How to say “you're welcome” in Egyptian Arabic
In Cairo you say 3afwan (عفواً). Tap play to hear it, then slow it down.
Read it your way:
- 3afwanعفواًYou're welcome / pardon?
When to use it
3afwan is the polite reply to shokran. Among friends you'll also hear “el-shokr lellah” (thanks are for God) or simply a smile and “ahlan”.
Learn it with
- شكراً
Thank you
- 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)
- معلش
Never mind / sorry / it's okay
Say it out loud in a 6-minute lesson
“3afwan” 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.