Loading ...The Arabic Phrases You Must Know When Traveling to the Levant
BY: Alexa George/Contributing Writer
One of the major concerns while traveling abroad is the ability to communicate. Something as simple as “Where is the bathroom?” or “How much does this cost?” can be tough for a traveler who is unfamiliar with the native Language.
More specifically, traveling in an Arab country prevents a visitor from easily communicating with residents because not everyone speaks English. Different countries within the Arab world also have their own unique dialect, making cross-country travel in the region difficult for people who are both familiar or unfamiliar with the language.
Rather than learn an entire language for a quick trip to an Arab country, use this guide of words and phrases, specific to the Shami dialect, to successfully navigate countries like Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria. These phrases will also help travelers get through Iraq and Egypt, albeit with a little less ease.
Keep these phrases handy for trips to the Levant in the future.
1. Hello
Arabic: Mar-ha-ba مرحبا
Response: Mar-hab-tane مرحبتين
While there are many ways to say hello in Arabic speaking countries, this is a safe and guaranteed way to express an initial greeting to someone.
2. Peace be upon you
Arabic: Assalamu alaikum السلام عليكم
Response: Wa alaikum assalam وعليكم السلام
This is arguably the most important phrase to say when greeting any Arab. While dialects change depending on the area, this phrase is universal among Arabs all over the world.
3. What’s your name?
Arabic: Shu Ismak? (m) Sho Ismek? (f) شو اسمك
Response: Ana Ismi (your name) انا اسمي
“What’s your name” is a rather significant question – in any country – and will be asked of any traveler often. The phrase is also a great way to personalize a conversation!
4. Who is your family?
Arabic: Dar Meen? دار مين
Response: Dar (your last name) دار
This question might sound silly in English, but it is an extremely common question in the Arab world. If you’re an Arab American travelling in the Arab world, people will want to know your last name in order to identify where you come from.
5. Where are you from?
Arabic: Min Wayn من وين
Response: Ana Min (city or country where you are from) انا من
This question will mostly likely be asked daily by natives of the host country and if answered correctly, it will provoke the native speaker to inquire more. If unsure how to proceed, respond with this next phrase…
6. I don’t speak Arabic.
Arabic: Ana ma ba’aref Arabee انا ما بعرف عربي
This is an EXTREMELY pivotal phrase to learn while traveling in an Arab country. If you are engaged in any sort of conversation beforehand, the native speaker might assume you can fluently speak the dialect. This is a sure way to let them know your knowledge of the language is very limited and you can’t continue the conversation.
7. Do you speak English/Arabic?
Arabic: Bekhee Englizi/Arabee? بتحكي انغليزي ولا عربي
When traveling to any Arab country, the question of whether or not you speak Arabic will arise often. If you don’t know any Arabic, it is vital to know how to ask if the person you’re with can speak English.
8. I speak a little Arabic.
Arabic: Ana bekhee Arabee shwaya انا بحكي عربي شويه
By saying this phrase, you’re welcoming a conversation within your limits, as well as an opportunity to learn. Arabs are always happy to spread knowledge of their language if you’re willing to learn.
9. Yes
Arabic: Na’am نعم
Learning the word for “yes” in any language is key to successfully communicating. For example, it could help at a restaurant, shopping, in a taxi, or just in a basic conversation!
10. No
Arabic: La’a لا
Almost equally as important as the word “yes” is learning “no,” which is very helpful for many of the same reasons. More importantly, it gives the traveler the power to effectively express their opinion if they are in an uncomfortable situation.
11. I’m sorry
Arabic: Mit assif (m), Mit assifa (f) متا اسف ولا متا اسفة
It is much easier to offend someone in a foreign country as opposed to one’s homeland. Hence learning how to say, “I’m sorry” could prevent issues and display sincerity. Saying I’m sorry also expresses humanity and might provide a platform for conversation.
12. Where is the bathroom?
Arabic: Wayn al-hamaam وين الحمام
Finding the restroom is a vital expression to learn while abroad. Not every country is familiar with the myriad of unique words used for bathroom.
13. What do you want?
Arabic: Shoo Biddak (m) Biddek (f) شو بدك
Response: Ana biddee (insert what you need here) انا بدي
This is a very common question that will be asked by host families or native speakers. Knowing your preferences will give insight into your personality and allow for better communication and interaction.
14. I’m lost.
Arabic: Ana Daayi (m) Daayi’a (f) انا ضايع ولا انا ضايعة
Navigating a foreign country is particularly challenging for even the most experienced travelers. Therefore, telling a native you’re lost could prevent a lot of hassle and literally save your life!
15. Stop
Arabic: Waqif وقف
This word is vital to know when taking a taxi. Street names and numbers aren’t always present in Arab countries, making an uninterrupted journey to a desired destination somewhat unattainable.
16. I don’t have any money.
Arabic: Ma ‘andee masari ما عندي مصاري
An unfortunate reality of travelling anywhere in the world is facing beggars in the street or at tourist destinations. The polite way to respond to someone asking for money is to simply say you don’t have any.
17. Please
Arabic: Min faDluk (m) Min faDlik (f) من فضلك
Politeness is welcomed in any country!
18. Thank you
Arabic: Shukran شكراً
Response: Afwan عفواً
Thank you and you’re welcome make any trip more enjoyable. It is just as pleasant to say them as to give them. They are universally welcome.
19. Start the meter.
Arabic: Shaghel al-addad شغل العداد
Taxi companies sometimes forget to reset the meter, or they might try to gain more money by suggesting a price without using the meter. Always make sure the meter is reset and take a second look at the numbers!
20. What time is it?
Arabic: Addesh a-sayaa اديش الساعة
Time is often different in a foreign country than it is in your hometown. Asking the time is critical, especially if your plans are time sensitive and you’re unable to use your phone.
21. What’s happening?
Arabic: Shoo e-seereh شو السيره
In case you see something bad or urgent happening, like a fire or an accident, this phrase will help you know what’s happening around you and if you’re introuble.
22. How much is this?
Arabic: Addesh Hatha? اديش هاثة
This is a common question asked when shopping whether abroad or at home. Some of the time, in Arab countries, prices aren’t listed and even if they are, they might not in the language you’re used to.
23. This is too expensive.
Arabic: Hatha ghalee ikteer هادا غالي كتير
In Arab countries, haggling while shopping is normal and expected. This phrase is a good way to start the process of working a price down.
24. Beautiful
Arabic: Jameel (m) jameela (f) جميل ولاجميلة
Most of the countryside and landscape you will see while traveling in Arab countries will be beautiful, why not let the natives know by telling them you think so!
25. What’s up?
Arabic: Shou Akhbarak (m) Akhbarik (f) شو اكبارك
Asking someone “what their news is” shows sincerity and interest. Most native people would be overjoyed to connect with a traveler like this!
26. Where is the store/hospital/police/doctor/restaurant?
Arabic: Wayn al-dukkan/mustash-fa/bu-lees/duktor/mat’am دكان ولا مستثفى ولا بوليز ولا دكتور ولا مطعم
These five words are essential for survival and should be learned before traveling!
27. Goodbye.
Arabic: Ma’salama مع السلام
This word is perfect for ending a conversation or sending someone off. There are different variations within each Arab country, but this word will be understood universally.