راحة
rāḥaeveryday
In Egyptian Arabic rest, meaning relaxation, is راحة (rāḥa). The verb "to rest" is ارتاح (irtāḥ), as in ارتاح شوية (irtāḥ šwayya), "rest a little". It is also called الباقي (el-bāʾi).
Meaning: relaxation or break (noun)
Ways to say it
| Egyptian | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| راحة | rāḥa | everyday |
| ارتاح | irtāḥ | verb, to rest |
| الباقي | el-bāʾi | the remainder |
A common phrase is ريّح نفسك (rayyaḥ nafsak), "take a rest". At work or school a break is also راحة or استراحة (istirāḥa).
Which one should you use?
If "rest" means "the remainder", Egyptians say الباقي (el-bāʾi). In a shop, الباقي is also the change you get back.
Did you know?
- The noun راحة (rāḥa) also means comfort and is part of راحة البال (rāḥet el-bāl), "peace of mind".
Examples in context
- محتاج راحة.meḥtāg rāḥa.I need a rest.
- ارتاح شوية.irtāḥ šwayya.Rest a little.
- خد الباقي.ḵud el-bāʾi.Keep the change.
Example conversation
After a long day, Sherine suggests that her husband Wagdy relax at their home in Cairo.
- Sherineإنت تعبان، ارتاح.inta taʿbān, irtāḥ.You are tired, rest.
- Wagdyعندي شغل كتير.ʿandi šuġl ketīr.I have a lot of work.
- Sherineبكرة. النهارده راحة.bukra. en-nahardah rāḥa.Tomorrow. Today is for rest.
- Wagdyعندك حق.ʿandik ḥaʾʾ.You are right.
