29 Arabic Words and Phrases You Must Know

One of the basic that we Filipinos tend to learn when we land abroad is to learn the host country’s language. It is a must that at least we know some of the basic greetings and other important words so we can communicate effectively with our employer and coworkers. We are born to adopt to any environment and any language after all.

It is also helpful that you learn Arabic words to build relationship from the people around you and it is a useful tool when in emergency situation.

Arabic is the official language in 27 countries such as Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, and Sudan in Africa as well as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE, and all the other Middle East countries apart from Israel speak the language.

No matter where in the world you go for work knowing a few words or phrases in the local language can break down barriers, build relationships and smooth the way to business success.

We have collected 29 “must know” Arabic words and phrases every new expat should learn

Our first four words are key when greeting and saying goodbye to people:

1. Hello (marhaban): This greeting is widely used throughout the Arab countries and is also one of the easiest greetings to pronounce making it a good word to know.

2. Pleased to meet you (tasharafna)

3. How are you? male (kayfa halak) female (kayfa halik): There are two versions of this phrase: as with many Arabic phrases this phrase is dependent on the gender of the person you are speaking to, the first version is to be spoken to a man.

4. Goodbye (ma’asalama)

So here are a couple words to get your conversations started:

5. What’s your name? male (mā ismak) female (mā ismik)

6. My name is.. (ismee)

7. Where are you from ? male (min ayna anta/i) female (min ayna anti)

Arab speakers can talk fairly quickly so if in doubt say:

8. Sorry (male – asif/ female – asifa): In this instance the ending depends on your own gender, if you are male you say asif if you are female you say asifa.

9. I don’t understand (la afham)

10. Please speak slowly ( akalam bibut min fadlak/lik): fadlak if you are talking to a man and fadlik if you are talking to a woman.

11. Can you speak English? (hal tatakallum al-lughah al-engleezia)

We know ‘no’ is important, yes equally so:

12. No (la)

13. Yes (na’am): It’s always good to know the opposite of the word no, we don’t want you missing out on anything.

When being asked questions please and thank you are good words to know:

14. Please (min fadlak/lik): Again the two endings rely on the gender of the person being spoken to. “lik” is the ending for a female.

15. Thank You (shukran)

16. You’re welcome (afwan)

Travelling around could prove difficult without knowing how to ask directions:

17. Where? (ayna)

18. Right (yimeen)

19. Left (yesaar)

20. Straight on (al’a tuul)

21. Sabah el kheer…Masaa el kheer – Good morning…Good Evening?

22. Salaam – Hi? This word is heavily borrowed by other languages such as Swahili and has similar meaning even in Swahili. It shows good manners to greet somebody – even strangers with this greeting.

Bonus words:

23. Ada’tu tareeqi! – I am lost

24. imshy ala tool, thumma ‘arrij yaminan/ shimalan – Go straight, then turn left/right.

25. Hal beemkanek mosa’adati? – Can you help me?

26. Kam howa thamanoh? – How much is this? Always bargain for whatever things you are buying.

27. Hal tatakallamu alloghah alenjleziah/ alarabiah? – Do you speak English/Arabic?

28. Adrusu allughah al arabia mundu shahr – I have been learning Arabic for one month.

29. Ramadan Mubarak! – Happy Ramadan. This is usually used during the Holy Month of Ramadan. If you are a westerner who recognizes this month, and wishes a Muslim well, you will suddenly see some thawing of the ice that was there before.