What language is spoken in Egypt?
The official language of Egypt is Arabic, with several regional dialects. English is widely spoken in the tourism sector and by a large portion of the educated population.
Arabic, official language
Modern Standard Arabic is Egypt's official language. In daily practice, Egyptians speak Egyptian Arabic (masri), a dialect distinct from Classical Arabic and widely understood in the Arab world thanks to Egyptian cinema.
Minority and regional languages
- Coptic: liturgical language of the Coptic Orthodox Church, still spoken by some Christian communities
- Nubian: practiced in the south of the country, particularly around Aswan
- Siwi: Berber language spoken in the Siwa Oasis
Foreign languages
English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, hotels and by guides. French maintains a certain presence, a legacy of European cultural influence. At major tourist sites such as the Pyramids of Giza or Luxor, many professionals master several European languages.