Everyday things to bring if you're moving to Egypt. From hygiene to those x-rated in the bedroom kind of things.

I have lived in Egypt for just about 2 years now.  I have had so many women ask me about my life here, asking for advice, and tips I just thought I'd take some time out to talk about that tonight.

I live mostly like your typical North Shore Egyptian wife.  I eat 99% Egyptian food, take on (very happily and willingly I might add) the domestic duties of my family, dress, act, and talk (well-I'm working on that) an Egyptian. 

For me, this is my identity.  I am one of those people who very easily adapt to their surroundings.  I think I was raised this way.  My grandmother taught me a lot of old tricks and I have carried those with me through life.  Growing up in rural NE Wisconsin really set the stages for my life here in Egypt, I think.  We worked hard, cooked from scratch, and smiled at whatever was thrown at us.  

As I've stated in my earlier post about living in Egypt, life is much different here, but I call this place home.  Unfortunately, I was raised in a society which is slightly (OK a lot) more advanced in many things us women depend on.  I didn't understand that my first time out here.  While I did adapt, it wasn't always the most comfortable situations and I have devised a list of things to make life more comfortable here for women considering moving, or an extended stay in Egypt.

1. HYGIENE

• Bring a stock of tampons.  If you prefer tampons like I do, you're in for a not so plesent surprise when you come to Egypt.  They are very very hard to find, and if you do they'll be very primitive (cardboard applicator and one size fits all).  If you do manage to find them (available in some Metro Supermarkets) they're not cheap either.  Women simply do not insert things down there, this is basically because they can break your hymen making it difficult to determine how a woman lost her hymen at marriage.  I know it isn't quite fair, but that's just how it is.  When I came back in March I brought a 6 month supply with me, and now I'm running low. Either having a family member willing to ship them or ordering on amazon will be important if you really don't want to wear maxi-pads.
• Solid stick or gel stick deodorant is another rarity here as well.  Be prepared to bring a few extra sticks with you.
• Bring extra hair supplies.  Egyptian women have a different type of hair than European descendant women.  It is between that of European and African descendants.  This means what you normally use in your hair isn't readily available.  Mousse, hairspray, certain kinds of conditioners and shampoos, a variety of hair brushes, and hair dyes are not available in Egypt.  
• 3+ blade shavers.  We only have 1 and 2 blade here.  If you shave instead of wax bring a supply of blades or disposable razors with you.
• If you're any skin tone other than ghost white and wear foundation, bring extras.  You know how many pale skinned girls tan, well in Egypt those beautiful tanned skinned girls love to do the China Doll thing.  Extremely white foundation with bright makeup.  When I wear foundation it is nude or light beige, I couldn't find it.  What I ended up with was this really think cinema ivory white foundation that made me look like a zombie.  If that's not your thing, bring extras. 
• Lotion, lotion, lotion.  If you're prone to dry skin, or have skin conditions, bring your own lotion and moisturizers.  While we do have lotion here it is very watery and not the best in quality.  I use the Nivea face cream on my entire body to prevent cracking during the dry months (on the North Shore in summer it is HUMID).
• Lip-gloss.  I love lip-gloss and have found several halal brands that are really cute. Unfortunately there isn't any here.  I mean none.    I've searched 3 malls in Cairo and every cosmetic shop in Port Said Governorate and still couldn't find any. 

2. HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

• Oven thermometers.  Yes, not every oven here will have a thermometer.  I have a brand new one and mine doesn't.  Many, mine included, don't even have a temperature gauge on the nob.  I bake by guessing and I've become an expert but I know many are not.  Best bet is to bring a simple and cheap over thermometer if you plan on ever baking.
• Modern can-opener.  I don't use much canned food but when I do I'd really love a can opener that works.  We've tried several can openers from china that don't work.  The only one I have that does is an old fashioned baladi (local in Egyptian Arabic) can opener similar to the one below. 
  
• I do not suggest bringing appliances, even small ones.  Not because of airport security or anything, I brought a huge food processor in my checked luggage.  The problem is, in Egypt all electrical plugs run 220 volts vs the 110 volts most small appliances run on in the US.  You will have to find a step down transformer to run it and they are hard to find and can be costly.
• I've been asked several times about toilet paper.  Most people are familiar with the idea that we don't use it here.  Instead we use a bidget in our toilets to wash our backsides.  This does not in any way mean we don't have toilet paper, I just don't advise flushing it.  I was surprised after moving to Egypt how much water we waste in America from out toilets.  Here they're only filled just above the bottom of the bowl.  Unless you're flushing toilet paper they work great. But again, we do have it, I just suggest throwing it away over flushing it. 
• When it comes to household things, we have a lot, but think 1960's technology.  Anything electronic costs a lot and is hard to find, anything kitchen that is from after 1960 will be expensive.  Anything imported is expensive.  I advise you make a list of things you MUST have or can't live without and go from there. 

3. FOOD STUFFS

• Most bigger cities have Metro markets which cater largely to tourists and foreigners.  Much of what you're looking for you can find there.  If you're Christian and eat pork, I can't help you find that.  Unfortunately pork products are not sold here publicly.  They do exist but I suggest you ask around the Churches about where to obtain them.  
• Alcohol is another thing you won't find here readily.  Some of the more touristy cities have it but don't expect to find it anywhere else ( they also are very picky about you bringing it in with you in your checked luggage or carry-on).
• If you don't plan to eat Egyptian food bring a lot of money with you.  Imported and processed food is expensive, so are fast food restaurants.  Especially if you plan on staying for an extended period. You will burn through your funds quickly. 

4. MEDICATIONS

• Most prescriptions are available in Egypt, but under a different name.  I take insulin and while I can find novolog, I have switched to humolog because it has a higher temperature allowance for shipping purposes.  
• If you take certain anti-depressants or psychiatric medications bring extras, you will not find many in Egypt.
• If you take any long term prescription steroids bring extra, steroids are illegal in Egypt even with prescription so you will not find them at the pharmacy or... well anywhere except maybe a drug dealer and I do NOT suggest that. 
• Narcotics do not exist in Egypt.  No Vicodin, no Tylenol with codeine, no morphine (except in life and death situations), no percocet... Nothing like that is available here at all.  I was in Cairo, almost dying from pain (losing consciousness) and the best they could even give me was ketorolac (tordol) which did nothing for the pain.  I suggest if you take prescription long term narcotics to reconsider your move, wean yourself off ahead of time, or have someone ship them with prescription to Egypt.  Shipping is not advised though. 
• We do have ibuprofen (NSAID pain releavers and anti inflammatory drugs are common and can be obtained without a prescription: catafast, ketorolac, flamogen).
• We do have Tylenol and it is commonly found under the name Penadol and Adol.
• Cold pills that work the best are congestal (paracetamol 650 mg, cholrpheniramine maleate 4mg, pseudo-ephedrine hydrocholoride 60 mg).
• For upset stomach and diarrhea go to the pharmacy and ask for antinal.  It works wonders.
• Birth control pills are also available but I am not sure about what brands.
• You do not need a prescription for medications in Egypt as everything is legal.  

5. X-RATED IN THE BEDROOM STUFF (WARNING: If this kind of thing -sexual in nature-offends you please stop reading here! Not for small children.)

• Lingerie is available for all sized women in most local clothing markets throughout Egypt.  You can find basically everything from simple to exotic and erotic.  Remember, the best stuff (and often the cheapest) is in your local outdoor clothing market (bazaar).  We have an entire 10 streets running east to west here in Port Said just for women's clothing and lingerie items.
• Condoms are available at your local pharmacy and you can get 6 for about 1 Egyptian pound.
• Sex toys... No.  If you're into that kind of thing you will not find them here.  Not because no one has sex, simply because most Egyptian couples don't have 'that' kind of sex.  I have heard rumors that there were a few in Cairo but they were shut down in the time of Morsi.  I'm not sure if more have opened, but with the taboo of sex toys in the Middle East I highly doubt it. You can bring them with you though in your checked luggage.  They will not confiscate them, I assure you that.  I do not suggest bringing handcuffs with you though as the customs people may see this as a security risk and you might have them confiscated or at least have some interesting explaining to do. 
• Personal lubricants.  Whatever your reason for needing them, you won't find those here either. I suggest bringing enough with you or using coconut or almond oil. 

Now I'm sure there is some stuff I missed, so if you have any questions about what we have and what we don't, please feel free to ask.  

Egyptian Style Tomato and Cucumber Salad

In Egypt, all of your fruits and vegetables are locally grown (well, in Egypt) and fresh.  This means everything is seasonal.  While this is great for freshness and price, it is not the best when you want something out of season (example: mangoes or figs in the fall/winter, strawberries and bananas in spring/summer).

Egyptians love fresh salads, but not the kind you're thinking.  In the Unites States and much of Europe, we have come to think of a salad as a main meal kind of thing.  Lettuces, vegis, meats, dressing...  Unless you're dining at a restaurant in one of the pricey malls, you won't even find a salad like that in Egypt.

Salad in Egypt is mainly made of the items you can find year round, the staples to every Egyptian's diet; tomatoes, onion, cucumber, and fresh cilantro.  This is eaten in Egypt as the side with most cooked fish meals (and seafood) and unlike in America, eaten on top of rice.  I think it's great with rice and alone.  One of my favorite dishes.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 medium tomatoes
• 2 English cucumbers (small short cucumbers with tiny seeds)
• One medium onion
• 3 tbsp white vinegar
• about 3 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped (parsley works well also)
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Chop tomatoes and cucumbers into about 1/4" pieces and add to bowl
2. Peel and quarter onion, add to food processor and roughly chop
3. Add onion to bowl of tomato and cucumber mix
4. Add finely chopped fresh cilantro, cumin, salt, pepper, and vinegar
5. toss together
6. serve cold with Egyptian rice

The Perfect Egyptian Rice with Vermicelli

If you know an Egyptian, or are married to one, you are familiar with the fact that they like to eat rice with... well almost everything.  And Egyptians, at least the ones I know, are very particular about their rice.

Egyptian rice is a very short grain rice, grown in Egypt.  It is not cooked the same way as medium or long grain rice.  When cooked it is supposed to have a fluffy texture, not at all sticky.  Most often, Egyptian rice is cooked with very short vermicelli.  If you don't have short vermicelli available, you can break regular long vermicelli into about 1/2 inch pieces.

For the longest time I struggled making perfect Egyptian rice.  It was either sticky or crunchy.  After a lot of experimenting with rinsing and soaking, different amounts of water, and different qualities of rice I found maybe I just wasn't ever going to be able to make it.

One day while cooking the vermicelli (you brown it like you would with rice a roni) I forgot to add the water before I added the rice.  Well, now what?  I got some crazy idea.  I added a tiny bit of oil to coat the rice and cooked it slightly, then added the water.  OMG it worked.  It was so simple, so easy. no rinsing, no soaking.  And the rice was absolutely perfect.

So today I am sharing with you my easy recipe for that perfect Egyptian rice with Vermicelli.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup vermicelli (1/2" length)
• 1 cup Egyptian or other short grain rice
• 1 3/4 cup boiling water
• salt to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium sized sauce pan over medium heat. warm the oil
2. Add vermicelli.  Stirring constantly cook vermicelli until golden brown (do not burn)
3. Remove from heat.  Add rice and salt.  Stir until thoroughly coated with oil. 
4. Return to low heat and cook about 3-5 minutes.  Rice will go from clear to a pasty while color. Be very careful not to burn the rice.  This can happen quickly so you have to constantly stir it.
5. Add 1/34 cup boiling water.  Cover and cook on very low heat for about 10-15 minutes.  Stir every 5 minutes.  
6. When most of the water is absorbed turn off the heat and leave covered for about 5 more minutes
7. Fluff rice with fork.  

Left-over Ramadan Dates? Date Paste Recipe

With Ramadan over many of us are suffering from too many date syndrome, or simply, lots of left over dates and little ideas to do with them. We had about 4kg left after Ramadan ended and with all the heat and humidity I wanted to keep them from going bad. {Eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allah) likes not Al-Musrifûn (those who waste by extravagance).} [Quran 7:31]  

 I was really torn with what to do with them but came up with a great solution after baking a really dry cake one day.

DATE PASTE

Date paste is just amazing.  It packs all the nutrients of dates in a easy to store much smaller size. Date paste is useful in baking, as a marinade for meat, sauces, spreads, and I've even used it in a recipe for orange sesame chicken.  It is sweet and tangy and has many health benefits.  

In baking I use it as an oil or butter substitute.  It makes a super moist cake that is also healthy!  Yes, I said it, healthy cake!

Date paste does take a little work to make but is well worth it.

NOTE: The amount of dates you use isn't important in this recipe at all.  It can be made as a single serving or larger batches to can or freeze. 

Ingredients:

• Dates
• Water
• vanilla to taste (optional)

Directions:

1. Split and seed the dates you want to make into paste. I used 2 kg of dates and it took a while.
2. Cover with water and soak dates for at least 3 hours (preferably over night)
3. Drain dates but do not discard of the water you used to soak them.
4. Add dates to food processor and add about 1/3 of the soaking water. 
5. Continue blending adding water when necessary until you have a thick applesauce consistency. Add vanilla if you choose. 
6. Allow to cool fully before eating.  If canning add to sanitized canning jars while hot and seal off immediately. 

Good in unsealed container in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks.
Good canned and frozen for 6+ months.

Enjoy!  

Loobya (Egyptian black-eyed pea stew) recipe

So I was asked by my husband to make something I've never even tasted before.  That's a first for me. I think what makes it so hard to cook without tasting is that I don't even know what it's supposed to taste like.

Loobya is one of my husband's favorite dishes.  It is Egyptian black-eyed pea stew and like most other Egyptian stew it contains stew meat and a tomato sauce base.  I found a few recipes online that seemed really bland spiced only with onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.  From what I know about Egyptian food, nothing is that bland.  I searched and searched until I found a recipe in Arabic that was closer to what I was thinking.  Now I never follow a recipe down to the tee.  I like to make everything my own while still following local spice and dietary customs.   According to my husband I made another knock-out dish and the best loobya he's ever tasted!  Thought I'd pass along my recipe.

I have only eaten black-eyed peas in bean soup, many years ago, so I wasn't really excited about making it but it was something Wael was really looking forward to so I couldn't pass up the challenge.

This is an absolutely amazing dish.

This can easily be made into a vegetarian meal, just skip the meat, it will still taste great!

When making loobya it is important to rinse your black-eyed peas the night before and soak them in a large bowl of cold water.  When you tend to them in the morning, discard of any floaters on top.

Rinse again and refill the bowl with fresh water and black-eyed peas.  Set 1 hour.

Ingredients:

• 1 onion
• 3 tbsp sunflower oil
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 lb beef or lamb stew meat
• 4 tbsp tomato paste ( I make mine homemade but that isn't necessary)
• 1 lb bag of dried black-eyed peas
• 1 tsp cloves
• 1 tsp cumin
• 3 bay leaves
• 3 cardamon pods
• salt and pepper to taste
• juice of 1/2 lemon

Directions:

1. Fill stock pot with enough water to cover black-eyed peas.  Place over medium heat and heat to boil, then turn down to simmer.
2. Place onion and garlic in food processor.  Mince well. 
3. Place oil in pan over low heat.  Add onions and garlic and heat until aromatic and onions are translucent. 
4. Add onions and garlic to stock pot.
5. Add beef to pan over low heat and fry until brown.  Add to stock pot.
6. Cook for 2 hours over low heat.
7. Stir and add in tomato paste.
8. Grind spices in food processor (dry) or in mortar and pestle.  
9. Add spices to stock pot.  Salt and pepper to taste,
10. Cook over low heat and additional hour.
11. Serve warm.

Server with Egyptian short grain rice.

Hijab: Obligatory or Choice?!

I am a Muslim woman, and I am pretty forward on a lot of issues.  I do not consider myself a scholar. I am also not a follower of Salafism or Wahhabism.  I am just a Muslim woman who is tired of people trying to tell me I am not obligated to wear the hijab, or head scarf.  

I am often told we are not obligated; it's a woman's choice.  The thing is, there is a notable difference between 'not obligated' and 'choice'.  The word obligatory means required by a legal, moral, or other rule; compulsory.  Choice, as defined by Merriam-Webster is the act of choosing: the act of picking or deciding between two or more possibilities.  So something can be obligatory but you can choose not to follow that obligation, right?  Yes. 

I have heard the story enough, Muslim women saying they don't have to wear the hijab, it's their choice, that not all Islamic Scholars say it is obligatory.  The fact of the matter is, there is not one qualified Islamic Scholar that has ever said, in the history of Islam, that hijab is not obligatory.  Now I want to clarify qualified Islamic Scholar.  Not everyone can be an Islamic Scholar, and for this I will refer to using the Islamic High Council of Senior Scholars as qualified Scholars.  

The thing is, there is no mistake that hijab is obligated for Muslim women because it has been stated in Quran, then in hadith, and then verified by the Islamic High Council of Senior Scholars.  There is no mistaking that.  No argument necessary.  Khalaas! Women in Islam are obligated to wear hijab.

There is something though, about choice.  God (Allah-same meaning) gave man (and woman) free will.  A woman can choose not to wear hijab.  Will it make her a non-Muslim?  No.  There are 5 pillars to Islam and wearing hijab is not one of them.  If a woman does not wear hijab she can still be a Muslim just as if a person decides to start drinking alcohol, steals, or kills someone he can still be a Muslim.  These are just sins.  If you don't do something God orders you to do, that is considered sinning.  Every person has free will, therefor he or she can choose to sin if they want to.  

So, is wearing hijab obligatory for Muslim women, yes it is.  Do Muslim women have a choice whether they wear it or not.  Yes they do. 

So why are some women saying it is not obligatory?  My theory is that they don't want to admit to their sin, and they're trying to justify their actions.  I keep wondering why we so often attempt to make excuses for sins in our lives. How is that though we say we love God, so often it is difficult to look at ourselves head-on and see the sin that God sees? How come it is so easy to make excuses to others, who often see us for what we are, and the sins we commit? Why is it that the sins we try to hide the most, are the ones that keep coming to light, until we finally say, "No more excuses"?

I don't care if you choose to wear hijab or not.  That isn't for me to judge but you're excuses are making it difficult for us women who do still want to do what is right and wear our hijab.  If you don't want to say it, it's time to quit making excuses about Islam and take responsibility for your own actions. 

Bamya bil Lahme (Okra with meat stew) Egyptian Recipe

In Egypt, we have another way of thinking about meals.

Breakfast is around 6-8AM before the men leave to work or go out to the fields.

Lunch is the big meal of the day and is usually served between 3-5 PM .  This was something I found difficult to get used to at first because traditionally in the United States our big meal is in the evening (supper, or some call it dinner).  The reason lunch is your big meal is for a two reasons. First, men come home after working are looking for a big meal before they go off to their second job.  Second, instead of eating a large meal only hours before you sleep, Egyptians have found it is healthier to eat your larger meal mid-day so you have more time to burn those calories off.

Supper is more of a snack taken shortly before bedtime.

Lunch in Egypt is usually a big hearty meal made up of stews, baked dishes, and grilled fish almost all served with rice.  All the food is made from fresh seasonal ingredients and usually takes some time to prepare but is well worth it in taste and nutrients.

Today I will be making Bamya bil Lahme, or okra with meat stew.  There are several ways you can make this, either in your oven or in a pot.  The oven method is slower and really heats up your house in the summer so I am opting for the pot method today.  

For those of you unfamiliar with okra (being from Wisconsin I had never eaten it before moving to Egypt while I know it is popular in southern states) it is a plant from the mallow family that grows in warmer climates.  Okra is very healthy and high in antioxidants.  It is high in vitamins A, B, C, and K.  Medically it has been used to help blood clotting, help lower blood sugar, reduce symptoms of acid reflux, and studies have shown it reduces your risk of heart disease.  Okra is one of those super-foods that when cooked right tastes good too, making it a staple in our family. 

Baby Okra

Bamya bil lahme originated in Egypt thousands of years ago. It is made with lamb or beef. This is the recipe as taught to me by my Egyptian mother-in-law while I was living in Egypt. This recipe is a one pot recipe making it quicker and easier to prepare than other stove to oven methods. Served with Egyptian or other short grained rice.

Ingredients

•  6 tablespoons unsalted butter or 6 tablespoons olive oil
•  2 lbs lamb or 2 lbs beef stew meat
•  2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon        
• 1 cup chopped tomato (peeled and seeded)
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup stock (beef)
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 1/2 lbs okra (baby, fresh or frozen)
• 1 lemon, juice of

Directions

1.          Heat 4 tablespoons butter or oil in a large stock pot over medium high heat. Working in small batches, brown meat, turning constantly, until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
2.          Add onions to meat and saute until translucent, 8-10 minutes.
3.          Add garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, tomatoes, tomato paste, and stock. Stir well.
4.          Add salt and pepper to taste.
5.          Cover tightly and cook for about 45 minutes- 1 hour or until meat is tender. Add more water if it becomes dry.
6.          Prepare okra by rinsing in cool water. Cut the stem end off each and poke holes in them to allow them to absorb the liquid.
7.        Once meat is tender add okra and 1-2 cups water.
8.       Pour lemon juice over mixture (this reduces the slimy texture of the okra).
9.     Cook an additional 30-45 minutes on low heat until it has a thick stew consistency and okra is soft.
10. Serve warm with rice.

Egyptian Arabic Grammar and Common Mistakes: Part 1 NOUNS

My habibi... Ukhtis... Common mistakes in Arabic from non-native speakers that drive me insane and make you look kind of stupid in front of native Arabic speakers.  I am going to try to run over some simple grammatical rules and explain some common mistakes (and why you're making them).

Egyptian Arabic words are made of three different parts.  The prefix, the root word, and the suffix. Nouns generally only have the root word (which will be either male or female) and a suffix ( my, your, their, our, etc).

NOUNS

In Arabic, nouns are either male or female.

For the most part, nouns that end in a 'ta' 'a' or 'ah' sound are feminine. Some examples:

ENGLISH WORD	PRONOUNCIATION	ARABIC
SISTER	UKHTA	أخت
APARTMENT	SHA’A	شقة
CAR	ARRIBEYA	عربية
WORD	KILMA	كلمة
JACKET	JAKEETA	جاكيتة

Masculine nouns do not end in  'ta' 'a' or 'ah'.  Some examples:

ENGLISH WORD	PRONOUNCIATION	ARABIC
TEACHER	MUDARRIS	مدرس
ENGINEER	MOHANDIS	مهندس
ACTOR	MUMASSIL	ممثل
ARTIST	FANNAN	فنان
BOOK	KITAB	كتاب
WINDOW	SHOBBAK	شباك

Unlike in English, to make a noun plural you don't just add an 's' or 'es' at the end.

For a masculine word you just add 'ein' to the end of the word to make it plural. An example would be teacher/mudarris. Plural it would be teachers/mudarrisien. With feminine nouns you need to remove the 'a' or 'ta' and make it 'aat'.  For example car/arribeya would be cars/aribeyyaat plural. There are some irregular plurals that don't follow these rules though, sister/ukhta for example is sisters/akwaet when plural or ukteen for two sisters.

To take possession of a noun you also don't add my or s at the end.  Ukhtais and my habibi is incorrect forms to take possession.  The Arabic word for my is 'i'  'ي'.  Simply, for most nouns you add i at the end to take possession of it. For instance, my house is bayti. Habb means love, if you want to say my love you would say habibi (not my habibi because it is already saying my). Some nouns you need to add a word behind to make it belonging, bitaea'i. For example: There is my teacher!/ 'ehu ilmudarris bitaea'i.

To give someone else ownership it depends on whether they are male, female, singular, or a group. For a male you add 'uh' at the end.  His mind would be aa'l uh just as his children would be awlaed uh.  When referring to something that belongs to her you would use 'ha'.  Her voice is soot ha and her siblings would be ikhwaet ha.

When you are referring to your you have add 'ak' (pronounced ik for females).  Your ear would be widnik and your hair would be shaarik. For our you add 'na'.  Our son would be ibn ina and our house would be bayit ina. Finally, their is 'hum'.  Their house is bayit hum and their son is ibna hum.

Hope this helps.  If you have any questions please feel free to ask and watch for my next lesson on Egyptian Arabic verbs.

Egyptian Arabic Beginners Guide: Part 1 THE BASICS

PART 1: THE BASICS

PRONOUNS

ENGLISH WORD	PRONOUNCIATION	ARABIC
I	ANA	أنا
YOU(MALE)	INTA	انت
YOU(FEMALE)	INTY	انتي
WE	IHNA	احنا
HE	HUWA	هو
SHE	HEYA	هي
THEY	HUMA	هما
YOU(PLURAL)	INTW	انتوا

GREETINGS

ENGLISH WORD	PRONOUNCIATION	ARABIC
GOOD MORNING	SABAH IL KHEER	صباح الخير
GOOD MORNING (RESPONSE)	SABAH IL NOOR	صباح النور
GOOD AFTERNOON/EVENING	MASA’ IL KHEER	مساء الخير
GOOD AFTERNOON/EVENING (RESPONSE)	MASA’ IL NOOR	مساء النور
HELLO	ASSALAMU ALAIKUM	السلام عليكم
HELLO (RESPONSE)	WA ALAIKUM ASSALAM	وعليكم السلام
WELCOME	AHLAN WA SAHLAN	أهلاً وسهلاً
GOOD NIGHT (TO MALE)	TISBAH ALA KHEER	تصبح على خير
GOOD NIGHT (RESPONSE SAID TO A MALE)	WA INTA MIN AHLOW	وانت من أهله
GOOD NIGHT (TO FEMALE)	TISBAHE ALA KHEER	تصبحي على خير
GOOD NIGHT (RESPONSE SAID TO A FEMALE)	WA INTY MIN AHLOW	وانتي من أهله

INTERROGITIVES

ENGLISH WORD	PRONOUNCIATION	ARABIC
WHERE	FEEN	فين
WHO	MEEN	مين
WHY	LAYH   (OR LEIGH DEPENDING ON ACCENT)	ليه
WHEN	IMTA	امتى
WHICH	ANAHE	أنهي
WHAT?	AYE	ايه
HOW	IZZAY	إزاي

COMMON SAYINGS

ENGLISH WORD	PRONOUNCIATION	ARABIC
HOW ARE YOU (TO MALE)	IZZAYAK	ازيك
HOW ARE YOU (TO FEMALE)	IZZAYIK	ازيك
NICE TO MEET YOU	FURSA SAEEDA	فرصة سعيدة
NICE TO MEET YOU (RESPONSE)	ANA IL ASAD	أنا الأسعد
GOODBYE (SAID TO THE PERSON LEAVING)	MA SALAMA	مع السلامة
GOODBYE (USED BY ANYONE)	SALAM	سلام
GET WELL SOON (TO MALE)	SALAMTAK	سلامتك
GET WELL SOON (TO FEMALE)	SALAMTIK	سلامتك
RESPONSE TO GET WELL SOON	ALLAH YSALLIMAK	الله يسلمك
PLEASE	LOW SAMAHT	لو سمحت
THANK YOU	SHUKRAN	شكرا
YOU’RE WELCOME	AFWAN	عفوا
SORRY (SAID BY MALE)	ASIF	آسف
SORRY (SAID BY FEMALE)	ASIFA	آسفة