المدير يريد أن يراك
al-mudeer yureed an yarāk
The manager wants to see you
Literally: The manager wants he sees you
In 15 Seconds
- Used to inform a colleague the boss wants them.
- Common in Egyptian and Levantine dialects in work settings.
- Usually implies an immediate or urgent request for a meeting.
Meaning
This is the classic 'boss wants to see you' line. It usually means you're being called into an office for a meeting, a task, or perhaps a little trouble.
Key Examples
3 of 6At the office desk
يا أحمد، المدير عايز يشوفك في مكتبه.
Ahmed, the manager wants to see you in his office.
Texting a coworker
كلمني بسرعة، المدير عايز يشوفك!
Call me quickly, the manager wants to see you!
A friend joking about a strict wife
المدير عايز يشوفك في البيت دلوقتي.
The 'manager' wants to see you at home right now.
Cultural Background
Hierarchy is very important. When the 'Mudeer' calls, it is expected that you drop what you are doing and go immediately. It is a sign of respect. In Egypt, the term 'Mudeer' is sometimes used as a friendly slang for anyone in charge, even a parking attendant or a waiter, but in an office, it remains strictly professional. In the Gulf, workplace communication can be very formal. Using the full phrase in MSA is common in written memos or formal verbal announcements. In Lebanon or Syria, you might hear a mix of French and Arabic, but 'Al-Mudeer' remains the standard title for a boss.
Gender Matters
Always check if you are talking to a man (yaraka) or a woman (yaraki).
Don't forget 'An'
Without 'An', the sentence is grammatically broken in MSA.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to inform a colleague the boss wants them.
- Common in Egyptian and Levantine dialects in work settings.
- Usually implies an immediate or urgent request for a meeting.
What It Means
This phrase is a direct way to say the boss is looking for you. In Egyptian Arabic, عايز (ayez) means 'wants'. The verb يشوفك (yishoofak) means 'to see you'. It is simple, clear, and usually makes your heart skip a beat. It is the corporate version of being called to the principal's office.
How To Use It
Use this when a supervisor asks you to find a colleague. You walk over to their desk and drop this line. You can also use it over the phone or via text. It is very versatile because it uses the present tense. If you are the manager, you wouldn't say this about yourself. You would use a different phrasing like 'I want to talk to you'.
When To Use It
You will hear this mostly in offices or retail jobs. It is perfect for professional settings that aren't overly stiff. Use it when the request is immediate. It implies the manager is available right now. If you hear it, grab your notebook and head over quickly. It shows you are proactive and responsive.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this in a very formal government setting. In those cases, more formal words for 'requesting' are used. Avoid using it if the meeting is scheduled for next week. This phrase implies a 'right now' or 'very soon' timeline. Also, don't use it with friends unless you are joking. It sounds too 'work-oriented' for a casual hangout at a cafe.
Cultural Background
In many Arabic-speaking workplaces, hierarchy is respected but communication is often verbal. Instead of an automated calendar invite, a colleague often delivers the news. The word المدير (al-mudeer) carries weight. It represents authority and the person in charge of the 'mood' of the office. Egyptians often use humor to soften the blow of this phrase.
Common Variations
If the manager is female, you say المديرة عايزة تشوفك (al-mudeera ayza yishoofik). If you want to sound more formal, you might say المدير يطلب مقابلتك (the manager requests your meeting). For a more casual 'the boss is asking for you', use المدير بيسأل عليك (al-mudeer beyis'al aleik). These variations help you navigate different office vibes.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral to informal. It is the standard way to communicate a request from a superior in a modern Egyptian or Levantine office environment.
Gender Matters
Always check if you are talking to a man (yaraka) or a woman (yaraki).
Don't forget 'An'
Without 'An', the sentence is grammatically broken in MSA.
Tone is Key
If you say it slowly, it sounds serious. If you say it quickly with a smile, it sounds routine.
Knock First
When you go to see the manager, always knock and wait for 'Tafaddal' (Come in).
Examples
6يا أحمد، المدير عايز يشوفك في مكتبه.
Ahmed, the manager wants to see you in his office.
Standard office usage to relay a message.
كلمني بسرعة، المدير عايز يشوفك!
Call me quickly, the manager wants to see you!
Adds a sense of urgency via text.
المدير عايز يشوفك في البيت دلوقتي.
The 'manager' wants to see you at home right now.
Humorously referring to a spouse as the boss.
يا سارة، المدير عايز يشوفك عشان الحسابات.
Sarah, the manager wants to see you about the accounts.
Specifying the reason to reduce anxiety.
هو المدير عايز يشوفني ليه؟
Why does the manager want to see me?
The common response showing concern.
يا جماعة، المدير عايز يشوفكم كلكم.
Everyone, the manager wants to see all of you.
Addressing a group for a team meeting.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing particle to connect the two verbs.
المدير يريد ____ يراك.
The particle 'أن' (an) is required to connect 'يريد' (wants) with the following verb.
Choose the correct form for a female employee.
يا سارة، المدير يريد أن ____.
The suffix '-ki' is used for the feminine singular 'you'.
Match the Arabic word to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the four components of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
Secretary: يا أحمد، ____ في مكتبه. Ahmed: حسناً، أنا قادم.
The secretary is informing Ahmed that the manager wants to see him.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesالمدير يريد ____ يراك.
The particle 'أن' (an) is required to connect 'يريد' (wants) with the following verb.
يا سارة، المدير يريد أن ____.
The suffix '-ki' is used for the feminine singular 'you'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the four components of the phrase.
Secretary: يا أحمد، ____ في مكتبه. Ahmed: حسناً، أنا قادم.
The secretary is informing Ahmed that the manager wants to see him.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is used for school principals, hospital directors, and government heads too.
Yes, in this context, 'wants to see you' and 'needs to see you' are interchangeable.
It is 'Mudeera' (مديرة).
المدير يريد أن يرانا (Al-mudeer yureed an yarana).
Yes, it is neutral and professional. To be extra polite, add 'min fadlak' (please).
Arabic uses object suffixes (-ka) instead of separate pronouns for objects of verbs.
Not necessarily! It's just a request for a meeting.
المدير عايز يشوفك (El-mudeer ayiz yishufak).
المديران يريدان أن يراك (Al-mudeeran yureedan an yaraka).
It's better to say 'Abuya ayizak' (My dad wants you) in a casual setting.
Related Phrases
المدير في اجتماع
similarThe manager is in a meeting
مكتب المدير
builds onThe manager's office
نائب المدير
specialized formThe deputy manager
المدير العام
specialized formThe General Manager
