What language is spoken in Egypt?

Table of Contents  

• Introduction 

• What is the official language of Egypt? 

• What are the top 3 languages in Egypt?

• How do you say hello in Egypt?

• What is the second language in Egypt? 

• Does Egypt speak English or French?

• Language-related Practical tips for visitors  

• Final Thoughts  

Introduction  

​Egypt has a rich legacy of languages; its linguistic identities are shaped by religion, trade, and colonization over centuries. A lot of times, tourists think of “Egyptian language” as a completely different language, but in reality, it’s a combination of ancient and modern Arabic. The official language is different from the everyday spoken language. 

For tourists traveling to a new country, it comes with a lot of challenges; one of them is knowing the languages, as they are the core of communication. So, as experienced Egypt-based travel agents, we are getting you a piece of content about the linguistic features of Egypt. So, let’s explore language in Egypt before you board your flight to Egypt. 

What is the official language of Egypt? 

Egypt’s official language is literary Arabic, also widely known as modern standard Arabic (MSA). Modern Standard Arabic was studied in government schools, in formal speeches, and by government officials. It is a standardized language that was widely understood by the majority of the population and all regional areas.  

Well, the modernized standard Arabic was not a household language and was not widely used by the locals. Most of the people in daily life speak Egyptian Arabic, also known as Masri. It is a famous dialect of the core Arabic language; its pronunciation, use of alphabet, and expressions make it a little different from the original Arabic. Egyptian Arabic is famous because of the strong film and media industry and wide exposure on social media and online platforms. One can hear these languages in homes, markets, television dramas, and daily conversations. 

What are the top 3 languages in Egypt?

In Egypt, not only is Arabic spoken, but two other languages are also widely spoken.  

•  Arabic  

Modern Standard Arabic is for official purposes, and Egyptian Arabic is for daily life by locals. The MSA is used in education, government, and other formal tasks, whereas Egyptian Arabic is spoken by nearly the entire population in an informal dialect. 

• English  

The second most spoken language in Egypt is English, widely taught in private schools and educational institutions across the country. Also, it is spoken for tourist and communication purposes; that is a major reason why tourism in Egypt is popular. Frequently used on street signs, restaurant menus, Nile cruises, and product packaging in major cities.

• French  

Other than English, French is the second most widely used foreign language in Egypt and is also taught in schools. Mostly spoken in the urban areas and prominently used for diplomatic and historical contexts due to colonial influences. In port cities like Alexandria, French is commonly used by locals. 

How do you say hello in Egypt?

Greetings in Egypt vary depending on whom you are greeting. Well, it is always curious and amazing for tourists to learn a cultural language before traveling. So common ways to say 

“Hello” in Egypt is: 

• “Salam”—a casual greeting meaning “peace.”
• “As-salamu alaykum”—a formal greeting meaning “peace be upon you.”
• “Ahlan”—Informal and friendly, similar to “hi.”
• “Sabah el-kheir”—”Good morning.”
• “Masa el-kheir”—”Good evening.”

These are the common phrases used in Egyptian Arabic, on a Nile cruise in Egypt, or while exploring the historical marvels and markets. If tourists greet in the regional language, that is highly appreciated, and in response, sometimes shopkeepers or tourist guides greet with warmth and handshakes. In Egyptian culture, hospitality and politeness are seen in gestures and hold value in traditions. 

What is the second language in Egypt? 

English is widely considered the second language in Egypt, as in this era, it is mandatory in schools for students to learn English, with Egyptian Arabic as the basic language. A lot of higher education and university-level studies are carried out in the English language; primarily, the study material, like books and guides, is available in English.  

For tourism purposes or while booking tour packages with the best Nile cruise companies, you will notice English as the basic language for communication. Tourism is global, so the English language is a medium to attract tourists from around the world, and it also helps audiences who are unfamiliar with the Arabic language to understand the culture in depth in an easy way.  

Does Egypt speak English or French?

Egyptian people spoke both English and French, but comparatively, English is spoken with much fluency by the majority. English dominates the markets for trade, tourism, education, and technical contexts.

Whereas French still remains as a language in elite schools or is only used by a minority group of individuals. In the tourism sector, English is far more common than French. That’s why many tourists taking all-inclusive Nile cruises feel it is easier to communicate with staff and tour guides during the journey. 

Language-related Practical tips for visitors  

• Learning to say “hello” or a basic greeting can make exploration joyful and culturally connected. 
• English is widely used by hotel staff, in airports, and on Nile cruises, so one can communicate effectively. 
• In common markets, saying “thank you” or phrases like “What’s the price?” or “How much is it?” in Arabic can be beneficial. 
• Be polite with street vendors; if they do not know English, prefer taking help from the tour guide for communication. 
• Egyptians are generally welcoming, so tourists can travel worry-free everywhere in Egypt. 

Final Thoughts  

Traveling to Egypt is simple; language does not look like a barrier. The official language is spoken widely and understood by the majority of the population, but English is also spoken. If you are a French-speaking individual, you may find French-speaking people in elite settings like resorts and business conferences. In regional and rural areas, English and French are less spoken, so it is advised to explore those places only with a tour guide to avoid issues of miscommunications, like during desert and oasis exploration in Egypt.