SlangMeaning & UsageOrigin & LanguageExamplesWhere It’s Used
يلا‎ (yalla)let’s go / come onEgypt, Arabic (Egyptian colloquial)“يلا بينا!” (Yalla bina! – Let’s go!)Egypt, MENA

Definition & Description of yalla

Yalla (يلا‎) is one of the most widely recognized Arabic expressions, meaning “let’s go,” “come on,” or “hurry up.” In Egyptian Arabic, it’s an everyday word, used to get people moving, encourage action, or signal that it’s time to go somewhere.

Its roots are in Classical Arabic (ya Allah – “Oh God, let’s go”), but in colloquial Egyptian it has evolved into a quick, friendly call to action. It’s heard constantly in streets, markets, taxis, and homes, and has spread worldwide thanks to Arabic music, movies, and pop culture.

It’s informal but completely inoffensive, making it suitable for any casual setting.

Examples of yalla

  • “يلا بسرعة!” (Yalla bisur‘a! – Come on, quickly!)
  • “خلصنا شغلنا، يلا نروح.” (Khallasna shoghlina, yalla nrooh. – We’ve finished work, let’s go home.)

Learn More Egyptian Slangs from Xaplor.com

Category: Italian Slangs | Espressioni Colloquiali
Category: Spanish Slangs | Jerga Española
Category: American Slangs
Category: German Slangs | Umgangssprache
Category: Saudia Arabia Slangs | العامية السعودية
Category: British Slangs