Problems and Apologies

Two reassuring replies for a small difficulty or an apology.

Reading the Latin spelling

This is a simplified learning transcription adapted from the source, not a phonetic alphabet. sh = ش, kh = خ, gh = غ, 3 = ع, and 7 = ح. The numbers represent sounds. Dotted ṣ, ṭ and ḍ mark emphatic consonants; doubled letters indicate a longer consonant. Regional pronunciation and spelling can vary.

Useful replies

• It’s not a problem.

  ماشي مشكل.

  mashi mushkil.

• There is no problem.

  ما كاين مشكل.

  ma kayn mushkil.

Try it

Read each reply aloud. Notice that the first begins with mashi and the second with ma kayn. These are responses to a problem; this lesson does not introduce a separate phrase for saying “sorry.”

Source and audio

Adapted for LearnLahja from Peace Corps/Morocco, Basic Introduction to Arabic, lesson 16 (PDF page 12). English learning notes, layout and simplified Latin spelling are editorial adaptations. LearnLahja is independent and is not endorsed by Peace Corps.

Audio unavailable. The source names a recording covering lessons 16–18, but no playable recording has been verified for this lesson.