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.
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.
Egyptian Arabic Pronunciation
Learn how to pronounce Egyptian Arabic and about the sound changes that distinguish it from other varieties of Arabic.
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?
Microbuses: Your Guide to the Fastest Way to Travel Around Cairo
Learn how to ride microbuses in Egypt. Maissara gives us tips and teaches us the hand signals and essential phrases in Egyptian Arabic.
Tunisian Arabic Grammar
This is a brief introduction to Tunisian Arabic grammar. It covers the basics of noun and adjective inflections as well as verb conjugations. It also highlights some of the idiosyncrasies of Tunisian Arabic that distinguish it from other varieties of Arabic.
Tunisian Arabic: A Wonderful Mosaic of Dialects
Table of Contents Are you interested in learning Arabic and its different dialects? Are you curious about the peculiarities of Arabic dialects? Here is a small interesting
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.
3 Reasons Why You Should Visit Amusement Parks
Esraa tells us about her recent trip to an amusement park and teaches us some fun and interesting vocabulary.
Attending a Katb-Ketab
Learn about Egyptian culture and pick up some useful Arabic vocabulary. Today Esraa tells us about an interesting wedding custom in Egypt.
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.
“Country” Cafés in Egypt
One thing you can’t miss in Egypt, it is the country cafés ilʔahāwi -lbáladi القهاوي البلدي. There is approximately over 100,000 country cafés in Egypt. It is something