Egyptian Arabic greetings: how to say hello like a local

Many visitors arrive knowing marhaba, the “hello” taught in most Arabic phrasebooks, and then hardly hear it. Egyptians understand it, but on the street, in shops and at hotel desks the greetings you’ll actually hear are Salām, Ahlan and, above all, Ezayyak? – “how are you?”.

This lesson takes 13 everyday greetings one at a time: what each means, how to say it, when to use it, the reply people expect, and how it sounds in a real moment in Egypt.

Salām (sa-LAAM) means “peace” and is the simplest hello. The full form, Salām ‘alaykum (“peace be upon you”), is the standard Muslim greeting; the reply is Wa ‘alaykum el salām.

How to use it: Use it with anyone, any time – it’s the safest greeting there is. Many Egyptians, Christians especially, also greet with Ahlan or Saba7 el kheer; visitors can use any of them.

In real life: You walk into a small shop in Khan El Khalili: Salām ‘alaykum – and the shopkeeper answers Wa ‘alaykum el salām, ahlan!

Ahlan wa sahlan (AH-lan wa SAH-lan) means “welcome”, often shortened to Ahlan.

How to use it: You’ll hear it at hotels, shops and in homes. To reply, say Ahlan bik to a man or Ahlan biki to a woman.

In real life: At hotel check-in the receptionist says Ahlan wa sahlan fi Masr! – welcome to Egypt – and you answer Ahlan bik, shokran.

Ezayyak? (ez-ZAY-yak) means “how are you?” – the word to learn first. Say Ezayyek? to a woman and Ezayyoko? to a group.

How to use it: Use it right after hello, every time. Egyptians ask it constantly, often more than once in the same conversation. To an older man, Ezayyak ya hag sounds respectful and warm.

In real life: Your guide picks you up in the morning: Saba7 el kheer! Ezayyak?

3amel eih? (AAM-el eih) means “how are things?” – a more casual “how are you”.

How to use it: Keep it for people your own age or someone you’ve met a few times. With older people or officials, stay with Ezayyak.

In real life: Day three with the same driver: 3amel eih ennaharda? – how are things today?

Eih el akhbar? (eih el akh-BAR) means “what’s the news?”, close to “what’s up?”.

How to use it: Use it with friends and people you know; the usual answer is kollo tamam – all good.

In real life: Meeting a friend at a café: Eih el akhbar ma3ak? – what’s up with you?

Kwayyes (KWAY-yes) means “good, fine” – the basic answer to “how are you?”. A woman says kwayyesa.

How to use it: Answer, then always ask back: W enta? (“and you?”) to a man, W enti? to a woman. Stopping after your own answer can sound abrupt.

In real life: Ezayyak? – Kwayyes, el hamdu lillah. W enta?

El hamdu lillah (el HAM-du lil-LAH) means “praise be to God”.

How to use it: Egyptians add it to “how are you?” answers whether the day is going well or badly, so it’s always a safe reply.

In real life: A shopkeeper asks how your trip is going: Kollo tamam, el hamdu lillah – all good, thank God.

Zay el fol (zay el FOL) literally means “like jasmine” – “perfect, excellent”.

How to use it: Use it to sound warm and very Egyptian when things are going well.

In real life: Ezayyak? – Ana zay el fol, el hamdu lillah! – I’m perfectly fine, thank God.

Saba7 el kheer (sa-BAH el KHEER) means “good morning”, literally “morning of goodness”. The 7 is a soft, breathy h.

How to use it: Use it until about noon. Egyptians answer by “raising” it: Saba7 el noor – “morning of light”.

In real life: At breakfast the waiter says Saba7 el kheer – try answering Saba7 el fol (“morning of jasmine”). It usually gets a laugh.

Mesa el kheer (ME-sa el KHEER) means “good evening”.

How to use it: Use it from the afternoon on. The reply is Mesa el noor – “evening of light”.

In real life: Back at the hotel after a day at the Pyramids: Mesa el kheer! – Mesa el noor, ahlan!

Ana ismi… (A-na IS-mi) means “my name is…”.

How to use it: To ask someone’s name, say Ismak eih? to a man or Ismek eih? to a woman.

In real life: Meeting your guide: Ana ismi Sarah. Ismak eih? – Ana ismi Ahmed. Ahlan ya Sarah!

Forsa sa’ida (FOR-sa sa-‘EE-da) means “nice to meet you”, literally “a happy opportunity”.

How to use it: Say it after introductions. The classic reply is Ana as’ad – “I’m happier” – and people often add Tsharrafna (“we’re honoured”).

In real life: At the end of a first meeting: Forsa sa’ida! – Ana as’ad, tsharrafna.

Ma’a el salama (MA-‘a el sa-LA-ma) means “goodbye”, literally “go with safety”.

How to use it: The reply is Allah yesallemak to a man or Allah yesallemek to a woman. If you’ll meet again, add ashoofak bokra – see you tomorrow.

In real life: Leaving the café: Ma’a el salama, ashoofak bokra! – Allah yesallemak!

• Greet before you ask. In shops, taxis and offices, start with Salām or Saba7 el kheer before your question. Going straight to the question can come across as rude.
• Handshakes are normal between men and are often long. Use your right hand.
• Between men and women, let the woman offer her hand first. Some people prefer not to shake hands and put a hand on their heart instead – do the same and smile.
• Friendly titles: ya basha for men, ya madam for women and ya hag / ya hagga for older people all sound polite.
• On the phone, Egyptians usually answer with Alo?, then move into the full greeting.

More on local customs in our guide to Egypt’s culture and customs.

Screenshot this table and keep it on your phone for the trip.

How do you say hello in Egyptian Arabic?
Say Salām or Salām ‘alaykum. Ahlan is just as common and a little more casual.

Is “marhaba” used in Egypt?
It’s understood, but you’ll hear Ahlan, Salām and Ezayyak far more often.

What’s the difference between Egyptian Arabic and Modern Standard Arabic?
Modern Standard Arabic is used for writing, news and formal speeches. Egyptian Arabic (Masri) is what people speak day to day, and thanks largely to Egyptian films and TV it’s widely understood across the Arab world.

Can non-Muslims say “Salām ‘alaykum”?
Yes. Visitors who use it are welcomed, and you can also use Ahlan or Saba7 el kheer.

You don’t need to be fluent. A Salām, an Ezayyak? and a Saba7 el fol at breakfast are enough to change how people talk to you. The easiest place to practise is on a day out with a local guide, who will happily add a few words along the way.

Next lesson: polite words in Egyptian Arabic – please, thank you, sorry and the phrases Egyptians love to hear.