Comprehensive English-Arabic Phrasebook for Travelers

Introduction

Arabic is an ancient and rich language used in many Middle Eastern countries. Understanding basic phrases will help you not only to communicate but also to experience the culture of this region.

One of the main aspects of Middle Eastern culture is hospitality. Greetings and addresses in the Arab world are not just formalities, but carry a deep meaning of respect and friendliness.

General greetings

• Marhaba: Hello. This word is easy to memorize and apply in everyday situations. It is suitable for introductions, for greetings in a store, or when you invite someone to come into the house. "Marhaba" is often used as a universal greeting, no matter what time of day it is.
• Ahlan wa sahlan: Welcome. This expression literally translates as "Family and ease". Thus, a guest who hears this greeting feels at home. This expression is often used when welcoming guests or when returning home after a long absence.

Polite address forms

• Shukran: Thank you. One of the most common words you can hear and use in the Arab world. After being favored or complimented, it is always nice to respond with "shukran". Expressing gratitude plays an important role in Arab culture.
• Min fadlik: "Please" or literally "Of your favor". This term can be used in a variety of contexts, such as when asking you to hand something over, to let you go ahead, or when you are asking for a favor. It can also be used to show respect for the person you are talking to.

Knowing how to properly use greetings and addresses in the Arab world will allow you to build warm relationships with locals, demonstrate your cultural awareness and respect for the traditions of the country you are in.

Traveling to an Arab country, whether it is a vacation or a business trip, will be much more interesting and productive if you know the basic phrases and expressions. They will help you not only in communication, but also in integrating into the culture, creating moments of mutual understanding and friendliness.

General phrases

• How are you? - Kayf halk?: This is a universal way to ask about the other person's well-being or just to start a conversation. The answer to this question is usually positive, even if the person is having problems. This reflects the cultural characteristic of Arab people to keep a positive attitude.

Questions

Knowing key question words in Arabic will help you better navigate your new environment and get the information you need.

• Who? - Min?: This question can come in handy in a situation where you want to know who a person is or where they stand.
• What? - Maza?: Used to clarify a subject, action or situation. For example, when you don't understand what is happening or something has surprised you.
• Where? - Aina?: A basic question when looking for something, whether it's the location of a hotel, restaurant or tourist attraction.

Pronouns

Knowledge of pronouns in Arabic is necessary to form proper sentences and understand the context of the conversation.

• I - Ana: Often used to talk about yourself, express your opinion, or talk about your plans.
• You - Anta (for men), Anti (for women): Reverse address to the interlocutor to ask a question or express interest.
• He, She - Hua, Hia: Used to discuss third parties, their actions or opinions.

Knowing these basic phrases and pronouns will not only make your communication in the Middle East easier, but will also show the locals that you respect their culture and language.

To successfully communicate in a foreign country, it is important not only to know standard phrases, but also to be able to work with basic language units such as numbers, dates, time of day and other elements.

date and time

Date and time

Understanding dates and times will allow you to easily schedule appointments, understand shopping and sightseeing schedules, and navigate local events.

Dates

• Today - Al-yawm
• Tomorrow - Ghadan
• Yesterday - Al-barihah

Time

• Hour - Sa’a
• Minute - Daqiqah
• Now - Al-an

Knowing these basic phrases will make it easier for you to communicate in Arabic and help you feel more confident in everyday situations.

Days of the week

Understanding the days of the week is important not only for personal organization, but also for planning various activities while traveling.

• Sunday - Yawm al-ahad: Translated as "the first day". In many Arab countries, it is the first working day of the week and Saturday is a day off.
• Monday - Yawm al-ithnan: Translated as "the second day," as the Arabic week begins on Sunday.
• Tuesday - Yawm ath-thalatha: The literal translation is "the third day." A good day for planned activities as the week is in full swing.
• Wednesday - Yawm al-arbi'a: Translated as "the fourth day". In the Arab world, it is often considered the middle of the work week.
• Thursday - Yawm al-khamis: This day is the penultimate working day of the week, making it analogous to Friday in Western culture.
• Friday - Yawm al-jum'a: In Islamic culture, this day is considered sacred, while in most Arab countries it is a regular day of rest.
• Saturday - Yawm as-sabt: In many Arab countries, Saturday is the day off after Holy Friday. This day is also associated with Judaism, as the Sabbath is observed on this day.

Numbers

Numbers and figures

Knowing the basic numbers will make your shopping, ordering, and other activities easier.

• One - Wahid: A base number that may be required when specifying the number of objects or people.
• Two - Ithnan: The perfect number for ordering two items, such as two transportation or movie tickets.
• Three - Thalatha: Often used when ordering when you are with someone in the company.
• Four - Arba'a: This is convenient, for example, when buying four postcards or ordering four servings of food.
• Five - Khamsa: This number is useful to know if you are traveling in a large group.
• Six - Sitta: Convenient when you buy something in sets or packages.
• Seven - Sab'a: This helps, for example, when determining the number of days in a week.
• Eight - Thamania: A useful number for various purchases and orders.
• Nine - Tis'a: Perfect for shopping when you need something under ten.
• Ten - Ashra: A basic round number that is often found in prices, menus, etc.

Food

Food

The basics of Arabic cuisine are a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the country.

• Bread - Khobz: Bread plays an important role in the diet of many countries, and in the Middle East it too has a special place on the table. In Arabic cuisine, bread is often used as an eating utensil, helping to capture sauces and toppings.
• Meat - Lahm: In most Arab countries, lamb is favored. It is often marinated and roasted on coals, which gives it a special aroma and flavor.
• Rice - Ruz: Rice is the base of many dishes and is often served with meat or vegetables seasoned with flavorful spices.
• Hummus - Hummus: This paste-like sauce made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice and garlic has become famous all over the world. Hummus is often served with bread or as a side dish to main courses.
• Falafel - Falafel: These small chickpea or bean patties have become a popular vegetarian dish in many countries around the world. They are usually served with sauces and vegetables in flatbread.
• Kebab - Kebab: Meat kebabs are marinated in spices and grilled over charcoal. Kebabs are often served with rice or bread and various sauces.

Colors

Colors

Colors can be helpful when shopping for clothes, describing something, or choosing gifts.

• Red - Ahmar: A bright and intense color that is often associated with love, passion and energy.
• Green - Akhdar: The color of freshness, nature and rebirth. In Islam, this color also has religious significance, as it is associated with the Garden of Eden.
• Blue - Azraq: The color of depth, tranquility and infinity. Often associated with the sky and the sea.
• Yellow - Asfar: A bright and sunny color, a symbol of joy and positivity.

Family

Family

Family ties play an important role in Arab culture, and discussion of relatives is commonplace in everyday conversations.

• Mother - Umm: In the Arab world, mother is a sacred concept, a symbol of care and unconditional love.
• Father - Ab: The figure of the head of the family, symbolizing support, protection and authority in the home.
• Brother - Akh: Brotherhood in Arab culture has a special meaning because brothers are often closely related in life.
• Sister - Ucht: Taking an important place in the family, the sister is often involved in caring for the younger members of the family and helping the mother.

Dictionary of the most frequently used words and expressions

Here are phrases that may come in handy when traveling in Arabic-speaking countries. Learn them to feel confident in any situation!