Learning to ask “how are you?” in Egyptian Arabic involves more than just memorizing standard textbook phrases—it’s about understanding the everyday expressions that locals use. By mastering these phrases, you’ll sound more natural and build better connections with the people you meet.
Different ways to ask “how are you?” in Egyptian Arabic Discovering various ways to inquire about someone’s well-being in Egyptian Arabic not only adds variety to your conversations but also complements your understanding of greetings in the language. Learning these expressions, alongside common Arabic greetings like those covered in Arabic Greetings: From “Hello” to Sweet Romance!
إزيك؟
(casual)إزيّك؟
when addressing a male, and إزيّك؟
when addressing a female, is the most common way to say “how are you? ” This is the go-to phrase for asking about someone’s well-being in Egyptian Arabic. It’s simple, casual, and widely understood, making it perfect for everyday conversations.
A video about an Egyptian girl telling us about her hobbies. إزي حضرتك؟
(formal)إزي حضرتك؟
when addressing a male, and إزي حضرتك؟
when addressing a female, is a polite way to ask “how are you? ” This variation is used in formal contexts or when speaking to someone older.
عامل إيه؟
(casual)عامل إيه؟
when addressing a male, and عاملة إيه؟
when addressing a female, is used to ask “how are you doing?” This phrase is popular among friends. However, be careful not to confuse it with بتعمل إيه؟
, which means “what are you doing? “
Practice with basics. This comes from the Kallimni Arabi series. أخبارك إيه؟
(casual)أخبارك إيه؟
when addressing a male, and أخبارك إيه؟
when addressing a female, translates to “what’s your news? ” This phrase is a casual way to inquire about someone’s well-being during a friendly chat.
From a video for learning the basics of conversation in the Egyptian dialect. أحوالك إيه؟
(formal)أحوالك إيه؟
when addressing a male, and أحوالك إيه؟
when addressing a female, is another way to ask “how are you? ” It’s a bit less common and feels slightly more formal compared to أخبارك إيه؟
.
إيه الأخبار؟
(casual)إيه الأخبار؟
is a conversational way to say “what’s up? ” This laid-back phrase is frequently used among friends to start a casual conversation.
إيه الجديد؟
(casual)إيه الجديد؟
translates to “what’s new? ” Use this phrase informally to ask about any recent updates in someone’s life.
Learn essential phrases in Egyptian Arabic with this video. كله تمام؟
(casual)كله تمام؟
is a quick way to ask “everything okay? ” This phrase is often used after initial greetings to check if everything is going smoothly.
أخبار الدنيا معاك إيه؟
(casual)أخبار الدنيا معاك إيه؟
when addressing a male, and أخبار الدنيا معاكي إيه؟
when addressing a female, conveys “how’s life treating you? ” This phrase shows interest in someone’s overall well-being and is great for catching up with close friends or family.
فينك؟
(casual)فينك؟
when addressing a male, and فينك؟
when addressing a female, is a way to ask “where have you been? ” This expression is often used to reconnect with someone after a long time.
To master the Egyptian dialect even further, don’t miss these two articles: How Do You Say Hello in Egyptian Arabic? A Cultural and Linguistic Guide Malesh” is the Most Versatile Word in Arabic: You Won’t Believe How!
Tips for using these phrases
Adjust for context : Use casual phrases like إزيك؟
with peers and friends, but opt for إزي حضرتك؟
in more formal situations.Consider gender and number : For groups, use the plural form like إزيكوا؟
to address multiple people.Practice makes perfect : The more you use these phrases in real conversations, the more natural they’ll feel.
By using these phrases, you’ll not only sound more authentic but also build stronger connections.
An Egyptian gives a tour of his home . Oh, and by the way… If learning Egyptian Arabic at your own pace, with fun, real-world videos sounds like your style, then Playaling could be exactly what you’re looking for!
With Playaling, you’ll dive into Arabic just as it’s spoken in Egypt. Our diverse range of videos has it all—from everyday conversations and cultural moments to music videos, TV and movie clips, influencer content, news broadcasts, and inspiring talks.
Our interactive captions let you tap any word for instant translations, context, and audio. So, real Egyptian content becomes accessible with just a click. Miss something? No problem—rewind and listen as often as you need, or hover over subtitles for quick definitions.
Spot a word you want to learn? Save it to your personalized word set, or dive into curated sets for focused practice and easy review.
Interactive exercises let you dive in and practice what you’ve learned.
Need to look something up? The Audio Dictionary has you covered with clear human pronunciations and real world examples.
It’s a learning experience that keeps you engaged, bringing authentic, real-world Arabic closer to you every step of the way.
Give it a try!
