Photo by Fabien Bazanegue on Unsplash
🗣 Arabic Phrases in Arabic: Speak Like a Native From Day One
Whether you’re planning a trip to Cairo, learning Arabic for school, or simply fascinated by the language, mastering Arabic phrases in Arabic is your shortcut to sounding authentic and confident.
In this guide, we’ll cover everyday Arabic phrases written in Arabic script, alongside their pronunciation and English meanings. From greetings to useful travel expressions and polite social cues — we’ve got you covered.
💬 Why Learn Arabic Phrases in Arabic Script?
Learning phrases in Arabic script rather than just transliterations gives you a big advantage:
- 🧠 Improves reading fluency
- 🎯 Helps you recognize signs, menus, and real-world text
- 🗣 Builds pronunciation accuracy
- 🤝 Earns respect from native speakers
It’s not just about speaking — it’s about understanding the heart of the language.
📘 10 Must-Know Arabic Phrases (in Arabic)
Here are 10 foundational expressions that will take you far.
| Arabic (العربية) | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| السلام عليكم | As-salāmu ʿalaykum | Peace be upon you (Hello) |
| مرحباً | Marḥaban | Hi / Welcome |
| كيف حالك؟ | Kayfa ḥāluka? | How are you? (to a male) |
| الحمد لله | Al-ḥamdu lillāh | Praise be to God (I’m fine) |
| شكراً | Shukran | Thank you |
| عفواً | ʿAfwan | You’re welcome / Excuse me |
| نعم | Naʿam | Yes |
| لا | Lā | No |
| أين الحمام؟ | Ayna al-ḥammām? | Where’s the bathroom? |
| إلى اللقاء | Ilā al-liqā’ | See you later / Goodbye |
👋 Greetings and Introductions
Morning and Evening
- صباح الخير (Ṣabāḥ al-khayr) — Good morning
- مساء الخير (Masā’ al-khayr) — Good evening
- تصبح على خير (Tuṣbiḥ ʿalā khayr) — Good night
Asking Names
- ما اسمك؟ (Mā ismuka?) — What’s your name? (to a male)
- اسمي … (Ismī…) — My name is…
🧳 Travel and Navigation Phrases
If you’re traveling in an Arabic-speaking country, these phrases are a lifesaver.
| Arabic Phrase | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| كم السعر؟ (Kam as-siʿr?) | How much is it? |
| هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟ | Do you speak English? |
| أحتاج إلى مساعدة | I need help |
| أين أقرب محطة؟ | Where is the nearest station? |
| أريد الذهاب إلى … | I want to go to… |
🛍 At Restaurants & Shops
Ordering Food
- أريد هذا (Urīdu hādhā) — I want this
- بدون لحم (Bidūn laḥm) — Without meat
- الحساب من فضلك (Al-ḥisāb min faḍlik) — The bill, please
Making a Purchase
- هل لديك …؟ (Hal ladayka…?) — Do you have … ?
- غالي جداً (Ghālī jiddan) — Very expensive!
- هل يمكن أن تخفض السعر؟ — Can you lower the price?
🙋♀️ Social and Polite Phrases
These expressions go a long way in building rapport and showing respect.
| Arabic | Meaning |
|---|---|
| من فضلك (Min faḍlik) | Please |
| آسف (Āsif) | Sorry (to a male) |
| آسفة (Āsifa) | Sorry (to a female) |
| لا أفهم (Lā afham) | I don’t understand |
| ما هذا؟ (Mā hādhā?) | What is this? |
📚 Grammar Note: Masculine vs Feminine Forms
Arabic is a gendered language. That means many expressions change slightly depending on whether you’re talking to a man or woman.
Examples:
- أنتَ (ʾAnta) = You (to a man)
- أنتِ (ʾAnti) = You (to a woman)
- مشغول (Mashghūl) = Busy (male)
- مشغولة (Mashghūlah) = Busy (female)
It’s subtle, but learning these shifts will make your speech much more natural.
🌍 Regional Variations
Arabic is spoken across 20+ countries, and while Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is widely understood, each region has its own flavor.
Examples:
| Country | Local Greeting |
|---|---|
| Egypt | إزيك؟ (Izzayyak?) |
| Morocco | لاباس؟ (Labās?) |
| Lebanon | مرحبا (Marḥaba) |
| Gulf States | هلا والله (Hala wallah) |
📌 Tip: When in doubt, stick to MSA in formal settings. But learning local expressions can win smiles and build connection.
🔁 Practice Exercise: Match & Translate
Match the Arabic phrase with the correct English meaning:
- شكراً
- ما اسمك؟
- لا أفهم
- إلى اللقاء
Answers:
1 → Thank you
2 → What’s your name?
3 → I don’t understand
4 → Goodbye
🧠 Pro Tips for Learning Arabic Phrases
- 📱 Use spaced repetition apps to memorize phrases daily.
- 🧏 Practice pronunciation aloud — don’t be shy!
- 🧑🏫 Try platforms like Avatalks to speak with AI tutors using real phrases.
- ✍️ Write in Arabic regularly to reinforce visual memory.
❓ FAQs: Arabic Phrases in Arabic
Q: Do I have to learn the Arabic alphabet first?
Not necessarily. But learning the alphabet early helps you read and pronounce real phrases correctly.
Q: Are these phrases useful in all Arabic-speaking countries?
Yes, especially in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). But be aware of dialectical differences for casual speech.
Q: How can I practice these daily?
Use flashcards, write phrases on sticky notes, or speak with an AI tutor on Avatalks.
🌟 Final Thoughts: Start Speaking Arabic Today
Mastering Arabic phrases in Arabic script not only helps you sound authentic — it deepens your cultural understanding and builds real confidence.
So next time you meet someone from the Arab world, don’t just say “hi.” Greet them with a warm:
السلام عليكم — As-salāmu ʿalaykum!
And let the conversation begin.
Ready to go further?
Try Avatalks — where you can practice Arabic speaking, listening, and real-world conversation with lifelike avatars. It’s the fastest way to go from memorizing to mastering.