Ways to say it
| Egyptian Arabic | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| تمام | tamam | |
| ماشي | mashi | informal, agreeing to a plan |
تمام confirms that something is fine, done or understood. ماشي is used specifically to agree to a plan or suggestion, like saying 'that works' or 'deal'.
What does it mean word for word?
تمام comes from a root meaning 'completeness, perfection', while ماشي literally means 'walking, going', used figuratively for 'it's going to work'.
Which one should you use?
Use تمام to say something is fine or going well, such as answering how you are. Use ماشي when agreeing to do something, like confirming a meeting time.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Both are casual and extremely common, suitable with anyone in daily life.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Both words are standard across Egypt and widely recognised elsewhere thanks to Egyptian media.
How does it change in a sentence?
Neither word changes for gender or number.
How do you pronounce it?
تمام is said 'ta-MAM', with even stress on both syllables.
When do people say it?
Egyptians often repeat تمام تمام to add warmth and reassurance when confirming something is genuinely fine.
Did you know?
- تمام spread well beyond Egypt through Egyptian television and film, and is now understood casually in many other Arabic-speaking countries.
Examples in context
- تمام، أشوفك بكرة الساعة عشرة.tamam, ashofak bokra el-sa'a ashara.Ok, I'll see you tomorrow at ten.
- ماشي، هبعتلك العنوان.mashi, haba'tlik el-onwan.Ok, I'll send you the address.
- كل حاجة تمام في الشغل.kol haga tamam fi el-shoghl.Everything is fine at work.
Example conversation
Two coworkers, Maged and Nourhan, agree on a meeting time by phone.
- Magedنتقابل الساعة أربعة، تمام؟nit'abil el-sa'a arba, tamam?Let's meet at four, ok?
- Nourhanماشي، في المكتب ولا بره؟mashi, fi el-maktab wala barra?Ok, in the office or outside?
- Magedفي المكتب أسهل.fi el-maktab as-hal.In the office is easier.
- Nourhanتمام، أشوفك هناك.tamam, ashofak honak.Ok, I'll see you there.
