Even then, if you're unsure of how to use them in your conversation, pay attention to how other people use these words in their sentences. The above words and phrases are ones that get their message across even if you say them without attaching them to a sentence. How to use these words in your conversations If you're saying please in Arabic to a female, say Min Fadlik. Keep in mind though that the pronunciation changes a bit when addressing a female. If you ever want to say please in Arabic, say Min fadlak. It's also useful to learn for when you run into someone who only speaks Arabic and you have difficulty communicating.Įxample: Sorry, la afham.
If you want to say congratulations to someone in Arabic, say 'Mabrook'.Įxample: Mabrook! I'm so happy for you! 14. La afham (pronounce la af-am) If you want to say 'Thank you' or 'Thanks' in Arabic, Shukran is the word you want to use.Īnd should you want to say 'No, thanks.' in Arabic, say 'La, shukran'.Įxample: Shukran! That's very kind of you.Įxample 2: La shukran, I don't want any. Masalamah! 12. Shukran (pronounced shook-ran) While there are other words that mean goodbye too, this one is the easiest to learn.Įxample: See you later. Marhaba is one of them.Įxample: Marhaba! How are you? 11. Masalamah (pronounced mass-a-lar-ma) There are a number of words for saying hello in Arabic. This is used in response to welcoming someone in your home, party or country etc.Īhlan Wa Sahlan is usually used as a stand alone phrase. This is not the welcome one says in response to 'thank you' though. It's mostly commonly said when admiring or praising something.Įxample: Oh Masha'Allah! That's great! 9. Ahlan Wa Sahlan (pronounced ah-lan wa sar-lan)Īhlan Wa Sahlan is probably the first phrase expats hear when landing in Dubai. The closest translation is 'God has willed it'. 8. Masha'Allah (pronounced mash-ar-ah-la)Įxplaining the meaning of Masha'Allah is a little difficult as it's used in myriad ways. Insha'Allah means 'God willing' or 'If God wills it'.Įxample: I'll see you tomorrow, Insha'Allah.
Insha'Allah is one of those words that is used in abundance in conversations all over Dubai irrespective of whether it's a local, expat, arabic or non-arabic speaking person. How are you? 7. Insha'Allah (pronounced in-shar-ah-la)
Walaikum Assalam means '…and Peace be upon you too' and is said in response to Assalam Alaikum.Įxample: Walaikum Assalam! I'm fine, thanks. It means 'Peace be upon you'.Įxample: Assalam Alaikum! How are you? 6. Walaikum Assalam (pronounced wal-eye-kum ass-a-lam) If you need help to remember this one, think of it as the equivalent of 'Holla!'.Įxample: Hala! How's it going? 5. Assalam Alaikum (pronounced ass-a-lam al-eye-kum)Īssalam Alaikum is a formal greeting in Arabic. Hala is considered an informal or slang way to say hello. The closest English word to Habeebi/habeebti I've come across is 'buddy' or 'my dear'.Įxample 2: Get out of my face, habeebi. If you are addressing a female you would say ‘Habeebti’. It's one of those words to learn as it can be used in any situation - when genuinely calling someone a friend, when fighting or even when being sarcastic! Habibi in Arabic means 'my love' and is often used in conversation, both formally and informally. Response: Maafi mushkil! 3. Habeebi/Habeebti (pronounced ha-bee-bee/ha-beeb-tee) People say it when you thank them, when you ask them for a favour or make a request.Įxample: Sorry about being late. 2. Maafi Mushki (pronounced mar-fi moosh-key-la)Īnother Arabic term that's used often. It's one of those words that can be and is used in every situation.Įxample: Khallas! I'm done talking about this. That said, most expats living in the Middle East learn a few common words and phrases that they use every now and then in their conversation.īelow is a list of 20 popular Arabic words and phrases almost all expats in Dubai know and use, or should learn. Even third culture kids and expat children who were born and educated in the UAE don't know Arabic.ĭespite Arabic being the most widely spoken Semitic language in the world, the preferred language for expats is English. When asked about it, they claim that they never felt the need to learn Arabic. With expatriates in the United Arab Emirates outweighing nationals and making up 85% of the workforce in Dubai, it's no wonder that you can go for days without listening to any native Arabic being spoken.Įven the expat individuals and families who've lived here for years or decades still don't understand enough Arabic to follow a conversation. Popular Arabic words and phrases for Dubai expats