"How To" Tuesday

10 Ways To Say “Thank You” In Egyptian Arabic

Whether you are totally new to this Egypt thing or you have been learning for a while, you probably already know how to say “Shukran.” Today, though, we want to teach you some other ways to say “thank you” in Egyptian Arabic.

10 ways, to be exact!

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The Most Common Way To Say “Thank You” in Egyptian Arabic

We will start with this one. If you are completely new to the language and don’t know how to say “thank you” in Egyptian Arabic, here is how you do it.

.شكرا : shoKRAWN.

Thanks.

This is the most common way. It’s one of the few words that is used by basically every Arabic dialect.

Other Common Ways To Say “Thank You” in Egyptian Arabic

1) .متشكر جدا : mootSHEHkrr / mootSHEHkrr GEHdin.

Thanks / thanks a lot.

2) .شكرا جزيلا : shoKRAWN gaZEElawn.

Thanks a lot.

This is taken as it is from Standard Arabic. It sounds a bit formal, but it’s good to know.

3) .ربنا يخليك : rawBEnuh YEHkhawLEEK.

May God protect / keep you.

You hear this one as a response after a kind offer. It could be used as “yes, thanks”, or “no, thanks,” depending on the situation. Definitely some confusion in knowing whether or not the person actually wants to take you up on what you just offered….but the body language should be a good clue.

4) .الف شكر : ALF’ SHOkrr.

A thousand thanks.

This is a great way to say “thank you” in Egyptian Arabic. I heard it pretty much all the time in Cairo – especially when somebody felt like the person they were thanking was being extra nice.

Not So Common Ways To Say “Thank You” in Egyptian Arabic

Here are a few ways to say “thank you” in Egyptian Arabic that aren’t so common. Really pay attention to our descriptions here. They are hopefully a bit helpful in knowing when to use these phrases.

5) .حبيبي ..تسلم : hawBEEbee….TEslim.

My friend…thanks.

This one might be used with close friends, and is usually the same as “no thanks”, or “I appreciate your efforts.”

6) .تسلم ايدك : TEHslim EEduck.

God bless your hands.

This is usually used when someone makes you food, or does any job that benefits you using their hands. Some examples include: making or building something, handing over stuff, carrying your luggage, cleaning your house.

7) .ممنون ليك : memNOON leek.

I’m grateful for you.

This phrase is a totally outdated way to say “thank you.” It was used in the 50’s and 60’s, but not anymore. This phrase guarantees some laughs.

8) .كتر خيرك : KUHtrr KHAruck.

May your good deeds prosper and increase.

Just another synonym for saying “thank you” in Egyptian Arabic. This does sound a bit formal / religious, but it’s much more common than number 7.

9) .جزاك الله خيرا : guhZECK awLAW KHAIR.

May God reward you.

This is the “official” Islamic way to say “thank you.” You would hear this in a country with a Muslim majority, regardless of if they speak Arabic or not.

10) .تعبتك معايا : taw’EHBtuck maw’AYuh.

I made you suffer with me.

This usually comes after or is followed by a simple “shokran.” It can be used when a stranger makes the unexpected extra effort to help you out. A good example is that you ask for directions, and instead of just explaining the way, someone actually drives you / walks you all the way to your destination.

You can also use this with a friend to acknowledge their efforts.