The Middle East if a fascinating region of the world to visit with a different people, cultures, food and countries. There are some of the most incredible tourist attractions located in the Middle East, from ancient biblical sites to the tallest building in the world.
One way to make travel to the Middle East easier and more special is to try to learn Arabic and the basics of the language are easier to know than you might think.
Whether you are planning to visit Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, or any country in the Middle East, or you are just keen to pick up the basics of the language, our beginners Arabic words and phrases will help you to get a grasp of the language and impress the locals.
Basic Arabic Phrases for Tourists
Our list of the most used common and important beginner Arabic words and phrases has a focus on travel and tourism.
General Greetings
Hello – Marhaba
How are you? – Kaeef halak
Good morning – Sabah el khair
Good evening – Massa el khair
Goodbye – Maaa es-salama
Good night – Tosbeh Aala Khayr
Have a nice day – Atamanna lak yawm saeed
Basics
Yes – NaAm
No – La
Excuse me – MaAzera
I’m sorry – Ana asef (M) / Ana asefa (F)
Please – MinFadlak
Thank you – Shukran-Lak
You’re welcome – Afwan
Conversational
Nice to meet you – sarertu Lemuqabalatek
What is your name? – ma iSmaK
My name is (Paul) – ismii (Paul)
I don’t speak Arabic – Ana la atakallamu Al arabiyyah
Could you speak slower, please? – Hal yumkinuk altahaduth bishakl ‘abta min fadlika?
How do you say (insert word) in Arabic? – KayfaTaqul (insert word) Belarabiyyah?
Do you speak English? – HalTatakallam Beler?
Sightseeing & Directions
Where is…? – Ayna
Is this the way to..? – Hal haza howa et-tareeq ela?
Where can I buy…? – Ayna yomkanany shera?
How do I get to? – Kaeef yomKanany El hosool ala?
Where is the nearest Metro station? – Ayna aqrab mahattat Metro?
I’m lost – Athonn Annani ta’eh
Shopping
How much? – Kam ath-thaman
How much does it cost? – Kam et-taklefa
I want – Ana bi haja urid
Where is the nearest cash machine? – Ayna aqrab Saraf aalee
Food & Drink
Can I see the menu? – Hal yomkinuni an ara ka’emat al taaam
Tasty – Jayyed
I’m hungry – Inni jaa’eh
I’m thirsty – Inni aatshan
Do you have hand sanitizer? – Hal ladayk muaakkem/mutahher lel yadayn?
Where is the bathroom? – Ayna Al Hamam
Weather
How’s the weather today/tomorrow? – Kayfa hal al taks al yawm / ghadan?
Help & Emergencies
Help! – mosaada
Police! – Shurtah!
I need advice – Ana bi haja ela nasiha
I have a problem with – Ladayy mushkila fi
I need a doctor – ahtaj ela Tabib
I have a fever – Aendee Huma
It hurts – Enahu Moalem
Hospital? – Mustashfaa
FAQ
Where is Arabic Spoken
There are around 25 Arab speaking countries that have Arabic listed as an official or co-official language including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Algeria, Comoros, Eritrea, Djibouti, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Bahrain, Tunisia, Chad, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. There are also six sovereign states where Arabic is a national language or “recognized minority language” including Turkey, Niger, Mali, Iran and Senegal.
Is Arabic Difficult to Learn
Arabic is a challenging language to study, especially for native English speakers. But like when learning any language, practising really helps development. When you start learning Arabic you will discover what a beautiful language it is, and although writing in Arabic can take a long time, speaking it is fairly easy to learn.
Best Ways to Learn Arabic
Studying online – apps, websites, live classes are the fastest ways to study Arabic.
Hopefully our guide to the best Arabic phrases to know before visiting the Middle East has helped you with the very basics of the language. This region of the world really is an amazing place to visit and local people will really appreciate when you try to converse with them in their own language.
