Learning Levantine Arabic expressions, learners gain deeper insights into the language, improve their communication skills, and enhance their overall linguistic proficiency. Today’s new video I shared on Instagram is about 5 new expressions you need to learn when learning Levantine Arabic or Lebanese Arabic. I recommend watching the video first at the bottom of this blog, then try again while reading the script, and finally take a look at the notes to pick your favorite ones to add to your flashcards! Enjoy!
Notes of Video “Slang2”.
Phonetic Script:
Khams ta3abir jded byesta3emlohon ahel el-balad, w enta kamen lezim tista3melon el-yom.
Asle ya3ne original or authentic: mnesta3mela la nusuf shakhes aw rfea2 bn7eso wafe’ w ghale’.
Khosh-bosh: ana w yeh khosh-bos. Mnesta3mela la nusuf 3ale2ah bayne w ben shakhes ktir 2rab w merte7in ma3 ba3ed.
Salbe’: mish ma32ol ente shu salbeh. Salbe’ ya3ne 7ada ktir cool.
Rekbet jeyeh min verb ‘yerkab’ ya3ne to ride. Bnesta3mela lama badna n2ol inu el-mawdo3 meshe 7alo. Khalas meshe 7alo rekbet.
W ekher kelmeh: galobs ya3ne lezim ro7 aw fel leave. W ana kamen sar lezim ru7.
Arabic script:
خمس تعابير جداد بيستعملوهن اهل البلد وانت كمان لازم تستعملهم اليوم.
أصلي يعني اوريخنل او اوثنتك منستعملها لنوصف شخص او رفيق منحسه وفي وغالي.
خوش بوش، انا واياه خوش بوش منستعملها لنوصف علاقة بيني وبين شخص نحن كتير قراب ومرتاحين مع بعض .
مش معقول انت شو سلبي، سلبي يعني حدا كتير كول .
ركبت جايه من فعل يركب يعني تو ريد، منستعملها لما بدنا نقول انه الموضوع مشي حاله، خلص مشي الحال ركبت.
و آخر كلمة غالوبس (Gallopse) يعني لازم روح او فل ليف.
و انا كمان صار لازم روح بس قبل ما روح ما تنسوا تعلقوا.
English Translation:
Five new expressions used by natives that you need to start using from today.
Asleh means original or authentic. We use it to describe a friend that we feel is loyal and valuable.
Khosh-bosh, him and I are khosh-bosh. We use it to describe a person we are very close and comfortable with.
Salbe’, unbelievable how cool you are. Salbe’ means a very cool person.
Rekbet, comes from the verb to yerkab which means ‘to ride’. We use it to say everything is under control and it’s all good.
And the last word is Gallops which means I need to go or leave. I also need to leave.
Notes:
Vocabulary
Masculine
Feminine
Notes (if any)
Authentic or original
Asle’
Asliyeh
Could also be used to say an object is original or authentic. Example: Hayda el-gezden asle’. This purse is original.
If your friend has invited everyone to her wedding except you, it can be a hurtful and confusing experience. The best course of action is to approach the situation with open communication. Ever wondered how to talk about this in Arabic? This week’s new video, I will share a story that was shared by you and talk about it in Arabic. As usual, watch the video at the end of the page and check out the important vocabulary that you might need to add to your list.
Thank you for being here 🤍
Notes of Video Wedding”.
Phonetic Script:
Rfe2te 3azamit kil as7abna 3ala 3ersa ela ana! Shu ba3mul?
A new story shared by you, let’s talk about it in Arabic.
Akid hayda shi biza3elne law ana ma7alek. Bus fike ta3emle sha-gheltein. Fike tanshiha w ma t2ole shi abadan! Bil 3arabe min2ol ‘la ejrek’. Bil 3akes hek btkune wafarte 3ala 7alek masare le2an ken lezim tshtrela hdiyeh aw cadeau.
Hal2 iza badek twa27e 3ein, fike te7emle telephone, w de2ela, w t2ilila enta we7de bala zo2 w bala akhla2. Kholsit!
Arabic script:
رفيقتي عزمت كل اصحابنا على عرسها، الا انا شو بعمل؟
قصة جديدة بعتولي ياها انتو، خلينا نحكي عنها بالعربي.
اكيد هيدى الشيء بزعلني لو انا محلك، بس فيكي تعملي شغلتين فيكي تطنشيها وما تقولي شيء ابداً، بالعربي منقول لاجرك، بالعكس هيك بتكوني وفرتي على حالك مصاري لان كان لازم تشتري لها هدية او كادو cadeau.
هلأ إذا بدك توقحي عين فيكي تحملي التليفون وتدقي لها وتقولي لها انت وحدة بلا ذوق وبلا اخلاق، خلصت!
English Translation:
My friend invited all our friends to her wedding except me. What do I do? A new story shared by you. Let’s talk about it in Arabic.
Of course this would make me sad if I were you, but you can do two things. You can ignore her and not say anything at all. In Arabic we say, ‘for your leg’. On the contrary, you would have saved yourself some money because you needed to buy her gift.
But if you want to be unapologetic, you can hold the telephone and call her and tell her you have ‘zero taste and zero moral’. It’s done!
Notes:
Vocabulary
Masculine
Feminine
Notes (if any)
Wedding
3eres
Thing
Shaghleh
You can also say ‘shi’ which means something. But ‘something’ can’t be changed into duals. Whereas, if you are trying to say two things, you must say sha-gheltien.
Ignore
Tanesh
Tanshe’
Ignore her: Tanshiha
Ignore him: Tanshe
The root verb is Tanash(Ytanesh). And this word is in the command form.
To your leg
La ejrak
La ejrek
A phrase that means ‘don’t care’
Gift
Hdiyeh
To be unapologetic
Twa2e7 3ein
Twa27e 3ein
Literal meaning is: not make your eyes shy. We say it when we are trying to ask or do something without being shy about it.
Nasma of New York Culture Center: Bringing the First and Only Kids Immersion Program to Lebanon
A New Chapter in Levantine Language Education
At Nasma of New York Culture Center, we are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking initiative that marks a new chapter in our journey of promoting Levantine Arabic language and culture. After more than 11 successful years of offering Levantine Arabic classes in New York City, we are excited to introduce Lebanon’s first and only kids immersion program. This summer, we are bringing our expertise and passion to Lebanon, offering diaspora children a unique opportunity to reconnect with their linguistic and cultural roots.
A Homecoming for the Diaspora
For children of the Lebanese diaspora, maintaining a connection to their heritage can be challenging, especially when living far from their native land. Our new immersion program is specifically designed to address this need. By immersing children in the Levantine Arabic language and Lebanese culture, we aim to strengthen their sense of identity and belonging. This program is more than just a language camp; it’s a cultural homecoming, a chance for children to embrace their roots in an engaging and supportive environment.
Why Choose Nasma’s Immersion Program?
Nasma of New York has earned a reputation for excellence in Levantine Arabic education. Our teaching methods are innovative, effective, and tailored to meet the needs of young learners. Here’s what sets our program apart:
Expertise: With over a decade of experience, our curriculum is designed by seasoned educators who understand how to make learning fun and effective.
Cultural Integration: Our program goes beyond language instruction, incorporating cultural activities that bring Lebanese traditions to life. From folk tales and traditional dances to culinary classes, children will experience the richness of their heritage.
Community Building: Our camp fosters a sense of community and belonging, helping children build friendships and connections that transcend borders.
Program Highlights
Our two-week immersion camp, running from July 15 to July 26, is packed with activities that are both educational and entertaining. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store:
Language Immersion: Daily interactive sessions focused on conversational Levantine Arabic, using songs, stories, and games to make learning natural and enjoyable.
Cultural Activities: Children will explore Lebanese folklore, participate in traditional dance lessons, and learn to prepare classic Lebanese dishes like manakish and hummus.
Creative Arts: From painting to clay modeling, our arts and crafts sessions will help children express their creativity while learning about traditional Lebanese art forms.
Team Building: Group games and team-building exercises designed to foster cooperation, friendship, and a sense of community.
Our Dedicated Team
Leading our camp this summer is Mirna, a seasoned educator with over 10 years of experience in teaching and curriculum development. As a mother of three, Mirna understands what children need to stay engaged and motivated. She will be supported by a team of fantastic instructors, all dedicated to providing a memorable and enriching experience for every child.
Join Us This Summer!
We invite you to enroll your children in our pioneering Levantine Arabic immersion program. Whether, they are seasoned speakers or just beginning their language journey, this camp offers a unique opportunity to enhance their language skills, connect with their cultural heritage, and make lifelong friends.
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity. Join Nasma of New York Culture Center in Beirut this summer, and give your children the gift of language and culture. You can read more about the camp here!
If you won’t be in Lebanon this summer don’t worry, we offer several other activities separate from our two-week courses. Please read on to learn more!
Experience the joy of reconnecting with your heritage. Register now and become part of the Nasma family!
Bakheel, ke7te, 3ayno mish shab3aneh, w rkheas kamen!? Arba3 mostala7at fikon tsta3emloha la tosfu ‘a cheap person’ and these are some examples.
Daharet mara ana w rfe2ah w re7na la neshtre shi nekloh. Lama sar lezim nedfa3 el-fatourah, aletle’ al heye nesyeh el-portmpne’. Mish 3alye hal 7araket! Hayde 7arakeh rkhisah.
Daharte awal marah ma3 shab w kento date w dafa3ek el-fatourah? Eh hayda akid sha-khes ke7te, ba3de 3ano!
Kil ma bteje la3inde btekhod ot3et tyeb w ma bitreda? Mish ma32ol3ayna mish shab3aneh!
Byedhar ma3 as7abo w lama bteje el-fatourah byekhtefeh? Eh hayda miyeh bil miyeh bakhil!
Arabic script:
بخيل وكحتي وعينه مش شبعانة ورخيص كمان اربع مصطلحات فيكن تستعملوها لتوصفوا شخص يخيل، و هايدول بعض الامثلة:
١- ضهرت مرة انا ورفيقة ورحنا لنشتري شيء ناكله لما صار لازم ندفع الفاتورة قالت لي هي ناسية البورتمونيه، مش عليي هالحركات هيدي حركة رخيصة.
٢- ضهرتي أول مرة مع شب وكنتو دايت و دفعك الفاتورة اي هيدا اكيد شخص كحتي بعدي عنه.
٣- كل ما بتجي لعندي بتاخد قطعة ثياب وما بتردها مش معقول عينها مش شبعانه
٤- بيضهر مع اصحابه ولما بتيجي الفاتورة بيختفي اي هيدا مية بالمية بخيل.
English Translation:
Bakheel, ke7te, 3ayno mish shab3aneh, w rkheas as well!? 4 terms you can use to describe ‘a cheap person’ and these are some examples.
I went out with my friend to grab a bite, when it was time to pay she told me that she forgot her wallet. These moves don’t pass me! This is a cheap person!
You went out with a guy on a date and he made you pay for the bill? This guy is definitely stingy, stay away from him!
Eveytime she comes over she takes a piece of my clothes, and doesn;t return it? Unbelievable ‘her eye is not full’.
He goes out with his buddies and when the bill comes he disappears? He is 100% cheap!
Notes:
4 Stingy Phrases
Masculine
Feminine
Notes (if any)
Cheap
Rkhis
Rkhisah
It could also be used for objects as well. Like a cheap restaurant or a cheap book. But when using it with humans, it means stingy.
The Arabic language, rich in its expressive vocabulary, has several nuanced terms to describe the concept of stinginess. Each one of these words convey different shades of unwillingness to share or spend. This diversity not only highlights the depth of Arabic but also its cultural emphasis on generosity and the social importance of distinguishing between various degrees of frugality. Understanding these terms offers a fascinating insight into the values and linguistic richness of the Arab world. For more on the beauty of the Arabic language and its intricate vocabulary, stay tuned to our next video! For now watch the video again!
