Common Phrases for Travelers in Arabic

Traveling to an Arabic-speaking country can be an exciting adventure filled with rich culture, stunning landscapes, and incredible hospitality. Knowing a few common phrases in Arabic can enhance your travel experience, making it easier to navigate conversations and immerse yourself in the local culture. Below, we’ve compiled a list of essential phrases divided into various categories that will help you during your travels.

Greetings and Basic Expressions

1. Hello

  • Arabic: مرحبا (Marhaban)
  • Usage: Use this simple greeting to say hello to anyone you meet.

2. Good Morning

  • Arabic: صباح الخير (Sabah al-khayr)
  • Response: صباح النور (Sabah an-noor)
  • Usage: A friendly way to greet someone in the morning.

3. Good Evening

  • Arabic: مساء الخير (Masa' al-khayr)
  • Response: مساء النور (Masa' an-noor)
  • Usage: Use this when greeting someone in the evening.

4. Please

  • Arabic: من فضلك (Min fadlik - to a male) / من فضلكِ (Min fadlik - to a female)
  • Usage: A polite way to make requests.

5. Thank You

  • Arabic: شكرا (Shukran)
  • Usage: A simple and effective way to show gratitude.

6. You’re Welcome

  • Arabic: على الرحب والسعة (Ala al-rahb wa al-saa)
  • Usage: A courteous response to "thank you."

7. Excuse Me / Sorry

  • Arabic: عفوا (Afwan)
  • Usage: Use this phrase to get someone’s attention or to apologize.

8. Goodbye

  • Arabic: مع السلامة (Ma'a as-salama)
  • Usage: Say this when bidding farewell.

9. Where is...?

  • Arabic: أين...؟ (Ayna...?)
  • Usage: Use this phrase to inquire about the location of various places.

10. How do I get to...?

  • Arabic: كيف أذهب إلى...؟ (Kayfa adhhab ila...?)
  • Usage: This is essential when asking for directions.

11. Is it far?

  • Arabic: هل هو بعيد؟ (Hal huwa ba’id?)
  • Usage: Useful to determine the distance to your destination.

12. Turn left / right

  • Arabic: إلتف يسارا (Iltaf yasaran) / إلتف يمينا (Iltaf yaminan)
  • Usage: Handy commands for navigating.

Dining and Eating Out

13. Menu

  • Arabic: قائمة الطعام (Qaimat al-ta'am)
  • Usage: When arriving at a restaurant, asking for the menu.

14. I’m vegetarian.

  • Arabic: أنا نباتي (Ana nabati)
  • Usage: Inform the waiter about your dietary preferences.

15. I would like...

  • Arabic: أود أن (Awad an)
  • Usage: Use this phrase when ordering food or drinks.

16. Water

  • Arabic: ماء (Ma'a)
  • Usage: Always a useful word to know, especially in hot climates.

17. The bill, please.

  • Arabic: الحساب, من فضلك (Al-hisab, min fadlik)
  • Usage: Let the waiter know you’d like to settle your bill.

18. Delicious!

  • Arabic: لذيذ! (Laziz!)
  • Usage: Compliment the chef or your host with this joyful exclamation.

Shopping and Bargaining

19. How much is this?

  • Arabic: كم ثمن هذا؟ (Kam thaman hatha?)
  • Usage: Invaluable when shopping at local markets or stores.

20. Can I get a discount?

  • Arabic: هل يمكنني الحصول على خصم؟ (Hal yumkinuni al-husool aala khasm?)
  • Usage: A handy phrase for negotiating prices.

21. I just want to look.

  • Arabic: أريد فقط أن أنظر (Ureed faqat an anzur)
  • Usage: Use this when browsing without intending to buy immediately.

22. Do you accept credit cards?

  • Arabic: هل تقبل بطاقات الائتمان؟ (Hal taqbal batakat al-aitiman?)
  • Usage: Important to ask before you make a purchase.

Emergencies

23. Help!

  • Arabic: النجدة! (Al-najda!)
  • Usage: A crucial phrase in case of emergencies.

24. I need a doctor.

  • Arabic: أحتاج إلى طبيب (Ahtaj ila tabib)
  • Usage: Use this phrase if you require medical assistance.

25. Where is the police station?

  • Arabic: أين مركز الشرطة؟ (Ayna markaz al-shurta?)
  • Usage: Important for safety inquiries.

26. I lost my passport.

  • Arabic: فقدت جواز سفري (Faqadt jawaz safari)
  • Usage: A necessary phrase if you encounter issues during your travels.

Cultural Etiquette and Respect

27. I respect your culture.

  • Arabic: أنا أحترم ثقافتكم (Ana ahtirim thaqafatikum)
  • Usage: Show appreciation for local customs and traditions.

28. Can we take a picture?

  • Arabic: هل يمكننا أخذ صورة؟ (Hal yumkinuna akhadh sura?)
  • Usage: A polite way to ask if it’s okay to take photos.

29. I love this place!

  • Arabic: أحب هذا المكان! (Uhibb hatha al-makan!)
  • Usage: Express your admiration for a place to locals.

30. I am learning Arabic.

  • Arabic: أنا أتعلم العربية (Ana ataalam al-arabiyya)
  • Usage: A great way to show your interest in the language and culture.

Conclusion

Learning these common phrases in Arabic can significantly enrich your travel experience, allowing you to engage with locals and navigate your surroundings with confidence. While English is spoken in many tourist areas, making an effort to use Arabic shows respect and appreciation for the local culture, and it is often met with warm smiles and friendliness. Is there a specific phrase you’d like help with, or do you have any experiences using Arabic phrases while traveling? Your journey in the Arabic-speaking world just got a little easier with these helpful expressions! Happy travels!