How to say “never mind” in Egyptian Arabic
In Cairo you say ma3lesh (معلش). Tap play to hear it, then slow it down.
Read it your way:
- ma3leshمعلشNever mind / sorry / it's okay
Cairo's most useful word: a light apology, comfort for a friend, or "let it go" all in one.
When to use it
Ma3lesh is one of the most useful words in Cairo: never mind, sorry, it's OK, hang in there. Say it gently when someone is stressed, or to brush off a small mistake.
Learn it with
- شكراً
Thank you
- عفواً
You're welcome / pardon?
- لو سمحت / لو سمحتي
Please / excuse me (to a man / to a woman)
- متأسف / متأسفة
I'm sorry (said by a man / by a woman)
Say it out loud in a 6-minute lesson
“ma3lesh” is in Unit 1, Downtown: “Please, thanks & sorry”. That unit is free. Practise with Egyptian audio, pronunciation feedback and an AI partner that talks like a Cairene.