If Egyptian Sayings Were Translated to English

Have you ever met an Egyptian?

They are what I believe to be; the kindest, most generous, and most humble people ever. They smile carelessly, and appreciate all that life has to offer. And above all, they are incredibly faithful.

Egyptians (to me) seem to come up with the most ingenious ideas for any and all situations.

Aside from everyday situations, the Egyptian language on its own is quite an impressive and creative piece of literary work. 

It should come as no surprise to any Egyptian, that our Arabic is a real work of art. Not only because the word choices that we use are so unique, but also because even when we are upset, we use statements that are so well-mannered and sophisticated, one would only assume that we really are a classy bunch.

So to prove my point, let's begin. Here I have combined 12 of the most common Egyptian phrases (in my opinion) that literally make absolutely no sense in English, and probably in any other language, but somehow, make perfect sense to the average Egyptian.

1.  Enta lesanek taweel

English Translation: Your tongue is long

Actual Definition: You are rude

2. Ana 7akhreb betak

English Translation: I will mess up your house

Actual Definition: no actual definition, more of a threat of physical abuse.. I think.

3. e7na akalna 3esh w mal7 sawa

 English Translation: We ate bread and salt together

Actual Definition: We grew up together

4. bint/ibn nas

English Translation: She/he is a daughter/son of humans

Actual Definition: She/he comes from a good home - usually referred to admirers for marital purposes

5. shaklaha zay el ammar

English Translation:She looks like the moon

Actual Definition: She is beautiful

6. 3agbak 3agbak mesh 3agbak eshrab men el ba7r

English Translation: If you like it, then like it, if you don't like it then go and drink sea water

Actual Definition: If you like my plan, great. If you don't like it, too bad. 

7. ana mesh 3arfa rassy men reglaya

English Translation: I don't know my head from my legs

Actual Definition: I am so lost - usually referring to cleaning a mess and not knowing where to begin

8. 7atrou7i ya3ni 7atrou7i w reglek fo2 re2abtek

English Translation: You will go means, you will go, with your head over your neck.

Actual Definition: You will go, no questions asked. 

9. law mesh 3agbak ekhbat rasak fel 7eit

English Translation: If you don't like it, go and ht your head on the wall

Actual Definition: If you don't like it, too bad. 

10. mate2ta3sh 3eishy

English Translation: don't cut my bread

Actual Definition: Don't destroy my source of financial income

11. ya set el kol

English Translation: woman of all

Actual Definition: a strong woman who is capable of anything - not often used, but referred to mothers and wives

12. 7a2ablak fel cafe, ishta?

English Translation: I will meet you at the cafe, full cream?

Actual Definition: I will meet you at the cafe, cool?


But we can't only be credited for our literary work. We have a lot to be proud of. After all, our ancestors did discover wifi;

binscorner.com

I challenge anyone to tell me that Egyptians are not an assortment of cool, funny and dramatic put together. Any takers, please step to the comment podium below.

I would just like to point out that Egyptians are a pretty cool bunch, and so are our traffic police.

All jokes aside though, we really do have a lot to be proud of. We may not be where we want to be, but we are a step closer today than we were yesterday. History will rewrite itself and Egypt will prevail once again with pride and dignity.