هذا سؤال وجودي
This is an existential question
Literally: This [is an] existential question
Use it to playfully label any difficult choice or deep thought as 'existential.'
In 15 Seconds
- Used for deep, difficult, or hilariously trivial life questions.
- Combines intellectual vocabulary with everyday Egyptian sarcasm.
- Perfect for dodging tough questions or debating lunch options.
Meaning
You say this when someone asks a question that is either incredibly deep or surprisingly difficult to answer. It is often used sarcastically for trivial choices, like picking a lunch spot.
Key Examples
3 of 6Choosing between two delicious meals
ناكل كشري ولا حواوشي؟ - ده سؤال وجودي يا صاحبي.
Should we eat koshary or hawawshi? - That is an existential question, my friend.
Talking about future career paths
إنت شايف نفسك فين كمان خمس سنين؟ - ده سؤال وجودي محتاج تفكير.
Where do you see yourself in five years? - That is an existential question that needs thought.
Texting a friend about a crush
تفتكر هي بتحبني؟ - ده سؤال وجودي ملوش إجابة دلوقتي.
Do you think she loves me? - That is an existential question with no answer right now.
Cultural Background
This expression showcases the unique Egyptian blend of intellectualism and 'sha'abi' (popular) humor. While 'existentialism' is a heavy Western philosophical concept, Egyptians adopted the term to poke fun at the daily dilemmas of modern life. It became especially popular among the youth and urban classes who enjoy using high-register vocabulary in low-stakes, funny situations.
The Sarcasm Factor
The more trivial the question, the funnier this phrase becomes. Use it for small things to sound like a witty Egyptian.
Dialect Check
Remember that `ده` (da) is Egyptian. In Modern Standard Arabic, you would say `هذا` (hadha). Use `ده` to sound natural in the street.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for deep, difficult, or hilariously trivial life questions.
- Combines intellectual vocabulary with everyday Egyptian sarcasm.
- Perfect for dodging tough questions or debating lunch options.
What It Means
ده سؤال وجودي is your go-to phrase for the big stuff. It literally translates to "this is an existential question." In a serious context, it refers to life, death, or purpose. However, in daily Egyptian life, it is mostly used with a wink. You use it when a friend asks something impossible to answer. It suggests the question touches the very core of your being. It is the perfect mix of intellectual flair and street-smart humor.
How To Use It
Think of it as a conversational pause button. When someone puts you on the spot, drop this phrase. It gives you a second to think while sounding clever. You can use it to dodge a difficult question. You can also use it to highlight how hard a choice is. For example, choosing between koshary and shawarma is definitely a سؤال وجودي. Just say it with a slight sigh for maximum effect.
When To Use It
Use it during late-night talks with your best friends. It fits perfectly when discussing career moves or relationship drama. It is also great for lighthearted office banter. If a colleague asks why the coffee machine is always broken, use it. Text it to someone when they ask a "what if" question. It works best in any situation that feels slightly absurd or overly dramatic.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this in a very formal religious setting. It might come off as dismissive or overly secular. Do not use it if someone is genuinely grieving or in crisis. In those moments, it feels too light or sarcastic. Also, avoid it in strictly technical meetings where people want facts. You do not want to sound like a philosophy student when asked for a budget report.
Cultural Background
Egyptians are famous for their love of philosophy mixed with sarcasm. This phrase became popular as academic terms filtered into everyday slang. It reflects a culture that finds humor in the weight of existence. It shows that even the most complex ideas can be joked about. It is part of a trend where big words are used for small problems. This creates a funny contrast that is very typical of Cairene wit.
Common Variations
سؤال لولبي(A spiral/tricky question) - used for clever or trap questions.سؤال في الجون(A question in the goal) - for a very precise, perfect question.سؤال عميق(A deep question) - a simpler version of the existential one.إيه الأسئلة الصعبة دي؟(What are these hard questions?) - a more direct, common way to say it.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile. In Cairo, the 'j' in `وجودي` is pronounced as a hard 'g' (wu-goo-dee). It is perfectly safe for B2 learners to use in social settings to show they understand Egyptian humor.
The Sarcasm Factor
The more trivial the question, the funnier this phrase becomes. Use it for small things to sound like a witty Egyptian.
Dialect Check
Remember that `ده` (da) is Egyptian. In Modern Standard Arabic, you would say `هذا` (hadha). Use `ده` to sound natural in the street.
The 'Deep' Vibe
Egyptians often pair this with a long 'yaaaah' at the start to emphasize how much the question has 'blown their mind'.
Examples
6ناكل كشري ولا حواوشي؟ - ده سؤال وجودي يا صاحبي.
Should we eat koshary or hawawshi? - That is an existential question, my friend.
Uses the phrase to show that the food choice is a major life decision.
إنت شايف نفسك فين كمان خمس سنين؟ - ده سؤال وجودي محتاج تفكير.
Where do you see yourself in five years? - That is an existential question that needs thought.
A more serious use during a deep conversation about the future.
تفتكر هي بتحبني؟ - ده سؤال وجودي ملوش إجابة دلوقتي.
Do you think she loves me? - That is an existential question with no answer right now.
Used to acknowledge the complexity of romantic feelings over text.
إحنا ليه بنعمل المشروع ده أصلاً؟ - ده سؤال وجودي بس مهم جداً.
Why are we even doing this project? - That is an existential question, but a very important one.
Used to address the core purpose of a task in a professional yet relaxed way.
هو إيه معنى السعادة؟ - ياااه.. ده سؤال وجودي قوي.
What is the meaning of happiness? - Oh man... that is a very existential question.
Classic use for a genuinely philosophical topic.
ليه السما زرقاء؟ - ده سؤال وجودي يا حبيبي.
Why is the sky blue? - That is an existential question, sweetie.
A gentle, slightly humorous way to respond to a child's curiosity.
Test Yourself
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
صاحبي بيسألني: 'إحنا عايشين ليه؟' قلتله: '___ يا عم!'
Since the question 'Why are we living?' is deep and philosophical, 'existential question' is the perfect response.
Choose the best response to a friend asking where to spend the weekend.
نسافر الساحل ولا السخنة؟ - ___
In Egyptian dialect, using 'existential question' for a travel choice adds a touch of humor and personality.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'ده سؤال وجودي'
Used with close friends for jokes.
Choosing pizza toppings.
The sweet spot. Used in most social settings.
Discussing life goals at a cafe.
Can be used in media or literature.
A TV host asking a philosopher.
Rarely used; MSA 'هذا سؤال وجودي' is preferred.
Academic thesis defense.
When to drop 'ده سؤال وجودي'
Late Night Talks
Discussing the universe.
Food Dilemmas
Ketchup or Mayo?
Career Crisis
Should I quit my job?
Dating Drama
Does he like me back?
Dodging Questions
When will you get married?
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsWhile the word وجودي (existential) is understood everywhere, the structure ده سؤال... is very Egyptian. Other dialects might use هذا سؤال... or ذا سؤال....
Only if the vibe is very creative or relaxed. Otherwise, it might sound like you are not taking the interview seriously.
سؤال صعب just means it's hard to solve. سؤال وجودي implies it's deep, philosophical, or life-altering.
Not at all! In Egypt, sarcasm is a sign of friendship. It’s a way to bond over the absurdity of small choices.
It's pronounced 'wu-joo-dee'. The 'j' is soft like in 'jam' (or a 'g' sound if you are in Cairo: 'wu-goo-dee').
It's better to use more respectful terms like سؤال عميق في الدين unless you are with very close, secular friends.
Yes, you can say دي أسئلة وجودية (These are existential questions) if someone is asking too many deep things at once.
Yes, it gained popularity in the last few decades as philosophical terms became part of the common lexicon through movies and social media.
Switch ده to هذا. For example: هذا سؤال وجودي يحتاج إلى تأمل (This is an existential question that requires contemplation).
Absolutely. It's a clever way to say 'I have no idea' without sounding uninformed.
It's mostly used by Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X. Older generations might find it a bit too 'modern' but will still understand it.
Often people will tilt their head, look at the sky, or rub their chin like a philosopher while saying it.
Related Phrases
سؤال لولبي
إنت بتعمقها ليه؟
خلينا في المهم
فلسفة فارغة
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