Language/Egyptian-arabic/Vocabulary/Shopping-Vocabulary
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As a native speaker of Egyptian Arabic, I am excited to share with you some useful vocabulary related to shopping. Whether you are visiting Egypt as a tourist or interacting with Egyptians in your daily life, these words and phrases will come in handy when you need to buy something or ask for prices. So, let's get started!
After mastering this lesson, these related pages might interest you: Airport & Hotel.
Types of Shops
Egypt has a fascinating shopping culture that combines traditional bazaars and modern malls. Here are some common types of shops you may find:
سوق (souq)
Pronunciation: /suːq/ English translation: market
In Egypt, souqs (also spelled souks) are vibrant marketplaces where you can find everything from spices and textiles to souvenirs and antiques. Cairo's Khan El-Khalili is one of the most famous souqs in the country.
محل (maHal)
Pronunciation: /maːħal/ English translation: store
MaHals are small shops that sell specific items such as groceries, clothes, or furniture. They are often family-owned businesses that have been passed down for generations.
مول (mawl)
Pronunciation: /maw:l/ English translation: mall
Mawls are large shopping complexes that offer a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. They are popular among young Egyptians who enjoy hanging out with friends there.
بقالة (baqala)
Pronunciation: /baˈʔala/ English translation: grocery
Baqalas are small convenience stores found on nearly every street corner in Egypt. They sell basic groceries, snacks, and household items.
Shopping Vocabulary
Now that you know some of the types of shops you might encounter, let's learn some useful shopping vocabulary:
أنا بدور على (ana baddur ʕala)
Pronunciation: /ˈʔana bædˈdor ʕæla/ English translation: I'm looking for
Use this phrase to tell the shopkeeper what you are searching for. For example, you can say "ana baddur ʕala gaZma" (I'm looking for a shirt) at a clothing store.
بكام (bikam)
Pronunciation: /biˈkæm/ English translation: How much
Bikam is a colloquial way to ask for the price of something. You can also add the item you want to buy after "bikam," such as "bikam el-fustan dah?" (how much is this dress?).
عندك (ʕandak)
Pronunciation: /ʕændak/ English translation: Do you have
This phrase is useful when you're looking for a specific item. You can use it like this: "ʕandak kombyuterat?" (Do you have computers?)
ده غالي (dah ghali)
Pronunciation: /dæh ˈɣæli/ English translation: That's expensive
If you think an item is overpriced, you can use this phrase to negotiate or express your disappointment.
خصم (khasm)
Pronunciation: /ˈxæsm/ English translation: discount
Egyptians love to bargain, so it's always worth asking for a khasm at the shop. You can say "mumkin khasm?" (Is there a discount?) or "enta t3awed t3ady?" (Can you lower the price?).
هاتلي واحدة (hatli wa7da)
Pronunciation: /ˈhatli ˈwaːħda/ English translation: Give me one
Use this phrase when you want to buy just one of an item. For example, "hatli wa7da ilma" (give me one pen).
ياخد (yakhod)
Pronunciation: /ˈjaːxod/ English translation: it costs, it takes
This phrase is commonly used in Egypt to indicate the price of something or how long it takes to do something. For example, "el-safar da yakhod sit sa3at" (this trip takes six hours).
Useful Phrases
لو سمحت... (law samaHt)
Pronunciation: /law sæmæħt/ English translation: Excuse me, please…
This polite phrase can be used to get someone's attention or to ask for help. For example, "law samaHt, fin intaŋakat?" (Excuse me, where is the bathroom?).
متاح الصرف؟ (matāh al-ţalǧ?)
Pronunciation: /mɑːtɑːh ɑl tˤalɡ/ English translation: Is there an ATM nearby?
This phrase can be useful when you need to withdraw money from an ATM. You can also say "enya ba3awiz men al-şar'a" (I want to withdraw money) when you reach the ATM.
ممكن تعطيني موقعك عالخريطة؟ (mumkin taʕteini mawʔak ʕal-kharita?)
Pronunciation: /ˈmʊmkin taʕˈtei ni ˈmawʔak ˈʕæl ˈxæ.ri.ta/ English translation: Can you give me your location on the map?
If you're having trouble finding a shop, you can use this phrase to ask for directions. You can also say "fen el-modaraj?" (Where is the mall?) or "fen el-souq?" (Where is the market?).
شكرًا (shukran)
Pronunciation: /ˈʃʊkran/ English translation: Thank you
Don't forget to say "shukran" to the shopkeeper when you're done shopping!
I hope this lesson has been helpful in expanding your vocabulary related to shopping in Egypt. Remember, interacting with locals in Arabic can greatly enhance your travel experience and cultural understanding. So, practice these words and phrases and enjoy exploring the souqs and shops of Egypt!
Other Lessons
- Kitchen
- Health
- Travel and Tourism
- Fruits
- Art
- Asking about Someone's Family
- How to Say Hello and Greetings
- Say Yes
- Drinks
- Talking about Work
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