إنت صاحبي

You use this phrase to affirm a relationship. It works perfectly when you want to show appreciation. It also works when you are about to ask for a favor. Adding يا (Ya) before it makes it even more natural: يا صاحبي. It is mostly used between men. If you are talking to a woman, you must change it to إنتي صاحبتي (Inti Sahibti). Don't forget the gender agreement!

Use it when you are hanging out at a café. It is great for texting a buddy after a long time. Use it to soften the blow of a joke. If you are thanking someone for help, this phrase adds a personal touch. It is perfect for casual settings like a football match or a dinner party. It makes the other person feel seen and valued.

Avoid using this with your boss in a formal meeting. It might sound too casual or even slightly disrespectful. Do not use it with someone you just met five minutes ago. It might feel a bit 'too much' too soon. Also, avoid using the male version صاحبي with a female friend. It sounds grammatically jarring and a bit confusing. Keep it for your 'bros'.

Friendship is a cornerstone of Middle Eastern social life. The concept of the 'Sahib' is ancient. It appears in classical poetry and religious texts to describe close companions. In modern times, especially in Egyptian pop culture, this phrase is everywhere. It represents a 'ride or die' mentality. Being someone's صاحب means you have their back no matter what.

In Egypt, you might hear يا زميلي (Ya Zamili) for a classmate or colleague. In the Levant, people often say يا رفيقي (Ya Rafeeqi). If you want to be extra affectionate, try إنت حبيبي (Inta Habibi). For a group of friends, you would say إنتوا أصحابي (Intoo Ashabi). Each variation has its own local flavor, but إنت صاحبي remains a classic everywhere.