The Word Tayeb (طيب) in Egyptian Arabic: How To Use It

Today we are talking about the word tayeb (طيب) in Egyptian Arabic.

This word is used often in Egyptian Arabic, and there are a couple very different ways to use it.

Want to know more?

Let’s get started!

The Word Tayeb (طيب): Where It Comes From and What It Means

The word tayeb is originally an Arabic word that literally means “kind / “good” / or “righteous”.

In fact, the Quran mentions it a few times when referring to good people.

Still, while this might be how it was originally used, it’s certainly not the only way Egyptians use it.  The word is flexible and people use it in a variety of contexts.

Let’s have a look at them.

The Word Tayeb (طيب): Different Ways to Use It

The word tayeb has a few different meanings.

Pay close attention to how we describe the word and the implied “nuances” of using it.

Be sure to follow it up with the “Example Phrases” section below so you know you fully understand it.

Here are five of the most common ways to use the word tayeb in Egyptian Arabic:

1. Tayeb / Tayeba. : Describing a person who is kind or well mannered. This is literally describing someone who is a good person with a kind heart. This is essentially the “original” meaning of the word tayeb.
2. Tayeb. : Expressing agreement, like “oh, sounds good.” In this way, the word tayeb is also usually coupled with another confirmation / agreement word. Examples would be Tayeb, mashy / Tayeb, 7ader (both suuuuuuuper common among Egyptians) or Tayeb, tamam.
3. Tayeb. : As a “threatening word.” Think like “ok, I hear what you are saying, but it’s making me pretty pissed off and I’m about to scream at you.” Of course, body language is super important here.
4. Tayeba. : To express that something is “good enough.” Not great, but good enough to be considered “finished” or “ready.” This is quite slang. It’s also always used in the feminine form, no matter what you are talking about.
5. Tab. : Used as “well” in the beginning of a sentence. Basically a filler word. Pronunciation is important here – you would say tab, not actually tayeb.

In other Arab countries they use the word tayeb to describe delicious food or a sweet scent, as well.

Keep in mind here that there is no one “correct word” to use for any of the given definitions above.

For example, tayeb is often used to mean a person who is good. However (at least in English), good can also mean nice, great, cool, etc.

As long as you have the basic meaning down, you can be quite flexible using the word.

The Word Tayeb (طيب): Example Phrases

Here are a few examples of the word tayeb in action.

We’ve added “context” to each example to help you better understand how the people use tayeb us being used.

Example 1: Basic, “non emotional” interaction between two people.

Can you bring me the black backpack? : Momken tgbli ma3ak elshanta elsoda?

ممكن تجبلي معاك الشنطة السودا؟

Alright. : Tayeb mashy (both are agreement words).

.طيب ماشي

Thanks. : Shokran.

.شكرا

Example 2: To friends talking about going to a (cool) party.

Would you like to go to a party? : Te7b nro7 7afla?

تحب نروح حفلة؟

When? : Emta?

امتى؟

Next Friday there is a cool party. : El gom3a elgaia f 7afla 7elwa.

.الجمعة الجاية في حفلة حلوة

Ok, let’s go. : Tayeb, yalla bena.

.طيب يلا بينا

Check out more about the word yalla on this cool blog.

Example 3: Two students talking about a nice teacher.

I’m afraid because I didn’t do the homework. : Ana khayf 3lshan ma3mltsh elwageb.

.انا خايف علشان معملتش الواجب

Don’t be afraid – Ms. Manal is very kind, she won’t do anything to you. : Matkhafsh – Ms Manal tayeba awy, mesh hat3mlak haga

.متخفش- مس منال طيبة قوي مش هتعملك حاجة

Example 4: A koshk guy (probably old man) talking to another guy who is passing by.

How are you Mohamed, son? : Ezayak ya mohamed ya ebni?

ازيك يا محمد يا ابني؟

Thanks be to God, how are you Uncle Hany, you good guy? : Elhamdulelah, ezayak ya a3am hany ya ragel ya tayb?

الحمد لله، ازيك يا عم هاني يا راجل يا طيب؟

This one is a very classic phrase – you might hear it in a movie. The phrase ya ragel ya tayeb is commonly used when referring to older, pleasant guys.

Also: yes, I realize “son” and “you good guy” sound weird in English, but that’s just the direct translation of both. Sounds perfectly normal in Egyptian Arabic.

Don’t know what a koshk even is? Check out this post for all the important information you need!

Also, you might find it useful to learn more about the phrase elhamdulelah in Egyptian Arabic.

Example 5: Mother talking to her kid that’s misbehaving

Tayeb, wait till we get back home! : Tayebbb, estana 3alia lama nrwa7!

!طيببببب، استنا عليا لما نروح

This would usually be said with a somewhat threatening look and attitude.

Example 6 : A conversation between two younger guys (somewhere between 15 and 30), considered somewhat “lower / middle class” style of talking.

I brought playing cards with me and Backgammon, do we need other games? : Ana gebt kotshena ma3ia w tawla, mhtagen al3ab tani?

انا جبت كوتشينة وطاولة، محتاجين العاب تاني؟

No, that’s totally fine (more than enough). : La2 tayba awy keda.

.لا طيبة قوي كده

Keep in mind: there are multiple ways to use the word keda (كده).

Example 7: Conversation between two women checking out a dress.

Do you like this dress? : 3agbek elfostan da?

عاجبك الفستان ده؟

No its too dark (Lit. No this it’s color dark very). : La da lono ghame2 awy.

.لا ده لونه غامق قوي

Well look at this one. : Tab shofi da.

.طب شوفي ده

Cultural Insight

Tayeb in Egyptian Arabic, while straightforward, can certainly be a bit tricky.

Instead of a “cultural insight”, we have a challenge for you.

Listen to this song (Tayeb Tayeb) by Mohamed Fouad.

How do you think he is using the word tayeb here?

Let us know in the comments!

…

Happy learning,

Cleo Lingo