فل
fullArabian jasmine
In Egyptian Arabic the general word for jasmine is ياسمين (yasmīn). The white Arabian jasmine, very popular in Egypt, is called فل (full). It is also called ياسمينة (yasmīna).
Meaning: fragrant flower (noun)
Ways to say it
| Egyptian | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| فل | full | Arabian jasmine |
| ياسمين | yasmīn | jasmine |
| ياسمينة | yasmīna | one flower |
فل is sold on the street in small strung garlands and used for weddings and perfume. ياسمين is also a common girl's name.
When do people say it?
The adjective فل is used in slang too: الدنيا فل (ed-dunya full), "everything is great".
Did you know?
- The expression الدنيا فل uses the name of the flower to mean that life is going perfectly.
Examples in context
- ريحة الفل جميلة.rīḥet el-full gamīla.The smell of jasmine is lovely.
- اشتريت ياسمين من الشارع.ištarēt yasmīn min eš-šāreʿ.I bought jasmine on the street.
- الدنيا فل.ed-dunya full.All is great.
Example conversation
Dalia and her mother Amal pass a flower seller in a Cairo street.
- Daliaريحة الفل دي جميلة.rīḥet el-full di gamīla.This jasmine smells lovely.
- Amalعايزة تشتري؟ʿayza tištiri?Do you want to buy some?
- Daliaأيوه، بكام الفل؟aywa, bikam el-full?Yes, how much is the jasmine?
- Amalاسألي البياع.isʾali el-bayyāʿ.Ask the seller.
