In 15 Seconds
- Used to tell someone to exit, go outside, or go upstairs.
- Change the ending based on who you are talking to.
- Be careful with tone; it can range from friendly to rude.
Meaning
This phrase is your go-to for telling someone to exit a room, go outside, or even move upward like climbing stairs. It is a simple, direct way to say 'get out' or 'step out' depending on your tone.
Key Examples
3 of 6Telling a friend to go outside
يلا اطلع، الجو حلو برا.
Come on, go out, the weather is nice outside.
Asking a colleague to step out of a meeting
ممكن تطلع من الاجتماع شوي؟
Could you step out of the meeting for a moment?
Texting a friend to come out of their house
أنا عند الباب، اطلع!
I am at the door, come out!
Cultural Background
Directly telling a guest to 'Ukhruj' is considered a 'black face' (shameful) act. Instead, hosts might start clearing the table or mention they have an early morning to signal the end of the visit. Egyptians often use 'itla'' (go up) even if they are on the ground floor, because of the historical layout of Cairo where 'going out' often meant 'going up' to the street level. In Lebanon, 'Ukhruj' is rarely heard in speech; 'Dahhir' (from the word for 'back') is often used to mean 'go out' or 'take out'. The word 'Khurooj' is used to describe the act of going out for 'Da'wah' (missionary work). It is a respected term in this specific religious community.
Politeness counts
Always add 'min fadlak' (please) when using this command to avoid sounding rude.
Gender matters
Don't forget the 'i' at the end for women (Ukhruji) or you'll sound like a robot!
In 15 Seconds
- Used to tell someone to exit, go outside, or go upstairs.
- Change the ending based on who you are talking to.
- Be careful with tone; it can range from friendly to rude.
What It Means
اطلع (Etla') is a very common verb in Arabic. At its core, it means to move from inside to outside. It also covers moving from a lower place to a higher one. Think of it as the opposite of 'enter' or 'go down.' It is short, punchy, and used dozens of times a day.
How To Use It
You use اطلع when you want someone to leave. If you are talking to a man, say اطلع. For a woman, add an 'ee' sound at the end: اطلعي. If you are talking to a group, say اطلعوا. You can use it alone as a command. You can also pair it with a destination. For example, اطلع برا means 'go outside.'
When To Use It
Use it when your friend is at your door and you are ready to leave. Use it when you are telling someone to go up the stairs. It is perfect for telling a sibling to get out of your room. You will also hear it when someone 'appears' on a screen or stage. It is a very versatile 'movement' word.
When NOT To Use It
Be careful with your tone of voice. Shouting اطلع can sound very aggressive or rude. Do not use it as a command with your boss or elders. In formal settings, it is better to use 'please' with it. Avoid using it if you want someone to 'leave a job' permanently. There are more specific words for resigning or quitting.
Cultural Background
In Arabic culture, hospitality is a massive deal. Telling someone to اطلع (leave) is usually avoided with guests. However, among close friends, it is used jokingly all the time. The root of the word also relates to the sunrise. طلوع الشمس means the rising of the sun. It carries a sense of emerging into the light.
Common Variations
In Egypt, you might hear اطلع used for getting into a car too. In the Levant, تطلع (tetla') can also mean 'to look' at something. If someone says اطلع من راسي, they mean 'get out of my head.' This is a funny way to tell someone to stop annoying you. You might also hear طلعني which means 'get me out' of a situation.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral but highly dependent on tone. Use the 'ee' suffix for women and 'oo' for groups to stay grammatically correct in spoken dialects.
Politeness counts
Always add 'min fadlak' (please) when using this command to avoid sounding rude.
Gender matters
Don't forget the 'i' at the end for women (Ukhruji) or you'll sound like a robot!
The 'Kh' sound
If you struggle with 'Kh', imagine you are clearing your throat gently. Don't overdo it!
Signs
Look for the word 'خروج' (Khurooj) in airports. It's the best way to practice reading the root.
Examples
6يلا اطلع، الجو حلو برا.
Come on, go out, the weather is nice outside.
A friendly suggestion to enjoy the outdoors.
ممكن تطلع من الاجتماع شوي؟
Could you step out of the meeting for a moment?
Adding 'ممكن' (is it possible) makes it polite.
أنا عند الباب، اطلع!
I am at the door, come out!
Commonly used when picking someone up.
يا أخي اطلع من راسي!
Man, get out of my head!
An idiomatic way to say 'stop annoying me.'
اطلع برا وما ترجع!
Get out and don't come back!
A very harsh command used in arguments.
اطلع على الطابق الثاني.
Go up to the second floor.
Used here to mean 'ascend' or 'go up.'
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form for a woman.
يا مريم، ____ من الغرفة.
The feminine singular imperative ends with a 'ya' (ي).
Fill in the blank with the word for 'Exit'.
أنا أريد أن ____ من البيت.
After 'an' (أن), we use the present tense verb 'akhruj'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase is best for a fire emergency?
'Fawran' means immediately, which fits an emergency.
Complete the dialogue.
Ahmed: الجو حار هنا. Khalid: إذاً، ____ إلى الحديقة.
If it's hot inside, the logical command is to 'go out' (ukhruj).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesيا مريم، ____ من الغرفة.
The feminine singular imperative ends with a 'ya' (ي).
أنا أريد أن ____ من البيت.
After 'an' (أن), we use the present tense verb 'akhruj'.
Which phrase is best for a fire emergency?
'Fawran' means immediately, which fits an emergency.
Ahmed: الجو حار هنا. Khalid: إذاً، ____ إلى الحديقة.
If it's hot inside, the logical command is to 'go out' (ukhruj).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsIt can be. Like 'Get out' in English, it depends on your tone. With a smile and 'please', it's fine. Shouted, it's an insult.
Use 'Hayya nakhruj' (هيا نخرج) or just 'Nakhruj?' with a questioning tone.
It is 'Ukhruji' (أخرجي).
It is 'Ukhruju' (أخرجوا).
Usually, apps use the noun 'Khurooj' (خروج) or 'Tasjeel al-khurooj' (تسجيل الخروج).
'Ukhruj' is formal (MSA), while 'Itla' is the dialect version used in daily life in Egypt and the Levant.
In MSA, no. In dialects, 'Itla' can mean both 'Go out' and 'Go up'.
You would say 'Ibt'id 'an tariqi' (ابتعد عن طريقي).
It takes practice. It's a voiceless velar fricative. Try saying 'K' but keep the air flowing.
Yes, you can tell a cat or dog 'Ukhruj!' to get them out of a room.
The opposite is 'Udkhul' (أدخل), which means 'Enter'.
Yes, many times, such as when God commands Iblis to leave Paradise.
It's a helping vowel to make the word easier to pronounce since it starts with two consonants.
Yes, this is very common and emphasizes 'Get out *outside*'.
Related Phrases
إطلع
similarGo up / Go out
غادر
synonymLeave / Depart
برا
specialized formOutside
انصرف
formalBe dismissed
ابتعد
similarMove away
