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As soon as you start learning the Arabic language, there will be new challenges every day. It is not at all easy to get your head around all the peculiarities of Arabic but your efforts will pay off. No matter if you are planning to have business negotiations using this language or have friends you want to impress with your knowledge, they will definitely appreciate it. If you want to go an extra mile, you can try learning some local Arabic phrases and dialects.
Keep in mind that there are two language forms – modern and classical. Make sure you stick to the specific one you choose. To keep you motivated, there is one comforting fact about Arabic for all those who speak English. The languages are very different but still manage to have a few similarities as the English language has borrowed some words from Arabic.
1. Basic Arabic Phrases
Hello – السلام عليكم (As-salām ‘alaykum)
How are you? – كيف حالك؟ (Kayfa ḥālak)
Where are you from? – من أين أنت؟ (Min ayn anti)
Good luck! – بالتوفيق! (Bit-tawfīq)
Have a nice day. – اتمنى لك يوما طيبا (Atmna lk ywma tyba)
2. Advanced Arabic Phrases
Can you help me? – هل بإمكانك مساعدتي؟ (Hal beemkanek mosa’adati?)
What do you do for a living? – ما مهنتك؟ (Ma mehnatuk? Mehnatuki )
I work as a translator/businessman. – أعمل كمترجم/ كرجل أعمال (A’mal ka motarjim/ rajul a’maal)
Here you go! (when giving something) – !خد (Khod!)
Please come in, it’s nice to meet you. – تفضل بالدخول، سعدت بلقائك
(Tafaddal bilduhul, sa idtu biliqa’ik)
Thank you very much for the invitation. – أشكرك كثيراً على الدعوة.
(Askuruka katiran ʿala-ddaʿwah)
I’m not in the mood for that right now. – ماعنديش مزاج دلوقتي للحكاية دى (Mazandiiš mazaag dilwa’ti lil-Hekaaya di)
Phrases to use when you are angry:
Go away! – ابعد! (Ib’d!)
Leave me alone! – اتركني (Idrukni)
I’m lost. – أضعت طريقي! أضعت طريقي (Ada’tu tareeqi!)
3. Essentials for Tourists
How much is this? – بكم هذا؟ (Bikam hādhā?)
Where’s the toilet? – أين الحمّام؟ (Ayn al-ḥammām?)
What’s That Called In Arabic? – ما أسمه بالعربية؟ (Ma esmoho bel arabiah?)
I need a doctor. – !أحتاج طبيبا (Ahtaju tabeeban!)
To be continued…