الكاميرا مش بتشتغل

You use it exactly like the English version. Just drop it into conversation when technology fails you. You do not need complex grammar here. If you are on Zoom and your screen is black, say this. If your phone drops and the lens breaks, this is the phrase. It is a workhorse of modern Arabic conversation.

Use it during online classes or work meetings. It is perfect for those awkward moments when everyone is waiting for you. You can also use it at a tourist site. If a stranger offers to take your photo but your phone freezes, use this. It sounds natural and native in almost any tech-related context.

Do not use this for people. If a colleague is being lazy, you cannot say they are مش بتشتغل. That would sound like they are a broken robot! Also, avoid it in very high-level classical literature. It is a modern, everyday expression for modern gadgets. Don't use it if the battery is just dead; say the battery is empty instead.

Technology has changed how we speak Arabic. In the past, people rarely used the verb اشتغل (ishtaghal) for machines. Now, it is the standard way to talk about anything with a power button. Egyptians especially love to shorten things. This phrase is a perfect example of that 'get to the point' attitude. It reflects the fast-paced, tech-heavy life in cities like Cairo or Dubai.

You might hear الكاميرا عطلانة (al-kamera 'atlana). This means the camera is specifically 'broken' or 'out of order'. Another one is الكاميرا مش راضية تفتح (al-kamera mish radya tiftah). This translates to 'the camera refuses to open'. That one adds a bit of personality to the device, as if it has a mind of its own!