The Phrase “Eh Elkalam” (ايه الكلام) In Egyptian Arabic

Eh elkalam / ايه الكلام is one of those Egyptian Arabic phrases that you just need to know.

You hear it everywhere and it’s thrown into just about every conversation. But because there are a few different common ways to use it, eh elkalam / ايه الكلام can be confusing.

Today we are exploring the different ways Egyptians use it, with examples to help you get the feel for it.

The Phrase “Eh Elkalam” (ايه الكلام): What It Means

First, we will break down the two main parts of the phrase eh elkalam / ايه الكلام. That will give you some important context before we dive into the different ways to use it.

Eh / ايه

Meaning: “What” / “What is…”

Elkalam / الكلام

Meaning: “The talk” / “the words”

Put these two parts together, and ايه الكلام literally means “What the talk”…

As for how it’s actually used?

There are a few different ways, actually!

(As you will see below, the masculine word for “this” (da / ده) also features heavily in the examples below.)

Different Ways To Use It

There are several different ways that Egyptians use eh elkalam / ايه الكلام in real life.

1) To compliment someone’s words or actions

(Like saying: “That’s amazing!” or “That’s impressive!”)

Example: Somebody gives a speech that you were really impressed by

What an amazing talk! : eh elkalam el gamed da!

!ايه الكلام الجامد ده

2) To express disbelief or shock

(Like saying: “Are you serious?” / “What are you saying?”)

Example: Someone says something surprising.

Are you serious? : eh elkalam da?

ايه الكلام ده؟

3) To call out nonsense or exaggeration

(Like saying: “That’s nonsense” / “That’s ridiculous!”)

Example: Somebody says they can run ten kilometers (six miles) in just 20 minutes.

What ridiculous talk! : eh elkalam el faregh da!

! ايه الكلام الفارغ ده

4) To ask about plans (very common)

(Like saying: “What’s up?” / “What’s the plan?”)

Example: You’re speaking with your friends and you want to make specific plans.

What is the plan today? : eh elkalam el nharda?

ايه الكلام النهارده؟

And one last phrase that uses the word “why” (leh / ليه) instead of “what” (eh / ايه):

5) Criticizing what somebody just said

(Like saying: “Why are you acting that way?” / “What’s wrong with you?”)

Example: Somebody is acting disrespectfully and you want to call them out on it.

Why are you saying that? : leh elkalam da?

ليه الكلام ده؟

Two Common Responses

As you can see above, there are a number of ways to use Eh elkalam / ايه الكلام in everyday conversation.

There are just as many ways to answer it (depending on the context). Here are two of them that can come in handy.

I didn’t mean it. : ma2asdtsh keda.

. ماقصدتش كده

I’m telling the truth. : ba2oul el 7a2ee2a

. بقول الحقيقة

Example Conversation

A: I think I’ll leave my job and become a belly dancer. : ana bafkar asib el shoghl w ab2a ra2asa.

. أنا بفكر أسيب الشغل وأبقى رقاصة

B: What are you saying? Are you speaking seriously? : Eh elkalam da? Enty betetkalemy gadd?

ايه الكلام ده؟ انتي بتتكلمي جد؟

A: No I am joking. : La2 ana bahzar.

.لا انا بهزر

Culture Corner: Why Egyptians Love This Phrase

Eh elkalam / ايه الكلام is a great example of how Egyptians use their language with feeling.

It’s flexible and expressive. Whether you’re hyping someone up, throwing in a little sarcasm, or just genuinely confused, this phrase helps you respond with a bit more style.

This is the main reason Egyptians use it so much – it’s versatile!

One tip from us: tone is everything. Be sure the tone you use matches the specific way you want to use it!

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Happy learning,

Cleo Lingo