Meaning
To make a payment using physical money.
Cultural Background
In Egypt, cash is the primary way of life. Even for large purchases, people often carry envelopes of cash. The term 'Kash' is very common in Cairo. While very modern, 'Cash on Delivery' is still the preferred way for online shopping due to a historical preference for inspecting goods before paying. Due to banking crises in some areas, cash (especially in USD or local currency) has become the only reliable way to transact. In the Souqs of Marrakesh, paying in cash is expected and is the starting point for any 'Mousawama' (bargaining).
Always carry small change
When you 'tadfa' naqdan', vendors often struggle with large bills. Carry 'fakka' (small change).
Right hand only
Always hand over the cash with your right hand; using the left is considered impolite in many Arab cultures.
Meaning
To make a payment using physical money.
Always carry small change
When you 'tadfa' naqdan', vendors often struggle with large bills. Carry 'fakka' (small change).
Right hand only
Always hand over the cash with your right hand; using the left is considered impolite in many Arab cultures.
The 'Cash' Discount
If a price seems high, ask: 'Kam al-si'r naqdan?' (What is the price in cash?). You might get a 5-10% discount.
Baksheesh
Tipping is a huge part of the culture. Keep small bills 'naqdan' specifically for this purpose.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to say 'I pay in cash'.
أنا أدفع ____.
'Naqdan' is the correct adverb for 'in cash'.
Which sentence means 'Can I pay in cash?'
Choose the correct translation:
'Dafa'a' is the verb for paying.
Complete the dialogue at the market.
Seller: الحساب 50 ريالاً. Customer: تفضل، سأدفع ____.
The customer is completing the payment now.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You are in a taxi and have no credit card.
Cash is the alternative to a card.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to pay in cash
Places
- • Souq
- • Taxi
- • Small Cafe
- • Local Grocery
Practice Bank
4 exercisesأنا أدفع ____.
'Naqdan' is the correct adverb for 'in cash'.
Choose the correct translation:
'Dafa'a' is the verb for paying.
Seller: الحساب 50 ريالاً. Customer: تفضل، سأدفع ____.
The customer is completing the payment now.
You are in a taxi and have no credit card.
Cash is the alternative to a card.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, it is understood everywhere, though 'kash' is more common in daily street speech.
Yes, but it sounds more like 'by means of cash'. 'Naqdan' is the more natural adverbial form.
Not at all. In fact, many businesses prefer it as they avoid credit card processing fees.
The most common opposite is 'bi-al-bitaqa' (by card).
Related Phrases
يدفع بالبطاقة
contrastTo pay by card
صرف العملة
similarCurrency exchange
باقي المال
builds onThe change
دفع مسبق
similarPre-payment
