Decoding 8 Common Lebanese Phrases

People don’t always say what they mean or mean what they say. Confused? Allow us to explain:

1. Phrase: “Yala 5 minutes w bousal”

Meaning: Still at home, need to shower. I will get stuck in traffic and reach in exactly one hour and 5 minutes.

2. Phrase: “Ana tahet, nzal/nzale”

Meaning: I’m still far faaaar away but I need you to be down before I get there so I won’t have to drive around your house a thousand times because I will definitely not find a parking spot.

3. Phrase: “No ma ha ekol, mish jo3an/jo3ane”

Meaning 1: The food looks disgusting.
Meaning 2: Please ask again.

4. Phrase: “Ma t3azbo halkon, ma tjeebo ma3kon shi”

Meaning: Ktiiiiiir 3ayb iza ma jebto ma3kon shi.

5. Phrase: “Nas7an/e, bas lebe2lek/lebe2lak!”

Meaning: You need to lose weight ASAP!

6. Phrase: “Ha ehkik/ekike next week, barke mna3mol shi”

Meaning: We’re never going out.

7. Phrase: “Sme3et/sme3te shu sar ma3 X?”

Meaning: I’ve been waiting to gossip about this and now’s my chance.

8. Phrase: “3anjad khatabte/khatabet?”

Meaning: We already know you’re engaged because NFALA2NA souwar 3a Instagram.