Gaining the ability to communicate in a foreign language opens doors to new cultures and experiences. If you’re interested in learning Arabic, mastering common phrases can be a great starting point. In this guide, you’ll learn how to say common phrases in Arabic, both in formal and informal contexts. We’ll also provide some examples, tips, and, where necessary, information on regional variations.
Table of Contents
1. Greetings
Formal:
– As-salamu alaykum: Peace be upon you (common Islamic greeting)
– Marhaba: Hello
– Ahlan wa sahlan: Welcome
– Sabah al-khair: Good morning
– Masaa’ al-khair: Good evening
Informal:
– Salam: Hi
– Hala: Hello
– Marhabtayn: Hi (specifically in Levantine dialect)
– Sbah alkhir: Good morning (used more casually)
– Msa alkhir: Good evening (used more casually)
2. Expressing Gratitude
Formal:
– Shukran: Thank you
– Shukran jazeelan: Thank you very much
– Afwan: You’re welcome
– Allah yisallimak: May Allah preserve you (a way to respond to thanks)
– Atamanna lak al-khayr: I wish you well
Informal:
– Mashi shukran: Thanks (Mashi is a colloquial term used in many dialects)
– Shukran kteer: Thank you very much
– Ahlan bek: You’re welcome (used in Levantine dialect)
– La shukran ala wajib: You’re welcome
– Betwadde’ mennak: I owe you one (common informal response to thanks)
3. Asking for Directions
Formal:
– Ayna (insert location) min favor?: Where is (insert location) please?
– Min fadlak, hal tatawagafuni ila (insert location)?: Excuse me, can you guide me to (insert location) please?
– Al-mustashfa ayna huwa?: Where is the hospital?
– Al-mat’am ayna huwa?: Where is the restaurant?
Informal:
– Wayn (insert location)?: Where is (insert location)?
– Shoo itool?: Excuse me, can you show me (insert location)? (used in Levantine dialect)
– Wain al-mustashfa?: Where is the hospital?
– Wain al–mat’ah?: Where is the restaurant?
4. Ordering Food and Drinks
Formal:
– Min fadlak, a’oud bil-card?: May I see the menu, please?
– Sa atrif/atra: I’ll have…
– Hal ‘indakum tayyarat lil-nazrat?: Do you have vegetarian options?
– A’oud bil-fattoush min fadlak: I’ll have a fattoush salad, please
– Hal yumkin an taj’ali…?: Can you make…
Informal:
– Iwaa, mumkin aksib akl?: Hey, can I get some food?
– Ba’ruksha: That’s enough (used to decline more food)
– Murr, mi’ilza kahwe?: Yeah, I’d like a cup of coffee
– Mumkin itiwli…?: Can you give me…?
– Waaahid aaish miniyoo min faDlak: One mini pizza, please
5. Making Polite Requests
Formal:
– Min fadlak: Please (used to ask for a favor)
– Halla ana ma’a fikra?: Is it possible for me to…?
– Law samaht, hal yumkinuk istikhdam sowar lil-mukhtarata?: Excuse me, can you use pictures for the options?
– Hal yumkin an tawadda’ lil-maktab?: Can you take me to the office, please?
Informal:
– Mumkin?: Can I…?
– Eza bargha, shoo ili raayik?: Can you please give me your opinion?
– Samma’ay minni: Listen to me (used when you want someone’s attention)
– Iwi inti, mumkin abay’ak?: Hey, could you do me a favor?
6. Parting Phrases
Formal:
– Ma’a salama: Goodbye
– Allah ma’ak: May God be with you
– Arak ba’dan: See you later
– Ila liqaa’: Until we meet again
– Sayyaratun tayyiba: Have a good trip
Informal:
– Ma’assalama: Goodbye
– Yalla bye: Bye (used in Levantine dialect)
– Maa’is-salaamah: With peace
– Baa’tak: Take care
– Yalla, bye bye: Bye bye
In conclusion, learning common phrases in Arabic is an excellent way to start your language journey. Whether you’re aiming for formal or informal contexts, using these phrases will help you navigate everyday situations smoothly. Remember to practice, explore regional variations if desired, and embrace the richness of the Arabic language. Now go forth and enjoy your Arabic-speaking adventures!
