The Two Forms of “Have” and How to Use Them

The verb “have,” in any language, is one of the most important words you can learn. It is endlessly useful, and in the right situation, can mean the difference between being the most popular kid on the block and being a weirdo that nobody likes. We can’t think of an example of where this might be true, but we are sure it’s out there.

It can be tricky getting use to two different forms of “have.” Certainly not something that exists in English.  Still, the verb is fairly straightforward once you get the concept down. Spend some time studying our examples and you’ll be switching back and forth in no time.

Lesson

Below is an explanation of the two forms of “have,” the two forms conjugated for pronoun, and a set of example sentences. Keep in mind that you do not usually say the pronoun when speaking. I have an idea would literally be “Ana endee fikruh”, but most Egyptians would simply say “Endee fickruh.” Like a lot of languages, the conjugated verb implies the pronoun, and to include it is to be redundant.

Of course, if you want to say it, you can (using the pronoun is not technically wrong, and can help your brain stay focused on what conjugation you need to say next). Indeed, some Egyptians (in specific circumstances) do say the pronoun. That being said, it’s better if you don’t. Your goal should be to speak as similarly to Egyptians as possible. Try to leave it out.

 Have, Form 1 (“AWND”): عند

More abstract/ownership. This is used when you are speaking about something abstract (having a problem, having an idea), or about something you own (a car, a house, etc.). There are also weirder examples, such as speaking about age. This is the verb you will use most of the time in Egypt.

Conjugations

I have…. : “AWNdee”

عندي

You have…. : “AWNduck/AWNdick (male/female)

….عندك

He has…. : “AWNdoo”

….عنده

She has…. : AWNDEHhaw”

.…عندها

We have…. : “AWNDEnuh”

….عندنا

You guys have.… : “AWNDUkoo”

….عندكو

They have…. : “AWNDUhome”

….عندهم

Examples

I have a good house. : “AWNdee bate KWAYiss.”

.عندي بيت كويس

Do you have a problem? : “AWNduck mooshKEluh?”

عندك مشكلة؟

He is 25 years old (literally: He has 25 years). : “AWNdoo kHumsah w eshrEEN sanuh.”

.عنده ٢٥ سنة

We have a business together. : “AWNDEnuh SHArekuh maw’BAWD.”

.عندنا شركة مع بعض

They have a nice car. : “ANDEhome areuhBEEuh HEloouh.”

.عندهم عربية حلوة

You can see that these are either abstract (especially age), or speak about actually owning something. When you say you have an idea, for example, you are not literally saying that you are holding an idea.

Have, Form 2 (“MAaW”): مع

Much more literal. The direct translation of the base verb (“maw’uh”) is “with.” This is used when you are speaking about something you literally have on your person. You are carrying it, holding it in your hand, or asking if somebody else has it RIGHT NOW. It’s much more tangible (and immediate) than form 1.

Conjugations

I have…. : “MAWAYuh….”

.…معايا

You have…. : “MAWuck/MAWIkee….”

….معاك

He has…. : “MAWoo….”

….معاه

She has…. : “MAWhaw….”

….معاها

We have…. : “MAWuhnuh….”

….معانا

You guys have…. : “MAWUHkuh….”

….معاكو

They have…. : “MAWhome….”

….معاهم

Examples

I have the pen. : “MAWAYuh alaHlm.”

.معايا القلم.

Do you have change? : “MAWUCK feckuh?” *** (Important to learn)

معاك فكة؟

She has a mobile. : “MAWhaw MOWbile.”

.معاها موبيل.

We have your book. : “MAWuhnuh keeTAWBuk.”

.معانا كتابك.

You guys have my shirt. : “MAWuhkoo elawMEES biTaiee.”

.معاكو القميص بتاعي.

Note: Just like English, the second person form of “have” (you, you guys) usually comes in the form of a question (Do you have…./Do you guys have….).

Because “mawAYuh” is pretty straightforward, while “AWNdee” is a mixed bag, here is a pretty reliable rule: if you have it on your person, use “mawAyuh”; everything else, stick with “AWNdee.”

Of course, as always, you will come across exceptions to this rule. But it works most of the time.

A good comparison to highlight the difference here is with money.

When using the first form of “have,” you would say “AWNdee floos.” This means that I own the money.  I have a lot of money in the bank. I am rich, and can go to an ATM and withdraw cash. The money exists in the abstract sense, but I am not carrying it with me right now.

With the second form, though (“mawAYuh floos”), I am literally carrying money with me. I have bills in my pocket or bag, and if I pulled them out, you could hold them. The money exists quite tangibly. It’s here for you to see, right now.

Use this reasoning when deciding which form to use.

Conclusion

So there you have it. Like almost every single grammar concept, learn this with a willingness to accept contradictions. While the above-stated rule is quite consistent, you will come across examples that will have you scratching your head. A healthy dose of open-mindedness is your friend here. Even if you mess up and use the wrong form of “have,” most Egyptians (assuming you have said everything else correctly) will know what you are talking about.

Still, try to get it right. While it’s not the end of the world if you switch these two, it certainly helps to understand the difference. I went around for my first three months asking people if they had change (“Awnduck feckuh?”) only to realize that I should have been saying “Maw’ck fecku?” all along. I often wonder what the guy at the koshary place thought as I (essentially) asked him if he had change in the bank. That’s probably why he laughed at me.

That or the fact that I always got the “family meal” to myself. The world may never know.