How do you say “no” in Egyptian Arabic?

Q: How do you say “no” in Egyptian Arabic?

la2 (لأ), No. La2 is a plain no; soften it with “la2, shokran” (no, thanks). Egyptians often say no with a small upward nod and a click of the tongue, too.

How to say “no” in Egyptian Arabic

In Cairo you say la2 (لأ). Tap play to hear it, then slow it down.

Read it your way:

la2لأNo
A quick upward head tilt with a click of the tongue also means "no".

When to use it

La2 is a plain no; soften it with “la2, shokran” (no, thanks). Egyptians often say no with a small upward nod and a click of the tongue, too.

aywa
أيوه
Yes
mesh fahem / mesh fahma
مش فاهم / مش فاهمة
I don't understand (said by a man / by a woman)
momken te3id tani?
ممكن تعيد تاني؟
Can you say that again?
be-raa7a shewaya
براحة شوية
A bit slower, please

Say it out loud in a 6-minute lesson

“la2” is in Unit 1, Downtown: “Yes, no & I don't understand”. That unit is free. Practise with Egyptian audio, pronunciation feedback and an AI partner that talks like a Cairene.

Start learning free More phrases

When to use it

Learn it with

Say it out loud in a 6-minute lesson