Ways to say it
| Egyptian Arabic | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| كفاية | kifaya | |
| خلاص | khalas | also 'that's it, stop' |
خلاص (khalas) is closely related and often used the same way, though it leans more toward 'that's it' or 'stop now' rather than strictly 'sufficient in quantity'.
What does it mean word for word?
كفاية comes from the Arabic root for sufficiency. خلاص comes from a root meaning 'to finish' or 'to be done'.
Which one should you use?
كفاية is the direct word for 'enough' in amount, as in stopping someone from pouring more tea. خلاص often signals an action or discussion should stop, closer to 'that's enough now' or 'okay, done'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Both are casual but completely normal at any level of a conversation, including with elders.
How does it change in a sentence?
Neither word changes with gender or number, they stay the same regardless of who is speaking.
How do you pronounce it?
كفاية is stressed on the second syllable, ki-FA-ya, with a clear long middle vowel.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Using خلاص when you mean a specific quantity, such as stopping food being added to a plate, can sound more like 'stop' than 'that's enough for me', so كفاية is clearer there.
When do people say it?
Saying كفاية firmly while a host keeps offering more food or tea is often necessary more than once, since insisting hosts may not stop after the first كفاية.
Did you know?
- خلاص is one of the most flexible words in Egyptian Arabic, used for 'enough', 'okay, done' and 'finally' depending on tone and context.
- Egyptian hosts often continue offering food even after hearing كفاية once, as a show of generosity, expecting the guest to repeat it.
Examples in context
- كفاية شاي، متشكر.kifaya shai, mitshakkir.Enough tea, thank you.
- خلاص بقى، كفاية كلام.khalas ba'a, kifaya kalam.That's enough, no more talking.
- الأكل ده كفاية لعشرة أفراد.el-akl da kifaya le-ashara afrad.This food is enough for ten people.
Example conversation
Soad keeps offering more food to her guest Ramy at dinner.
- Soadهاتلك شوية رز تاني؟hatlak shwayet roz tani?Shall I give you a bit more rice?
- Ramyلا، كفاية بجد، متشكر.la, kifaya begad, mitshakkir.No, that's really enough, thank you.
- Soadمتأكد؟ في كتير في الطبلية.mutaakked? fi keteer fet-tableya.Are you sure? There's plenty on the table.
- Ramyخلاص يا ستي، شبعت تماما.khalas ya setti, shibet tamaman.That's it, ma'am, I'm completely full.
