Arabic for English speakers School · Lesson 2

Learn how to say cousin

Egyptian Arabic для cousins — From mom's side or dad's side.

Conversation

  1. Lindo Lindo

    بنت عمي مدرّسة ناجحة

    Bint 3ammi mudarrisa nag7a

    My cousin is a successful teacher

    Tip: Bint 3amy literally translates into "The daughter of my father's brother". If it was a male cousin, we would use "ibn" instead of "bint"

  2. Yaya Yaya

    ده مبهر!

    Da mobhir!

    That's impressive!

  3. Lindo Lindo

    هي قدوة لينا كلنا

    Hiya qouda lina kollina

    She's a role model for us all.

  4. Yaya Yaya

    أتمنلها نجاح أكتر في المستقبل

    Atmannalha naga7 aktar fil mosta'bal

    I wish her even more success in the future.

    Tip: Yitmanna is to wish

Common questions

Quick answers about this lesson's grammar and vocabulary.

How do you say 'cousin' in Egyptian Arabic?

Depends on side: ابن خال/بنت خال (maternal uncle's son/daughter), ابن عم/بنت عم (paternal). Egyptian Arabic is specific.

Egyptian Arabic family side distinction?

Maternal: خال (maternal uncle), خالة (maternal aunt). Paternal: عم (paternal uncle), عمة (paternal aunt). Cousins follow the parent.

Cultural: extended family in Egypt?

Egyptian families are typically close. Cousins (أولاد عم/خال) often grow up together, attend same schools.

Test yourself

Pick the English translation for each line from this lesson. Wrong answers are pulled from other Arabic lessons.

4 quick questions on what you just heard.

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