Egyptian Arabic for Beginners: Easy Language Chart for Travelers
Below is a three-column Egyptian Arabic for beginners language chart featuring 20 useful Egyptian Arabic words and phrases that every traveler should know. The first column lists the phrase in English, the second shows the Latinized equivalent in Egyptian Arabic, and the third column provides an approximate phonetic spelling to help with pronunciation.
| English | Latinized Equivalent | Phonetic Spelling |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Salam Alaikum | /sa-laam a-lay-kum/ |
| Goodbye | Ma’a Salama | /maʕa sa-la-ma/ |
| Please | Min fadlak | /min fad-lak/ |
| Thank you | Shukran | /shuk-ran/ |
| Yes | Aywa | /ay-wa/ |
| No | Laa | /laa/ |
| How are you? | Izayyak? | /iz-ay-yak/ |
| I’m fine, thank you | Ana kwayyis, shukran | /a-na kwai-yis, shuk-ran/ |
| What is your name? | Ismak? | /is-mak/ |
| My name is… | Ismi… | /is-mee/ |
| Excuse me | Law samaht | /law sa-maht/ |
| I’m sorry | Aasif | /aa-sif/ |
| Do you speak English? | Bititkallem inglizi? | /bit-it-kal-lem in-glee-zi/ |
| I don’t understand | Ana mish fahem | /a-na mish fa-hem/ |
| Where is the bathroom? | Feen el hammam? | /feen el ham-mam/ |
| How much is this? | Bikam da? | /bi-kam da?/ |
| I need help | Ahtaji mosa’ada | /ah-ta-jee mo-sa-a-da/ |
| Where is the hotel? | Feen el funduq? | /feen el fun-duq/ |
| Good morning | Sabah el kheir | /sa-bah el kheir/ |
| Good night | Tisbah ala kheir | /tis-bah a-la kheir/ |
These expressions can ease everyday interactions—from asking for directions to sharing pleasantries. Even a small effort in using local phrases will be warmly appreciated by Egyptian hosts, opening the door to more genuine cultural exchanges. If you’re interested in more Egyptian Arabic for beginners language tips or region-specific phrases, check out these other language resources —there’s a whole world of vocabulary to explore when traveling in Egypt!
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