ArabicMastering Arabic expressions, especially basic greetings and farewells, is a crucial skill for those interested in learning the Arabic language.
In this article, we provide you with a basic yet detailed guide to the most common Arabic phrases that will enrich your communication and help you integrate more easily.
Arabic phrases for greetings and farewells
As-salāmu ‘alaykum – This Arabic greeting, written as لسلام عليكم, means “Peace be upon you”.
It is a cordial greeting highly valued in the Arab community.
The typical response is وعليكم السلام (Wa’alaykum as-salām – And peace be upon you too).
Informal Greetings – Although expressions such as صباح أل خير (‘sabah alkhayr’ – good morning) or مرحبا (‘marhaba’ – hello or welcome) are common in the West, in Arab culture they are considered informal for everyday use.
Greetings among Friends and Family – Words such as السلام (“Salam”, meaning “peace”) and “Marjaban” are appropriate among non-religious friends and family members, reflecting an atmosphere of trust.
Greetings
| English | Arabic |
|---|---|
| How are you? | Kaefa haaluk? |
| Hello friend | Ajlan sadiqi |
| Good afternoon | Masaa al-kheir |
Farewells
| English | Arabic |
|---|---|
| Goodbye | Maʿa s-salamah |
| See you later | ila l-la |
| Good night | Lailah saidah |
Arabic greeting customs
Another aspect to keep in mind for starting a conversation on the right foot is knowing certain customs and traditions of Arab culture in order to avoid somewhat embarrassing situations.
Avoid physical contact with the opposite sex:
It is not very common for men and women to touch each other when greeting, unless they are close relatives. Some women are willing to shake hands with men in more formal settings.
If you are a man, you should let the woman take the initiative. Stand at a distance when greeting her. If she is willing to shake your hand, she will extend it toward you.
If she clasps her hands together or places her right hand over her heart, it is a sign that she is not willing to shake your hand, but she is pleased to meet you.
Touching noses
In Arab culture, touching noses is not considered a particularly intimate gesture and is frequently done between two men, as well as between two women.
Another popular gesture in some areas is giving 3 kisses on the other person’s right cheek.
These gestures are normally never appropriate with someone of the opposite sex unless they are related and have a very close relationship. Even so, many Arabs would not consider such greetings appropriate in public.
Greet an elder with a kiss on the forehead.
Elders are greatly respected in Arab culture. A kiss on the forehead honors them and shows respect. Reserve this gesture for elders you know well or who are related to someone you know well.
Understanding these Arabic greeting customs for everyday use will not only help you avoid awkward situations, but it will also allow you to show respect and appreciation for Arab culture.
Expressions for asking for help
If you are traveling to an Arab country or are there for work-related reasons, you may need medical assistance to solve any unexpected situation that may arise.
These basic Arabic phrases and expressions for everyday use will help you communicate with doctors and make it easier to find a faster and more effective solution.
| English | Arabic |
|---|---|
| It hurts here | انها تؤلمني هنا (anaha tulimuni huna) |
| Where is the hospital? | أين المستشفى؟ (‘ayn almustashfaa؟) |
| I need to see a doctor | أنا في حاجة لرؤية طبيب (‘ana fi hajat liruyat tabib) |
| I don’t feel very well | لا أشعر أنني بحالة جيدة (la ‘asheur ‘anani bihalat jayida) |
| Help! / Emergency! | يساعد! (yusaeidu!) |
| I am lost | أنا تائه (‘ana tayih) |
Basic questions and expressions
There are other Arabic phrases and expressions for everyday use that you should know in order to start a conversation with anyone and help answer small questions you may have, such as how to get to a specific place or find out the price of food at the market.
| English | Arabic |
|---|---|
| God willing | إن شاء الله (In sha’llah) |
| Excuse me, how much does this cost? | آسف، كم تكلفة هذا؟ (asfu, kam taklifat hadha?) |
| Do you speak another language? | هل تتكلم لغة اخرى؟ (hal tatakalam lughatan akhraa?) |
| Where are you from? | من اين انت؟ (min ayin anti?) |
| Where is this street located? | أين يقع هذا الشارع؟ (‘ayn yaqae hadha alshaarieu?) |
| Where can I buy rice? | أين يمكنني شراء الأرز؟ (‘ayn yumkinuni shira’ al’arza?) |
| Excuse me (asking someone to move) | ما هو اسمك؟ (al-ma’dirah) |
| I’m sorry | أنا آسف (‘ana asf) |
| Please | من فضلك (miin faadliikaa) |
| Thank you | شكرا (shukran) |
| You’re welcome (response to thank you) | عفوا (eafwan) |
| No problem | صديقي (mafi mushkila) |
| Bless you! | في صحتك! (Fī siĥĥatik!) |
| Enjoy your meal! | شَهية طَيِّبة (Sajten) |
| I love it! | أنا أحبه! (‘ana ‘uhibuhu!) |
| I’m just looking | أنا فقط أبحث(‘ana faqat ‘abhath) |
Resources
Basic Arabic expressions and phrases
A reference guide for learning basic Arabic phrases and expressions, with translations and transliterations
15Kb
Exercises for learning basic arabic phrases
Quiz
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