والدين
waldeen
In Egyptian Arabic, 'parents' is والدين (waldeen).
والدين is used respectfully for 'parents' in general, while casually Egyptians might also simply say أبويا وأمي, 'my father and mother'.
Meaning: one's mother and father (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
والدين is the dual form of والد, 'parent, father', shared closely with Standard Arabic.
Which one should you use?
والدين is slightly more formal and respectful. أبويا وأمي is warmer and more personal, used when talking casually about your own family.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
والدين fits both casual and more careful speech, it is not considered stiff.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word is standard across Egypt.
How does it change in a sentence?
والدين is already a dual form, 'the two parents', so no separate plural is needed.
How do you pronounce it?
Said 'wal-DEEN', with stress on the second syllable.
When do people say it?
Caring for one's والدين in old age is considered a strong religious and social duty in Egyptian culture.
Did you know?
- Islamic teaching places strong emphasis on honouring one's parents, something that heavily shapes how family duty is talked about in Egyptian households.
Examples in context
- والديا ساكنين في الدقهلية.waldeyya sakneen fi el-da'ahleyya.My parents live in Dakahlia.
- عايز أعرفك على والديا.ayez a'arrifak ala waldeyya.I want to introduce you to my parents.
- والديها بيدعموها جدا.waldeeha beyed'amooha giddan.Her parents support her a lot.
Example conversation
Ola tells her friend Marwa about visiting her parents over the weekend.
- Olaرحت والديا في الفيوم آخر الأسبوع.roht waldeyya fi el-fayyoom akher el-osboo'.I visited my parents in Fayoum over the weekend.
- Marwaإزيهم؟ من زمان ماشفتهمش.izzayhom? min zaman mashoftehomsh.How are they? I haven't seen them in a long time.
- Olaكويسين، بس بيوحشوني كتير.kwayyiseen, bas beyewhashoni kiteer.They're fine, but I miss them a lot.
- Marwaليه ماتاخديهمش يعيشوا معاكي؟leih matakhdeehomsh ye'eeshu ma'aki?Why don't you have them live with you?
