How to say "I'm busy" in Egyptian Arabic
أَنَا مَشْغُول
ana mashghoul
- Without tashkeel
- انا مشغول
- Franco / chat alphabet
- ana mshghol
- Literally
- I busy. This phrase is not idiomatic and translates directly.
When to use it
This is the standard, everyday way to say I am busy in Cairo. It is used in both formal and casual contexts, from workplace meetings to declining an invitation from a friend. The adjective must agree with the gender of the speaker.
Other ways to say it
Feminine speaker
أَنَا مَشْغُولَة
ana mashghoula
I'm busy (female)
Used when the speaker is a woman.
Group of speakers
إِحْنَا مَشْغُولِين
e7na mashghouleen
We are busy
Used when speaking on behalf of a group or family.
A bit busy
أَنَا مَشْغُول شِوَيَّة
ana mashghoul shwayya
I'm a little busy
A softer way to decline an invitation or ask for time.
Very busy
أَنَا مَشْغُول جِدّاً
ana mashghoul geddan
I'm very busy
Used to emphasize that you have absolutely no free time.
Alternative idiom
وَرَايَا حَاجَات
waraya 7agat
I have things to do
A common, casual alternative meaning I have things behind me (obligations).
How people reply
رَبِّنَا يَعِينك
rabbena ye3eenak
May God help you
مَفِيش مُشْكِلَة
mafeesh moshkela
No problem
لَمَّا تَفْضَى
lamma tefda
When you are free
In a sentence
مَعْلِش، أَنَا مَشْغُول دِلْوَقْتِي. خَلِّينَا نِتْكَلِّم بَعْدِين.
ma3lesh, ana mashghoul delwaqti. khalleena netkallem ba3deen.
Sorry, I'm busy right now. Let's talk later.
مِش هَقْدَر آجي الحَفْلَة، أَنَا مَشْغُول جِدّاً فِي الشُّغْل.
mesh haqdar agi el 7afla, ana mashghoul geddan fi el shoghl.
I can't come to the party, I'm very busy with work.
إِنْتَ مَشْغُول النَّهَارْدَة وَلَّا مُمْكِن نِتْقَابِل؟
enta mashghoul el naharda walla momken netqabel?
Are you busy today or can we meet?