The Word Taba3n (طبعا) In Egyptian Arabic: How To Use It

In Egyptian Arabic, the word taba3n / طبعا has several meanings and uses. Like many essential words in Egyptian Arabic, it is highly dependent on the context. 

Today we cover four of the main ways to use taba3n in Egyptian Arabic. It’s a very common word, and will increase your fluency with the language once you have mastered it.

The Word Taba3n (طبعا ): Four Different Ways to Use It

Tab3an basically means “of course”, but can have slightly different meanings based on the context. Let’s look at the four most common.

Tab3an meaning #1: “Absolutely” / “of course”

This is the most common way to use taba3n / طبعا. It’s basically just expressing enthusiasm at something somebody just said.

Example:

Do you like playing football? : bt7eb tel3ab kora?

بتحب تلعب كورة؟

Of course…I play football every week. : Tab3an…ana bal3ab kora kol esbo3.

.طبعا …انا بلعب كورة كل اسبوع

In this example, somebody is enthusiastic about how much football they play. It’s basically them saying “Well yeah, duh!”

Tab3an meaning #2: “I understand”

This meaning of taba3n / طبعا is basically just acknowledging somebody’s point. Think of it as a “Got it!” or “Okay, I’m following.”

Example:

I work at a big company. : Ana bshtghl fee sharka kibeera.

.انا بشتغل في شركة كبيرة

I understand. : Tab3an.

.طبعا

In this example, imagine two people talking about their job. After the first person says that they work at a company, the second throws in a tab3an as a “filler word”. This signifies they are following along.

Tab3an meaning #3: “Sure, go ahead”

This meaning of taba3n / طبعا is a gentle way of saying “yeah ok.” Think of it as being very polite. If you want to be even more respectful, you will usually throw in an etfadal (masculine) or etfadalee (feminine). 

Example:

Can I exit? : Moomkin enzl?

ممكن انزل؟

Sure. Go ahead. : Tab3an. Etfadal.

.طبعا. اتفضل

In this example in the metro, somebody is asking to be let out at the next stop. Most likely the person they are addressing is standing in front of the door, and the response was very nice.

Tab3an meaning #4: “I agree” / “that’s true”

Our last meaning of taba3n / طبعا is used as a sign of agreement. Think of it as a “Right on!” or “You’re absolutely right.” 

Example:

Languages are fun. : el-loghat momte3a.

.اللغات ممتعة

I agree! : Tab3an!

!طبعا

In this example, it’s basically just a friendly conversation. Somebody said that they think languages are fun, and the second person agreed. Pretty basic.

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As with many words, there is a fair bit of overlap in the various uses of taba3n / طبعا.

Our main tip: context is key with tab3an. Its tone and meaning can shift depending on the situation and speaker’s intention. 

But understanding these four situations will allow you to use tab3an much more accurately. 

Good luck out there!

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Happy learning,

Cleo Lingo