How to Say “Church” in Lebanese Arabic

By Darlene Eva • Updated October 16, 2026

كنيسة

kenīseeveryday, Lebanon

A church is a كنيسة (kenīse) in Lebanese Arabic. The plural is كنائس (kanāʼis).

Mass is القداس (el-qoddās), and "to go to church" is روح عالكنيسة (rūḥ ʿal-kenīse). A mosque is a جامع (jāmeʿ).

Meaning: a church (noun)

When do people say it?

Lebanon has large Christian and Muslim communities, so churches and mosques are both part of everyday life.

Did you know?

The Maronite Church, one of the largest Christian communities in Lebanon, is named after Saint Maron.

Examples in context

رايح عالكنيسة
rāyeḥ ʿal-kenīse
I am going to church.
الكنيسة قريبة من بيتنا
el-kenīse ʼarībe men baytna
The church is close to our house.
القداس الساعة عشرة
el-qoddās es-sāʿa ʿashra
Mass is at ten.

Example conversation

Marie and her neighbor Rita meet on Sunday morning in Batroun.

Marie

صباح الخير ريتا، رايحة عالكنيسة؟
ṣabāḥ el-khayr Rita, rāyḥa ʿal-kenīse?
Good morning Rita, are you going to church?
Rita

إي، القداس الساعة تسعة
ēh, el-qoddās es-sāʿa tisʿa
Yes, Mass is at nine.
Marie

منروح سوا
mnrūḥ sawa
Let us go together.

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About The Author

Darlene Eva

Hi! I'm Darlene, a language lover, and a massive foodie. I passionately blend the cultures of the world in my pots and posts - from saying "Eh, djej" (yes, chicken) in Lebanese to glorifying the taste of Fukharet batata (potato dishes). When I'm not busy writing about the formal and informal ways of saying silly to serious stuff in Lebanese, you'll find me globetrotting or walking barefoot on the wet grass. Sharing everyday words and phrases to you, one post at a time! Remember, learning languages is all about having fun! Yalla (Let’s go)!

Darlene EvaHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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