إيه الخطة؟
What's the plan?
Literally: What (is) the plan?
Use this phrase to spark a group decision or find out the next move in a casual setting.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to ask 'What's the plan?' in daily life.
- Best used with friends, family, and close colleagues.
- Common in Egyptian and Levantine dialects for social organizing.
Meaning
This is the go-to way to ask 'What's the plan?' or 'What are we doing next?' among friends and family.
Key Examples
3 of 6Texting a friend on a Friday morning
صباح الخير، إيه الخطة النهاردة؟
Good morning, what's the plan today?
Standing with friends after a movie
الفيلم خلص، إيه الخطة دلوقتي؟
The movie is over, what's the plan now?
A casual office meeting with teammates
خلصنا الشغل، إيه الخطة للمشروع الجاي؟
We finished the work, what's the plan for the next project?
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the 'socially-driven' nature of Middle Eastern life where group consensus is key. While 'khetta' means a strategic plan, using it for dinner shows the lighthearted, communal way people organize their free time. It became a staple of modern urban slang through Egyptian cinema and pop culture.
The Tone Matters
Say it with an upward inflection at the end. It should sound like an open invitation, not an interrogation!
Don't use with Elders
While not rude, it might seem a bit too 'modern' or 'abrupt' for your grandfather. Use something softer like 'What would you like to do?'.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to ask 'What's the plan?' in daily life.
- Best used with friends, family, and close colleagues.
- Common in Egyptian and Levantine dialects for social organizing.
What It Means
إيه الخطة؟ (Eh el-khetta?) is your ultimate tool for navigating social life. It literally asks for the plan. It is simple, direct, and incredibly common in Egyptian and Levantine dialects. You are asking for the sequence of events. It implies you are ready for action. It is the verbal equivalent of checking your GPS before driving.
How To Use It
You use it just like the English equivalent. Drop it into a conversation when things feel undecided. You can use it at the start of a day. You can use it when a group is standing around looking bored. It works perfectly in person or over text. If you are texting a friend, just send إيه الخطة؟ with a thinking emoji. It is short and punchy. You don't need complex grammar here. Just the phrase and a questioning tone.
When To Use It
Use it when you are hungry and want to decide on a restaurant. Use it on a Thursday night when the weekend is starting. It is great for travel scenarios too. If you are with a group in Cairo, ask this to see who is leading the way. It works well in casual office settings among close colleagues. 'We finished the report, so إيه الخطة؟ for lunch?' It shows you are a team player.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very formal or high-stakes business meetings. If you are talking to a CEO you just met, it might sound too casual. Don't use it during a solemn or sad occasion. If someone is telling you a tragic story, don't ask for the plan. It can sound dismissive if the timing is wrong. Also, don't use it if the plan was already clearly explained. You will look like you weren't listening!
Cultural Background
In many Arab cultures, social gatherings are often spontaneous. Plans can change at the last minute. This phrase captures that fluid energy. It reflects a culture that values togetherness and shared decision-making. The word خطة (khetta) comes from formal Arabic, but in this context, it loses its 'military' stiffness. It becomes a warm invitation to hang out. It’s the sound of a night just beginning.
Common Variations
You might hear شو الخطة؟ (Shu el-khetta?) in Lebanon or Syria. In more formal settings, people might say ما هي الخطة؟ (Ma hiya al-khetta?). Some people might just say إيه النظام؟ (Eh el-nezam?), which means 'What's the system?' or 'What's the deal?'. All of these aim for the same goal: getting everyone on the same page.
Usage Notes
Perfect for B1 learners to sound more like a native speaker in social settings. It bridges the gap between textbook Arabic and real-world spontaneity.
The Tone Matters
Say it with an upward inflection at the end. It should sound like an open invitation, not an interrogation!
Don't use with Elders
While not rude, it might seem a bit too 'modern' or 'abrupt' for your grandfather. Use something softer like 'What would you like to do?'.
The 'Insha'Allah' Factor
Be prepared for the answer to include 'Insha'Allah' (God willing). In the Middle East, the 'plan' is always subject to divine approval!
Examples
6صباح الخير، إيه الخطة النهاردة؟
Good morning, what's the plan today?
A classic way to start a weekend conversation.
الفيلم خلص، إيه الخطة دلوقتي؟
The movie is over, what's the plan now?
Used to transition to the next activity like dinner.
خلصنا الشغل، إيه الخطة للمشروع الجاي؟
We finished the work, what's the plan for the next project?
Professional but relaxed enough for close coworkers.
شكلك وراك مصيبة، إيه الخطة؟
You look like you're up to no good, what's the plan?
Using 'plan' to jokingly imply a conspiracy.
ماتزعلش، إيه الخطة عشان نغير جو؟
Don't be sad, what's the plan to change the mood?
Using the phrase to pivot to a positive activity.
أنا جعت أوي، إيه الخطة للعشا؟
I'm so hungry, what's the plan for dinner?
Focusing on the most important part of any event: food.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the phrase for 'What's the plan?'
إيه ___؟
`الخطة` means 'the plan', making the phrase 'What is the plan?'.
Which word is the dialect version of 'What' used in this phrase?
___ الخطة؟
`إيه` is the Egyptian/Levantine way to say 'What' in casual conversation.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'What's the plan?'
إيه النظام؟ (What's the system?)
With best friends
إيه الخطة؟
With family or peers
ما هي الخطة القادمة؟
In a boardroom
Where to use 'إيه الخطة؟'
Weekend Hangouts
Deciding on a cafe
Group Travel
Leaving the hotel
Family Dinners
Who is cooking what?
Casual Office
After a deadline
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, almost every Arabic speaker will understand إيه الخطة؟ because of the influence of Egyptian media, though they might use شو instead of إيه locally.
It's a bit too casual for a first email. Use ما هي الخطوات القادمة؟ (What are the next steps?) instead.
إيه الخطة is specifically about a plan of action, while إيه النظام is more like 'What's the deal?' or 'How do things work here?'.
You can start with ممكن... (Maybe we can...) or لسه مش عارف (I don't know yet).
Yes, خطة is feminine, which is why we use the feminine 'the' (al-), though in this phrase, it doesn't change the 'Eh'.
Only if you have a very friendly, long-term relationship. Otherwise, it's safer to be more formal.
No, this is a modern colloquial expression. The word خطة exists in classical Arabic but not in this specific phrasing.
Not at all! It sounds proactive and energetic, as long as your voice is friendly.
You can say إيه خطتك؟ (Eh khettetak?) for a male or إيه خطتك؟ (Eh khettetik?) for a female.
The phrase إيه الخطة؟ is usually used for the whole group, so you don't need to pluralize it.
Related Phrases
إيه النظام؟
What's the deal / What's the system?
هنعمل إيه؟
What are we going to do?
شو الجو؟
What's the vibe? (Levantine)
على فين؟
To where? (Where are we headed?)
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