You don’t need to speak Egyptian Arabic to get around. But a few short words can make your day easier: taxis go smoother, shop chats stay friendly, and hotel staff understand you faster.

This guide is made for tourists. Every item has:

  • Arabic (so you can show it on your phone)

  • Easy pronunciation (so you can try saying it)

  • When to use it (so you don’t feel awkward)

Quick note: Egyptian Arabic is written in Arabic script. Tourists often use “sound spelling” (transliteration). There isn’t one perfect spelling, so don’t stress if you hear it said slightly differently.

Quick sound help (super simple)

  • kh = a rough “h” sound from the throat (like in “Bach”)

  • ’ (apostrophe) = a small throat sound (you can ignore it at first)

  • sh = “sh” like “shop”

  • aa = a long “a” (like “car”)

The 5 words you’ll use all the time

1) Hello / Peace
Arabic: سلام
Pronunciation: salaam
Use it: a friendly hello in shops, hotels, and on the street.

2) Peace be upon you (common greeting)
Arabic: السلام عليكم
Pronunciation: salaam ʿalaykum
Reply: وعليكم السلام (wa ʿalaykum salaam)
Use it: when you want to sound extra polite. Very normal in many places.

3) Please
Arabic: من فضلك
Pronunciation: min fadlak (to a man) / min fadlik (to a woman)
Use it: “One water, please.” “Stop here, please.”

4) Thank you
Arabic: شكراً
Pronunciation: shukran
Use it: all the time. It keeps things friendly.

5) Yes / No
Yes Arabic: أيوه
Pronunciation: aywa
No Arabic: لا
Pronunciation: la
Use it: taxis, shops, hotel chats, tour talk.

Taxis and getting around (6 words/phrases)

These are the phrases that save you the most hassle on day one. Use them with a calm voice and a smile. If you forget the pronunciation, just show the Arabic on your phone.

6) Where is…?

Arabic: فين…؟
Pronunciation: feen…?
Use it: “Where is the hotel?” “Where is the toilet?” “Where is the marina?”

7) I want to go to…

Arabic: أنا عايز أروح… (male) / أنا عايزة أروح… (female)
Pronunciation: ana ‘aayez arooH… / ana ‘aayza arooH…
Use it: in taxis and at reception. Say it, then show the place name on Google Maps.

8) Stop here, please

Arabic: وقف هنا لو سمحت
Pronunciation: ’of henna law samaHt
Use it: when you’re near your hotel, your tour pickup point, or a shop.

9) How much?

Arabic: بكام؟
Pronunciation: be-kam?
Use it: taxi fare, water price, anything you’re buying.

10) Too expensive

Arabic: غالي قوي
Pronunciation: ghaali awi
Use it: if a price feels silly. Say it lightly, not like an argument.

11) Wait a minute

Arabic: استنى شوية
Pronunciation: istanna shwayya
Use it: when you need a second to find money, read the map, or talk to your group.

Quick taxi tip:
If you’re going somewhere important (hotel, tour pickup, marina), don’t only say it. Show the location on your phone as well. It avoids mix-ups with similar-sounding place names.

Shops and markets (6 words/phrases)

These help you shop without stress. They keep things friendly, even when you’re saying no.

12) I’m just looking

Arabic: أنا بتفرج بس
Pronunciation: ana batfarag bas
Use it: when you walk into a shop but you’re not ready to buy.

13) How much is this?

Arabic: ده بكام؟
Pronunciation: da be-kam?
Use it: point at the item and say it. Works everywhere.

14) Cheaper, please

Arabic: أرخص شوية لو سمحت
Pronunciation: arkhas shwayya law samaHt
Use it: when you want a better price without sounding rude.

15) Ok / fine

Arabic: ماشي
Pronunciation: maashi
Use it: “Okay.” “Alright.” Great for agreeing quickly.

16) No, thank you

Arabic: لا شكراً
Pronunciation: la shukran
Use it: the polite way to say no in shops and markets.

17) I don’t want (it)

Arabic: مش عايز (male) / مش عايزة (female)
Pronunciation: mish ‘aayez / mish ‘aayza
Use it: when someone keeps pushing. Say it calmly, then walk on.

Quick market tip:
If you’re not buying, don’t explain too much. A smile + لا شكراً (la shukran) is enough.

Hotels and tours (5 words/phrases)

These are the phrases that help you check in, confirm pickup, and avoid confusion on trips. Use them with a smile, and show the Arabic on your phone if pronunciation feels tricky.

18) I have a reservation

Arabic: عندي حجز
Pronunciation: ‘andi Hagz
Use it: at hotel reception, tour desks, and boat trip check-ins.

19) My name is…

Arabic: اسمي…
Pronunciation: esmi…
Use it: when checking in or when a guide asks who you are.

20) Where is the meeting point?

Arabic: فين نقطة المقابلة؟
Pronunciation: feen no’tet el-moqabala?
Use it: for tours, day trips, and hotel pickup spots.

21) What time?

Arabic: الساعة كام؟
Pronunciation: es-saa‘a kaam?
Use it: “What time is pickup?” “What time is breakfast?” “What time do we leave?”

22) Is this included?

Arabic: ده شامل؟
Pronunciation: da shaamel?
Use it: tour inclusions, tickets, lunch, transfer, snorkelling gear, anything like that.

Quick tour tip:
Before you leave the hotel, confirm two things: الساعة كام؟ (what time?) and فين نقطة المقابلة؟ (meeting point). It saves morning stress.

Food and cafés (3 words/phrases)

These are the ones you’ll use daily, especially when you’re tired and just want things to be simple.

23) Water, please

Arabic: مياه لو سمحت
Pronunciation: mayya law samaHt
Use it: cafés, restaurants, tour stops, anywhere.

24) I want…

Arabic: أنا عايز… (male) / أنا عايزة… (female)
Pronunciation: ana ‘aayez… / ana ‘aayza…
Use it: “I want tea.” “I want coffee.” “I want chicken.” Point at the menu if needed.

25) The bill, please

Arabic: الحساب لو سمحت
Pronunciation: el-Hesaab law samaHt
Use it: when you’re ready to pay and leave.

Numbers, time, and quick help

You’ve now got 25 words and phrases that cover taxis, shops, hotels, tours, and food. Here are a few extra bits that make the phrases easier to use in real life, plus a mini FAQ people always ask.

Numbers and time (super quick and practical)

In Egypt, you can get very far with “بكام؟” (be-kam?) and showing fingers for numbers. But these tips help:

  • If you don’t catch the number, just say:
    Arabic: تاني؟
    Pronunciation: taani?
    Meaning: “Again?” (as in “say it again”)

  • If you want them to speak slower:
    Arabic: بِالراحة
    Pronunciation: bel-raaha
    Meaning: “Slowly”

  • If you want to confirm:
    Arabic: تمام
    Pronunciation: tamaam
    Meaning: “Perfect / all good”

You don’t have to memorise these, but they’re handy if you’re nervous about misunderstandings.

Quick help phrases (when something goes wrong)

If you feel stuck, these are useful to know even if you only show the Arabic:

  • Help!
    Arabic: الحقني
    Pronunciation: el7a’ni

  • I don’t understand
    Arabic: مش فاهم (male) / مش فاهمة (female)
    Pronunciation: mish faahim / mish faahma

FAQ: Egyptian Arabic for tourists

Do I need perfect pronunciation?
No. If you say one word clearly and smile, people usually understand. Showing the Arabic text on your phone helps a lot.

Is “Arabic” the same everywhere in Egypt?
Egyptian Arabic is the common spoken style you’ll hear most. You may hear tiny differences between cities, but tourists don’t need to worry about that.

What’s the easiest phrase to start with?
Start with سلام (salaam) and شكراً (shukran). Those two alone make interactions friendlier.

What if I’m shy about speaking?
Use the Arabic text as a “show me” tool. Point, show, and say one word. That’s enough.