Are you planning to move to Dubai? When moving to a new city, 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 denizens 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 that you can use to begin with.
Basic Arabic words with English meaning
Basic Arabic Greetings
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.
Here is a list of basic Arabic words with English translation regarding greetings:
1 – Hello
Marhaba
2 – Good evening
Massa el khair
3 – Good morning
Sabah el khair
4 – Nice to meet you
Forsa Sa’eeda
5 – How are you?
Kayf halak?
6 – Greetings
Maraheb
Basic Arabic words in the UAE for asking questions
Getting to know locals or haggling with shopkeepers in Dubai can be easier if you know how to ask the right questions in the local language. From asking someone’s name to seeking directions, here are some basic Arabic phrases that can help you.
7 – What is your name?
Shenu ismak?
8 – Do you speak English?
Tetkallam Engleezi?
9 – What/Who?
Shu or Sheno/Meen or Meno
10 – Why/Where?
Leysh/ Wain
11 – Where is…?
Wain
12 – How do I get to..?
Kaif awsal le… ?
13 – Is this the way to..?
Hath el tareeg ywassel le ..?
14 – Is it safe?
Hath Aamen?
15 – Is it dangerous?
Hath khatar?
16 – Where can I buy…?
Wain agdar ashtri….?
17 – What is the cost?
Kam el se’er?
18 – How much?
Kam?
19 – Where are you?
Wainek
20 – Where is the bathroom?
Wain alhamam
21 – How much is the rent?
Kam Al Ijar
22- Can I help you?
Agdar Asa’edak
23 – What’s up?
Shul akhbar?
24 – What is this?
Sheno hatha? Or shu hada
25 – What is the time?
Kam Alsaa’
26 – Where is the hospital?
Wain Al Mustashfaa
27 – Where is the nearest cash machine?
Wain Aqrab Saraf-aalee
Basic Arabic phrases for emergencies
The emirate of Dubai is home to a large expat population. However, you might not always encounter an English-speaking resident in case you need help in the middle of an emergency. Here are some basic Arabic sentences that you can use to get yourself out of a pinch:
28 – Help!
Sa’edooni
29 – I think I am lost
Daya’t al tareeg / Ana Da’eah
30 – I have a fever
Endee Humma
31 – I need a doctor
Ahtaj Tabib
32 – The pain is here
Al Alam huna
33 – My friend is hurt/sick
Sadeeqee Mareed
34 – My car has broken down
Sayaratee TaAtalat
Other basic Arabic words for beginners
Affwaan is the common phrase for excusing yourself from a dinner table or moving in the middle of a crowd in Dubai. Here are other phrases and sentences you can add to your basic Arabic vocabulary:
35 – My name is…
Ismii…
36 – Excuse me
Law Samaht
37 – Goodbye
Ma Aas-salama
38 – Sorry
Aasef
39 – Stop
Tawaqaf
40 – Please
Law Samaht
41 – Thank you
Shukran
42 – I don’t know
Ma a’ref or ma Adri
43 – I don’t know Arabic
Ma atkallam Arabi
44 – Yes/No
Na’am / La
45 – I have
Andi
46 – I want to know
Abi A’aref / Bedi A’araf
47 – Of course
Tabaan
48 – It is normal
Aadhi
49 – Come tomorrow
Taal Bukra or Taal Baaker
50 – See you tomorrow
Ashoofook Bukra or Ashoofak Baaker
That brings us to the end of our guide for basic Arabic words that can help you converse with the locals. Learning basic Arabic words and meanings in English is a great way of making local interactions more comfortable. If you want to become more fluent in the language, there are several institutes where you can learn Arabic in Dubai. Learning some common Arabic jargon in real estate can also help you to easily navigate the UAE property market.
For more updates on UAE culture, stay tuned to MyBayut.
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