Learning a new language isn’t just about mastering grammar and vocabulary; it’s also about understanding the nuances of everyday speech, which often includes slang and colloquial expressions. Arabic is no exception. Whether you’re navigating the streets of Cairo or socializing in Dubai, knowing a few Arabic slang words can help you connect with native speakers. Here’s a selection of commonly used Arabic slang words and phrases to get you started.

يعني (ya’ni)
Meaning “I mean” or “you know,” this word is often used as a filler or to clarify something in conversation.
لما تيجي على اليمين، يعني قبل المطعم مباشرةً.

خلص (khalas)
“Khalas” translates to “done” or “finished,” but it can also mean “enough” or “stop.”
خلص، ما في مشكلة، نتكلم بكرا.

أخوي/أختي (akhooy/ukhtee)
Literally meaning “my brother” or “my sister,” these terms are often used more broadly to refer to a friend or even a stranger in a friendly manner.
كيفك اليوم، أخوي؟

فشّة خلق (fashet khalq)
This phrase means “venting” or “letting off steam,” used when someone needs to express their feelings or frustrations.
كنت محتاج فشّة خلق، فاتصلت بصديقي.

ماشي الحال (mashi al-hal)
A common response to “How are you?”, which translates to “Things are going” or “I’m getting by.”
صباح الخير، كيفك؟ – ماشي الحال، وأنت؟

هيك (heek)
This means “like this” or “this way,” usually used to describe how something is done.
لما تعمل الشاي، حط السكر هيك.

من زمان (min zaman)
Translating to “a long time ago,” this phrase expresses something that happened far back in the past.
شفتك من زمان، كيف حالك الآن؟

هزلت (hazilt)
This term means “It’s gotten serious” or “Things have become serious,” often used humorously or sarcastically.
هزلت، الوضع بدأ يصير جدي بزيادة.

ولي (wally)
An expression of disbelief or frustration, equivalent to “Come on!” or “Really?”
ولي! ليش عم تعمل هيك؟

بعيد الشر (ba’id al-shar)
This phrase is used to ward off the evil eye or to express hope that nothing bad happens. It’s similar to saying “knock on wood” in English.
الصحة أهم شيء، بعيد الشر.

دوب (doob)
Used to describe someone who has fallen madly in love or is smitten.
شفت فلان؟ صار دوب بالبنت الجديدة بالدوام.

شوفير (shoofeer)
The Arabized version of the English word “chauffeur,” used to refer to a driver.
أنا محتاج شوفير يوصلني على الرجعة.

طق حنك (ta’aq hanak)
Slang for “chit-chatting” or “small talk.”
كنت عم بطق حنك مع الجيران قبل ما تيجي.

Keep in mind that Arabic slang can vary widely from one region to another due to the dialectical differences across the Arab world. What’s common in Egypt may not be used in Lebanon or the Gulf countries, and vice versa. Also, like slang in any language, expressions evolve and can become outdated, so it’s crucial to engage with native speakers to stay up to date. Enjoy adding these terms to your conversational Arabic, and watch how they can open doors to more authentic and enjoyable interactions with native speakers.