Plural Formation in Arabic: Commonalities and Differences
Arabic is a rich and complex language, known for its unique grammar and intricate word structures. One of the fascinating aspects of Arabic is its plural formation, which varies between Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and diverse colloquial dialects spoken across the Arab world. However, despite regional differences, there are many commonalities in how plurals are […]
From Torture to Slang: A Funny (But Vulgar) Way to Vent
Ever felt like learning Arabic was a pain in the ass? Don’t worry! Today, you’ll learn how to express this feeling in a humorous way, just like Arabs do in Levantine and Egyptian dialects. This Arabic slang for frustration captures the essence of how natives express their struggles with humor: Levantine: العربي صعب كتير! متل […]
A Word That Packs Punch: أحّا
أحّا is one of the most recognizable words in Egyptian Arabic. While some consider it rude or impolite, no one really knows why. Still, it’s a word you’ll hear often, especially among young people, who use it to show disapproval, disagreement, or just general frustration. Where it all started Most people, including Egyptians, have no […]
How to Thank an Arab
Arabs are kind-hearted people, and expressing eloquent gratitude for even the smallest interactions is a common practice. To do so, we employ various methods, some of which are rooted in religious traditions. Let’s delve into these expressions and explore how to say thank you in Arabic across Modern Standard, Levantine, Egyptian, Gulf, and Darija! Thank […]
Expressing Dislike in Egyptian Arabic
Egyptian culture is widely known for its colorful expression of emotions and opinions. When Egyptians are happy, their joy can echo through the streets. On the flip side, dislike in Egyptian Arabic can be expressed with unmatched creativity and sometimes a bit of volume! Egyptians rarely hold back when they’re displeased, often turning their disapproval […]
The Unspoken Rule: What’s Your Mother’s Name?
Have you ever noticed the name game some Arab men play with moms, wives, and sisters? It’s like a secret society that’s so hush-hush, even MI6 would be jealous! Let’s spill the beans on why Arab men avoid mothers’ names and treat female family members like Voldemort – she who must not be named! Why […]
Your Comprehensive Guide to Insults in Arabic
If you’re planning a trip to an Arab country, it’s helpful to learn phrases for greetings and everyday conversational expressions like apologizing, asking for permission, and saying thank you. However, it can also be useful to pick up some bad words and insults in Arabic with their meanings—not to start fights, but to better understand […]
Future Tense in Egyptian Arabic: How to Speak About the Future
Egyptian Arabic is a lively and energetic dialect. One of the most fun parts of learning Egyptian Arabic is knowing how to talk about the future. Like English and unlike romance languages, Egyptian doesn’t use special future tense conjugations for verbs. Instead, it uses simple markers in front of present tense forms to indicate the […]
Mastering the Past Tense in Arabic: How to Use It Correctly
If you’re learning Arabic, you need to master the past tense to talk about events, share stories, and have everyday conversations. This article will go through everything you need to know about the past tense in Standard and colloquial Arabic, including Levantine, Egyptian, Gulf, and Darija. How to form the past tense in Arabic To […]
Pronouns in Levantine Arabic
In any language, pronouns ضمائر play a really important role in putting sentences together and getting messages across smoothly. Unlike English, Arabic pronouns often attach to other words, with variations in spelling and pronunciation across regions, making it challenging to use them correctly. Let’s take a look at their different shapes and uses. Varieties of […]