Basic Arabic words and phrases you can learn in Dubai
- Why Learn Basic Arabic?
- Basic Phrases
- Phrases to Ask Questions
- Words for Emergencies
- Other Arabic Words
- FAQs
When moving to a new place, it’s always a good idea to familiarise yourself with the local language, which in the case of Dubai is Arabic. While the city’s English-speaking population will find it easy to get by without having to learn the language in its entirety, mastering a few words or phrases will make getting around a lot easier. On that note, here is a handy list of some basic Arabic words and their English translation you can use, to begin with.
WHY SHOULD YOU LEARN SIMPLE ARABIC WORDS IN DUBAI?
Learning basic Arabic words can be very beneficial if you live in Dubai or are planning to move here. Let’s see the benefits of learning Arabic for expats.
- Understanding and using basic Arabic shows respect for the local culture and helps you connect with Emiratis.
- Knowing the language gives you better insights into local customs, traditions and social etiquette, which will enhance your overall experience.
- Learning a few basic Arabic words can help in everyday situations like shopping, dining and using public transportation. It can make tasks like asking for directions and understanding signs easier.
- Knowing some basic Arabic phrases or words can be crucial for communicating effectively and quickly in emergencies.
- While English is widely spoken in Dubai’s business environment, knowing Arabic can be a significant advantage, especially if you work in a field that interacts closely with local businesses or government entities.
- It can help you build stronger professional relationships and expand your network within the local business community.
- Learning Arabic can facilitate social interactions.
- Engaging in local community events and activities becomes easier and more enjoyable when you can understand and speak the local language.
BASIC ARAB PHRASES
Whether you are a new visitor or an expat worker wanting to get along with local coworkers, knowing Arabic greetings can make a good first impression.
For a start, here is a list of basic Arab phrases with English translations you can use in Dubai to greet people.
- Hello: Marhaba (مرحبا)
- Good evening: Massa el khair (مساء الخير)
- Good morning: Sabah el khair (صباح الخير)
- Nice to meet you: Sa’adt bi ilqa’ak (سعدت بلقأك)
- How are you?: Kayfa halak? (كيف حالك)
ARABIC WORDS AND PHRASES TO ASK QUESTIONS
Getting to know locals or haggling with shopkeepers in Dubai can be easier if you know a few basic Arabic words for beginners.
From asking someone’s name to seeking directions, here are some common Arabic phrases that can help you.
- What is your name?: Maa ismuk? (ما اسمك)
- Do you speak English?: Hal tatakallam al-lugha al-Ingliziyya? (هل تتكلم اللغة الإنجليزية؟)
- What: Shu (شو)
- Who?: Min? (من)
- Why?: Limadha? (لماذا)
- Where?: Ayn? (أين)
- Where is…?: Ayna (أين…؟)
- How do I get to..?: Kaif awsal le… ? (كيف اصل إلى)
- Is this the way to..?: Hal hadha huwa al-tareeq ila…? (هل هذا هو الطريق إلى…؟)
- Is it dangerous?: Hath khatar? (هذا خطر)
- Where can I buy…?: Ayna yumkinuni shiraa’…? (أين يمكنني شراء…؟)
- How far is…?: Kam al-masafa ila…? (كم المسافة إلى…؟)
- Is it near?: Hal huwa qareeb? (هل هو قريب؟)
- Is it far?: Hal huwa baeed? (هل هو بعيد؟)
- How much does this cost?: Bikam hatha? (بكم هذا؟)
- Where is the bathroom?: Wain alhamam (وين الحمام)
- How much is the rent?: Kam Al Ijar (كم الإجار)
- Can I help you?: Agdar Asa’edak (اقدر اساعدك)
- Can you help me?: Hal be emkanek bi mosa’adati? (هل يمكننك مساعدتي)
- What is this?: Ma hadha? (ما هذا)
- What is the time?: Kam al-sa’ah? (كم الساعة)
- Where is the hospital?: Ayna al-mustashfa? (أين المستشفى؟)
- Where can I exchange money?: Ayna yumkinuni tabdeel al-mal? (أين يمكنني تبديل المال؟)
- Do you have…?: Hal ladayka…? (هل لديك…؟)
- Can this be delivered?: Hal yumkin tawsil hadha? (هل يمكن توصيل هذا؟)
SIMPLE ARABIC WORDS FOR EMERGENCIES
While Dubai is home to a large expat population, you might not always encounter someone who speaks English. So, here’s a list of simple Arabic words you can learn to communicate in case of emergencies.
- I need help!: Hal be emkanek mosa’adati? (هل بإمكانك مساعدتي؟)
- I need…: Ahtaju ila… (أحتاج إلى…)
- I am lost: Ana da’ie’/da’ie’a (أنا ضائع/ضائعة)
- Call the police: Itasal bil-shurta (اتصل بالشرطة)
- I need a doctor: Ahtaj Tabib (احتاج طبيب)
- I have lost my…: Faqadt… (e.g., wallet, passport) (فقدت…)
- I need a pharmacy: Ahtaju ila saydaliya (أحتاج إلى صيدلية)
- I feel sick: Asha’ur bi’l-marad (أشعر بالمرض)
OTHER BASIC ARABIC WORDS IN ENGLISH
Affwaan is the common phrase for excusing yourself from a dinner table or moving in the middle of a crowd in Dubai. Learning some other Arabic words in English can help you navigate in social gatherings.
Here are some other Arabic language basic words you can add to your vocabulary.
- My name is: Ismii (اسمي)
- Excuse me: Aläafw (العفو)
- Goodnight: Tusbih äalaa khayr (تصبح على خير)
- I’m sorry: Anaa ‘assif (انا آسف)
- Stop: Khallas (خلاص)
- Please: Min fadlik (من فضلك)
- Thank you: Shukran (شكراً)
- I don’t understand: Anaa laa afham (انا لا أفهم)
- Yes: Na’am (نعم)
- No: La (لا)
- Tomorrow: Ghadan (غدًا)
- Today: Alyawm (اليوم)
- Yesterday: Ams (أمس)
- Month: Shahr (شهر)
- Week: Usboue (أسبوع)
FAQS ABOUT BASIC ARABIC EXPRESSIONS
WHAT ARE SOME POPULAR ARABIC PHRASES?
Some of the most popular Arabic phrases used in Dubai are shukran (thank you), habibi (my love), marhaba (hello) and khallas (finished).
HOW DO YOU SAY HELLO IN ARABIC IN DUBAI?
When greeting someone in Arabic, you say Marhaba which translates into hello.
HOW DO I LEARN ARABIC IN DUBAI?
There are several Arabic learning centres in Dubai. The most popular ones are The Arabic Language Centre and Iqra’a. Or if you want to learn Arabic for free in the UAE, our guide has got you covered.
HOW DO YOU SAY YES IN ARABIC?
Daily interactions in Dubai become easier when you know how to say “yes” and “no” in Arabic. Yes translates to “Na’am.” For no, say “la”.
WHAT DOES MAAFI MEAN IN ARABIC?
It means “forgive”.
WHAT DOES HABIBI MEAN?
The phrase means “darling” or “my love” and is widely used as a term of endearment for family members or friends in the region.
WHAT ARE THE LOCALS IN DUBAI CALLED?
The native population in the UAE are known as Emiratis.
This concludes our guide to basic Arabic words that can help you converse with the locals. Learning common Arabic words in Dubai and their meanings in English is a great way to make local interactions more comfortable.
Learning some common Arabic jargon in real estate can also help you to easily navigate the UAE real estate market.
Want to learn the meanings of Dubai areas? Jebel Ali translates into mountain or hill and Al Barsha means plentiful.
Furthermore, those who want to converse with international clients can brush up on their language skills by learning English in Dubai.
To learn more about the UAE’s culture, stay tuned to MyBayut.
