The Phrase Tnwarna (تنورنا) in Egyptian Arabic

Today we are talking about the phrase tnwarna (تنورنا)  in Egyptian Arabic.

You will often hear Egyptians use this phrase in everyday conversation – great one to learn!

While tnwarna is the most common form of the phrase, there are other ways to say it as well…

A few of which we will cover in the post. 

Let’s get started!

The Phrase Tnwarna (تنورنا): A Quick Background

The phrases tnwarna (تنورنا) is basically a way to say “somebody lights up a room.”

Literally, tnwarna means ” you illuminate us”, but the implied meaning is:

• We appreciate you being here
• You are such a delight to have around
• Thank you for coming

So, lots of flexibility in using it!

One thing to note: it’s usually used as a respectful greeting.

Egyptian greetings are an important part of the culture – be sure to learn them!

Tnwarna and all related phrases originate from the nour (نور ) which means “light.”

Let’s check out a more detailed explanation below.

The Phrase Tnwarna (تنورنا): Explanation

So…

There are actually quite a few ways to use this phrase.

That’s because it’s a verb that needs to be properly conjugated depending on the context.

Here is an explanation of the phrase tnwarna and how it looks different, depending on who you are addressing.

نور / Nour

This is the “base word”, and it means light.

tnwarna : تنورنا

The most common one. Technically used to address a male but is used in a ton of different contexts.

mnwar :منور

More or less the same usage as tnwarna.

mnwareen : منوريين

When you are addressing / welcoming a group of people.

nawrtona : نورتونا

Speaking in the past about somebody who “enlightened” a group of people.

AKA – “You enlightened us.”

The Phrase Tnwarna (تنورنا): Example Phrases

Here are a few examples of the phrase in action.

Because you already know what it means, and because the phrase doesn’t change meaning, you basically already know it.

However, here are some common conversations where you would hear it.

Example 1

Goodbye, thanks for the tea. : Ma3 elsalama, shokran 3ala elshai.

.مع السلامة شكرا على الشاي

You’re welcome sir, you have enlightened us. : el3afw ya fandem, danta nawrtna.

.العفو يا فندم ده انت نورتنا

Notice that the

Technically the words danta (this + you) are not needed here.

It’s just kind of emphasizing the fact of them “illuminating” them.

And, if you ever want to drink tea with somebody…

Remember how to order.

Example 2

Good morning. : sabah elkheer.

.صباح الخير

Good morning, welcome…you brought light to the place/area (you illuminated the room). : saba7 elkheer, ahlan w sahlan, nwart elmakan.

.صباح الخير ..اهلا وسهلا..نورت المكان

That’s your light, thanks. : bnorak, shokran.

.بنورك شكرا

Bnorak is an interesting one. It’s basically saying “no the light is yours” when somebody compliments you.

Nice way to be extra polite when somebody welcomes you.

Also, notice “the place” (المكان / elmakan). Very important word to know, and is used quite often in Egyptian Arabic for a variety of things.

Example 3

How are you guys…sorry for being late. : Ezayoko ya shabab, asfa 3ala elta2kheer.

.ازيكو يا شباب …اسفه على التأخير

No worries… it’s enough that you made it…you have enlightened us. : wala yhmek, kefaya enek geti, nawrtena.

.ولا يهمك..كفاية انك جيتي ..نورتينا

That’s your light, thanks. : bnorak, teslam.

.بنورك ..تسلم

Again, we see the whole “that’s your light / the light is yours” thing.

Also, teslam is another way to say thank you in Egyptian Arabic.

Beside that, two important phrases that are definitely worth remembering:

• Sorry for being late. : اسفه على التأخير / asfa 3ala elta2kheer.
• No worries. : ولا يهمك / wala yhmek.

That’s it for today.

Thank you for reading this post…

!تنورنا

…

Happy learning,

Cleo Lingo