كلب
kalbeveryday, Egypt
In Egyptian Arabic, a dog is كلب (kalb) and a female dog is كلبة (kalba). The plural is كلاب (kilab).
Meaning: domestic animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Egyptian | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| كلب | kalb | everyday, Egypt |
| كلبة | kalba | female, Egypt |
The word can also be an insult, as in يا كلب (ya kalb), so avoid it as a name for a person. For a puppy, say جرو (garw).
When do people say it?
Stray dogs are common in many Egyptian streets, and pet dogs are popular in some areas of Cairo.
Did you know?
- Calling a person كلب (kalb) is an insult in Egyptian Arabic, so the word needs care outside talk about animals.
Examples in context
- عندي كلب صغيرandi kalb soghayyarI have a small dog.
- الكلاب في الشارعel-kilab fesh-share'The dogs are in the street.
- الكلبة جابت جراويel-kalba gabet gerawiThe dog had puppies.
Example conversation
Dina walks her dog with her friend Maha in Maadi.
- Mahaده كلبك؟da kalbikIs this your dog?
- Dinaأيوه، اسمه ريكسaywa, ismu rexYes, his name is Rex.
- Mahaحلو أويhelw awiHe is lovely.
