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    1 Min Read

    8 things Lebanese parents say and what they really mean

    By Grace HovsepianJanuary 10, 2018Updated:March 11, 2020
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    Lebanese parents say one thing but mean another.

    “Men chouf”

    Translation:

    “We’ll see.”

    Meaning:

    Forget about it.

    “Badde es2alak/ es2alik so2al”

    Translation:

    “I want to ask you a question.”

    Meaning:

    You’re screwed. Run.

    “Chou baddak/ baddik tetghada/ tetghade?”

    Translation:

    “What do you want to have for lunch?”

    Meaning:

    No matter what you answer, you’ll still eat mjadra for lunch. Don’t bother answering.

    “Serna waslin”

    Translation:

    “We’re almost there.”

    Meaning:

    “We’re not even close.”

    “Kholis l akel yalla ta3o”

    Translation:

    “The food is ready.”

    Meaning:

    The food is

    not

    ready. Come to the kitchen and set the table.

    “Yalla 5 d2ayi2 w bsir bel beit”

    Translation:

    “I’ll be home in five minutes.”

    Meaning:

    five minutes mean a decade in Lebanon.

    “Rayhin zyara asire”

    Translation:

    “It will be a short visit.”

    Meaning:

    You’re going to have coffee at your aunt’s house, but you’ll end up having lunch and dinner.

    “Jibile/ jeble l chou esmo”

    Translation:

    “Pass me the thingy.”

    Meaning:

    we have no idea what that “chou esmo” is. It’s the biggest mystery in the Lebanese language.

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