When you visit Egypt, a few Arabic words will get you by. Everyone knows shukran (thank you) and salam alaikum (hello). But if you want to impress locals, you’ll need more than the basics. Egyptians love when foreigners throw in everyday slang, especially the underrated phrases they use constantly with each other.
Here are 10 Egyptian Arabic phrases that will make you sound like you’ve lived here for years.
1. Tohfa (تحفة)
Literal meaning: “masterpiece”
Locals use it for anything they like, from a perfectly grilled kebab to a new pair of sneakers. If someone asks how their new haircut looks, just say tohfa. Instant friendship.
2. Keda Keda (كده كده)
Literal meaning: “like this, like this”
Egyptians use it more like “duh” or “obviously.” If someone asks if you’re going to your best friend’s wedding, you can just reply keda keda, because of course you are. Or if someone gives you advice you already knew, keda keda works as a light “yeah, of course.” It’s not sharp, just the Egyptian way of stating the obvious.
3. Ma3lesh (معلش)
Literal meaning: “don’t worry about it.”
How Localss really use it: This one’s the Swiss Army knife of Egyptian Arabic. Bus is late? Ma3lesh. You spill tea on yourself? Ma3lesh. Friend cancels last minute? Deep sigh… ma3lesh. It’s both sympathy and resignation, often used when there’s absolutely nothing left to do. Sometimes it comforts, sometimes it just means “life’s unfair, let’s move on.”
4. 3adi (عادي)
Literal meaning: “Normal / ordinary.”
How Egyptians really use it: Locals say 3adi to downplay literally anything. Fail a test? 3adi. Someone eats koshary for the third time this week? 3adi. Celebrity scandal? Definitely 3adi. It’s basically the Egyptian equivalent of a shrug. A word that’s small but mighty in killing the drama.
5. Sabah El Fol (صباح الفل)
Literal meaning: “Morning of jasmine.”
How Egyptians really use it: Sure, it’s a cheerful good morning, but it’s also Egypt’s sarcastic way of greeting someone who’s a little… late to the point. If your friend only just realized what everyone else already knew, you give them a dry sabah el fol. It’s like saying “Well, good morning, Sherlock.” Both warm and teasing at the same time.
6. Wala Yehemak (ولا يهمك)
Literal meaning: “Don’t let it bother you.”
How Egyptians really use it: This is the go-to reassurance phrase. Show up late and apologize? Wala yehemak. Accidentally spill water on someone’s floor? Wala yehemak (though they might secretly mind). It’s the Egyptian way of brushing off problems, half genuine, half “let’s pretend this didn’t happen.”
7. La Wallahi (لا والله)
Literal meaning: “No, by God (I swear)”
How Egyptians really use it: it’s often a sarcastic reaction. When someone says something painfully obvious, people might say, “La wallahi?!” as in, “Seriously? You just discovered that?” Or when someone overreaches or states something grand without cause, la wallahi can carry a “Wow, look at you” vibe. It’s less about the literal oath, more about reaction and tone.
8. Allah Yenawar (الله ينور)
Literal meaning: “May God light it up / may God enlighten”
How Egyptians really use it: when someone finally figures out something obvious or does a simple thing well, sometimes after dragging it out, people will say Allah yenawar. Think: friend spent 20 minutes struggling with opening a bottle, you clap and say Allah yenawar. It’s a playful “thank God you made it happen” or “welcome to the obvious club.” Egyptians also use it as genuine praise, but the humor is in the contrast.
9. Rabena Yesahel (ربنا يسهل) a local favorite
Literal meaning: “May God make it easy.”
How Egyptians really use it: as both a sincere wish and a passive push-back. When beginning something difficult, people say rabena yesahel “Hope God makes this easy for us.” But also, when you ask for a favor (like permission to go somewhere), if they respond with rabena yesahel, it often subtly means “I don’t see this happening” a polite way to decline without saying no outright.
10. Ya Walad (يا ولد)
Literal meaning: “O boy / oh boy.”
How Locals really use it: as a positive, encouraging shout when someone does something cool or impressive. Not insulting, not scolding, more like “Now that’s how it’s done!” If your friend nails a difficult move or surprises you, you might hear ya walad! in approval. It’s emphatic, friendly, and casual.
Why These Phrases Matter
Learning these phrases will do more than get you around Egypt, it’ll make locals laugh, nod, and instantly warm up to you. Egyptians love when visitors pick up their slang. It shows you’re not just sightseeing, you’re connecting.
So next time you’re in Cairo or Luxor, sprinkle in a ma3lesh here and a sabah el fol there. You’ll be amazed how doors open, sometimes literally.
