How to say "hello" in Egyptian Arabic
أَهْلاً
ahlan
- Without tashkeel
- أهلا
- Franco / chat alphabet
- ahlan
- Literally
- family (short for you have come to family)
When to use it
This is the most common secular way to say hello or welcome in Cairo. It is used in both casual and professional settings, regardless of religion or age. People usually follow it immediately with a question about the person's health or state.
Other ways to say it
Islamic/Traditional
سَلام عَلَيْكُم
salam 3aleikom
peace be upon you
The default greeting for many Egyptians, especially in shops or on the street.
To a man (How are you)
إِزَيَّك
ezzayak
how are you
Often used as a standalone hello when greeting a male friend or acquaintance.
To a woman (How are you)
إِزَيِّك
ezzayek
how are you
The female equivalent of ezzayak, used when greeting a woman.
More welcoming
أَهْلاً وَسَهْلاً
ahlan wa sahlan
hello and welcome
Used when receiving guests at your home or office to show extra warmth.
How people reply
أَهْلاً بِيك
ahlan bik
hello to you (to a man)
أَهْلاً بِيكِي
ahlan biki
hello to you (to a woman)
وَعَلَيْكُم السَلام
wa 3aleikom el salam
and peace be upon you (response to salam 3aleikom)
In a sentence
أَهْلاً، إِزَيَّك يا مُحَمَّد؟
ahlan, ezzayak ya mo7amed?
Hello, how are you Mohamed?
أَهْلاً يا جَماعَة، عامْلِين إِيه؟
ahlan ya gama3a, 3amlin eh?
Hello everyone, how are you doing?
أَهْلاً بِيك يا فَنْدِم.
ahlan bik ya fandem.
Hello sir.