10 Things Lebanese People Say When They Are Late

Unless it’s a visa appointment, Lebanese people never seem to be punctual and with this lack of punctuality comes a whole lot of fabricated excuses. Here are ten things you’ve definitely heard from your perpetually late friend.

1. Kenna madghoutin

You were told to come in at 11 AM to pick up documents, you get there at 12 PM and your documents are not ready. Naturally, they’ll offer you coffee and ask that you to wait another 20-minutes so they can complete your forms because they were sooooo madghouteen.

2. Sorry nataret el may la teskhon

“Nataret la eja el mazout w 3aba el citerne, la t7amamet w hek”

3. Kein fi 7ajez

Every.time.

4. Baramet se3a ma fi wala saffeh

But you’re a full 2 hours late and there’s a parking lot right there.

5. Yalla 5 min

Five minutes are the Lebanese version of 30 minutes.

6. D2i2a w bikouno 3endik

One minute is 7 minutes as per the Lebanese Chronos.

7. 3endik chi mechwar saree3 a7san ma tontri?

Your hairdresser promised that he will start your makeover sesh on time but once you get there, the salon is full so pulls the barmeh sghireh card on you.

8. Kein fi shi siyese 3am ye2ta3

“Ummmmm…yeah but why are you two hours late?”

9. Ekhir d2ee2a my manager laza2na b meeting

But you’re self-employed?

10. Yalla seret 3al ichara, walla.

God knows which ichara.