Travel
Do you speak Egyptian Arabic?
Not Yet?
Do you want to learn how to say “Baa’ref Arabee Showyaah” (I speak a little Arabic)?
You are going to Egypt soon or just return and fell in love with the language, you would like to know more for next time, don’t be afraid or believe you can’t do it.
It is never too late and you will see how quickly you can learn just a few basic phrases, which will bring smiles on Egyptian faces.
No matter if you want to learn to get closer to the people, to get rid of pushy bazaar sales-men or just to be able to negotiate in a store, here are some useful terms and phrases:
Arabic sign at the St. Catherine monastery in the Sinai
Good morning: Sabah el Khayr
Good afternoon: Masa el khayr
Hello to friends: Salam
Goodbye: Maaassalama
Good Evening: Masa el Khayr
Thank you: Shukran
No thanks, Thank you for asking: Shukran or just Shukran (very useful to get rid of the salesmen in the bazaars. After 2 or 3 times, they will leave you alone.
Thank you very much: Shukran giddan
You are welcome: Aafwan
Pardon me, excuse me: Lamua’axza
Please: Mid Fadlak (to a man) Mid Fadlik (to a woman)
No: La
Not: Mish
Yes: Aiwa
With all of this, Egyptians may start asking you in English or Arabic, do you speak Arabic?
So let’s learn more phrases:
Do you speak Arabic?: Betikkallim (Betikkalimee) Arabee?
I don’t speak Arabic: Ana Mabakklimsh Arabee.
Do you understand?: Anti Betefham Anti Betfhami?
I don’t understand: Mish Fahim
I understand Ana Fahim
I don’t understand Arabic: Ana Mabafhamsh Arabee
My name is… : Ana Esmee…
How are you? (to a man): Izzayak?
How are you? (to a woman) : Izzayik?
Very well: Kwayis (man)/ Kwayisa (woman)
A little: showyaah
I am from Zurich: Ana min Zurich
Egyptian Arabic from the Rough Guide
Nice to meet you: Fursa Sa’eeda
Mashi: I agree
If you only have a couple of weeks, start with the Pimsleur Egyptian Arabic CDs. If you can get through the first 3 lessons, it will help you.
To bring with you during your trip: The Rough Guide – Egyptian Arabic.
And remember if you have time for one word only, it should be Shukran!
Thank you for this post. It is actually very helpful and I will pick up the phrasebook you recommended. I am also actually working with the Pimsleur Arabic CD’s but seeing it written out is definitly helping with pronounciation. You wouldnt happen to know where I can get the lessons written out like you have in this post.
Hello Maria. I am glad this could help you. I found only three lessons written down in a forum.
I will try to find it again. Good luck in learning Egyptian Arabic.