How to say "I'm sorry" in Egyptian Arabic
أَنَا آسِف
ana aasef
- Without tashkeel
- انا اسف
- Franco / chat alphabet
- ana 2asef
- Literally
- I sorry
When to use it
This is the standard, direct way to apologize for a mistake in Cairo, used across all social classes. The form changes based on the gender of the speaker, not the listener. While suitable for both formal and casual situations, close friends often use 'ma3lesh' for minor bumps or issues.
Other ways to say it
feminine speaker
أَنَا آسْفَة
ana asfa
I'm sorry (female speaker)
Use this if you are a woman apologizing.
plural speaker
إِحْنَا آسْفِين
e7na asfeen
We are sorry
Use this when apologizing on behalf of a group or couple.
deep apology / soothing
حَقَّك عَلَيَّا
7a2ak 3alaya
I'm so sorry / My apologies
Literally 'your right is upon me', used to deeply apologize and appease someone who is upset.
casual / minor mistake
مَعْلِش
ma3lesh
Sorry / Never mind
Used for minor accidents or to express sympathy, but can sound dismissive if used for a major offense.
How people reply
وَلَا يَهِمَّك
wala yehemmak
No worries / Don't worry about it
مَحَصَلْش حَاجَة
ma7asalsh 7aga
Nothing happened / It's nothing
عَادِي وَاللّٰه
3aady wallaahy
It's completely normal / No problem at all
In a sentence
أَنَا آسِف إِنِّي إِتْأَخَّرْت عَلِيك.
ana aasef enny et2akhart 3aleek.
I'm sorry that I'm late (to a man).
أَنَا آسِف، مَكُنْتِش أَقْصُد.
ana aasef, makontesh a2sod.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to.
أَنَا آسِف، مِش هَقْدَر أَاجِي النَّهَارْدَة.
ana aasef, mesh ha2dar aagy el naharda.
I'm sorry, I won't be able to come today.