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Key Egyptian Arabic Expression: معلِشّ ma3alíšš
معلِشّ is used to downplay a situation, whether to console, sympathize, or apologize. The word originally comes from the Modern Standard Arabic phrase ما عليه شيء, which literally means nothing against it.
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Key Egyptian Arabic Expression: كِده kida
كِده is likely the most quintessentially Egyptian word there is. Not only is it very high frequency in everyday speech, but it is unique to the Egyptian Arabic dialect. كِده is related to the Modern Standard Arabic word هكذا like this but takes on a range of idiomatic meanings on its own and in phrases.
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Should I Learn Modern Standard Arabic or a Dialect?
Part 3 in the “Arabs Say…” series: If a foreigner comes to work or live in your country, should they learn Modern Standard Arabic or the dialect?
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Do Arabs Write in Their Dialects of Arabic?
Part 2 in the “Arabs Say…” series: Do you ever write in your dialect? In what situations? How do you know or decide how to spell words?
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Variations in Spoken Arabic within Countries
Part 1 in the “Arabs Say…” series: Does everyone in your country use the same dialect? Are there any differences in speaking styles between urban and rural areas, regions, social classes, religions, or generations?
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Getting Around in Cairo: Buses
Getting around Cairo can sometimes be tricky. Yomna tells us about taking buses in the bustling metropolis. Listen and learn some useful Egyptian Arabic words.
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Having a Good Breakfast in Egypt
What do Egyptians have for breakfast? Can you order your breakfast in Egyptian Arabic? Yomna’s here to help!
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The Sacrifice Feast in Egypt
Yomna tells us about the Sacrifice Feast in Egypt while teaching us some interesting words and phrases related to the holiday in Egyptian Arabic.
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Getting Around Cairo in Arabic: Taxis
Black, white, and pink. Yomna explains the different kinds of taxis in Cairo while teaching us some useful vocabulary and expressions in Egyptian Arabic.