15 Lebanese Phrases And What They Actually Mean

As Selena Gomez famously once said, everything is not what it seems. Whether you’re using wizardly magic or the power of tongue twists to get your message across, you’ll probably agree.

Here are 15 Lebanese phrases and what people actually mean when they say them.


1. Rou2/e ma badda hal2ad

I am gaslighting you.


2. Khalas kher 2ata3et

I will never forgive you.


3. Ana men Beirut (to a stranger asking men wen)

I’m not gonna tell you where I’m from.




4. Kteer hek 3refet azde

I want to say something offensive but I won’t.


5. Shefet ade 7a2a X?

So how about that weather?




6. Ade el dollar?

Kifak/Kifek?


7. Bakeer wallah ma tfelo (at 10:00 PM)

Get out of my house.




8. Badkon ahwe?

Mtawleen aw 7a t7elo 3ane?


9. Meen hayda mish sem3een fi

I know exactly who that is but I won’t admit it.




10. Tfadal tfadal (while eating)

I’m eating, leave me alone.




11. Kelo byen7al

You are fucked.




12. 3anna 3ared ra2e3 la elkon

I’m about to scam your ass.


13. Ana? (when questioned)

I did it but I will never admit it.




14. Mazbouta hay?

I want it to be true so bad.


15. Eh habibi

La2 and I’m offended you would even say this.