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.
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?
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?
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.
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.
Buying Fruit and Vegetables in Egypt
Yomna tells us about where to buy fruit and vegetables in Egypt, while teaching us some useful words and phrases in Egyptian Arabic.
Getting a Haircut in Egypt
Ready to get your hair cut in Egypt? Mostafa shares some tips.