رقم تليفوني كذا
raqam tilifuni kadha
My phone number is such-and-such
Literally: Number [of] phone-my [is] such-and-such
In 15 Seconds
- Used to provide your phone number to others.
- Follow the phrase with digits read left to right.
- Essential for networking, social life, and administrative tasks.
Meaning
This is the standard way to share your contact information with someone. It literally means 'My phone number is...' followed by a placeholder for the digits.
Key Examples
3 of 6Meeting a new friend at a cafe
رقم تليفوني كذا: صفر خمسة صفر...
My phone number is: zero five zero...
Giving a number to a delivery driver
سجل عندك، رقم تليفوني كذا
Record this, my phone number is such-and-such.
In a professional business meeting
تفضل، رقم تليفوني كذا في المكتب
Here you go, my phone number is such-and-such at the office.
Cultural Background
Egyptians often use the word 'Nimra' (from Italian) and are very generous with sharing numbers for social help. The word 'Jawwal' is the standard for mobile phones. Sharing a number is often followed by 'Ab'ath li WhatsApp' (Send me a WhatsApp). Lebanese speakers often mix Arabic with French or English, so you might hear 'Raqam al-mobile' or 'Mon numéro'. In Morocco, 'Hatif' is used more commonly in daily speech than in the East, alongside the French 'Portable'.
Drop the 'is'
Don't worry about the verb 'to be'. Just say 'Raqam tilifuni [number]' and you'll sound like a native.
Reading Order
Even though Arabic is right-to-left, phone numbers are read left-to-right, just like in English.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to provide your phone number to others.
- Follow the phrase with digits read left to right.
- Essential for networking, social life, and administrative tasks.
What It Means
This phrase is your primary tool for social networking. It translates to "My phone number is such-and-such." The word kadha (or kaza in many dialects) acts as a placeholder. You use it when you are explaining the *structure* of giving a number. It is clear, direct, and essential for daily life. It helps you bridge the gap from stranger to friend.
How To Use It
Simply state the phrase and follow it with your digits. In Arabic, phone numbers are read from left to right. This is a bit funny because the text goes right to left. You can say digits individually or in small groups. For example, you can say "zero five zero" or "fifty." Most people prefer single digits for total clarity. Just remember to add the "ee" sound to tilifon to make it "my phone."
When To Use It
Use it when meeting a new business contact at a conference. Use it when you are making a local restaurant reservation. It is perfect for filling out forms at the gym. If you meet a new friend at a cafe, use this. It works perfectly for the guy delivering your late-night shawarma. It is a very social and helpful phrase for any newcomer.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in extremely formal written legal contracts. In those cases, use the term raqam al-hatif instead. Do not use it if you want to remain anonymous. Giving a number implies a level of future social contact. If you are trying to end a conversation quickly, keep your number private! Also, do not use it if you are only giving a WhatsApp ID.
Cultural Background
In the Middle East, social connection is the heart of life. WhatsApp is the main way people communicate every single day. Giving your number is a gesture of openness and trust. It is often the first step in building a real relationship. People are generally very generous with their contact information. It is a sign of hospitality to stay in touch. Sometimes, people even give their number just to be polite.
Common Variations
In Egypt, you will often hear people say kaza instead of kadha. In the Gulf, raqam jawwali is the standard term for mobile. You can also shorten it to just raqami which means "my number." Some people use the word nimra which also means "number." All of these variations will be understood by any Arabic speaker. Choose the one that feels most natural in your specific city.
Usage Notes
This phrase is perfectly safe for A2 learners. It is neutral enough for both a boss and a new friend. Just be careful with the possessive suffix '-i' to ensure you are saying 'my' number.
Drop the 'is'
Don't worry about the verb 'to be'. Just say 'Raqam tilifuni [number]' and you'll sound like a native.
Reading Order
Even though Arabic is right-to-left, phone numbers are read left-to-right, just like in English.
WhatsApp is King
After giving your number, people will often ask if you have WhatsApp immediately.
Examples
6رقم تليفوني كذا: صفر خمسة صفر...
My phone number is: zero five zero...
A very common way to start a friendship.
سجل عندك، رقم تليفوني كذا
Record this, my phone number is such-and-such.
Used to ensure the driver can find your house.
تفضل، رقم تليفوني كذا في المكتب
Here you go, my phone number is such-and-such at the office.
Professional and direct for networking.
ده رقم تليفوني الجديد
This is my new phone number.
Using 'da' (this) makes it very casual and conversational.
رقم تليفوني كذا... والله نسيت الرقم!
My phone number is... I swear I forgot the number!
A relatable moment of 'brain fog' in a social setting.
يا خالة، رقم تليفونك كذا
Auntie, your phone number is such-and-such.
Showing respect while providing helpful information.
Test Yourself
Complete the phrase to say 'My phone number is...'
رقم ______ كذا
The suffix '-i' makes the phone 'mine'.
Which is the most formal way to say 'My phone number'?
Choose the formal version:
'Hatif' is the formal MSA word for phone.
Fill in the missing line in this dialogue.
Ahmed: ما هو رقمك؟ You: ___________
This is the standard response to the question.
Match the phrase to the region.
Match 'نمرتي' (Nimrati) to the correct country.
Egyptians commonly use 'Nimra' for number.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Regional Variations
Egypt
- • نمرتي
Gulf
- • جوالي
Formal
- • هاتفي
Practice Bank
4 exercisesرقم ______ كذا
The suffix '-i' makes the phone 'mine'.
Choose the formal version:
'Hatif' is the formal MSA word for phone.
Ahmed: ما هو رقمك؟ You: ___________
This is the standard response to the question.
Match 'نمرتي' (Nimrati) to the correct country.
Egyptians commonly use 'Nimra' for number.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's optional and often dropped in spoken Arabic.
You can say 'Raqam jawwali' or 'Raqam mobayli' to be more specific.
Change the ending to '-hu': 'Raqam tilifunuhu'.
Yes, it is a universal loanword.
It's common in Egypt and the Levant, borrowed from Italian/Latin.
Yes, but 'Raqam al-maktab' (office number) is more precise.
Say 'Ma raqamuka?' (formal) or 'Kam raqamak?' (informal).
Only as a placeholder. In real life, you say the actual digits.
Yes, usually digit by digit (e.g., zero, five, six...).
Generally no, it's a sign of wanting to be friends.
Related Phrases
اتصل بي
builds onCall me
سجل الرقم
similarSave the number
رقم جوالي
specialized formMy mobile number
ما رقمك؟
contrastWhat is your number?
أرسل لي رسالة
builds onSend me a message
