Feelings

1. أنا سعيد

   Anā saʿīd

   I'm happy

   Usage

   For a lasting sense of happiness. A woman says "anā saʿīda" (أنا سعيدة). Safe with anyone

2. أنا فرحان

   Anā farḥān

   I'm glad

   Usage

   The colloquial word for happiness about something that just happened, understood in Egypt, the Levant and the Gulf alike. A woman says "anā farḥāna". Lighter than "saʿīd" and better for small everyday joys

3. أنا متحمس

   Anā mutaḥammis

   I'm excited

   Usage

   For anticipation. A woman says "anā mutaḥammisa". A good line before setting off or joining a desert tour

4. أنا فخور

   Anā fakhūr

   I'm proud

   Usage

   A woman says "anā fakhūra". To praise someone, "anā fakhūr bik" — I'm proud of you

5. ارتحت

   Irtaḥtu

   I'm relieved

   Usage

   For when a worry lifts — a lost item turns up, say. It shares a root with "rāḥa", rest, and being a verb it does not change with the speaker's gender

6. أنا ممتن

   Anā mumtann

   I'm grateful

   Usage

   Heavier than "shukran" — say it on parting to someone who really helped. A woman says "anā mumtanna"

7. أعجبني كثيرا

   Aʿjabanī kathīran

   I really liked it

   Usage

   The most natural compliment for food, a view or a purchase. It reads literally as "it pleased me", with the thing as the subject. Aimed at a person it takes on a romantic edge, so keep it for things

8. اشتقت إليك

   Ishtaqtu ilayk

   I miss you

   Usage

   For family and close friends; to a woman, "ishtaqtu ilayki". Egyptians say "waḥashtinī" (وحشتني), which means the same but sounds more intimate. Not for a stranger or a superior

9. أنا حزين

   Anā ḥazīn

   I'm sad

   Usage

   For low spirits. A woman says "anā ḥazīna"

10. للأسف

    Lil-asaf

    Unfortunately / what a shame

    Usage

    The standard response to a cancelled plan or bad news, and a soft way to open a refusal. "Yā lil-asaf" makes it more emphatic

11. أنا محبط

    Anā muḥbaṭ

    I'm disappointed

    Usage

    A measured way to say a tour or a hotel fell short. A woman says "anā muḥbaṭa"

12. أشعر بالوحدة

    Ashʿur bil-waḥda

    I feel lonely

    Usage

    Literally "I feel the loneliness" — an opening when you are travelling alone and want company. Being a verb form, it does not change with gender

13. أشتاق إلى بلدي

    Ashtāqu ilā baladī

    I'm homesick

    Usage

    Literally "I long for my country". You will be asked "min ayna anta?" — where are you from — constantly, and this opens that conversation naturally

14. أنا غاضب

    Anā ghāḍib

    I'm angry

    Usage

    Strong anger; a woman says "anā ghāḍiba". Raising your voice in public gets you less far here than opening calmly with "hunāka mushkila" — there is a problem

15. أنا منزعج

    Anā munzaʿij

    I'm annoyed

    Usage

    Mild irritation, aimed at a situation such as a wait or noise. A woman says "anā munzaʿija"

16. أنا خائف

    Anā khāʾif

    I'm scared

    Usage

    A workable reason to decline heights, fast driving or an activity; a woman says "anā khāʾifa". "Akhāf min al-murtafaʿāt" means "I'm afraid of heights"

17. تفاجأت

    Tafājaʾtu

    I'm surprised

    Usage

    For being taken aback, good or bad. A verb, so it does not change with the speaker's gender

18. أنا قلق

    Anā qaliq

    I'm worried

    Usage

    For anxiety about luggage, health or a connection; a woman says "anā qaliqa". "Lā taqlaq", don't worry, is the reply you will often get

19. أنا متوتر

    Anā mutawattir

    I'm stressed

    Usage

    Covers tension and being strung out; a woman says "anā mutawattira". A natural reason for asking to rest. You will also hear the English-derived "anā stres" in speech

20. أنا محرج

    Anā muḥraj

    I'm embarrassed

    Usage

    The standard line after an awkward slip; a woman says "anā muḥraja". It is about your own state, so it is safe to show anyone

21. أنا خجول

    Anā khajūl

    I'm shy

    Usage

    Shyness as a trait; a woman says "anā khajūla". Also a usable reason to decline singing or dancing in front of people

22. أشعر بالملل

    Ashʿur bil-malal

    I'm bored

    Usage

    Literally "I feel the boredom". Showing it to a host who is guiding you would be rude — keep it for your travel companions

23. أنا تعبان

    Anā taʿbān

    I'm tired

    Usage

    The commonest colloquial word for tiredness, understood across the Arab world; a woman says "anā taʿbāna". In Egypt and the Levant it can also mean "unwell", so for plain fatigue "murhaq" (مرهق) avoids the ambiguity

24. أنا نعسان

    Anā naʿsān

    I'm sleepy

    Usage

    The colloquial word for drowsiness; a woman says "anā naʿsāna". Also a polite lead-in to reclining your seat on a night bus or train

25. أنا بخير

    Anā bi-khayr

    I'm fine

    Usage

    The standard answer to "kayfa ḥāluk?", and also "I'm all right now" to someone who was worried. The form is the same for men and women

26. لست بخير

    Lastu bi-khayr

    I don't feel well

    Usage

    The way to say you are unwell — show it, then point to the spot on a body card. In speech, Egyptians say "anā mish kwayyis" and Levantines "anā mish mnīḥ"

27. أنا مرتاح

    Anā murtāḥ

    I'm comfortable / at ease

    Usage

    Telling a host you are comfortable will please them; a woman says "anā murtāḥa". It also serves as "I'm fine now" when someone has been fussing over you

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