Free guides

Short answers to your Egyptian Arabic questions.

Practical reads on pronunciation, grammar, everyday words and the culture behind the dialect. Tap any Arabic word to hear it. 6 so far, all free.

Grammar· 1

GRAMMAR

Egyptian Arabic vs Modern Standard Arabic: what changes

The q that turns into a catch in the throat, j said as g, mish and ma...sh, question words at the end, and 3aayez where the textbook says ureedu. With audio for every Egyptian example.

5 min read · 39 audio clips

Pronunciation· 1

PRONUNCIATION

The Egyptian q and g: two sounds that place you in Cairo

Why Cairo says 'ahwa for coffee and gideed for new, the short list of words that keep a real q, and how Bel Masri spells both so you learn them once.

6 min read · 26 audio clips

Vocabulary· 2

VOCAB

Egyptian Arabic greetings: 'ahlan, 'ezzayyak and the replies

Hello, how are you, good morning and goodbye the way Cairo says them. With audio, the man/woman endings, and the reply that goes with each greeting.

5 min read · 57 audio clips

VOCAB

How to say thank you in Egyptian Arabic

shukran, mutshakker and mutshakkira, the two replies Cairenes give back, and how thanks works when an Egyptian host keeps refilling your plate. With audio.

4 min read · 29 audio clips

About the language· 2

ABOUT

The best app to learn Egyptian Arabic in 2026

Duolingo, Pimsleur, Mango, ArabicPod101, tutors and Bel Masri compared for someone learning Egyptian: which Arabic each one teaches, how, and who it suits.

6 min read · 6 audio clips

ABOUT

Does Duolingo have Egyptian Arabic?

No. Duolingo's one Arabic course is Modern Standard. What that teaches you in place of Egyptian, what Duolingo is still good for, and where Bel Masri fits.

4 min read · 15 audio clips