How to say "family" in Levantine Arabic
عَيْلَة
3eile
- Without tashkeel
- عيلة
- Franco / chat alphabet
- 3ayle
- Literally
- family
When to use it
This is the most common word for family across the Levant, referring to both immediate and extended family depending on context. Another very common term is ahel, which usually refers to one's parents or immediate folks living in the same house. When greeting someone, it is standard to ask about their family as a polite formality.
Other ways to say it
my family
عَيْلَتي
3eileti
my family
Used when talking about your own family.
your family (to a man)
عَيْلَتَك
3eiletak
your family
Used when asking a male about his family.
your family (to a woman)
عَيْلَتِك
3eiletik
your family
Used when asking a female about her family.
my folks / parents
أَهْلي
ahli
my folks
Used specifically to refer to your parents or the immediate family you grew up with.
How people reply
مْناح، الحَمْدُ لِله
mna7, el7amdulillah
They are fine, thank God.
الكِلّ بِخَيْر
el kel bkheir
Everyone is good.
الله يْسَلْمَك
allah ysallmak
May God keep you safe.
In a sentence
كِيف العَيْلَة؟
kif el-3eile?
How is the family?
عَيْلَتي ساكْنَة بِبَيْرُوت.
3eileti sakne bbeirut.
My family lives in Beirut.
سَلِّمْلي عَلى أَهْلَك.
sallemli 3ala ahlak.
Say hi to your folks for me.