Basic Arabic Lesson

Assalaam Alaikum - Peace be upon you

To which the reply is:

Wa Alaikum assalaam - And peace be upon you

This phrase will be used in many different contexts when meeting people.

Marhabbah - Hello

to which the reply is:

Marhabbteen - Hello

This is probably the equivalent of saying Hi!

Sabah al khair - Good Morning

To which the reply is:

Sabah al noor

Masah al khair - Good Afternoon / Evening

To which the reply is:

Masah al noor

Shukran (jazeelan) - Thank you (very much)

To which the reply is:

Aafwaan - You're welcome

An alternative to Shukran is Mushkoor

Ahlan wa sahlan -Welcome

To which the reply is:

Ahlan beek (to a male)

Ahlan beech (to a female)

Ahlan beekum (to a group)

- Welcome to you

This is usually used in introductions

Keef haluk? - How are you?

Sometimes shortened to Keefak

To which the reply is:

Al hamdu lillah (bi khair) - Praise be to Allah (well)

This should be the usual reply.

You could use:

Ana bikhayr, shukran - I am fine, thank you

Weyn inta - Literally, Where are you?

But probably equivalent to Long time no see

Occasionally you will hear:

Shu-ukhbaarak - What's your news?

- which you would reply to in the normal way

Aysh ismuk - What is your name?

Ismi Jason - My name is Jason

Titakellem ingleezi - Do you speak English?

Ana la atakellem al arabi - I don't speak Arabic

Terrref arabi? - Do you know Arabic

Atakullum inglieezi - I speak English

Inta min weyn? - Where are you from?

Ana min ingliterra - I'm from England

Umreeka - USA

Oostraaalia - Australia

Al imaraaat - UAE

Wa inta? - And you?

Maasalaamah - Goodbye

To which the reply is:

Fi aman allah or Maasalaamah

Inshallah - If Allah wishes

This phrase is used in reference to a future, since all things are at Allah's will.

So if you say, see you tomorrow, you might be replied with Inshallah.

Indeed, it is used in numerous contexts.

You'll send me the report tomorrow? - Inshallah.

Maashallah - What Allah wishes

This is used when complimenting something, usually in the context of family or health.

Mabrook - Congratulations

This is used in any congratulatory context, more so than you would use in English.

Naam - Yes

Aywa - Yeah/OK

La - No

Min fudluk - Please

Shoo? - What?

Shoofi mafi? - What's up? or What's the matter?

Shoo hada? - What is this?

Mafi mushkil - No problem

Itfudul - Be my guest / My pleasure

Tamaam - Perfect

Baadin - Later

Dilwaati - Now

Ilyoum - Today

Bukra - Tomorrow

Ashoofook bukra - See you tomorrow

Aadhi - It's normal

Jebli shai - Bring me some tea

Kallemni - Call me / Talk to me

Ma adhri - I dont know

Maa-i-khussni - It's not my problem

Inta kida - Thumbs up

Intaa tabaan - Thumbs down

Areed areef - I want to know

Mumken asaduq - Can I help you?

Sida - Straight

Yasar - Left

Yameen - Right

Tabaan - Of course

Andi - I have

Kam - How much

Affwaan - Excuse me

Kull - Everything

When you sneeze you say

Al hamdu lillah

To which someone will say

Yer humkullah

And you will say again

Yer hamna wa yer humkum

Kalas - Finish