travel phrases in arabic

73+ Essential Arabic Travel Phrases for Tourists in Arab Countries & Free PDF

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Want to know what essential Arabic travel phrases for tourists are? Planning a journey to Dubai, UAE, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Oman or other places in the Middle East and North Africa? You are at the right place! If you are traveling to Egypt to see the Great Pyramids, or venturing to the UNESCO World Heritage site Petra in Jordan, knowing some basic Arabic words and phrases will be key to successful communication. Just like easy Arabic phrases “Marhaba” (Hello) and “Shukran” (Thank you). Learning common phrases in Arabic will come in handy when bargaining at local markets in Morocco or exploring the vibrant streets of Dubai. Want to know, what are those useful Arabic words for travel ?

🗩 If you have been wondering “What is Anja’s favorite Arabic word?”, you will find the answer hidden in the blog.

Middle East and Northern Africa , home of the Arabic language, desert landscapes and vibrant souks and bazaars. From modern marvels like Burj Khalifa to ancient historic sites like Nabaatean’s Petra, or Egyptians Great Pyramids of Giza. Knowing basic Arabic phrases for tourists will be helpful in any Arabic-speaking country.  In this language guide on the best Arabic phrases to know, you’ll find a curated selection of essential Arabic words, greeting Arabic phrases and Arabic for tourists . Inside there is also FREE Arabic phrases pdf , that will serve as a handy resource for your Arabic adventure.   Let’s dive into your Arabic adventure, one essential Arabic for travelers phrase at a time!

for ESSENTIAL TRAVEL PHRASES: • 73+ Essential ENGLISH Travel Phrases and Words You Should Know • 73+ Essential ARABIC Travel Phrases for Tourists in Arab Countries & Free PDF • 73+ Essential GREEK Travel Phrases for Tourists on a Greek Holiday & Download • 73+ Essential JAPANESE Travel Phrases for Tourists Visiting Japan & Free cheat sheet • 73+ Essential SLOVENIAN Travel Phrases for your trip to Slovenia & Free Download • 73+ Essential SWAHILI Travel Phrases for Travelers to East Africa + Free Download for WORDS & PHRASES in 101 different languages: • How to say You have beautiful eyes in 101 different languages • How to say What is the WiFi password in 101 different languages • How to say Hello in 101 different languages spoken around the World • How to say Love in 101 different languages spoken around the World • How to say I love you in 101 different languages spoken around the World • How to say Thank you in 101 different languages spoken around the World • How to say Happy Birthday in 101 different languages spoken In the World • How to say Happy New Year in 101 different languages spoken around the World • How to say Friend in 101 different languages spoken around the World with Pronunciation

for ITINERARY idea: • HOW TO SPEND FIVE DAYS IN DUBAI: RELAXED TRAVEL ITINERARY for Dubai TRAVEL TIPS: • 31 BURJ KHALIFA FACTS: SURPRISING, INTERESTING, AND STUNNING • HOW TO BARGAIN ON YOUR TRAVELS: 17 ESSENTIAL BARGAINING TIPS for ACCOMMODATION suggestions: • REASONS TO STAY AT ROVE DOWNTOWN HOTEL IN DUBAI • 17 BEST HOTELS IN DUBAI WITH BURJ KHALIFA VIEW • AMAZING SUSTAINABLE AND ECO-FRIENDLY HOTELS IN DUBAI • LUXURY POOL AND BEACH DAY | DAYCATION AT ONE&ONLY ROYAL MIRAGE for CAPTION IDEAS: • 187 BEST DESERT CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – PUNS, JOKES, RIDDLES & QUOTES • 107 FANTASTIC PALM TREE CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – LAVISH AND STRONG • 77 EPIC COCONUT CAPTIONS AND COCONUT PUNS – TROPICAL COCONUT BONANZA • 77 BEAUTIFUL PINEAPPLE CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – SWEET AND JUICY

for Jordan TRAVEL TIPS: • How to bargain on your travels: 17 essential bargaining tips • Is Jordan Pass Worth It? Guide to Everything You Need to Know • Best One Day in Amman Itinerary: How To Spend 24h in Amman • 73+ Essential Arabic Travel Phrases for Tourists in Arab Countries & Free PDF for CAPTION IDEAS: • 111 Best JORDAN Captions for Instagram and PETRA Captions • 187 Best DESERT captions for Instagram

Table of Contents

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1. Where is ARABIC spoken?

Did you know that more than 400 million people speak Arabic as their first or second language? That is a lot of “shukrans” and “habibis”.  Arabic is spoken in several countries primarily in the Middle East and North Africa , as well as in some other regions. It is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and below you can find Arab countries list.

Arabic is the official language in the following countries:

• Middle East countries list: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Yemen.
• List of Arab countries in North Africa: Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Mauritania.
• Other regions: Palestinian territories, Israel (Arabic is one of the official languages, along with Hebrew), and parts of Western Sahara.

In addition to being the official language in these countries, Arabic holds cultural and religious significance as the language of the Quran, the holy book of Islam. It is widely used in Islamic religious ceremonies and prayers by Muslims around the world, regardless of their native language. Arabic also serves as a lingua franca for communication between speakers of different Arabic dialects and is used as a second language in many countries with significant Arab diaspora communities. The best way to learn Arabic phrases for travel is by using apps like Duolingo or Memrise. But since Arabic is hard language to learn, you will most probably learn most of your phrases when traveling. It will be beneficial to download Arabic for travelers pdf and bring it with you.

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2. Arabic language basics

Before you start to learn everyday Arabic phrases , you should know that the Arabic language is one of the hardest languages to learn for English speakers. Not only because of their unique and beautiful alphabet but also because of their grammar and writing system. Words in Arabic and standard Arabic phrases are written and read from RIGHT to LEFT . This is also the case in Arabic travel phrases you will find below. Phrases in Arabic are written from right to left and Arabic translation phrases are written from left to right.

Letters in Arabic words and phrases change shape based on their position in the word . Some of the wolves also don’t get written, and Arabic speakers should ‘just know’ how to pronounce the word. Not unlike in Japanese or Swahili language , where once you know the sound of the letter, you can read everything. Arabic language also uses different grammar and has sounds that are foreign to the English language. Plus there are many dialects distinctive for Arabic-speaking countries. A collection of Arabic phrases for travel you will find below is using Modern Standard Arabic. This is like a common Arabic, that everywhere in the Arabic-speaking world should understand. All essential Arabic travel phrases also have a phonetic translation under their Arabic writing.

3. Essential Arabic travel phrases

3.1. basic arabic phrases for travel.

Basic Arabic phrases for conversation that showcase politeness and cultural respect, encouraging positive interactions with locals and are a base for every communication. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT.

ALSO READ: • How to spend 5 days in Dubai: Relaxed travel itinerary

3.2. Essential Arabic phrases for greetings and introductions

Basic Arabic greetings phrases will lay the foundation for any interaction, allowing you to initiate conversations and make a positive first impression. They are Easy arabic words you already know and Arabic basic words, to know when visiting Dubai. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT.

ALSO READ: • Best hotels with Burj Khalifa view

3.3. Essential Arabic travel phrases for directions and getting around

Arabic phrases to know when asking for directions will enable you to navigate unfamiliar streets and find your way around. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT.

ALSO READ: • Is Jordan Pass Worth It? Guide to Everything You Need to Know

3.4. Useful Arabic phrases for tourists when ordering food and drinks

Useful Arabic words and phrases for ordering meals, asking for recommendations, and specifying dietary preferences ensure enjoyable dining experiences and help you explore local cuisines. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT.

3.5. Basic Arabic words for travel and shopping

Arabic language words for inquiring about prices, negotiating, and asking for sizes or colors are handy when exploring markets and boutiques. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT.

ALSO READ: • Jordan captions and Petra captions for Instagram

🗩 “What is Anja’s favorite Arabic word?” It is Habibi. It can be translated as “my love”, “my dear”, “my darling”.

3.6. Basic Arabic hotel phrases

Arabic hotel phrases you will need when checking in a hotel, asking for towels, fixing air conditioning, enquiring what time is breakfast, and what is included in your room rate. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT.

ALSO READ: • Best One Day in Amman Itinerary: How To Spend 24h in Amman

3.7. Standard Arabic phrases and best Arabic phrases in case of emergencies

Here you will find simple Arabic words in case of emergencies, natural disasters, or if you will be needing assistance in difficult or dangerous situations. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT and that those can be useful phrases in Dubai.

ALSO READ: • Best Dubai captions for Instagram

3.8. Beyond essential Arabic travel phrases

If you’re like me and really love learning a few phrases in new languages, expand your study beyond the must know travel phrases and basic phrases in Arabic. I always learn how to say please and thank you, never visit a country without knowing the local word for “coffee” and never leave without knowing how to say;

4. Best language App for traveling abroad

Learning a language is a long process. If you think you won’t have time to learn basic Arabic greetings and responses , or if the situations come your way when above mentioned Arabic phrases for travel won’t be enough, use Google Translate. This is my favorite language app, that I use on (almost) every trip.

4.1. Google Translate

Google Translate is the most popular language travel app that can be used everywhere. I personally use it on all my travels, when going to Tanzania to learn what some Swahili words mean, when in Mexico to help with my not-the-best Spanish, when in Italy, in Japan and other places. I’m sure you are familiar with the language app already. The most obvious feature is it will help you translate the destination language into your own one. But the absolute best feature is that it can translate the text using ‘ camera translation ’. All you have to do is open the app, point your camera toward the text in a foreign language and Google Translate will do the rest. Perfect for menus! It also translates text from the photos on your camera roll. And it also works offline, when you download the language pair on your phone. Language: 133 languages Download: iOS | Android | Website Price: Free

ALSO READ: • How to Bargain on your travels: Travel bargaining guide

5. Final Thoughts on Essential Arabic Travel Phrases for Tourists

Whether it’s a warm greeting, ordering a meal, or expressing gratitude, useful Arabic words and phrases not only open doors to easier communication but also show respect. Learning common phrases in Arabic for tourists will help you in souks and bazaars and when ordering food. Before traveling to Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, or any other country in the Middle East or Northern Africa, learn Arabic for travel basics that will help you to navigate through this unique, and culturally filled world. How to say Hello in Arabic and how to say thank you in Arabic language. A collection of useful Arabic phrases for travelers, like what is the Wifi password , Arabic tourist phrases for directions, and checking in a hotel. Which of these common Arabic phrases have you managed to memorize so far? Safe travels = طَريق السَلامةِ! [ataryq alsalamti!], Anja

➤ What you should read next …

• 17 Best Hotels in Dubai with Burj Khalifa view • How to spend 5 day in Dubai: relaxed travel itinerary • Is Jordan Pass Worth It? Guide to Everything You Need to Know • Best One Day in Amman Itinerary: How To Spend 24h in Amman • How to say Friend in 101 different languages

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✈ Travel like a PRO

Are you ready to travel like a PRO? Save time and money with these travel tips and resources . I personally use these companies to save time and money. They do the work by providing a list of options, prices, and reviews from actual guests, for anywhere I am traveling worldwide. ✈️ FLIGHTS: I use Skyscanner in combination with Google Flights to find amazing flight fares (try the Explore feature). I book directly with an airline or pair it with Iwantthatflight for the best deals. 🏨 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com is my favorite site for finding great hotel deals. They return the best rates and reviews are from actual guests! 🚘 RENTAL CARS: Discover Cars are my go-to, when planning an epic road trip. 🗽 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: I like to wander around on my own, but when I want to explore with a group, skip the line with an entrance ticket, I book it with GetYourGuide or Viator . ❤️‍🩹 TRAVEL INSURANCE: I never, under any circumstances travel without insurance. In most cases, I use yearly global travel medical insurance. But, if you don’t have that and some impromptu travel plans occur, use SafetyWing . With them, you can buy travel insurance even when you are already abroad. Better be safe, than sorry! 📲 ONLINE SAFETY: NordVPN keeps your devices’ browsing safe and malware-free. Stream shows from around the world, access social media in countries where they are blocked and buy cheap flights by changing your virtual location. 🛜 STAY CONNECTED WITH eSIM: Ditch the plastic SIM cards and waiting in lines at the airport! Airalo eSIMs allow you to connect as soon as you land at your destination. They have eSIMs for over 190+ countries worldwide.

Where is Arabic spoken?

Arabic is one of the six official languages of the United Nations. It is a native language in numerous countries across the Middle East and North Africa. Arabic is an official language in 22 countries. Some of them are, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and others. It is widely used for religious purposes among Muslims worldwide.

How to say hello in Arabic word?

Hello in Arabic language is مرحبًا pronounced as “marhaba” This is also the answer to how to say hello in Dubai or how do you say hello in Jordan. Learn more useful common Arabic greetings and basic Arabic for travel words and phrases on Anja On Adventure blog. There you can also find a FREE Arabic phrases pdf cheat sheet, and coloring pages with Arabic words and phrases.

How to say Thank you in Arabic?

Thank you in Arabic is شكرًا لك , which is pronounced as “ shukran lak”. This is also the answer to how to say thank you in Dubai and how to say thank you in Jordan. Learn more Dubai language words and Moroccan phrases for tourists on Anja On Adventure blog. There you can also find a FREE Arabic words list pdf cheat sheet, and coloring pages with Arabic words and phrases.

How to say How are you in Arabic?

كيف حالك؟ pronounced as “Kayf halika?” Learn more useful Arabic words and phrases and popular Arabic phrases for travel on Anja On Adventure blog. There you can also find a FREE Arabic phrases pdf cheat sheet, and coloring pages with Arabic words and phrases.

How to say Nice to meet you in Arabic?

سعيد بلقائك , pronounced as “ saeid biliqayik …”. Learn more useful Arabic words and phrases and popular Arabic phrases for travel on Anja On Adventure blog. There you can also find a FREE basic Arabic sentences for beginners pdf cheat sheet, and coloring pages with Arabic words and phrases.

How to say Love in Arabic?

حب , pronounced as “ habun” Learn more basic words in Arabic, find out what are some basic arabic words and a list of simple Arabic phrases on Anja On Adventure blog. There you can also find a FREE basic Arabic words for beginners pdf, with Arabic words list with meaning, and coloring pages with Arabic words and phrases.

How to say safe travels in Arabic?

طَريق السَلامةِ! , pronounced as “ataryq alsalamti!”. Learn more than 100 Arabic phrases, Arabic common phrases and other Arabic words to know when traveling on Anja On Adventure blog. There you can also find a basic Arabic for tourists and common Arabic terms.

❥ About Anja On Adventure

Anja On Adventure is a travel blog, a collection of insider tips and information on destinations, that I visited as a solo female traveler, tour guide, teacher, yacht stewardess, and Survivor challenge tester. Anja, is a thirty-something adventure-seeking, sun chasing, beach hopping, gin-loving, tropics enthusiast with a creative mind and sarcastic spirit, who loves coconut and mango but doesn’t like chocolate and sweets. I am passionate about all things travel, maps, and puzzles. Click here to learn more About me .

About the author: Anja

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Home » Articles » 100 Useful Arabic Phrases to Navigate Arab Countries

Full disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. ?

written by Deyae Ouazzani Taybi

Language: Arabic

Reading time: 10 minutes

Published: Mar 29, 2024

100 Useful Arabic Phrases to Navigate Arab Countries

If you want to learn Arabic or go to an Arab country, it’s good to know some simple Arabic phrases. Not only will it improve your trip, it will also help you connect easier with Arabs. This applies to whichever country you choose to visit in the Arab world.

In this article, we’ll be learning 100 valuable Arabic expressions. These phrases will make your exploration of Arab countries and the Arabic language more exciting.

So, without further ado, let’s jump right in!

Disclaimer: Please note that the transliterations between brackets are there to help you. They don’t represent the exact pronunciation of the words.

Table of contents

12 must-know basic arabic words, arabic greetings and basic expressions, polite expressions in arabic, arabic phrases to express interest, saying goodbye in arabic, arabic expressions for getting around, common arabic phrases and questions, exclamations, celebrations and well wishes in arabic, arabic filler words and phrases, funny arabic phrases, commonly used moroccan arabic phrases and expressions.

You want to learn only a few essential Arabic expressions? No problem, here are 12 Arabic phrases that will serve as a foundation for your journey to learn Arabic.

• “Hello” – مرحبًا ( Marhaba )
• “Good morning” – صباح الخير ( Sabah al-khayr )
• “Good evening” – مساء الخير ( Masa’ al-khayr )
• “Thank you very much” – شكرًا جزيلا ( Shukran jazeelan )
• “You’re welcome” – على الرحب والسعة ( Ala rohb wa seaa )
• “How are you?” – كيف حالك؟ ( Kayfa halak/halik  for males/females)
• “I’m fine, thank you” – أنا بخير، شكرًا ( Ana bikhair, shukran )
• “My name is…” – …اسمي ( Ismi… )
• “Excuse me” – عذرًا ( Athar’an )
• “I don’t understand” – لا أفهم ( La afham )
• “Where is…?” – أين…؟ ( Ayna…? )
• “Goodbye” – وداعًا ( Wada’an )

PS: In Arabic countries, when someone tells you صباح الخير ( Sabah al-khayr ), you reply with صباح النور ( Sabah al-noor ). The same is true for مساء الخير ( masa’ al-khayr ); you reply with مساء النور ( masa’ al-noor ).

Arabic Phrases: The Basics

If you’re just starting out, you’ll need a load of basic Arabic phrases to help you along.

Let’s start with greetings and basic expressions. Most of these are used regardless of whether or not the situation is formal, so feel free to use them whenever you need to.

• “Hello” – مرحبًا ( Marhaba ), we also say السلام عليكم ( Assalamo alaykom )
• “Welcome” – أهلاً وسهلاً ( Ahlan wa sahlan )
• “What is your name?” – ما اسمك؟ ( Ma ismak/ismik  for males/females)
• “My name is…” – … اسمي ( Ismi… )
• “Nice to meet you” – تشرفت بلقائك ( Tasharraftu biliqa’ik )

• “Please” – من فضلك ( Min fadlik/fadlik  for males/females) or أرجوك ( Arjouk )
• “Thank you” – شكرًا ( Shukran )
• “You’re welcome” – عفوًا ( Afwan )
• “I’m sorry” – أنا آسف/آسفة ( Ana asif/asifa  for males/females)
• “Yes” – نعم ( Naam )
• “No” – لا ( La )

Imagine you’re having a conversation with a local, and you want to show your interest. The Arabic expressions below will surely help you!

• “This is beautiful” – هذا جميل ( Hatha jameel )
• “I like it” – أحبه/أحبها ( Uhibbuh/Uhibbaha  for males/females)
• “That’s interesting” – هذا مثير للاهتمام ( Hatha muthir lil-ihtimam )
• “Tell me more” – أخبرني بالمزيد ( Akberni bil-mazeed )

It’s always hard to say goodbye, but let’s not forget there’s always a chance for future encounters. Here are some expressions to say “goodbye” (or “see you later”) in Arabic.

• “See you later” – أراك لاحقًا ( Arak lahiqan )
• “Until we meet again” – حتى نلتقي مجددًا ( Hatta niltaqy majdan )
• “Take care” – اعتنِ بنفسك ( Eiten bi-nafsik )
• “Farewell” – مع السلامة ( Ma’a al-salamah )
• “Have a good day” – أتمنى لك يومًا سعيدًا ( Atamannu lak yawman sa’idan )
• “Have a safe journey” – سفرًا آمنًا ( Safaran aman )
• “Goodbye, my friend” – وداعًا يا صديقي ( Wada’an ya sadiqi )
• “Stay in touch” – بقِ على تواصل ( Buqa ala tawasul )
• “See you soon” – أراك قريبًا ( Arak qareeban )

Common Arabic Phrases for Daily Life

Arabic is not only the official language of 25 countries but also a window into the rich culture of the Arab world. It is a beautiful and complex language. In short, whether you’re shopping or making new friends, using everyday Arabic phrases makes it cool. These phrases act like keys, helping you talk better.

Keep reading for a list of Arabic expressions people use every day.

• “How much is this?” – بكم هذا؟ ( Bikam hatha? )
• “I want…” – أريد… ( Ureed… )
• “I don’t want…” – لا أريد… ( La ureed… )
• “Can you help me?” – هل يمكنك مساعدتي؟ ( Hal yumkinuka musa’adati? )
• “I need a taxi” – أحتاج سيارة أجرة ( Ahtaju siyarat ‘ajrah )
• “Straight ahead” – مباشرةً ( Mubashiran )

• “How much does this cost?” – كم ثمن هذا؟ ( Kam thaman hatha? )
• “Can I try this on?” – هل يمكنني تجربته؟ ( Hal yumkinuni tajribatah? )
• “It’s too expensive” – إنها مكلفة جدًا ( Innaha maklifah jiddan )
• “Do you have something cheaper?” – هل لديك شيء أرخص؟ ( Hal ladayk shay’an arkhos? )
• “Can you give me a discount?” – هل يمكنك أن تعطيني خصم؟ ( Hal yumkinuka an ta’teeni khasm? )
• “I’m just browsing” – أتصفح فقط ( Atasaffah faqat )
• “Do you have this in a different color/size?” – هل لديكم ذلك بلون/حجم مختلف؟ ( Hal ladaykum thalika bilawn/hajm mukhtalif? )
• “What time is it?” – كم الساعة؟ ( Kam al-saa’ah? )
• “Can I take a photo?” – هل يمكنني التقاط صورة؟ ( Hal yumkinuni al-taqattur surah? )
• “What is this place called?” – ما اسم هذا المكان؟ ( Ma ismu hatha al-makan? )
• “Can you recommend a good restaurant?” – هل يمكنك أن توصي بمطعم جيد؟ ( Hal yumkinuka an tawsi bi-mat’am jayyid? )
• “What’s your favorite food?” – ماهو طعامك المفضل؟ ( Ma huwa ta’amuka al-mufaddal? )

• “Congratulation” – تهانينا ( Tahanina )
• “That was excellent!” – كان ذلك مميزاً ( Kana dhalika momayazan )
• “Best of luck!” – حظاً موفقاً ( Haddan mowaffakan )
• “All the best to you!” – كل التوفيق ( Kollo tawfiq )
• “Happy birthday!” – عيد ميلاد سعيد ( Aid milad said )
• “Stop!” – قف ( Qif )
• “Get well soon” – أتمنى لك الشفاء العاجل ( Atamana laka chifaa’ l’ajil )
• “Bon appetit” – بالهناء و الشفاء ( Bilhanaa wa chifaa )
• “Take care” – اعتن بنفسك ( I’tani binafsek )
• “Long time no see” – لم ارك منذ فترة طويلة ( Lam araka/araki mondo fatra tawila )

The Arabic language is known for its richness. As such, a lot of times many words and phrases have the same meaning. For example, to say “Bon Appétit,” you can say any of the following and the meaning is still the same: بالهناء و الشفاء ( bilhanaa wa chifaa ), or بالصحة و العافية ( bissiha wa l’afiya ), or شهية طيبة ( chahia tayiba ). Another example is saying طال غيابك ( tala ghuabok ) instead of لم أرك منذ فترة طويلة ( lam araka/araki mondo fatra tawila ) to say “long time no see.”

Filler words may not sound like much but they truly help you sound more like a native. Here is a list of common Arabic filler words and phrases. Be sure to add them to your linguistic toolbox!

First, let’s see some Modern Standard Arabic filler words. These words are understood by every Arabic-speaking country. But, it’s best practice to know what’s said in the specific country you’re visiting.

• “Beautiful” – جميل ( Jamil )
• “Sorry” – عفواً ( Afwan ). This is mainly used to ask for repetition or to respectfully interrupt someone.

Like I said, Arabic is the official language of many Arabic-speaking countries. But guess what? Each of these countries has its own dialect.

Let’s start with some Levantine Arabic filler words:

• “Means” – يعني ( Ya’ni )
• “By God” – و الله ( Wallah )
• “Good” – طيب ( Tayyib )
• “Now” – هلأ ( Halla’ )

In Morocco, you can say any of these two:

• “Like” – زعما ( Zaama )
• “So” – إيوا ( Ewa )

Fun Fact: I say زعما ( Zaama ) around a hundred times per hour. How do I know? My dad took it upon himself to count them one time.

In Egypt, you’ll likely be using these a lot in their conversations:

• “Sweet” – حلو ( Hilw )
• “Anyway” – أصلاً ( Aslan )

Laughter knows no language limits, and Arabic has a bunch of funny sayings that will make you giggle. These phrases show how fun language can be. Here, we’ll explore these phrases that bring smiles and show the humorous side of Arabs. So with that said, buckle up and get ready to laugh and learn more about the fun side of Arabic culture!

• روح بلط البحر/ روح كنس الصحراء ( Rouh balt al-bahr/rouh kans al-sahraa ).This means “go swim in the sea” or “go sweep the desert.” It’s funny because it’s asking someone to do something really hard, like swimming in the sea or sweeping a big desert.
• فولة و انقسمت نصفين ( Foula wa inqasamat nisfayn ). Literally translates to “a fava bean split in two”. This phrase is like “two peas in a pod” in English, which is used to say that two things are like each other.
• قتل قتيل و مشى لجنازه ( Qatal qateel wa mashaa li-janaazah ). This means “killed someone and went to his funeral.” This phrase has kind of the same meaning as “adding insult to injury.” For example, someone causes a big problem, then shamelessly fakes sympathy over it.
• دمه ثقيل/دمه خفيف ( Damuhu thaqeel/damuhu khafif ). These two are actually the opposite of each other. دمه ثقيل ( Damuhu thaqeel ) is used to say that someone is boring while دمه خفيف ( damuhu khafif ) means that the person is sweet and funny.
• تقبر قلبي/تقبرني ( Taqrab qalbi/ taqburni ). These phrases literally translate to “you bury my heart” or “you bury me.” They reflect intense love or sympathy for someone.
• القرد بعين أمه غزال ( Al-qird bi-‘ayn ummi ghazaal ). Translates to “the monkey is a gazelle in its mother’s eyes.” In English, this is like saying “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”.
• صام وأفطر على بصلة ( Saam wa aftara ‘ala basalah ). Translates to “he fasted and broke his fast with an onion” in English. It portrays a situation where someone works hard on something. Yet, the end results are disappointing.
• إن كان حبيبك عسل متلحسوش كله ( In kaan habeebuk ‘asal matlahisoo kullah ). In English: “If your beloved is honey, don’t lick it all off.” This advises moderation as it means that if someone is nice to you, don’t take advantage of their kindness.
• حل/حلي عني ( Hul/hulay aannee ). Translates to “dissolve yourself off me,” it means “leave me alone” or “get lost.”
• الجنازة حارة والميت كلب ( Al janazah harrah wal-mayyit kalb ). This is used in the context where someone overreacts or makes a big deal about something that is quite trivial. In English, this would be like saying “much ado about nothing.”

Morocco is a country known for its diversity. The official languages of Morocco are: Darija and Tamazight. Darija is the one commonly used while Tamazight is mainly used in rural areas.

Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of resources available for those wanting to learn its language. I’m talking especially about Darija here, but the same can be said about Tamazight. Add to that the fact that it’s mostly an oral language and it’s believed to be the hardest amongst the languages spoken in the Middle East. I beg to differ, but that’s because I’m very biased since I’m Moroccan.

Read on to learn some common Moroccan Arabic phrases!

• “How are you?” – لباس؟ / لباس عليك؟ ( Labas?  or  Labas elik? )
• “What is this?” – شنو هذا؟ ( Shnu hada? )
• “Do you have…?” – واش عندك…؟ ( Wash aandak…? )
• “Thank you very much” – بارك الله فيك ( Barak Allah fik )
• “I am looking for…” – كنقلب على ( Kanqallab aala… )
• “I don’t want anything” – مابغيت والو ( Ma brit walou )
• “Speak slowly” – هضر بالشوية ( Hdar bechwiya )
• “Do you have…?” – واش عندك؟ ( Wash aadak? )
• “Come here” – أجي لهنا ( Aji lehna )

And that’s a wrap for this article! Hope you like it and that it helps set you up for your Arabic learning journey. Remember to practice and have loads of fun learning this beautiful language.

Before you go, did you know that you can speed up your Arabic learning journey by listening to Arabic songs? Mind blowing, I know. If that seems like something you’d like to try, check out this  post  where I talk about 12 of the best songs you can use to practice your Arabic skills.

بالتوفيق والنجاح إن شاء الله!

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Deyae Ouazzani Taybi

Student, content creator

Deyae is a bookworm and a language enthusiast. Besides languages and books, she strives to acquire as much knowledge as humanly possible. Connect with here: Blog || Twitter

Speaks: Arabic, English, French

Have a 15-minute conversation in your new language after 90 days

Essential Arabic Phrases For Travel – Speak Freely While Traveling

Some of the best experiences in life are had when one travels abroad. Indeed, when you travel to another country and immerse yourself in its culture, it can be fun and exciting. However, speaking that country’s language, even if it’s just a few words, can offer you an even richer experience. For instance, while poring over those brochures of Petra, did you ever think about learning Arabic phrases for travel to make your trip to Jordan even more rewarding?

Listen to the locals

After all, isn’t it the locals who can tell you the best places to eat, sleep, and sightsee? Certainly, learning more than just how to say “hello” in Dubai offers tourists opportunities they’d never find in a guidebook. What’s more, when you travel in Arabic speaking countries , you’ll find most locals are friendly and happy to help.

This is especially true when some knows what to say in Arabic when someone is traveling. This is because Arabs really admire someone who attempts to speak their language. You see, they, too, realize that Arabic isn’t the easiest language to learn. Nevertheless, they’ll respect your effort. Besides that, when you speak to a native speaker of Arabic, you’ll be improving your Arabic language skills as well. Thus, you’ll be ensuring a richer and more rewarding experience no matter which Arabic speaking country you decide to travel to.

Essential Arabic phrases for travel

The Arabic word for travel is السفر / alsafar . Now that you’ve learn your first travel-related word in Arabic, let’s get you started on the rest of your journey.

Here’s a list of Arabic words related to travel to get you started:

In conclusion.

Ready to learn more? Well, what if we told you that you can learn Arabic anytime, anywhere before you even step on a plane? It’s true! With the Kaleela Arabic learning app, you’ll learn real Arabic dialects in courses designed by native Arabic speakers. Our app takes you step-by-step from learning the Arabic alphabet to using real-world phrases in conversations all at your own pace! Students and travelers alike highly recommended the Kaleela Arabic learning app! Best of all! Download it now and start speaking Arabic today, only from Kaleela.

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Introduction

Arabic phrases for giving directions, arabic phrases for transportation, arabic phrases for accommodations, miscellaneous arabic words and phrases, scenario 1: exploring the city, scenario 2: at the hotel, scenario 3: at the restaurant, scenario 4: at the tourist information center.

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Traveling To an Arab Country? Here are 25 Excellent Arabic Phrases to Guide You

by Dania Ghraoui

24 Jul, 2023 . 6 mins read

Learning Tips

Hello, my dear Arabic language learners. The first thing that you might think about when traveling to an Arab country or countries that speak Arabic is the ability to communicate with the locals. This is vital, as it ensures safety and comfort during the trip. What’s more, the ability to articulate some essential phrases in the local language grants us the confidence to move around our temporary residence and remain highly functional. Whether the trip is for work, leisure, or studying, conversing in the local language can significantly enhance our overall experience.

And because Arabic is a language rich with history, culture, and diversity, your journey could be even more rewarding. As you’re exploring the historical sites of Egypt, the luxurious cityscape of Dubai, or the cultural wonders of Morocco, you’ll find that a basic understanding of Arabic is immensely helpful. From asking for directions, and haggling at a local market, to ordering food at a restaurant, your attempts to communicate in Arabic can open doors, bring smiles, and foster mutual respect.

In this post, we will introduce you to 25 Arabic phrases to use when you travel to an Arab country. These phrases have been carefully selected to cover various situations, including directions, transportation, accommodations, dining, etc. By learning and using these Arabic words and phrases, you will not only be able to navigate the Arabic-speaking world more easily but also enrich your cultural experience and make lasting memories. 

In addition to providing you with essential Arabic phrases, this blog also includes real-life scenarios to help you apply what you’ve learned and see them in context. These scenarios, set in common travel situations, are designed to offer practical demonstrations of how and when to use the phrases. Whether you’re trying to find your way in a bustling city, ordering a meal in a restaurant, or checking into a hotel, these scenarios will give you a realistic insight into navigating the Arabic-speaking world. The aim is to ensure that you’re not only memorizing these phrases but also understanding their context, thereby enhancing your confidence to communicate effectively during your travels. 

So, are you ready? Let’s start by looking at 25 essential Arabic words and phrases for travel , including vocabulary for directions, transportation, accommodations, and more. 

When you’re in a new place, it’s important to be able to ask for directions. Here are some Arabic phrases that can help you navigate your way around:

Getting around in an Arabic-speaking country can be an adventure in itself. Here are some Arabic words and phrases related to transportation:

Whether you’re staying in a hotel, hostel, or guesthouse, here are some Arabic words and phrases related to accommodations:

Here are some additional Arabic words and phrases that can be useful for travelers:

In the following two scenarios, we’ll explore some common situations a traveler may encounter while visiting an Arabic-speaking country. In Scenario 1 , our tourist interacts with a local resident to get information about public transportation and the city’s layout. In Scenario 2 , the tourist checks into a hotel, inquiring about room availability and payment options.  In Scenario 3 , our tourist is dining at a restaurant. They discuss dietary preferences and ask about the menu with a waiter, and in Scenario 4 , our traveler visits a tourist information center. They ask for a city map and inquire about a specific location.

These scenarios demonstrate the practical use of the essential Arabic phrases and vocabulary we learned for travelers in real-life situations .

Real-Life Arabic

Tourist: مرحبا!ً كم تبعد المدينة من هنا؟

(Hello! How far is the city from here?)

Local: تبعد المدينة حوالي خَمسَةَ كيلومترات من هنا. هل ترغب في السّير على الأقدام أو استخدام وسائل النّقل العامّ؟

(The city is about 5 kilometers from here. Do you prefer to walk or use public transportation?)

Tourist: أفضل استخدام وسائل النّقل العامّ. مِن أين يمكنني شراء تذاكر الحافلة؟

(I prefer to use public transportation. Where can I buy bus tickets?)

Local: يمكنك شراء تذاكر الحافلة من أجهزة البيع الآلي في محطة الحافلات أو داخل الحافلة نفسها.

(You can buy bus tickets from vending machines at the bus station or inside the bus itself.)

Tourist: شكراً! هل يمكنني الحصول على خريطة المدينة؟

(Thank you! Can I get a map of the city?)

Local: بالطّبع! يمكنك الحصول على خريطة مجّانية من مكتب السّياحة أو تنزيل تطبيق على هاتفك الذكي.

(Of course! You can get a free map from the tourism office or download an app on your smartphone).

Tourist: مرحباً! أريد غرفة فندقيّة لمدة ثلاثة أيام. هل لديكم غرف متاحة؟

(Hello! I want a hotel room for three days. Do you have available rooms?)

Receptionist: نعم، لدينا غرف متاحة. هل تفضّل غرفةً مزدوجةً أم مفردةً؟

(Yes, we have available rooms. Do you prefer a double or a single room?)

Tourist: أريد غرفة مزدوجةً من فضلك. هل يمكنني استخدام بطاقة الائتمان هنا؟

(I want a double room, please. Can I use my credit card here?)

Receptionist: بالطّبع! يمكنك استخدام بطاقة الائتمان للدّفع.

(Of course! You can use your credit card for payment.)

Tourist: ما هو رقم الهاتف الخاصّ بالفندق؟

(What is the hotel’s phone number?)

Receptionist: رقم الهاتف الخاصّ بالفندق هو 123-456-7890. إذا كنت بحاجة إلى أي مساعدة أخرى، لا تتردد في الاتصال بنا.

(The hotel’s phone number is 123-456-7890. If you need any further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.)

Tourist: شكراً لمساعدتك!

(Thank you for your help!)

Receptionist: وداعاً ! استمتع بإقامتك!

(Goodbye! Enjoy your stay! )

Tourist: مرحبا! أنا نباتي. هل لديكم خيارات نباتية؟

(Hello! I’m a vegetarian. Do you have vegetarian options?)

Waiter: نعم، لدينا العديد من الخيارات النباتية. يمكنك الاطلاع على القائمة هنا.

(Yes, we have many vegetarian options. You can check the menu here.)

Tourist: هل هذا الطبق حار؟

(Is this dish spicy?)

Waiter: لا، هذا الطبق ليس حارًا.

(No, this dish is not spicy.)

Tourist: رائع! أود طاولة لشخصين، من فضلك.

(Great! I’d like a table for two, please.)

Waiter: بالطبع، تفضل.

(Of course, right this way.)

Tourist: مرحبا! هل يمكنني الحصول على خريطة المدينة؟

(Hello! Can I get a map of the city?)

Information Officer: بالطبع! ها هي خريطة المدينة. هل تحتاج إلى مساعدة في تحديد المواقع؟

(Of course! Here is the city map. Do you need help identifying the locations?)

Tourist: نعم، من فضلك. أين المتحف الوطني؟

(Yes, please. Where is the National Museum?)

Information Officer: إنه في الجزء الشرقي من المدينة، يمكنك استخدام الخريطة للوصول إليه.

(It’s in the eastern part of the city. You can use the map to get there.)

We hope this excellent collection of Arabic travel words and phrases has been helpful. We’re wrapping up for today, dear learners, and I truly hope you’ve found our journey through these Arabic travel phrases and real-life scenarios valuable. You know, these words and phrases are more than just tools for communication – they’re your keys to connecting with the people and culture of the Arabic-speaking world.

Speaking even a little bit of the local language can make your travel experiences richer and more memorable. And trust me, locals always appreciate it when visitors try to speak their language, even if it’s just a few words or phrases.

So, keep practicing these phrases – they’re your first steps into the beautiful world of the Arabic language. And remember, there’s so much more to discover beyond these basics.

As you set off on your travels, remember to stay curious, enjoy every moment, and embrace the joy of learning a new language. And above all, have a wonderful journey. Wishing you all safe travels, or as we say in Arabic, رحلة سعيدة – ‘Happy Journey’!

Now, to assist you further in your Arabic language journey, I’m excited to share with you a comprehensive planner we’ve created. It has a 30-page worksheet complemented by over 200 exercises and activities designed to enhance your grasp of the Arabic language. This resource is an excellent companion to your studies and will provide you with structured practice to help you retain and apply what you’ve learned.

https://www.alifbee.app/planner

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All The Basic Arabic Phrases for Travelers, [Video to Illustrate]

• February 23, 2023
• Posted by: mostafa
• Category: Learn Arabic

When traveling to an Arab country you must learn some useful words to communicate with the locals, therefore we collected the most common and useful Arabic phrases for travelers.

What are the essential Arabic phrases for travelers? There are a couple of Arabic phrases and words that you will need like Ahlan, ṣabāḥu al-ḫayr, masāʾu al-ḫayr, laylah saʿīdah, šukran, šukran ǧazīlan, lā muškilah, afwan, salaam ‘aleikum, ma’a salaameh, 3aamil eh, izzayak, eh akhbaar, akhbaarak eh, and more.

If you want to learn the common and useful Arabic phrases and words that you will need on your trip, in addition to useful apps then let’s get started.

What to learn MSA or Arabic dialects?

As a tourist, you must be wondering “should I learn modern standard Arabic or one of the Arabic dialects?” If you’re planning to travel to a specific country then it’s better to learn its dialect. For example, if you’re planning to go to Egypt then it’s better to learn Egyptian Arabic.

What if I’m planning to visit more than one country? In this case, you have two options. First, learn Modern standard Arabic as all Arabs understand it. However, nowadays, modern standard Arabic isn’t used in daily life situations, meaning that Arabs don’t use it. Each country has its own dialect, but they will understand you and you will understand what they say.

The second option is to learn Egyptian Arabic, Egyptian Arabic is the Arabic used in Egypt. And most Arab understand it, as Egyptian movies and TV series are popular. So, if you are a non-Arabic speaker then this might be the easiest dialect to learn.

Arabic is one of the major languages spoken by people around the world, there are 25 countries speaking the Arabic language as the official language or as a co-official language. Today, there’s a high demand for the Arabic language. the US government agencies are searching for Arabic speakers; if you can speak it then you will be an excellent candidate. Besides that, you could work in one of the Arab countries like the Emirates in different fields like engineering, medicine, and business. Also, Arabic has many dialects, and each one of them has its own beauty and differences. You can choose the one that you like more and learn it.   

One of the top 5 spoken languages in the world is Arabic, and only one percent of US universities study Arabic, if you learn it you will get many job opportunities and excel in them.

If you’re planning to go to an Arab country for work or to study abroad then you must learn Arabic. We wrote an article with some tips and tricks on how to understand Arabic and learn it fast. Also, you could enhance your Arabic Skills with the help of Arabic language immersion programs that will take you to a whole new adventure, and take your Arabic to a new level in no time

The most common Arabic phrases for travel needs.

When traveling to an Arab country you will need to learn some Arabic phrases to express yourself and communicate with the locals. So here are some of the most common Arabic phrases that you will need on your trip:

How to greet others and say goodbye in Arabic?

When you meet someone the first thing to say is “Hello”. In Arabic there are different ways to say hello, here’s how to greet someone:

There are other ways to greet someone in Arabic, and they are:

And here’s how to say goodbye in Arabic:

If you want to talk to someone to ask about something then you simply say:

Talking politely in Arabic.

When asking about directions or if you want something you should ask politely using nice words. Let’s say you’re at a supermarket and want to buy something then you can say:

If you want to offer something to someone else in a polite way you can say:

tafaḍḍal. .تَفَضَّل

It’s always nice to thank others for helping you, hence learning to say thank you in Arabic is essential, and here’s how to say it and its response:

Now you know, if someone say’s “Thank you!” you can respond with “lā muškilah”, or “afwan”, it’s not hard to memorize, don’t worry.

Arabic phrases to say you like something.

Let’s say you’re at the supermarket or you went out shopping and you saw something that caught your eye, how can you express that? Here’s how:

You could simply say “good”, in Arabic it’s “ǧayyid”, however, to express your amazement in something, there’s a better way to do so.

When saying that the food is was great you can express that be saying:

Transportation and asking for directions.

Here’re the names of some places:

Arabic phrases for directions:

Here are other phases that will be useful:

“I want to order a taxi to the airport for tomorrow morning.”

ʾurīdu sayyāraẗa ʾuǧrah ʾilā al-maṭār ġadan ṣabāḥan.

.أُريدُ سَيّارَةَ أُجرَة إلى المَطار غَداً صَباحاً

“Did you understand all that?”

hal fahimt?

هَل فَهِمت؟

“Does this bus go to…?”

hal taḏhabu haḏihi al-ḥāfilah ʾilā…?

هَل تَذهَبُ هَذِهِ الحافِلَة إلى…؟

“Where can I buy a ticket?”

ʾayn yumkinunī širāʾ taḏkarah?

أَيْن يُمكِنُني شِراء تَذكَرَة؟

“I want two tickets to … please.”

ʾurīdu taḏkarataīn ʾilā… min faḍlik.

أُريدُ تَذكَرَتَين إلى… مِن فَضلِك.

Where can I buy a bus/train ticket?

‘ayn yumkinuni shira’ tadhkirat biasi/qtar

أين يمكنني شراء تذكرة باص/قطار

I would like to buy a___ to __[location]__ please.

‘awadu shira’an ______ ‘iilaa __[muqie]__ min fadliki.

أود شراء ______ إلى __[موقع]__ من فضلك.

single ticket ……

tadhkirat munfaridatun…

تذكرة منفردة…

return ticket ..

….tadhkirat eawdati…

….تذكرة عودة…

first class/second class ticket

…… tadhkirat darajat ‘uwlaa/darajat thaniatun..

…… تذكرة درجة أولى/درجة ثانية..

How much is a ticket to __[location]__ ?

kam sier altadhkirat ‘iilaa __[muqiei]__?

كم سعر التذكرة إلى __[موقع]__؟

I’d like to reserve a seat (by the window).

‘arghab fi hajz maqead (bijanib alnaafidha(

أرغب في حجز مقعد (بجانب النافذة

Does this bus/train stop at __[location]__ ? __

hal yaqif albasu/alqitar eind __[muqae]

هل يقف الباص/القطار عند __[موقع]

How long to get to __[location]__?

kam min alwaqt yalzam lilwusul ‘iilaa __[muqae]_

كم من الوقت يلزم للوصول إلى __[موقع]_

When does the bus/train bound for__[location]__ leave? __؟

mataa yughadir albas/alqitar alkhasa b __[muqae]

متى يغادر الباص/القطار الخاص ب __[موقع]

Is this seat taken?

hal hadha almaqead mahjuzi?

هل هذا المقعد محجوز؟

That is my seat

.hadha maqeadi.

.هذا مقعدي.

“Where is …?”

“I’m looking for the…”

ʾabḥaṯu ʿan…

أَبحَث عَن…

“It’s over there.”

ʾinnahā hunāk.

إنَّها هُناك.

“Go straight down this road.”

iāḏahab mubāšaraẗan ʿalā haḏā al-ṭarīq.

.ِاذَهَب مُباشَرَةً عَلى هَذا الطَريق

“You need to take the bus number …”

ʿalayka ʾan taʾḫuḏ al-ḥāfilah raqm …

عَلَيْكَ أَن تَأخُذ الحافِلَة رَقم …

“Is it far?”

hal hiya baʿīdah?

هَل هِيَ بَعيدَة؟

“Can I walk there?”

hal yumkinunī al-mašī hunāk?

هَل يُمكِنُني المَشي هُناك؟

Arabic phrases for shopping.

“Do you have a bigger size? / Do you have a smaller size?”

hal ladaykum ḥaǧmun ʾakbar? / hal ladaykum ḥaǧm ʾaṣġar?

هَل لَدَيْكُم حَجمٌ أَكبَر؟ / هَل لَدَيْكُم حَجم أَصغَر؟

“I’m looking for jeans size …..”

‘abhath ean sarawyl jinz min maqas ….

أَبحَث عَن سَراويل جينز مِن مَقاس ….

“Can you make it any cheaper?”

hal min taḫfīḍ?

هَل مِن تَخفيض؟

“Okay, I’ll take it!”

ǧayyid, saʾāḫuḏuh

جَيِّد, سَآخُذُه

“Maybe next time.”

rubbamā fī al-marrah al-qādimah.

رُبَّما في المَرَّة القادِمَة.

Restaurants phrases.

تحب تشرب حاجة؟

Te7eb teshrub 7aga?

Would you like to have some drinks?

اخترت خلاص؟

E7’tart 7’las?

Have you chosen already?

تحب تطلب ايه؟

Te7eb totlob a?

What would you like to order?

تحب طبق مشهي؟

Te7eb taba2 moshahy?

Would you like a starter?

What would you like?

Te7eb totlob?

Would you like to order?

تحب تاكل ايه؟

Te7eb takol a?

What would you like to eat?

“How do you say this?”

kayfa yunṭaqu haḏā?

كَيْفَ يُنطَقُ هَذا؟

“What exactly is…?”

mā … bilḍabṭ?

ما … بِالضَبط؟

“I’m allergic to …”

laday ḥasāsiyyah min…

لَدَيْ حَساسِيَّة مِن…

“Can I have the bill, please?”

hal yumkinunī ʾaḫḏ al-fātūrah laū samaḥt?

هَل يُمكِنُني أَخذ الفاتورَة لَو سَمَحت؟

تحت امرك يافندم.

Ta7t amrak ya fandem??!!

At your service, sir!?!?!

لحظة واحدة, لوسمحت.

La7za wa7da, lao sama7t.

One moment, please.

عايز اطلب حاجة اشربها الاول.

3ayez atlob 7aga ashrabha el awel.

I’d like to order something to drink to start with.

لسه مش عارف.

Lesa mesh 3aref.

I don’t know yet.

Tektere7 a?

What can you recommend?

ايه السبيشل النهاردة؟

A el special el naharda?

What is the daily special?

ايه الشوربة النهاردة؟

A el shorba el naharda?

What is the soup of the day?

Food and drinks names in Arabic:

La7ma ba2ary

Fera7′

La7met 7’anzir

7’odar

مياه معدنية

Maya ma3daneya.

Mineral water

Taba2 ganeby

El 7alaweyat

Yoghurt drink

Nebit abyad

Nebit a7mar

Emergencies Arabic phrases.

“Do you have a bathroom?”

hal ladaykum ḥammām?

هَل لَدَيْكُم حَمّام؟

“I lost my passport.”

faqadtu ǧawaza safarī.

فَقَدتُ جَوَازَ سَفَري.

“I need to go to a hospital.”

ʾanā biḥāǧah lilḏahāb ʾilā mustašfā.

أَنا بِحاجَة لِلذَهاب إلى مُستَشفى.

“May I please borrow your phone? It’s an emergency.”

hal yumkinunī istiʿāraẗu hātifik? ladayya ḥal-ah ṭāriʾah

هَل يُمكِنُني اِستِعارَةُ هاتِفِك؟ لَدَيَّ حالَة طارِئَة

“My phone was stolen.”

laqad tammat sariqaẗu hātifī.

لَقَد تَمَّت سَرِقَةُ هاتِفي.

“Did anyone find a laptop here?”

hal waǧad ʾaḥaduhum ḥāsūban hunā?

هَل وَجَد أَحَدُهُم حاسوباً هُنا؟

It is an emergency

إنها حالة طارئة

inhā ḥālẗ ṭārʾiẗ

Get out of here

اخرج من هنا

aẖrǧ mn hnā

I need the police

أحتاج لمساعدة الشرطة

aḥtāǧ lmsāʿdẗ al-šrṭẗ

I am worried

أنا أشعر بالقلق

anā ašʿr bālqlq

I can’t find my dad

لا أستطيع العثور على والدي.

lā astṭīʿ al-ʿṯūr ʿli wāldī

Some helpful Arabic phrases.

“How do you say…?”

kayfa taqūl…?

كَيْفَ تَقول…؟

“Does anyone here speak English? French?”

hal yatakallamu ʾaḥaduhum al-ʾinǧlīziyyah ʾaw al-firinsiyyah hunā?

هَل يَتَكَلَّمُ أَحَدُهُم الإنجليزِيَّة أَوْ الفِرِنسِيَّة هُنا؟

“I don’t know that word.”

lā ʾaʿrifu haḏihi al-kalimah.

لا أَعرِفُ هَذِهِ الكَلِمَة.

“Thank you! I’ve been learning for one year.”

šukran. ʾanā ʾataʿallam min sanah.

شُكراً. أَنا أَتَعَلَّم مِن سَنَة.

“Sorry, my Arabic isn’t very good.”

ʾāsif, luġatī al-ʿarabiyyah laysat ǧayyidah

آسِف، لُغَتي العَرَبِيَّة لَيْسَت جَيِّدَة

“Sorry, I can’t read Arabic very well.”

ʾāsif , lā ʾastaṭīʿ qirāʾaẗa al-ʿarabiyyaẗa ǧayyidan

آسِف ، لا أَستَطيع قِراءَةَ العَرَبِيَّةَ جَيِّداً

“You just said ___. What does that mean?”

laqad qult al-ʾān… māḏā yaʿnī ḏalik?

لَقَد قُلت الآن… ماذا يَعني ذَلِك؟

You can also Watch the following video to learn how to pronounce some of the useful Arabic phrases for travelers.

The video is called: Essential Arabic Phrases for Tourists. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afC5Xye774Y

This video will teach some essential words and phrases like “ana la afham, aina, shukran” and many other words.

Here’s another video that’s useful to watch, it is called “20 Travel Phrases You Should Know in Arabic” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKwhNca6o0g

What are the basic Arabic phrases for travelers?

Here are some common Arabic phrases for travel that will come in handy:                                  

Best app for learning arabic travel phrases.

There are many apps that can help you learn some useful Arabic words and phrases. We will mention some of the best iOS app for learning Arabic travel phrases , and for Android too. Here are some of them:

1.     Drops          

This app is available for Android and iOS, and it’s not just for Arabic, with the help of this app you can learn any language you want. It has over 40 languages like Arabic, Korean, Spanish, Japanese, French, Chinese, German, English, and more.

The app is free, you can use it to learn some Arabic phrases and words effectively. With the help of this app, you will be able to learn the Arabic alphabet, become fluent, learn new words through illustrations to memorize them better, play games to learn in a fun way, track your progress, learn more than 3000 Arabic phrases and words, and more.

Other languages to learn with this app includes:

Spanish, Japanese, German, French, European Portuguese, Russian, Castilian Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Tagalog, Hebrew, Icelandic, Polish, Mandarin Chinese, Turkish, Cantonese Chinese, Dutch, Norwegian, Thai, Swedish, Vietnamese, Maori, Brazilian Portuguese, Farsi (Persian), Hungarian, Greek, Hindi, Danish, Samoan, Indonesian, Finnish, Serbian, Croatian, Esperanto, Estonian, Hawaiian, Ukrainian, Yoruba, Bosnian, Swahili, Igbo, Sanskrit and Ainu!

2.     Memrise Easy Language Learning

Memrise is a great app for learning any language, it uses various tools to help you learn language easily and effectively. The app is available for Android and iOS, and it’s free.

3.     Duolingo

Another great app for language learning is Duolingo, it’s available for iOS and Android. In addition to Arabic, the app includes many languages and it teaches in a fun way using games.

You will find more information about the best app for learning Arabic travel phrases and words in here.

Useful Arabic phrases for traveling to Egypt.

Here is some useful Egyptian Arabic phrases for travelers that you will certainly need in your trip to Egypt:                                    

Greetings in Egyptian Arabic:

Here’s how to respond to it:

How to say “how are you?” in Arabic?

To respond to the question, you can say one of the following:

Arabic Phrases to Get someone’s attention.

Talking to the driver., talking with others., saying yes or no in arabic., arabic phrases to ask for permission and being polite., how to say thanks in arabic.

To respond say:

Arabic phrases to Ask for directions.

General useful phrases..

Watch this video to learn how to pronounce common Arabic phrases for travelers:

20 SUPER USEFUL Travel Phrases in Egyptian Arabic: Essential for Tourists and Travelers

The video will teach some basic phrases in Egyptian Arabic like

•       salaam ‘aleikum سلام عليكم
•       law samaHt     لو سمحت           

and other useful words and phrases

The most popular tourist destination in the middle east is undoubtedly Egypt, and fortunately, the Egyptian dialect of Arabic is the easiest to learn and the most commonly used and understood throughout the arab world. Make sure to check out our guide on the Egyptian dialect here before heading to Egypt as it can be immensely helpful to you.  

And that’s it.

Safe Travels! 

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Alif Arabic

Online Arabic Tutoring & Arabic Classes

5 Essential Arabic Phrases for Travelers

If you’re traveling to an Arabic-speaking country, you should learn the essentials and know when to use the words, in this article; we will be covering all the essentials that you need to learn before traveling.

So here are 5 essential Arabic phrases for travelers, and more Arabic phrases that are essential to learn.

Here are five essential Arabic phrases for travelers:

• Marhaban (مرحباً) – Hello

   – This versatile phrase serves as a common salutation in Arabic, appropriate for both casual and formal encounters.

• Shukran (شكراً) – Thanks

   – Express your gratitude with this simple yet important phrase.

• Min fadlak (من فضلك) – Please

   – Use this phrase when making requests or asking for assistance politely.

• Kayfa halak? (كيف حالك؟) – How are you?

– Engaging in conversation with a polite inquiry about someone’s well-being is considered courteous.

• Wayn al-hammaam? (أين الحمّام؟) – Where is the bathroom?

– This expression could prove useful in different scenarios, particularly when you require guidance to locate the restroom.

These expressions will assist you in managing fundamental interactions and essential needs while traveling in countries where Arabic is spoken.

Essential Arabic Phrases for Introductions

Certainly! Here are some essential Arabic phrases for introductions:

• As-salamu alaykum (السلام عليكم) – Peace be upon you

   – This is a common Islamic greeting used for both hello and goodbye.

• Ana ismi… (أنا اسمي…) – My name is…

   – Use this phrase to introduce yourself followed by your name.

• Maa ismuka? (ما اسمك؟) – What is your name?

   – This is a polite way to ask someone’s name.

• Tasharrafna (تشرفنا) – It’s a pleasure to meet you

   – This phrase is used to express pleasure upon meeting someone.

• Min ayna anta? (من أين أنت؟) – Where are you from?

   – Use this phrase to ask someone about their origin or nationality.

• Ana min… (أنا من…) – I am from…

   – Use this phrase to respond to the question about your origin.

• Kayfa al-haal? (كيف الحال؟) – How are you?

   – This is a common way to inquire about someone’s well-being.

• Al-hamdu lillah (الحمد لله) – Thank God

   – This is a response to “Kayfa al-haal?” indicating that you’re doing well.

• Ana saa’id (أنا سعيد) – I am happy

   – Use this phrase to express that you are happy.

• Ma’a assalama (مع السلامة) – Goodbye

    – This phrase is used to bid farewell.

These phrases will help you initiate and navigate introductions effectively in Arabic-speaking contexts.

Essential Arabic Travel Phrases for Directions

Sure, here are some essential Arabic travel phrases for asking directions:

• ‘Afuwwan, ayna [place] min fadlak? (عفواً، أين [المكان] من فضلك؟) – Excuse me, where is [place] please?
• Kaifa ‘astatee’ an ata-wajah ila [place]? (كيف أستطيع أن أتوجه إلى [المكان]؟) – How can I get to [place]?
• Hal henak taxi/autobis qarib? (هل هناك تاكسي/أوتوبيس قريب؟) – Is there a taxi/bus nearby?
• Wayn al-mutabikh/maqha/markaz at-taswiq? (وين المطبخ/مقهى/مركز التسوق؟) – Where is the kitchen/cafe/shopping center?
• Kayfa ‘astatee’ an adhhul ila ash-shari’ as-sagheer? (كيف أستطيع أن أدخل إلى الشارع الصغير؟) – How can I enter the small street?
• Hal tadroosooni ‘ala al-madina? (هل تدروسوني على المدينة؟) – Can you direct me to the city center?
• Ayna yomn ‘al-mutawassit min fadlak? (أين يمين المتوسط من فضلك؟) – Where is the average right?
• Hal huna ‘alaik al’awwal wa thumma al-yasar? (هل هنا عليك الأول ثم اليسار؟) – Do I go straight first, then left?
• Kaifa ‘astatee’ an arjee’ ila [place]? (كيف أستطيع أن أرجع إلى [المكان]؟) – How can I return to [place]?
• Almora’ah al’uliya waynaha? (المراة العليا وينها؟) – Where is the high mirror?

These phrases should assist you in obtaining directions and navigating your way effectively while traveling in Arabic-speaking countries.

Essential Arabic Phrases to Use in Emergencies

Here are some essential Arabic phrases to use in emergencies:

• Al-Da’am! (الضيّم) – Emergency!
• Al-Shorta! (الشرطة) – Police, Police!
• ‘Isa’eeduni! (اِسَاعِدُونِي) – Assist me! Help!
• Anaa fi mawqif daroori! (أنا في موقف ضروري) – I am in an emergency situation!
• Hal ‘andak sharia’ al-himaayah? (هل عندك شريحة الحماية؟) – Do you have a SIM card for emergencies?
• Ana ‘ahtaj ila al-musaa’dah bissura’a! (أنا أحتاج إلى المساعدة بسرعة) – I need immediate assistance!
• Wajadtu nafsi fi mawqif khatar! (وجدت نفسي في موقف خطر) – I found myself in a dangerous situation!
• Hal ‘indak maa? (هل عندك ماء؟) – Do you have water?
• Hal ‘indak dawaa’ (ألديك دواء) – Do you have medicine?
• Ana Marid! (أنا مريض) – I’m sick!
• Ada’t altareeq (اضعت الطريق) – I am lost
• ‘Adat jawaz safari (أضعت جواز سفري) – I lost my passport
• Al-isaa’af (الاسعاف) – Ambulance
• Amwali sorqt (اموالي سرقت) – my money was stolen

Remember to stay calm and use these phrases to seek assistance in emergencies while traveling in Arabic-speaking countries.

If you like this article and find it helpful; you can share it with your friends and family; you can also check out our other articles, you may find them useful as well.

If you ever have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us, we are always here to help.

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Linking North Africa with the Middle East, Egypt is an historically rich country dating back to the time of the pharaohs, and you’ll find millennia-old monuments dotted along the Nile. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only surviving wonder of the ancient world, so it’s unsurprising that Egypt is a bucket list travel destination for many. But you might want to know some phrases before visiting. 

Egypt is the largest Arab country and has played a central role in modern Middle Eastern politics . Learning Arabic is no easy feat and it is widely considered one of the most difficult tongues to pick up, especially for English speakers. Still, our guide is here to help. 

With an introductory lesson in the basics of Arabic and these useful phrases, you’ll be able to get by on your trip to Egypt. Luckily, many Egyptians speak English, but it is always a good idea to have some sayings under your belt to show respect for the local culture. Let’s get into it. 

Table of Contents

What language is spoken in Egypt?

The official language of Egypt is Modern Standard Arabic, with most Egyptians speaking one or more of the several dialects of Arabic that can be found across the country. Arabic is used in most written documents and schools and has been spoken in parts of the country such as the Eastern Desert and Sinai, where Cairo and Giza are located, since well before the seventh century. However, Nile Valley Egyptians officially adopted Arabic following the Muslim conquest of Egypt in 641 AD. 

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Arabic is widespread across North Africa and the Middle East and it is the primary language of over 20 countries including Morocco, the UAE, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Bahrain, and Iraq. Egyptian Arabic differs from other Middle Eastern vernaculars in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation and is best characterized by the use of the “g” sound whereas most Arabian dialects use a “j”. 

Arabic is notoriously difficult to learn and you don’t need knowledge of the language to be a tourist in Egypt. Most educated Egyptians are fluent in English or French, or sometimes both, in addition to Arabic. Still, it is respectful to try and learn some phrases, they could also help you out when you’re least expecting it. 

The basics of pronouncing Arabic words

Arabic Sanskrit can take years to learn, but luckily enough, you’ll find translations using the English alphabetic underneath most signs and on menus in Egypt. To first start learning the basics of Arabic, you’ll need to recognize some distinct sounds that differ from English or don’t exist in English at all. That said, the sound systems between these two languages aren’t as different as you might think.

The Arabic alphabet comprises 28 letters, some of which are pronounced the same as their English counterparts. These include b, d, f, h, j, k, m, n, s, t, w, y, and z. There are also some Arabic sounds that exist in English but are separated as letters in the Arabic alphabet like sh, th, dh, and ll. 

Arabic vowels can be long and short and but you hold a long vowel twice as long as a short one. The vowels also sound different depending on the consonants around them. 

• i: “ih”  

Many Arabic consonants also have harder versions that are pronounced deeper in the throat. Sometimes they use vowels to make them harder and some are unique sounds to Arabic.

• h: “h” (exhaling a deep breath)
• q: “k” 
• r: rolled “r”
• gh: gargling “g” and “r”
• ‘ : no English equivalent, the sound is produced by contracting throat muscles, sometimes compared to choking. 

Greeting phrases in Arabic

Greetings and pleasantries are some of the best phrases to know. They might not get you anything but being polite shows respect for the culture and local people in Egypt and these phrases can help you fit in. 

• Salaam ‘aleikum – “Hello” (basic greeting)

You’ll hear this one all over the world and not only from Arabic speakers. It is a popular way of greeting friends and peers in the Islamic faith and literally translates to “peace be upon you”. It can help show respect as the greeting is a sign that you’re friendly and accepting of Muslims. That said, non-muslim Egyptians tend to not be offended by these greetings and they’re safe to use, it just won’t build instant trust in the same way. 

• Ma’a saleemeh – “Goodbye”

Likewise, this means “with peace” and is a generic goodbye that you’ll hear back if you use it. 

• ahlan – “Welcome”
• saba7 elkheer – “Good morning”
• saba7 el noor – “Good morning” (response)
• massa elkheer – “Good evening”
• massa el noor – “Good evening” (response)
• Izzayak?                  “How’s it going?” 
• Eh akhbaar?  

These three phrases have the same meaning and effectively translate to “how are you” or “how’s it going” in some way or other. The “3” here represents the Arabic letter ‘ع’. It is an important Arabic sound but hard to translate. It is used softly in this expression and can be imagined as “‘aamil eh?”

The appropriate responses to these are:

• Kwayyis, kullu tamaam. alHamdulillah – “Fine, everything’s great [Praised be God]”
• Ana Kwayyis / kwayISSuh – “I am good” 

You can string these together or say them separately. The phrase “alHamdulillah” sounds very religious but it is used casually in conversation, even by non-religious Egyptians and it works on its own as a response to “how’s it going?”. 

To continue the conversation, or alternatively, to end it, you can say:

• Forsa sa3eeda – “Nice to meet you”
• Ana As3ad  – “Nice to meet you” (response)

Phrases to get someone’s attention

Whether you’re squeezing past someone, attracting the attention of a waiter or calling after a friend, doing it in these Arabic phrases is the most polite option in Egypt. 

• ba3d iznak (or iznik to a female) – “Excuse me”

This makes the most sense when you’re moving past someone or excusing yourself to leave a table. It works similar to “with your permission. 

• lil asif   – “ Sorry”

This is a good way to say sorry if you’re a man bumping into a woman which is considered very inconsiderate in Middle Eastern countries. If you’re bumping into a man you can just say “salaam ‘aleikum” to acknowledge them. 

• law samaHt – “ If you please” 
• 3yiiz a’ool lak ba3d iznak – “Excuse me, I want to tell you something” (more colloquial)

Both these phrases are good ways to call over a waiter or get a cashier’s attention in Egyptian Arabic. 

Best phrases to help you get around

Not only are some of these phrases specifically helpful for tourists trying to navigate busy cities like Cairo, but there are also different ways to address people in society in Arabic. 

• ya usTa! – “Hey, driver!”

Hello can work just as well if you want to grab the attention of a microbus or tuk-tuk driving who’s driving past, but the above addresses the driver directly. 

To a policeman: 

• haaDritak : “Sir” 

Security is heavy all over Egypt and police officers are the best people to turn to for directions or they might speak to you if you’ve taken a photo somewhere you aren’t allowed to. Address them correctly as “sir” to start the conversation off on the right foot. 

Learning to give directions is actually complicated and redundant if you don’t know the city you’re in, but there’s a high chance you’ll need to ask for them. Even if someone replies in English or simply by pointing, asking in Arabic can be a good way to set the premise for friendly conversation. 

• Fayn dah/il Hammaam, min fDlak? – “Where is this?”
• baruuH zayy kida? – “I go this way?”
• 3la Tuul? – “Straight ahead?

The words il Hammaam actually mean bathroom, but it is the place most people ask how to get to so you’ll need it most. Otherwise, dah accompanied with pointing (e.g. at your phone or at a map) is a good enough indication that you’re looking for directions. 

Straight ahead is also a good one to know as you’ll probably be pointed in that direction before being told where to head next.  

Of course, you’ll want to thank whomever you’ve asked.

• shukran – “Thanks” – This is a basic thank you for after general interactions.  
• alf shukr – “A thousand thanks” – This one shows utmost appreciation after someone has been extra helpful. 

General useful phrases

You don’t need to know what everything is or means in a new country, but being inquisitive is never a bad thing and you’ll also probably want to buy a souvenir or some food and drink from a market at some point. 

These phrases are great for shopping:

• eh dah min faDlak? – What’s this, please?”
• na 3ayiiz ashuuf bas – “I just want to look”
• la, ana mish mihtaag dah – “I don’t need this” 

The last one is particularly useful in the touristy parts of town when vendors won’t stop hassling. You can also use “ana mish 3aarif/3aarfa” meaning “I don’t know” to get yourself out of almost anything. 

• bikam dah? – “How much is this?”
• ana 3ayiiz… – “I want…”
• ghaali ‘awwi! – “It’s too expensive!”
• ktiir awwi! – “It’s so much!”
• ana badfa3… – “I will pay…”
• maashi – “Ok”

Remember not to barter too much. You don’t want to cause offense. 

Like most dialects, nobody just says “yes” or “no” in Egypt, it’s a better idea to add a softening to be more friendly. If someone asks if everything’s okay, or if you’d like to order something more in a restaurant, these are better responses:

• aywa, tab3an/shukran – “Yes, of course/thank you”
• la, aasif/shukran – “No, sorry/thank you”

With so many customs to follow, especially in crazy Cairo, it is also good to know how to ask permission:

• mumken, min faDlak? – “May I, please?”

Although, mumken, meaning “may I” can be enough if you forget the rest of the phrase. These add ons can also help depending on the situation:

• mumken akhud Surah hina? – “May I take a photo here” 
• mumken ashuuf min faDlak? – “May I look, please?”
• momken adkhul min hina? – “May I go in from here?”

It’s important to ask these questions, you never know if somewhere is a sensitive, secure, or private place with so many sites of religious and historical significance in Egypt.

You might hear this phrase in response, otherwise, it can be useful if someone is asking your permission for something:

• itfaDDal/itfaDDali – “Please go ahead/sit/take this”.

Arabic Language Resources

These basic phrases will have you on your way to learning Arabic, or simply help you get by on your trip to Egypt. The Egyptian Arabic dialect differs from other vernaculars, but most of these phrases can also be used across the Middle East. If you want to take your learning to the next level, there are plenty of online resources that can help. 

For familiarising yourself with the Arabic alphabet and scripts, check out the Madina Arabic website as well as the Udemy’s Free Alphabet Course . 

If you want to learn Arabic from your mobile phone, or any world language for that matter, Duolingo is another great resource. Access free learning plans, interactive games, and perfect your pronunciation in the app, with daily reminders and rewards to keep up your studies. 

If you’re already in Egypt, or any other Arabic country, you might benefit from a translator app for on-the-go conversations and phrase learning. Check out Arabic Dictionary Dict. Box , iTranslate , and Arabic English Verb Conjugator . 

How do you greet someone in Egypt?

The most common way of greeting someone in Egypt, which is the same in most other Arabic and Islamic countries, is to say “salaam ‘aleikum”. Regional and cultural variations apply but this is recognized by most Muslims across the world and even the Coptic Christian population in Egypt will receive this greeting well. You can say “ahlan” too if you’re unsure of the religious practices, to which the response is usually “ahlan bik”. These greetings are usually accompanied by a handshake between men if they’re not acquainted, or a hug and kiss if the individuals know each other.  

Do they speak English in Egypt?

The official language of Egpyt is Modern Standard Arabic, although many Egyptians, especially the younger population, will speak and understand English as well as other European languages. You can expect English to be widely spoken in major tourist cities like Cairo and Alexandria, as well as resorts like Sharm El-Sheikh. However, it can be harder to get by with just English in more remote destinations like the Siwa Oasis where they even have their own language, called Siwi, which they speak alongside Egyptian and Libyan Arabic. 

Is Arabic easy to learn?

Arabic is considered one of the hardest languages to learn, topped only by a few tongues like Japanese in difficulty. It’s made even more complex if you’re a native English speaker or a speaker of any romantic language like Italian and French. To learn Arabic properly, it takes an average of 2,200 hours or 18 months of consistent study, but you will struggle to ever be fluent without living in an Arabic country or coming from an Arabic background. What also makes spoken Arabic so difficult is that some sounds don’t even exist in the English language and can be near-impossible for westerners to try and imitate. 

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Standard Arabic

Arabic is used in Algeria , Bahrain , Comoros , Chad , Djibouti , Egypt , Eritrea , Iraq , Israel , Jordan , Kuwait , Lebanon , Libya , Mauritania , Morocco , Oman , the Palestinian West Bank & Gaza Strip , Qatar , Sudan , Syria , Tunisia , United Arab Emirates , Yemen , and many, many other countries around the world.

Arabic languages/dialects shown elsewhere:

See also the Uniscript page

Language information at Wikipedia

Writing system information at Omniglot and Wikipedia

Alternate names for Standard Arabic include High Arabic, Al Fus-Ha, and Al Arabiya

How I Learned Arabic in 3 months (PLUS Arabic Travel Phrase Guide)

Wondering how to learn Arabic fast? Or what the best app to learn Arabic is? In just 3 months I learned to speak Arabic in just 20 minutes a day. Hear about my challenges, successes, and how you can learn Arabic too!

I’ve decided to bite the bullet and learn a dream language of mine Arabic! Considered one of the oldest languages in the world alongside Greek and Hebrew , I’m going to share with you how to learn Arabic fast with the aid of the best app to learn Arabic, Spoiler alert. It’s Rosetta Stone!  The best part? You can get started for free! But more on that later.

I’ve also included a bunch of useful Egyptian Arabic phrases for you to use in your travels. Keep reading!

I’m a perfectionist and my harshest critic. I’m constantly challenging and pushing myself to do better and excel in whatever I set my mind too. Plus, I’m as stubborn as hell. When I set my mind to something I have to give 110%.

I guess that’s the Italian testa dura in me.

I don’t think I’ve ever set myself a bolder personal challenge than I have with learning Arabic.

Earlier this year I booked a trip to the land of the pharaohs. That’s right, I’m off to Egypt! The land of one of the most advanced civilisations, hieroglyphics, the Nile, and teenage pharaoh King Tut.

So, why the obsession with Arabic?

Every since I was 9 years old I dreamed of going to Egypt to see the Great Pyramids of Giza . I dreamed of tracing the history of so many historical figures I’d seen immortalised in Hollywood’s golden era of blockbusters like Cleopatra and The Ten Commandments, and more recently The Mummy.

Even though I’ve been travelling the world for the past 12 years, for whatever reason, I’ve never fulfilled my childhood dream. Now this dream has turned into a passion project.

If you’re a regular follower of The Intrepid Guide , you’ll know that I’m a firm believer in learning the local lingo before travelling to a foreign land. Even learning a few basic phrases can dramatically alter how you see and experience a place.

There’s nothing like sharing those moments where you bond with locals over as you apologetically fumble through their language with a smile on face. There’s a special kind of connection that forms when the other person knows you’ve taken the time to try and communicate with them in their language, albeit mispronounced.

The Challenge

With this in mind, I’ve set myself the challenge of learning one of the most foreign languages to a native English speaker. I’m going to learn Arabic! …or at least try my very hardest. My odds are pretty good since I’m teamed up one of the best apps to learn Arabic with, Rosetta Stone. ( Click here and get $150 OFF Rosetta Stone and experience what full immersion feels like.)

Psst, I’ve already started sharing my progress with three vlogs. Keep scrolling 😉

With three months up my sleeve before I jet off, I’ve set my sights on learning as much as I can so I can carry out basic tasks like ordering a falafel (obviously!), introducing myself, and asking how someone is, and exchange general pleasantries.

Whilst there are various spoken forms of Arabic, I’m somewhat lucky in that the most common and widely understood is Egyptian Arabic.

How will I learn Arabic?

I’ve chosen Rosetta Stone  because it’s well-suited to learning a language like Arabic. Arabic is a language that is very unfamiliar to English natives and harder to get started with using traditional learning techniques.  Rosetta Stone is also the father of language learning apps so I’m confident it will be able to guide me through this linguist feat.

I’ll be booting up the Rosetta Stone  app each day to complete a few exercises and work my way through their unit. I know it will be a steep learning curve as I acquaint my ear with the tones and sounds of Arabic. I might even find some cool Arabic music to break things up a bit. Got any suggestions?

I’ll be documenting my journey through a series of video updates on which I’ll be posting to my YouTube channel plus sharing more updates here on my blog , my Instagram  account, Twitter , and Facebook .

Be sure to bookmark this page as I will constantly update it with new videos.

Want to learn a language?

Want to take on a language challenge of your own? Click here and get $150 OFF Rosetta Stone and experience what full immersion feels like.

Rosetta Stone really is the best app to learn Arabic with. So, if you decide to join in on the language challenge, I’d love to hear how you progress.

Want to have fun whilst learning Arabic? Struggling to find decent Arabic language resources available? I also recommend getting uTalk . Available as a desktop site and app, uTalk  is awesome for learning key words and phrases in Arabic, especially if you want to use it for travel purposes.  It’s great for beginners getting started in a language and invaluable for intermediates looking to fill in gaps in their vocabulary and pronunciation. 

What I love most about uTalk is that you can jump around their extensive library of topics and choose what you want to learn, when you want, and at your own pace.  Because I believe in uTalk  so much, I reached out to them and we’ve teamed up to offer you an exclusive 30% OFF reader discount across all of uTalk’s 140 languages! This offer isn’t available anywhere else! Click here to claim your exclusive 30% discount.

Here is Part One!

Here’s Part Two!

Here’s Part Three!

Be sure to follow along and share your language learning journey with me. I’d love to hear how you learn languages. And if you’re just curious, leave a comment on my video asking me anything from language learning , Rosetta Stone , learning Arabic or travel .

Get a whopping 50% OFF Rosetta Stone using my special PROMO code MICHELE50 in the cart. For more information, visit Rosetta Stone. -->

Going to Egypt?  Here are 24 things you should know before you go to Egypt.

Basic Arabic Words for Beginners

Just to make things even easier for you, I’ve collated a bunch of basic Arabic words for beginners so you can hit the ground running. These Egyptian Arabic phrases even come with a pronunciation guide because that’s just the kind of girl I am.

Happy Learning!

Want the infographic to take with you? Scroll to the bottom of the page.

Greetings Essentials Introductions Speaking Arabic Questions Numbers Days Directions

Like it? Pin it for later!

Want to know more about learning languages? Start here!

• How to Learn Your First Foreign Language in 8 Simple Steps: A Beginner’s Guide
• Language learning tips: 11 Polyglots Reveal The Secrets of Their Success
• Top Language Learning Resources You Should Use
• 11 Life-Changing Reasons Why You Should Learn a Language
• 42 beautiful Inspirational Quotes for Language Learners
• Top 10 Best Ways to Learn a Language Better and Faster

Travelling to Egypt? Get my Egypt Travel Tips guide 

Want more language inspiration? Visit my handy  language resource guide .

Plus, if you want to know how the experts learn languages,  I asked 11 top polyglots to share their language learning secrets . Find out how they start learning a new language, overcome plateaus, and maintain multiple languages.

Over to you!

Do you have a question about how to learn Arabic fast? Ask me below!  Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

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Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

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