How to say “sorry” in Egyptian Arabic
In Cairo you say mota2assef (متأسف). Tap play to hear it, then slow it down.
Read it your way:
- mota2assef / mota2assfaمتأسف / متأسفةI'm sorry (said by a man / by a woman)
When to use it
Mota2assef (or mota2assfa if you're a woman) is a real apology. For bumping into someone or a small mix-up, Cairenes usually just say “ma3lesh”.
Learn it with
- شكراً
Thank you
- عفواً
You're welcome / pardon?
- لو سمحت / لو سمحتي
Please / excuse me (to a man / to a woman)
- معلش
Never mind / sorry / it's okay
Say it out loud in a 6-minute lesson
“mota2assef” 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.