The Word Akeed (اكيد) In Egyptian Arabic: How To Use It

The word akeed (اكيد) is one of the most common words in Egyptian Arabic.

Today we are talking about how to use it, as well as some example phrases to practice.

Let’s get started!

The Word Akeed (اكيد): A Quick Background

Akeed in Egyptian Arabic is versatile and can be used a few different ways. Like many words, there are a few nuances to the akeed – it really depends on the context and intonation.

As we will see below, the most common way to use akeed is as “definitely.”

That said, there are a few important things to keep in mind while using it.

The Word Akeed (اكيد): Different Ways to Use It

There are two main ways that akeed / اكيد in Egyptian Arabic is used:

1. Certainty or strong affirmation. As we stated before, akeed can basically be used as “definitely” / “of course” (affirming something with string certainty). This is when you are sure of something and want to emphasize your certainty.
2. Sarcastic exaggeration or mockery. This will depend on the situation, but if you have the right tone of voice, akeed can also be a very sarcastic “definitely”. This is if kind of like if you believe something is impossible, or simply want to make fun of somebody asking an obvious question. Be sure to check out our “important note” about akeed at the bottom. 

Let’s now check out some examples of akeed / اكيد in action (all in red so you can see where it is used).

The Word Akeed (اكيد): Example Phrases 

Certainty or strong affirmation

Are you coming tomorrow to the club? : Hategy bokra elnady?

هتيجي بكرة النادي؟

Of course, my daughter! : Akeed ya benti!

!اكيد يا بنتي

“My daughter” here is used as my friend. It’s kind of like the word habibti / حبيبتي in Egyptian Arabic.

Did you see the new movie from Tamer Hosny? : Shoft el film el gded bta3 tamer hosny?

شفت الفيلم الجديد بتاع تامر حسني؟

Of course, you know that I love him! :  Akeed, enta 3aref eni ba7bo!

!اكيد ،انت عارف اني بحبه

Want more useful words for the cinema? Check out our post on going to the movies in Egyptian Arabic.

You for sure know that we booked the flights, right? : Enta akeed 3aref en ehna 7agzna el tayaran, sa7?

 انت اكيد عارف ان احنا حجزنا الطيران صح؟

Notice here that the word is used at the beginning of the question. 

This is essentially asking for confirmation if you yourself are unsure of something.

Sarcastic exaggeration or mockery

You will pay for all of us because you are the richest among us. : Enta el hat7seb lena kolna 3lshan enta aghna wa7ed fena.

.انت اللي هتحاسب لينا كلنا علشان انت اغنى واحد فينا

Of course, but I will pay in cheques cause all my cash money is in Switzerland. : Akeed, bas hadfa3 shikat 3alshan flosy kolha f swisra.

.اكيد ، بس هدفع شيكات علشان فلوسي كلها في سويسرا

This is the slightly more complicated way to use akeed / اكيد in Egyptian Arabic. It’s onviously sarcastic, which brings us to our last point…

The Word Akeed (اكيد): One Last Important Note

While akeed / اكيد usually signifies certainty, the tone and context can sometimes add shades of doubt or a specific kind of humor. This makes it essential that you have the context of a conversation to know if somebody means it seriously or not.

Pay attention to the overall vibe and surrounding conversation to understand the intended meaning.

…

Happy learning,

Cleo Lingo