Language

Arabic is the official language, however, English is considered the lingua franca and Farsi is also widely spoken.

Basic niceties

Hello: Marhaba

How are you?: Kaif il haal?

Good morning: Sabaah il khayr [kh=ch as in loch]

Good evening: Massa’il khayr

Greetings: A’salamu alaykum

Welcome: Ahlan wa sahlan

Goodbye: Ma’is salaama

Excuse me: Afwan

Sorry: Aasif

God willing: Insha’allah

Please (to a man): Min fadlak (to a woman) Min fadlik

Thank you: (very much) Shukran (jazeelan)

Yes/No: Na’am/Laa

I don’t know: Laa aarif

Who?/What?: Man?/Maadha?

Where?/Why?: Ayne/Lee matha?

How much (cost)?: Bekam?

How many?: Kam?

The bill please: Al fatourah min fadlak

Advanced pleasantries

Do you speak English?: Titkallam inglizi?

I don’t speak Arabic: Ma atakallam Arabi

Nice to meet you: Fursa saeeda

What’s your name?: (to a man) Ma ismak? (to a woman) Ma ismik?

My name is…: Ismee…

How old are you?: (to a man) Kam oumrak? (to a woman) Kam oumrik?

What’s your job?: (to a man) Ma heya wazeeftak? (to a woman) Ma heya wazeeftik?

Where do you live?: (to a man) Ayne taskun? (to a woman) Ayna taskuni?

I live / work in...: Askun / aamal fi ...

Congratulations: Mabrouk

Have a good trip: Atamana lak rehla muafaqa

Best wishes: Atyab al-tamaniyat

Can I help you?: (to a man) Mumkin saadak? (to a woman) Mumkin saadik?