa3dīni? مُمْكِن تِساعْديني؟
Can you tell me? (to a man) múmkin tiʔúlli? مُمْكِن تِقولْلي؟
Can you tell me? (to a woman) múmkin tiʔulīli? مُمْكِن تِقوليلي؟
Can you show me? (to a man or woman) múmkin tiwarrīni? مُمْكِن تِوَرّيني؟
Can I ask you something? (to a man) múmkin ʔasʔálak ɧāga? مُمْكِن أسْألك حاجة؟
Can I ask you something? (to a woman) múmkin ʔasʔálik ɧāga? مُمْكِن أسْألِك حاجة؟
Wait a moment (to a man) istánna láɧʐa اِسْتنّى لحْظة
Wait a moment (to a woman) istánni láɧʐa اِسْتنّي لحْظة
One second sánya wáɧda ثانْيَة واحْدة
Just a moment please ma3líššə láɧʐa معْلِشّ لحْظة
Look here (to a man) buʂʂə hína بُصّ هِنا
Look here (to a woman) búʂʂi hína بُصّي هِنا
Listen to me (to a man) ismá3ni اِسْمعْني
Listen to me (to a woman) ismá3īni اِسْمعيني
Final Thoughts
Learning common Egyptian Arabic phrases is one of the fastest ways to begin communicating in the dialect. Even a small set of expressions can help you greet people, ask questions, order food, get around the city, and take part in everyday conversations.
Egyptians are generally very encouraging when foreigners make the effort to speak Arabic, even if it’s just a few words. Using these phrases can help you connect with people more easily and better understand the rhythm and expressions of spoken Egyptian Arabic.
As you continue learning, you’ll start noticing many of these expressions in conversations, films, music, and everyday interactions. With practice, these common Egyptian Arabic phrases will quickly become a natural part of your vocabulary.