Slang

1. يلا

   Yalla

   Come on, let's go

   Usage

   A call to get moving, used casually with friends or drivers

   Grammar Note

   Vowels in the romanization are estimated

2. خلاص

   Khalāṣ

   Enough, done

   Usage

   A short word for "enough", "finished" or "settled". It can also be used to decline politely

   Grammar Note

   "I have finished" can also be said خلصت (khalaṣt). Vowels in the romanization are estimated

3. تمام

   Tamām

   OK, fine

   Usage

   A short word of agreement or approval. Do not use ماشي for OK, because it means "going"

   Grammar Note

   Same form as Modern Standard Arabic. Vowels in the romanization are estimated

4. عادي

   ʿĀdi

   Normal, no big deal

   Usage

   A light reply meaning "it's normal" or "no big deal"

   Grammar Note

   Same form as Modern Standard Arabic. Vowels in the romanization are estimated

5. ياخ

   Yākh

   Hey, bro

   Usage

   A casual way to address a male friend or to punctuate a sentence. Do not use it with elders you have just met

   Grammar Note

   The form ياخي (yākhi) also exists. Thinly attested word; native review recommended. Vowels in the romanization are estimated

6. يا زول

   Yā zōl

   Hey, you, mate

   Usage

   Addresses someone as زول (person) in a friendly, casual way. With a stranger it can sound overly familiar

   Grammar Note

   Vowels in the romanization are estimated

7. كدي

   Kidi

   Look, come on

   Usage

   A casual word that draws attention or urges something. It is a different word from كدا "like this"

   Grammar Note

   Thinly attested word; native review recommended. Vowels in the romanization are estimated

8. اها

   Ahā

   Aha, I see

   Usage

   A response meaning "I see", or inviting the other person to continue

   Grammar Note

   Vowels in the romanization are estimated

9. والله

   Wallāh

   Really, honestly

   Usage

   An emphatic "really" or "honestly". Since it invokes God's name, avoid using it lightly in jokes

   Grammar Note

   Vowels in the romanization are estimated

10. يا ريت

    Yā rēt

    If only

    Usage

    A colloquial wish, meaning "I wish it were so"

    Grammar Note

    Thinly attested word; native review recommended. Vowels in the romanization are estimated

11. هاك

    Hāk

    Here, take it

    Usage

    What you say when handing something or money to someone

    Grammar Note

    Thinly attested word; native review recommended. Vowels in the romanization are estimated

12. سمح

    Samiḥ

    Good, nice

    Usage

    Sudanese colloquial for "good" or "nice", used to praise songs, food or a person's character

    Grammar Note

    This is a different use from the سمحت in لو سمحت "please". Vowels in the romanization are estimated

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