Language/Egyptian-arabic/Vocabulary/Drinks
Hi Egyptian Arabic learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn some common words and phrases related to drinks in Egyptian Arabic. We will also explore some fascinating cultural information about drinks in Egypt. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to order drinks like a native Egyptian!
Take a moment to explore these relevant pages as you conclude this lesson: Animal, Airport, Telling Time & How to Say Hello.
Drinking Culture in Egypt[edit | edit source]
Drinking is an integral part of daily life in Egypt. Egyptians love to drink tea 🍵, coffee ☕, and juice 🧃 in every gathering. Egypt is renowned for its world-class teas with a unique blend of spices and herbs, including mint, chamomile, and cinnamon.
Drinking beer 🍺 and wine 🍷 is not so common among Egyptians because the majority of the population is Muslim and alcohol consumption is forbidden in Islam. However, some foreigners who visit Egypt can find liquor stores, especially in some upscale areas and in tourist attractions.
Egyptians are known to be hospitable and generous, so it's not unusual to be offered a cup of tea or coffee when visiting someone's home. If you are invited to an Egyptian's house, it’s always polite to bring a small gift, such as sweets, dates 🍮, or pastries 🥮.
Egyptian Arabic Vocabulary for Drinks[edit | edit source]
Now let's learn some common vocabulary and phrases for drinks in Egyptian Arabic:
| Egyptian Arabic | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| شاي | shaay | tea |
| نسكافيه | nescafe | instant coffee |
| قهوة | ahwa | Coffee or Turkish coffee |
| عصير | ‘aseer | Juice |
| مياه | mayyah | Water |
| مياه غازية | mayyah guazeyyah | Soda |
Here are some example sentences using these vocabulary words:
- Person 1: انا عايز كوب شاي، من فضلك (Ana ‘aayiz kobb shaay, min fadlik) (I want a cup of tea, please)
- Person 2: تفضل، هتلاقي الشاي بيجي مع السكر واللبن (Tafadhal, htlagyi el shaay bye‘ii ma‘a el sokkar wel laban) (Here you are, the tea comes with sugar and milk)
- Person 1: بقالي فترة مش شايفك، يا احمد (Ba‘aaly ftra mesh shayefak, ya Ahmed) (I haven't seen you for a while, Ahmed)
- Person 2: اخر مرة شفتك بقيت شايل قنينة عصير عندك (Akhhar marra shaftak ba’et shaayel ganina ‘aseer ‘endak) (The last time I saw you, you were carrying a bottle of juice)
Egyptian Tea Culture[edit | edit source]
Drinking tea is a national obsession in Egypt! Tea culture is an essential part of social gatherings, and it's always served sweet and without milk. Egyptian tea is traditionally served in small glass cups called "koshary" which are also used for drinking coffee.
Egyptian tea is not your ordinary tea! It's made by steeping tea leaves with a blend of herbs and spices that give it a unique flavor and aroma. Some of the most popular blends include black tea with mint, chamomile, and hibiscus. Egyptians believe that tea has healing powers, and it's often served as a remedy for flu, colds, and stomachaches.
Here's how to order tea in Egyptian Arabic: "عايز كوب شاي بالنعناع" (‘aayiz kobb shaay bel-na‘na) which means "I want a cup of tea with mint."
Ordering Drinks in Egypt[edit | edit source]
If you are visiting Egypt, it's good to know some phrases for ordering drinks in Egyptian cafes and restaurants. Here are some useful phrases:
- بقولكم طلبي (ba-oulkom tabby) - I’ll tell you my order
- عايز كوب شاي (‘aayiz kobb shaay) - I want a cup of tea
- عايز فنجان قهوة (‘aayiz fannagan ahwa) - I want a cup of coffee
- تفضل، القائمة من هنا (Tafadhal, el-qa’emah men hna) - Here's the menu
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Drinking is an integral part of Egyptian culture, and it's always accompanied by warm hospitality and generosity. To improve your Egyptian Arabic Vocabulary, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Upon wrapping up this lesson, take a look at these related pages: Fruits, Greetings, Body & Talking about Work.
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]