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.
Levantine Arabic Orthography
Learn how to read the Arabic script and tashkeel (voweling) used in Lingualism materials.
Egyptian Arabic Pronunciation
Learn how to pronounce Egyptian Arabic and about the sound changes that distinguish it from other varieties of Arabic.
Expressions with the Eyes in Levantine Arabic
Nadine tells us about dozens of expressions and idioms in Levantine Arabic using the word eye(s) and other words related to seeing. Can you guess their meanings?
Egyptian Arabic Orthography
Learn how to read the Arabic script and tashkeel (voweling) used in Lingualism materials.
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.
Levantine Arabic Verbs: 3aTa عطى (to give)
Each of these videos presents the full conjugation of a common Levantine Arabic verb, along with example sentences. Down the accompanying PDF for free.
Levantine Arabic Verbs: شرب shirib (to drink)
Each of these videos presents the full conjugation of a common Levantine (Lebanese) Arabic verb, along with example sentences. Down the PDF for free.
Levantine Arabic Verbs: 3imil عمل (to do)
Each of these videos presents the full conjugation of a common Levantine (Lebanese) Arabic verb, along with example sentences. Down the PDF for free.
Levantine Arabic Verbs: حكي Hiki (to speak)
Each of these videos presents the full conjugation of a common Levantine (Lebanese) Arabic verb, along with example sentences. Down the PDF for free.
Levantine Arabic Verbs: إجا ija (to come)
Each of these videos presents the full conjugation of a common Levantine (Lebanese) Arabic verb, along with example sentences. Down the PDF for free.