Arabic Greetings: A Guide to Common Formal and Informal Salutations

The Arabic language is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with over 460 million native speakers. It is also the official language of 26 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and Morocco.

When greeting someone in Arabic, it is important to be aware of the level of formality of the situation. In more formal settings, such as business meetings or social gatherings, it is customary to use the formal greetings. In informal settings, such as between friends or family members, it is more common to use the informal greetings.

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Here are some of the most common words in Arabic:

Formal Greetings

As-salaamu alaykum (peace be upon you)
Wa alaykumus-salaam (and upon you be peace)
Marhaba (welcome)
Ana saadaktum (I am pleased to meet you)
Ana faidun bi-liqaaikum (I am happy to meet you)

Informal Greetings

Hi
Kif halik? (how are you?)
Ana bi-kheir (I am fine)
Shukran (thank you)
Afwan (you’re welcome)

Arabic Greetings

As-salaamu alaykum (Peace be upon you)
Wa alaykum as-salaam (And upon you be peace)
Marhaba (Welcome)
Kif halik? (How are you?)
Ana bekheir (I am fine)
Sabah al-khair (Good morning)
Masa al-khair (Good evening)
Tara (Goodbye)
Lakum al-salaam (Peace be with you)
Ana ajeeb (I’m sorry)
Shukran (Thank you)
Ana bi-fadi (You’re welcome)

Basic Arabic Words

Baarakallah (May God bless you)
Inshallah (God willing)
Mashallah (God has willed it)
Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah)
Subhanallah (Glory be to Allah)

Counting in Arabic

1 – wahid
2 – ithnayn
3 – thalaatha
4 – arba’a
5 – khamsah
6 – sittah
7 – sab’ah
8 – thamaniyah
9 – tis’ah
10 – ‘ashara

Basic Conversation in Arabic

Do you speak English? – Ha takluman al-Ingliziyya?
I don’t speak Arabic. – La ‘akulu al-‘Arabiyya.
Where is the bathroom? – Ayn al-hammam?
I’m lost. – Ana mawquf.
Can you help me? – Tista’iduni?
Thank you very much. – Shukran jazeelan.
You’re welcome. – La hayyadh.

Basic Directions in Arabic

Go straight. – Irtiqa’ sawa’.
Turn left. – Inqal bi-yamlin.
Turn right. – Inqal bi-yameen.
Go back. – Irtiqa’ wara’a.
This way. – Haa’a.
That way. – Haa’ika.
Here. – Huna.
There. – Hunaaka.

Basic Arabic Expressions

Excuse me. – Istifham.
Please. – Min fadlik.
Thank you. – Shukran.
You’re welcome. – La hayyadh.
Sorry. – Ana ajeeb.
Excuse me, I don’t understand. – Istifham, la afham.
I’m learning Arabic. – Ana a’taqid al-‘Arabiyya.

Buildings/Places Named in Arabic

Masjid (mosque)
Madrasa (school)
Souq (market)
Khan (inn)
Qasbah (fort)
Bab (gate)
Minaret (tower)
Hammam (bathhouse)
Sukkariyya (sugar factory)
Khan al-Khalili (bazaar in Cairo)

Shop Using Arabic Words

Hal ab’a’id? (Can I help you?)
Bi-kam haadha? (How much is this?)
Ana ariid… (I want…)
Da’im (cheap)
Ghaali (expensive)
Sa’id (thank you)
Ma’a salama (goodbye)

This is just a brief introduction to Arabic. There is much more to learn, but this should give you a good start. With a little practice, you’ll be able to use these greetings, words, and phrases to communicate with Arabic speakers.

When greeting someone in Arabic, it is also important to be aware of the appropriate body language. For example, it is customary to shake hands when greeting someone for the first time. However, in more conservative cultures, it is not customary for men and women to shake hands.

Learning the Arabic greetings is a great way to show respect for the language and culture. It can also help you make a good impression when meeting someone for the first time. So next time you’re in an Arabic-speaking country, be sure to brush up on your greetings!