Cairo StreetGet the app

Cairo Street › Learn Egyptian Arabic

30 Egyptian Arabic phrases for your first day in Cairo

You don't need hundreds of words to enjoy Cairo. These 30 phrases cover greetings, directions, taxis, food and money. Egyptians love it when visitors try, so use them even if your accent isn't perfect.

Greetings and polite words

ArabicSay itMeaning
أهلاًAhlanHello / welcome
صباح الخيرṢabaḥ il-kheirGood morning
إزيك؟Izzayyak?How are you?
الحمد للهIl-ḥamdu lillahI'm fine, thank God
شكراًShukranThank you
لو سمحتLaw samaḥtExcuse me / please
معلشMa'leshNever mind / sorry
مع السلامةMa'a is-salamaGoodbye

Yes, no and understanding

ArabicSay itMeaning
أيوهAywaYes
لأLa'No
تمامTamamOK / great
مش عارفMish 'arefI don't know
إيه؟Eh?What?

Getting around

ArabicSay itMeaning
فين؟Fein?Where?
على طول'Ala ṭoolStraight ahead
يمينYemeenRight
شمالShmalLeft
هناHenaHere
على جنب'Ala ganbPull over here! (to the driver)
المتروIl-metroThe metro
محطةMaḥaṭṭaStation

Food, drinks and money

ArabicSay itMeaning
عايز'Ayez…I want… (a man)
عايزة'Ayza…I want… (a woman)
ميهMayyaWater
شايShaiTea
قهوةAhwaCoffee / café
بكام؟Bi-kam?How much?
غاليGhaliExpensive
الحسابIl-ḥisabThe bill
يلاYallaLet's go!

Tip: start every request with law samaḥt ("please") and end with shukran. It opens doors everywhere, from taxis to kiosks.

More guides