Although English is increasingly used in business relationships, in many situations Arabic is the key language, as you would expect. If you really want to learn the language, then you should perhaps attend a course by one of the international providers such as Berlitz. The next best option would be to try some of our recommended books on learning Arabic. What we have provided below are a few phrases that will give you the basics. Arabs will be particularly impressed that you have at least made an effort to learn their language, and will score you some brownie points in a business situation. We have deliberately tried to spell the words to help you pronounce them correctly.
Basic Arabic Phrases
Introduction
Assalaam Alaikum -Peace be up on you
To which the reply is:
Wa Alaikum assalaam -And peace be upon you
This phrase will be used in many different contexts when meeting people.
Marhabbah - hello
to which the reply is:
Marhabbteen - hello
This is probably the equivalent of saying hi in the UK
Sabah al khair - good morning
To which the reply is:
Sabah al noor
Masah al khair -good afternoon / evening
To which the reply is:
Masah al noor
Shukran (jazeelan) -thank you (very much)
To which the reply is:
Aafwaan -you're welcome
An alternative to Shukran is Mushkoor
Ahlan wa sahlan -Welcome
To which the reply is:
Ahlan beek - welcome to you (to a male)
Ahlan beech (to a female)
Ahlan beekum (to a group)
This is usually used in introductions
Keef haluk? -How are you?
Sometimes shortened to Keefak
To which the reply is:
Al hamdu lillah (bi khair) - praise be to Allah (well)
This should be the usual reply.
You could use:
Ana bikhayr, shukran - I am fine, thank you
Weyn inta - Literally, where are you?, but probably equivalent to Long time no see
Occasionally you will hear:
Shu-ukhbaarak -what's your news? - which you would reply to in the
normal way
Aysh ismuk -what is your name?
Ismi Jason -my name is Jason
Titakellem ingleezi -do you speak English?
Ana la atakellem al arabi -I don't speak Arabic
Terrref arabi? -do you know Arabic
Atakullum inglieezi -I speak English
Inta min weyn? -where are you from?
Ana min ingliterra -I'm from England
Umreeka -USA
Oostraaalia -Australia
Al imaraaat -UAE
Wa inta? -and you?
Maasalaamah -Goodbye
To which the reply is:
Fi aman allah or Maasalaamah
Miscellaneous Words
Inshallah -If Allah wishes
This phrase is used in reference to a future, since all things are at Allah's will. So if you say, see you tomorrow, you might be replied with Inshallah. Indeed, it is used in numerous contexts. You'll send me the report tomorrow? -Inshallah.
Maashallah -What Allah wishes
This is used when complimenting something, usually in the context of family or health.
Mabrook - Congratulations
This is used in any congratulatory context, more so than you would use in English.
Naam - yes
Aywa - yeah/ok
La - no
Min fudluk - please
Shoo? - what?
Shoofi mafi? -what's up? or what's the matter?
Shoo hada? - what is this?
Mafi mushkil -no problem
Itfudul -by my guest / my pleasure
When you sneeze you say
Al hamdu lillah
To which someone will say
Yer humkullah
And you will say again
Yer hamna wa yer humkum
Tamaam - perfect
Baadin - later
Dilwaati - now
Ilyoum - today
Bukra - tomorrow
Ashoofook bukra - see you tomorrow
Aadhi - it's normal
Jebli shai - bring me some tea
Kallemni - call me/talk to me
Ma adhri - I dont know
Maa-i-khussni - its not my problem
Inta kida - thumbs up
Intaa tabaan thumbs down
Areed areef - i want to know
Mumken asaduq - can i help you
Sida - straight
Yasar - left
Yameen - right
Tabaan - of course
Andi - i have
Kam -how much
Affwaan -excuse me
Kull -everything
Numbers
0 -siffr
1 -wahid
2 -itnain
3 -thalatha
4 -arba
5 -khumsah
6 -settah
7 -sabaa
8 -thamaaneeya
9 -tissaa
10 -asharah
11 -ihda shaar
12- ithna shaar
13 -thalatha shaar
14 - arba ata shaar
15 -khamsta shaar
16 -sitta shaar
17 -saba ata shaar
18 -tamantha shar
19 -tis ata shar
20 -ishrin
21 -wahid wa ishrin
22 -ithain wa ishrin
23 -thalatha wa ishrin
24 -arbaa wa ishrin etc
30 -thalath een
40 -arba een
50 -khamseen
60 -sitteen
70 -sabeen
80 -thamaneen
90 -tiseen
100 -miyya
200 -mittain
251 -thalatha miyaa
400 -arba miyya etc
1000 -alf
2000 -alfain
2510 -thalaathat aalaf
4000 -arbaat aalaf
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