Learning Arabic, a language spoken by over 300 million people in various dialects across the world, can be both challenging and rewarding. This lesson focuses on Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), widely understood across the Arab world. We’ll cover essential phrases and questions for everyday conversations, complete with transliterations to aid in pronunciation.

Greetings

• Hello – “مرحبا” (Marhaba)
• Good morning – “صباح الخير” (Sabah al-khayr)
• Good afternoon/evening – “مساء الخير” (Masa’ al-khayr)
• How are you? (m/f) – “كيف حالك؟” (Kayfa haluk/haluki?)
• I’m fine, thank you. And you? – “بخير, شكراً. وأنت؟” (Bikhair, shukran. Wa ant?)

Introducing Yourself or Others

• My name is [name]. – “اسمي [اسم].” (Ismi [ism].)
• This is [name]. – “هذا هو [اسم].” (Hatha huwa [ism].) / “هذه هي [اسم].” (Hathihi hiya [ism].) for females
• I am from [country]. – “أنا من [بلد].” (Ana min [balad].)
• I live in [city/place]. – “أعيش في [مكان].” (A’ishu fi [makan].)

Asking for Directions or People

• Where is the [place]? – “أين [المكان]؟” (Ayna [al-makan]?)
• How do I get to [place]? – “كيف أصل إلى [المكان]؟” (Kayfa asil ila [al-makan]?)
• Is this the way to [place]? – “هل هذا هو الطريق إلى [المكان]؟” (Hal hatha huwa al-tariq ila [al-makan]?)
• Can you show me on the map? – “هل يمكنك أن تريني على الخريطة؟” (Hal yumkinuka an turini ‘ala al-kharita?)

Solving a Misunderstanding

• Sorry, I don’t understand. – “آسف، لا أفهم.” (Asif, la afham.)
• Can you please repeat that? – “هل يمكنك تكرار ذلك؟” (Hal yumkinuka takrar dhalik?)
• I mean… – “أقصد…” (Aqsid…)
• What does [word] mean? – “ما معنى [كلمة]؟” (Ma ma’na [kalimah]?)

Farewell Expressions

• Goodbye – “وداعاً” (Wada’an)
• See you later – “أراك لاحقاً” (Araka lahqan)
• Take care – “اعتن بنفسك” (Itan binafsik)
• Have a good day – “أتمنى لك يوماً سعيداً” (Atamanna laka yawman sa’eedan)

Travel and Dining

• I would like to book a room. – “أود حجز غرفة.” (Uridu hajz ghurfah.)
• Can I see the menu, please? – “هل يمكنني رؤية القائمة؟” (Hal yumkinuni ru’yat al-qaimah?)
• I am vegetarian. – “أنا نباتي.” (Ana nabati.)
• The bill, please. – “الفاتورة، من فضلك.” (Al-fatura, min fadlik.)

Shopping

• How much does this cost? – “كم ثمن هذا؟” (Kam thaman hadha?)
• Do you have this in another size? – “هل لديكم هذا بحجم آخر؟” (Hal ladaykum hadha bihajm akhar?)
• I’m just looking, thanks. – “أنا فقط أتفرج، شكراً.” (Ana faqat atfarraj, shukran.)
• Can I pay by card? – “هل يمكنني الدفع بالبطاقة؟” (Hal yumkinuni al-daf’ bil-bitaaqa?)

Dating and Love

• You look beautiful. (to a female) – “أنتِ جميلة.” (Anti jamila.)
• I miss you. – “أنا أشتاق إليك.” (Ana ashtaq ilayk.)
• I love you. – “أنا أحبك.” (Ana uhibbuka/uhibbuki for female.)
• Would you like to go out with me? – “هل تحب أن تخرج معي؟” (Hal tuhibb an takhruj ma’i?)

Emergencies

• Help! – “النجدة!” (Al-najda!)
• Call the police! – “اتصل بالشرطة!” (Itasil bil-shurta!)
• I need a doctor. – “أحتاج إلى طبيب.” (Ahtaju ila tabib.)
• Where is the nearest hospital? – “أين المستشفى الأقرب؟” (Ayna al-mustashfa al-aqrab?)

Practice Sentences

• Excuse me, can you show me on the map how to get to the nearest hospital? I need a doctor. – “عفواً، هل يمكنك أن تريني على الخريطة كيف أصل إلى المستشفى الأقرب؟ أحتاج إلى طبيب.” (Afuwan, hal yumkinuka an turini ‘ala al-kharita kayfa asil ila al-mustashfa al-aqrab? Ahtaju ila tabib.)
• Hello, my name is [name], and I am from [country]. It’s nice to meet you. Can I see the menu, please? I am vegetarian. – “مرحباً، اسمي [اسم]، وأنا من [بلد]. سعيد بلقائك. هل يمكنني رؤية القائمة من فضلك؟ أنا نباتي.” (Marhaban, ismi [ism], wa ana min [balad]. Sa’eed bilqa’ika. Hal yumkinuni ru’yat al-qaimah min fadlik? Ana nabati.)
• Goodbye, take care. I hope to see you later. – “وداعاً، اعتن بنفسك. أتمنى أن أراك لاحقاً.” (Wada’an, itan binafsik. Atamanna an araka lahqan.)

Arabic pronunciation varies widely across different regions, so listening to native speakers and practicing speaking are crucial for improving your pronunciation and understanding. Engage with Arabic media and try language exchange with native speakers to further enhance your skills.