زميلي في الدراسة

Using this phrase is like putting a neat label on a relationship. When you are introducing someone, you simply say the phrase followed by their name. For example, "This is زميلي في الدراسة, Ahmed." It works perfectly in both spoken conversation and written messages. If you are talking about a woman, you just add a small 't' sound: زميلتي. It’s very flexible. You can use it to explain why you’re meeting someone at a library or why you’re texting late at night about a project. It’s clear, respectful, and very natural.

Use this phrase whenever you need to be specific about how you know someone. It’s great for introductions at a coffee shop when you run into a family member. It’s also the perfect term for LinkedIn or professional bios when mentioning a peer. Use it when you want to sound organized and respectful. It’s particularly useful in university settings where you have many acquaintances. It tells the listener, "We have a shared purpose," which is a very valued concept in Arabic culture.

Don't use this for your absolute best friend since kindergarten. If you do, it might sound like you’re trying to distance yourself from them! It’s a bit too "professional" for a deep, personal bond. Also, never use it for a teacher or professor. That would be a major social slip-up, as it implies you are on the same level as them. Avoid using it for someone you just met once at a party. If there’s no "study" involved, the phrase doesn't fit. It’s for the people you actually see in the classroom.

In the Arab world, education is often seen as a collective journey rather than a solo mission. Students frequently study in large groups, share meals between lectures, and help each other survive tough exams. The word زميل (colleague) carries a sense of mutual respect and shared struggle. By calling someone your زميل, you are acknowledging that you are both working toward a goal. It’s a term that bridges the gap between formal society and personal friendship. It reflects the high value placed on academic networking and community.

If you are talking about a girl, use زميلتي في الدراسة. If you want to talk about a whole group of classmates, you’d say زملائي في الدراسة. In very casual Egyptian slang, you might hear زميلي used on its own to mean "my buddy," even outside of school. However, adding في الدراسة keeps it specific to education. In some regions, you might hear رفيقي في المدرسة for younger schoolmates, but زميلي is the most versatile and widely understood version for adults.