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.