Everyday Egyptian Arabic Phrases

Egyptian Arabic (Masri) is the most widely understood Arabic dialect in the Arab world thanks to Egypts prolific film and music industry. Below is a handy guide to common phrases youll hear on the streets of Cairo, Alexandria, and beyond. Each entry includes the Arabic script, a phonetic guide, and the English meaning.

Greetings & Goodbyes

Sab elkhr Good morning

Mas elkhr Good evening

Ezayyak? (to a male) / Ezayyik? (to a female) How are you?

mel eh? Whats up? (literally How are you doing?)

Maaessalam Goodbye (lit. with peace)

Polite Expressions

Min falak (male) / Min falik (female) Please

Shokran Thank you

Elafw Youre welcome / Excuse me

sif Sorry

Common Questions

Eh elsar? How much does it cost?

Fein elammm? Where is the bathroom?

Mumkin? Could I? (literally Is it possible?)

Imta elmetro? When does the metro arrive?

Eating & Drinking

yez atlub Id like to order

Fl Stewed fava beans (a popular breakfast)

Koshary Classic Egyptian rice, lentils, pasta & tomato sauce dish

Saa wa fiya Bon apptit (literally health and strength)

Useful Everyday Phrases

Ana mesh fhem (male) / fhma (female) I dont understand

Mumkin tsaedni? Can you help me?

Elar hena The road is this way

Ana takhadt iri Ive taken my medicine (useful at a pharmacy)

Numbers (110)

Wahid (1)
Itnn (2)
Talta (3)
Arbaa (4)
Khamsa (5)
Sitta (6)
Saba (7)
Tamnya (8)
tisa (9)
ashara (10)

Tips for Learning Egyptian Arabic

Listen to Egyptian media. Songs, movies, and TV series expose you to natural rhythm and slang.
Practice the ah sound. It appears in many words (e.g.,ahlan hello).
Dont stress about perfect grammar. Native speakers appreciate effort and often switch to a more relaxed register.
Use gestures. Body language helps fill gaps when youre unsure of a word.

With these phrases in your pocket, youll feel more comfortable navigating Egyptian streets, markets, and cafs. Remember that the best way to improve is to speak, make mistakes, and keep listening. ! (Welcome!)

Reference Files For Egyptian Arabic Phrases

Screenshoot