أريد الذهاب إلى السينما
urid adh-dhihab ila as-sinima
I want to go to the cinema
Literally: Wanting I-go the-cinema
In 15 Seconds
- Used to suggest a movie night with friends or family.
- The word 'ayez' changes to 'ayza' for female speakers.
- Commonly used in Egyptian and Levantine dialects for daily plans.
Meaning
This is the most common way to say you're in the mood for a movie. It literally means 'I want to go to the cinema' and is used daily in Egypt and across the Levant.
Key Examples
3 of 6Texting a close friend on the weekend
يا صاحبي، عايز أروح السينما النهاردة.
My friend, I want to go to the cinema today.
A woman telling her husband her plans
أنا عايزة أروح السينما مع أصحابي.
I want to go to the cinema with my friends.
Asking a colleague during a break
تحب تروح السينما بعد الشغل؟
Would you like to go to the cinema after work?
Cultural Background
Egypt is the heart of Arab cinema. Going to the cinema in Cairo often involves dressing up and going to 'Downtown' (Wust al-Balad) to historic theaters like Metro or Cinema Zawya. Since 2018, cinema has become the most popular weekend activity for youth. It represents a major shift in social life and the 'Vision 2030' modernization. In Beirut, cinema is often part of a 'mall culture'. People go to the cinema in places like ABC Mall or City Centre and discuss the film over 'Arguileh' (hookah) afterwards. The UAE hosts some of the most luxurious cinemas in the world, including 'Dine-in' cinemas where you can eat a full meal while watching.
The 'Al' Rule
Always keep the 'Al' on 'Cinema' and 'Dhahab'. Arabic likes its nouns to be definite when talking about general activities.
Sun Letters
Remember that 'Dhal' and 'Seen' are sun letters. Don't pronounce the 'L' in 'Al-Dhahab' or 'Al-Cinema'. It's 'Adh-dhahab' and 'As-cinema'.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to suggest a movie night with friends or family.
- The word 'ayez' changes to 'ayza' for female speakers.
- Commonly used in Egyptian and Levantine dialects for daily plans.
What It Means
This phrase is your golden ticket to a movie night. The word عايز (ayez) means 'wanting' or 'I want.' It is the masculine form. If you are female, you say عايزة (ayza). The verb أروح (arouh) means 'I go.' Together, it is a simple, direct way to express a desire. It sounds natural and friendly.
How To Use It
You use this phrase just like you would in English. Just drop it into a conversation when you're bored. You can add a time like بكرة (bokra - tomorrow). You can also add a person like معاك (ma'ak - with you). It is very flexible. Don't worry about complex grammar here. It is a 'plug and play' sentence for beginners.
When To Use It
Use it when you are hanging out with friends. Use it when you are texting your partner. It is perfect for a casual Friday night plan. You can even say it to a colleague during a lunch break. It is great for practicing your 'active' desires in Arabic. It makes you sound like a local who actually has a social life.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this in a very formal business meeting. If you are talking to a high-ranking official, it might sound too blunt. Also, don't use عايز if you are in a region like Saudi Arabia. There, they prefer أبغى (abgha). In Morocco, they might say بغيت (bgheet). Using the wrong regional 'want' can be a funny giveaway that you learned Egyptian Arabic.
Cultural Background
Cinema is huge in Arab culture, especially in Egypt. Cairo was once the 'Hollywood of the East.' Going to the cinema is a major social event. People dress up and go late at night. It is common to go to a 12:00 AM showing. Afterward, everyone heads to a cafe for shisha or tea. It is more than just a movie; it is a whole night out.
Common Variations
You can swap السينما for other places. Try عايز أروح النادي (I want to go to the club). Or عايز أروح البيت (I want to go home). If you want to ask a friend, say عايز تروح السينما؟ (Do you want to go to the cinema?). The structure stays the same. Just change the ending of the verb to match who you are talking to.
Usage Notes
This phrase is the bread and butter of Egyptian dialect. It's informal but polite enough for almost any social situation outside of a palace or a courtroom.
The 'Al' Rule
Always keep the 'Al' on 'Cinema' and 'Dhahab'. Arabic likes its nouns to be definite when talking about general activities.
Sun Letters
Remember that 'Dhal' and 'Seen' are sun letters. Don't pronounce the 'L' in 'Al-Dhahab' or 'Al-Cinema'. It's 'Adh-dhahab' and 'As-cinema'.
Dialect Shortcut
If you're in Egypt, just say 'Ayz cinema?' with a questioning tone. It's the ultimate shortcut!
Examples
6يا صاحبي، عايز أروح السينما النهاردة.
My friend, I want to go to the cinema today.
Using 'ya sahbi' makes it very casual and warm.
أنا عايزة أروح السينما مع أصحابي.
I want to go to the cinema with my friends.
Notice the feminine 'ayza' used here.
تحب تروح السينما بعد الشغل؟
Would you like to go to the cinema after work?
A polite way to invite someone using the same theme.
أنا زهقان أوي، عايز أروح السينما حتى لو الفيلم وحش!
I'm so bored, I want to go to the cinema even if the movie is bad!
Shows desperation for entertainment.
نفسي أروح السينما زي زمان.
I really want to go to the cinema like the old days.
'Nefsi' adds a deeper sense of longing.
مين عايز يروح السينما معانا؟
Who wants to go to the cinema with us?
Used to poll a group of people.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word for 'to'.
أريد الذهاب ____ السينما.
The preposition 'إلى' (ila) is used for direction towards a place.
Which sentence means 'I want to go to the cinema'?
Select the correct Arabic translation:
The first option follows the correct Verb + Masdar + Preposition + Noun order.
Complete the dialogue.
Ahmed: أنا ملول. Sara: ________ إلى السينما؟
Sara is making a suggestion by asking 'Do you want to go...?'
Match the Arabic word to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the four components of the phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesأريد الذهاب ____ السينما.
The preposition 'إلى' (ila) is used for direction towards a place.
Select the correct Arabic translation:
The first option follows the correct Verb + Masdar + Preposition + Noun order.
Ahmed: أنا ملول. Sara: ________ إلى السينما؟
Sara is making a suggestion by asking 'Do you want to go...?'
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the four components of the phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, 'Cinema' in Arabic refers to both the building and the activity of watching movies.
It is Modern Standard Arabic. It's safe and polite, but in a very casual street setting, it might sound a bit like a textbook.
In Arabic, verbal nouns (Masdars) usually take the definite article 'Al' when they function as the object of a verb like 'want'.
Change 'Uridu' to 'Nuridu' (نريد). The rest of the sentence stays the same.
'Ila' means 'to' (direction), while 'li' often means 'for' or 'to' (purpose). For going to a place, always use 'ila'.
Related Phrases
أريد مشاهدة فيلم
similarI want to watch a movie
أين السينما؟
builds onWhere is the cinema?
أريد الذهاب إلى البيت
specialized formI want to go home
لا أريد الخروج
contrastI don't want to go out
