Greetings! Welcome to our guide on how to say “What did you say?” in Arabic. Whether you’re traveling to an Arabic-speaking country, interacting with Arabic-speaking friends or colleagues, or simply interested in learning new phrases, this guide will provide you with a range of formal and informal ways to express this question. We’ll also offer some tips, examples, and insight into regional variations. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What Did You Say?”
- “ماذا قلت؟” (pronounced: maadha qult?) – This is the most straightforward way to ask “What did you say?” in formal Arabic. You can use this phrase in any formal context, such as business meetings or official interactions.
- “ماذا قلتم؟” (pronounced: maadha qultum?) – This is the plural form of the previous phrase, used when speaking to a group of people in a formal setting.
Informal Ways to Say “What Did You Say?”
Arabic also offers informal ways to ask “What did you say?” that are commonly used among friends, family, or in casual conversations. These phrases reflect the warmth and familiarity of everyday interactions.
- “شو قلت؟” (pronounced: shu qult?) – This is a common way to ask “What did you say?” in informal Arabic spoken in many regions. It’s widely understood and used in everyday conversations.
- “إيش قلت؟” (pronounced: eesh qult?) – This phrase is commonly used in dialectal Arabic, particularly in the Levant region (Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine). It has a similar meaning to the previous phrase and is very popular in informal settings.
Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above work well across Arabic-speaking regions, it’s important to note that there might be slight variations based on local dialects and customs. Here are a couple of regional variations:
In Egypt:
Egyptians often use the phrase “إيه؟” (pronounced: eh?) to mean “What?” or “What did you say?” in informal conversations.In the Gulf:
In Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait, people may say “شنو قلت؟” (pronounced: shnu qalt?) as a casual way to ask “What did you say?”
Tips for Using the Phrases
Now that you know the different ways to say “What did you say?” in Arabic, here are some tips to help you use them effectively:
- Pay attention to context: It’s crucial to consider the formality of the situation and the people you are addressing. Use the formal phrases with colleagues, superiors, or people you’re not familiar with. Reserve the informal phrases for friends, family, or in casual settings.
- Be mindful of pronunciation: Arabic pronunciation can differ based on regional dialects. Practice the phrases with a native speaker if possible to ensure you’re pronouncing them accurately.
- Use appropriate body language: Non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and hand gestures, can complement your inquiry. Look attentive, lean forward slightly, and maintain eye contact to show interest and respect.
- Be polite and patient: Remember to add polite phrases such as “من فضلك” (pronounced: min fadlak) meaning “please” and “شكراً” (pronounced: shukran) meaning “thank you” when asking someone to repeat themselves. Patience and gratitude go a long way in effective communication.
Examples
Let’s go through a few dialogue examples using the phrases we’ve covered:
Example 1:
Person A: ماذا قلت؟
Person B: تكلمت عن السفر.
Person A: من فضلك، ممكن تكرر؟
Person B: بالطبع، تكلمت عن السفر!
Example 2:
Person A: شو قلت؟
Person B: حكيت عن الأفلام.
Person A: إيش قلت؟
Person B: قلت حكيت عن الأفلام!
Final Words
Congratulations! You’ve learned various ways to say “What did you say?” in Arabic. Remember to adapt your phrase depending on the formality of the situation and use the appropriate pronunciation for the region. Also, use the provided examples to practice and improve your Arabic conversations. Arabic language and culture are rich and diverse, so keep exploring to enhance your language skills even further.
With these new phrases in your repertoire, you’ll soon be confidently navigating Arabic conversations and deepening your connections with Arabic speakers. Enjoy your journey in learning this beautiful language!
