When visiting Jordan, it’s always a good idea to learn a few basic Arabic greetings to connect with the locals and make your trip even more enjoyable. The people of Jordan are known for their warmth and hospitality, so mastering the art of saying hello will certainly lead to many smiles and positive interactions. In this guide, you’ll discover both formal and informal ways to say hello in Jordan, as well as some regional variations. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Greetings
When you want to convey respect or address someone in a formal setting, these greetings are suitable:
- Ahlan wa sahlan (ah-lan wah sah-lan) – This phrase translates to “Welcome” and is a formal way to greet anyone in Jordan. It can be used in both casual and formal situations, making it a versatile option.
- Marhaban (mar-ha-ban) – Similar to “Ahlan wa sahlan,” “Marhaban” also means “Welcome.” It can be used interchangeably with the first greeting and is commonly used in formal settings.
Informal Greetings
When greeting friends, peers, or people you’re familiar with, these more relaxed expressions are perfect:
- Ahlan (ah-lan) – This is a shorter version of “Ahlan wa sahlan” and is commonly used among friends or acquaintances. It’s a way to express a warm hello without being too formal.
- Salam (sa-lam) – Similar to the well-known Arabic greeting, “As-salamu alaykum,” “Salam” is the shorter, informal version. It’s widely used among friends, within families, and in casual situations.
Regional Variations
Jordan consists of diverse regions, each with its unique dialect. Although the above greetings can be understood and used throughout Jordan, it’s interesting to note a few regional variations:
1. Amman
In the capital city of Amman, the local dialect predominantly uses the greetings mentioned earlier. However, in certain areas of Amman, you may come across the following colloquial variations:
- Ahlain (a-hlayn) – A local twist of “Ahlan,” this greeting is a way to show friendliness and is often used among the younger generation.
- Merhaba (mer-ha-ba) – Due to the city’s diverse cultural influences, you may encounter this Turkish-influenced greeting in Amman. It’s commonly used among friends and in more informal settings.
2. Aqaba
In the vibrant coastal city of Aqaba, you’ll find a blend of Egyptian and Levantine dialects. The most common greetings used in Aqaba are:
- Ahlan sadiqi/sadiqti (ah-lan sa-dee-kee/sa-deek-tee) – This phrase translates to “Hello, my friend” and is widely used among locals in Aqaba. It adds a touch of familiarity and friendliness to the greeting.
- Ahbabi (ah-ba-bee) – A more casual way to say “Hello, my friends” in Aqaba, this greeting is often used when addressing a group of people. It reflects the city’s relaxed atmosphere and coastal charm.
Tip: When in doubt, using the formal greetings is always a safe choice. However, don’t hesitate to adapt your greeting based on the context and the people you’re interacting with. The locals will appreciate your effort and will likely respond with warmth and friendliness.
Examples
To help you practice these greetings, here are a few examples of how to say hello in various situations:
Formal:
As you enter a traditional market, you can politely greet the shopkeeper by saying, “Ahlan wa sahlan.”
When attending an event or meeting, you can use the more formal greeting “Marhaban” to show respect to the participants.
Informal:
Meeting a friend on the streets of Amman, you can cheerfully say, “Ahlan!” to greet them warmly.
As you join a group of locals in Aqaba for a meal, you can use the friendly phrase “Ahlan sadiqi/sadiqti” to say hello to everyone.
Remember, greetings in Jordan are not just a formality, but a way to initiate connections and show respect for the local culture. Embrace the opportunity to learn and use these phrases, and you’ll find yourself welcomed with open arms throughout your journey in Jordan!
