How To Say Maybe In Egyptian Arabic

In previous posts, we shared two different guides on how to say yes and no in Egyptian Arabic.

Today's guide will deal with the shades of grey between those definitives, and the nuances between maybe, probably, and possibly.

For instance, what would you say if you wanted to imply that your maybe is actually leaning towards a yes?

Or What would you use if your maybe is actually a polite refusal in disguise?

Let's dive in!

Different ways to say maybe in Arabic

1. I7timal

This is one of the two most common Egyptian words to say maybe. I7timal means that something has a certain probability of happening.

Let's look at a few examples of the different contexts we can use I7timal.

In this example, two friends are speaking about whether their friend Amr is joining them at the concert.

I7timal here is used as an adverb same as its English translation. We use the word as it is with no need for any additional words before or after.

Let's look at another similar example:

As you can see, it is simple.

You might also deduce that you can add "Ah" or "Aywa" after I7timal but not "La'" so basically, you are affirming the likelihood of having this question in the test, and in fact you're leaning more towards it.

Okay, here is when it gets slightly more complicated.

The word I7timal could be used as an adverb and as a noun:

In this example, you have seen the two different ways in which you can use ihtimaal.

In the first half of the sentence, it is used as an adverb with the meaning that this event has a probability of happening, while in the second half, it is used as a noun, noting that the likelihood of it happening is not that strong.

In Egyptian Arabic, we use:

Which translates to

Check out the following song by Abu.

He is the same artist who made the pop hit song called "Talat Dakkat" a few years ago. Everyone went crazy about and Tik Tokers were dancing to it 24/7.

This new song is called Alf I7timal or A Thousand Probabilities.

Abu is trying to get over the girl he loves, but then right before he decides to move on, he asks himself a final what if. What if she still thinks about him? What if she still wants him?

He says:

Which literally translates to:

My heart is puzzled between a thousand probability and probability and probability.

You can spot that in the previous line that he uses the word "I7timal" as a noun and not as an adverb. If it was an adverb, it would have stood on its own.

2. Momken

Momken is the second most common way to say maybe. Momken literally means "It's possible."

Let's look at a few more examples:

This is an interesting example.

Here, the answer is "Okay, that's possible" so this indicates that the speaker is leaning towards a "yes" since momken was preceded by mashy (meaning: that works)

Check out our guide on "How To Say Yes In Arabic" for a more detailed understanding of the word Mashy and other ways to say yes.

Here is a typical conversation in Egyptian arabic about planning to meet up with a friend.

When someone asks you when you are available to meet? Typically, you give them options. In Egyptian Arabic, momken would be perfect to use in this context.

Momken (insert option 1) Wi momken (insert option 2)

3. Yemken

Yemken and Momken are different parts of speech of the same word. Yemken is the conjugated verb with third personal singular (masculine) and it is understood as "could be" or "perhaps".

You use "yemken" when you are really unsure about something.

So for instance:

In this previous example, You can alternatively say "Hager momken tesafer fi akher elsana." It is a slight nuanced difference, but yemken is more hopeful, and most of the time Egyptians use it to wonder out loud.

How about some more music?

"Yemken" is a song by the rapper Abo El Anwar whose chosen name means: Father of lights. Fancy!

He is talking to the girl whom he is at an emotional impasse with. It seems like the story is ending then he starts to wonder about all the different possibilities that this story could go in the future. Can it get better? Would it do them good to fight?

Using music in general is a great practice to learn a new language. In this particular case, it is a great exercise to memorize how to use "Yemken."

So two birds, one song; a learning tool to familiarize yourself with new vocabulary and new popular Egyptian music.

4. Mesh Yemken?

If Yemken is mostly used to wonder, mesh yemken takes it even an extra step.

We use "Mesh Yemken" mostly to give the benefit of the doubt. It literally means "Couldn't it be?" but in English, a more proper translation would be "Perhaps"

For example, if someone made a mistake and you are taking to give them the benefit of the doubt, you would wonder whether they meant it, or if they have forgotten about it.

Mesh yemken is mostly used for wishful thinking. It is also a reminder not to assume the worst in people.

When a friend has lost hope and you're trying to make them feel better, so you bounce some hopeful ideas about the scenario that is upsetting them.

5. Mesh Mota'akid(a)

Example:

It is worth noting that the La' before "mesh mot'aked khales' only serves as an emphasis on how unsure the speaker is, and not an answer in itself and that the listener should take their word with a grain of salt.

6. Mesh Akeed

Mesh Akeed is another variation of Mesh Mota'ked/Mota'keda. Mesh akeed. However, it is when you are speaking about an uncertain event or information, while Mesh Mota'ked/Mota'keda is when you yourself are not sure.

Example:

Egyptians use "Mesh Akeed" in the masculine form as an alternative to maybe.

I wanted however to include the feminine form as well for you to learn it as an adjective.

7. Le'al wa 'assa

Last but not least, Le'al wa 'assa.

This is an Islamic expression that you might come across with religious folk, and older people.

The words لعل and عسى separately are two different Classical Arabic terms for hopeful wishing.

People use the collective term to imply that you should knock on all doors, and who knows, a door might open. You should do good, and who knows? You should keep pushing, and who knows? You get the gist.

It's a hopeful expression that I wanted to end the guide with, لعل و عسى ممكن يكون يومكم جميل.

Who knows it might brighten your day.

More sample sentences: