الإنترنت لا يعمل
el-internet la ya'mal
The internet is not working
Literally: The internet not working
In 15 Seconds
- Used to report a broken or down internet connection.
- Combines the loanword 'Net' with the Arabic word for 'working'.
- Extremely common in Egypt, the Levant, and North Africa.
Meaning
This is the universal cry for help when your Wi-Fi dies. It is the most common way to tell someone your internet connection is down or acting up.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a coffee shop
يا فندم، النت مش شغال هنا؟
Excuse me sir, is the internet not working here?
In a work meeting
أنا آسف، النت مش شغال كويس عندي.
I'm sorry, the internet isn't working well at my place.
Texting a friend
مش هعرف أكلمك فيديو، النت مش شغال.
I won't be able to video call you, the net isn't working.
Cultural Background
In Egypt, people are very tech-savvy but infrastructure can be inconsistent. You will often hear 'Al-net fasil' (The net is cut). It's common to joke about the 'Suntral' (the central exchange) being the cause of all problems. Connectivity is extremely high-speed in cities. If the internet isn't working, it's treated as a major service failure. People often use 'Al-shabaka' (the network) to refer to their 5G or Wi-Fi interchangeably. Due to economic challenges or power outages, internet stability can vary. The phrase 'Ma fi net' is a daily reality during 'power cuts' (inqita' al-kahraba). There is a heavy influence of French tech terms. While 'Al-internet la ya'mal' is understood, you might hear 'Internet makhaddamash' (using the Moroccan Darija negation).
Use 'Al-Net' for speed
In 90% of daily conversations, just say 'Al-net'. It's faster and sounds more natural.
Check the 'Al-'
Never say 'Internet la ya'mal'. It sounds like you're talking about a person named Internet. Always use 'Al-internet'.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to report a broken or down internet connection.
- Combines the loanword 'Net' with the Arabic word for 'working'.
- Extremely common in Egypt, the Levant, and North Africa.
What It Means
النت مش شغال (El-net mesh shaghal) is your go-to phrase for digital frustration. النت is just the Arabic way of saying 'the internet.' مش means 'not.' شغال means 'working' or 'functioning.' Together, they describe that painful moment when your connection drops. It is simple, direct, and understood across the entire Arab world.
How To Use It
Use it exactly like you would in English. You can say it as a statement of fact. You can also turn it into a question by changing your tone. If you are at a cafe, just point at your phone and say it. It works for Wi-Fi, mobile data, or even a wired connection. It is a very flexible phrase for daily life.
When To Use It
You will use this constantly. Use it when your Zoom call freezes. Use it when your Netflix won't load. It is perfect for telling a roommate why you can't wash the dishes (you're busy fixing the router). Use it in a meeting to explain why your screen share failed. It is a literal lifesaver in modern social situations.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for people. If a friend is lazy, do not say they are مش شغال. That would sound very strange! Also, avoid this in extremely formal written reports. In a legal contract, you would use more formal Modern Standard Arabic. For a quick text or a chat, though, it is perfect.
Cultural Background
In many Arab countries, the internet can be a bit 'moody.' Because of this, النت مش شغال has become a national anthem of sorts. It is often followed by a deep sigh or a joke about the service provider. In Egypt especially, complaining about the internet is a great way to bond with strangers. It is the modern version of talking about the weather.
Common Variations
You might hear النت فصل (El-net fasal), which means 'the internet disconnected.' Some people say مافيش نت (Mafeesh net), meaning 'there is no internet.' In the Gulf, you might hear النت خربان (El-net kharban). However, the مش شغال version is the most widely understood 'neutral' slang version you can find.
Usage Notes
This is a quintessential 'Ammiya' (dialect) phrase. It is perfect for 99% of daily interactions but should be replaced with formal MSA in academic writing.
Use 'Al-Net' for speed
In 90% of daily conversations, just say 'Al-net'. It's faster and sounds more natural.
Check the 'Al-'
Never say 'Internet la ya'mal'. It sounds like you're talking about a person named Internet. Always use 'Al-internet'.
Be polite
Always start with 'Afwan' (Excuse me) or 'Law samaht' (If you please) when complaining about the internet to staff.
Examples
6يا فندم، النت مش شغال هنا؟
Excuse me sir, is the internet not working here?
A polite way to ask the waiter for help with the Wi-Fi.
أنا آسف، النت مش شغال كويس عندي.
I'm sorry, the internet isn't working well at my place.
Used to explain technical difficulties during a call.
مش هعرف أكلمك فيديو، النت مش شغال.
I won't be able to video call you, the net isn't working.
Explaining why you are switching to text only.
يووه! النت مش شغال تاني!
Ugh! The internet isn't working again!
Expressing annoyance at a recurring problem.
النت مش شغال بقاله ساعتين.
The internet hasn't been working for two hours.
Providing a specific timeframe for the issue.
النت مش شغال، ضاعت عليا المحاضرة.
The internet isn't working, I missed the lecture.
Expressing disappointment over a missed opportunity.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing negation particle for Modern Standard Arabic.
الإنترنت ___ يعمل.
'La' is the standard particle for negating present tense verbs in MSA.
Which verb correctly completes the phrase 'The internet is not working'?
الإنترنت لا ___.
'Ya'mal' means 'to work' or 'to function', which is the correct verb for technology.
Complete the dialogue at the hotel reception.
Guest: عفواً، ___ في غرفتي. Receptionist: سأرسل الفني الآن.
The context of sending a technician (fanni) implies a technical problem like the internet.
Match the Arabic phrase to the correct situation.
الإنترنت ضعيف جداً.
'Da'if' means weak or slow, distinct from 'la ya'mal' (not working).
Match the dialect to the MSA equivalent 'الإنترنت لا يعمل'.
Match: 1. Egyptian, 2. Levantine
Egyptian uses 'mish shaghal' while Levantine frequently uses 'ma fi'.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Internet Status in Arabic
Status
- • يعمل (Working)
- • لا يعمل (Not working)
- • بطيء (Slow)
- • مقطوع (Cut)
Practice Bank
5 exercisesالإنترنت ___ يعمل.
'La' is the standard particle for negating present tense verbs in MSA.
الإنترنت لا ___.
'Ya'mal' means 'to work' or 'to function', which is the correct verb for technology.
Guest: عفواً، ___ في غرفتي. Receptionist: سأرسل الفني الآن.
The context of sending a technician (fanni) implies a technical problem like the internet.
الإنترنت ضعيف جداً.
'Da'if' means weak or slow, distinct from 'la ya'mal' (not working).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Egyptian uses 'mish shaghal' while Levantine frequently uses 'ma fi'.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt is masculine. You must use 'ya'mal' (masculine) not 'ta'mal' (feminine).
Only in dialects (like Egyptian). In formal writing or MSA, always use 'la'.
You can say 'Al-way-fay muttasil lakin al-internet la ya'mal' (The Wi-Fi is connected but the internet isn't working).
You say 'Al-internet 'aad' (الإنترنت عاد) or 'Al-net riga'' in Egyptian.
Yes, 'muta'attil' (broken/out of order) can be used for the service or the device.
Related Phrases
الإنترنت بطيء
similarThe internet is slow
لا توجد إشارة
relatedThere is no signal
أعد تشغيل المودم
builds onRestart the modem
الشبكة مقطوعة
synonymThe network is cut
كلمة السر
relatedPassword
