Traveling to an Arabic-speaking country? Planning a journey to Dubai, UAE, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Oman or other places in the Middle East and North Africa? If YES, then you should learn some Arabic travel phrases for tourists.
I’ve visited a couple of the countries mentioned above, and therefore have prepared a guide with basic Arabic words and phrases, including easy Arabic phrases “Marhaba” (Hello) and “Shukran” (Thank you), with FREE Arabic for travelers pdf.
BEST PLACES TO STAY in JORDAN:
• New Maryland Hotel (I stayed here in Amman)
• Tell Madaba (I stayed here! Amazing homemade breakfast)
• Mosaic city Hotel (I stayed here in Madaba)
• Mövenpick Dead Sea (I stayed here and admired sunset over Dead Sea)
• Petra Moon Luxury Hotel (I stayed here. Superb! Right in front of the entrance)
• Warm Bubbles Wadi Rum (it’s like you are on Mars!)
• Twins Boutique Hotel (I stayed here in Aqaba)
TOP EXPERIENCES in JORDAN:
• Jordan 8 day tour (safer than traveling as a solo female)
• Jerash and Ajloun Castle tour (great if you don’t want to drive)
• Dead Sea, Mount Nebo and Baptism Site tour (must do experience)
• Petra day trip from Amman (top selling tour)
• Exploring Wadi rum and sleeping in desert (MUST!)
• Aqaba snorkeling and use of Berenice Beach Club (you want to be in a beach club)
Middle East and Northern Africa, home of the Arabic language, desert landscapes and lively spice scent filled souks and bazaars. Learning useful Arabic words for travel will come in handy when bargaining at local markets in Morocco or visiting 124 floor of Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
If you are traveling to Egypt to see the Great Pyramids, or venturing to the UNESCO World Heritage site Petra in Jordan, knowing some basic Arabic words and phrases will be key to successful communication.
In this language guide on the best Arabic phrases to know, you’ll find a curated selection of essential Arabic words, greeting Arabic phrases and Arabic for tourists. Inside there is also FREE basic Arabic phrases pdf, that will serve as a handy resource for your Arabic adventure.
Now, let’s begin learning Arabic, one essential Arabic travel phrase at a time!
FRIENDLY REMINDER
Never leave for a trip without travel insurance. Unexpected issues can arise so I suggest using insurance that covers people from all over the world, while outside their home country. You can buy this travel insurance even if you are already abroad.
Arabic phrases for travel
KEY TAKEAWAYS
● Learn must-know Arabic language words and simple Arabic phrases you’ll likely need for ordering food, asking for directions, and greeting locals.
● Find Arabic pronunciation so you don’t need to worry about saying useful words and phrases.
● Download basic Arabic travel phrases pdf for easy access on your North Africa and Middle East trip!
Where is ARABIC spoken?
Did you know that more than 400 million people speak Arabic as their first or second language?
That is a lot of “shukrans” and “habibis”.
Arabic is spoken in several countries primarily in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as in some other regions. It is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and below you can find Arab countries list.
Arabic is the official language in the following countries:
• Middle East countries list: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Yemen.
• List of Arab countries in North Africa: Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Mauritania.
• Other regions: Palestinian territories, Israel (Arabic is one of the official languages, along with Hebrew), and parts of Western Sahara.
In addition to being the official language in these countries, Arabic holds cultural and religious significance as the language of the Quran, the holy book of Islam and Allah. It is widely used in Islamic religious ceremonies and prayers by Muslims around the world, regardless of their native language.
Arabic also serves as a lingua franca for communication between speakers of different Arabic dialects and is used as a second language in many countries with significant Arab diaspora communities.
The best way to learn Arabic phrases for travel is by using apps like Duolingo or Memrise. But since Arabic is hard language to learn, you will most probably learn most of your phrases when traveling. It will be beneficial to download Arabic for travelers pdf and bring it with you.
Arabic language basics
Before you start to learn everyday Arabic phrases, you should know that the Arabic language is one of the hardest languages to learn for English speakers. Not only because of their unique and beautiful arabic alphabet but also because of their grammar and writing system.
Words in Arabic and standard Arabic phrases are written and read from RIGHT to LEFT.
This is also the case in Arabic travel phrases you will find below. Phrases in Arabic are written from right to left and Arabic translation phrases are written from left to right.
Letters in Arabic words and phrases change shape based on their position in the word. Some of the wolves also don’t get written, and Arabic speakers should ‘just know’ how to pronounce the word. Not unlike in Japanese or Swahili language, where once you know the sound of the letter, you can read everything.
Arabic language also uses different grammar and has sounds that are foreign to the English language. Plus there are many dialects distinctive for Arabic-speaking countries.
A collection of Arabic phrases for travel you will find below is using Modern Standard Arabic. This is like a common Arabic, that everywhere in the Arabic-speaking world should understand. All essential Arabic travel phrases also have a phonetic translation under their Arabic writing.
Essential Arabic travel phrases
Basic Arabic phrases for travel
Basic Arabic phrases for conversation that showcase politeness and cultural respect, encouraging positive interactions with locals and are a base for every communication. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT.
ENGLISH | ARABIC & HOW TO SAY IT |
---|---|
Hi | أهلاً ahlaan |
Please | من فضلك min faDlik |
Thank you | شكرًا لك shukran lak |
Excuse me | اعذرني aiedhirni |
Sorry | أنا آسف ‘ana asf |
Yes / No | نعم / لا naeam / la |
I don’t understand | لا أفهم la ‘afham |
Do you speak [language]? | هل تتكلم …؟ Hal tatakalam …? |
What is the WiFi password? | ما هي كلمة مرور واي فاي؟ Ma hi kalimat murur way fay? |
Could you take my picture? | هل يمكنك التقاط صورةٍ لي؟ Hal yumkinuk altiqat swrt li? |
Where is the bathroom/toilet? | أين الحمام/المرحاض؟ ‘Ayn alhamaami/almirhadi? |
Essential Arabic phrases for greetings and introductions
Basic Arabic greetings phrases will lay the foundation for any interaction, allowing you to initiate conversations and make a positive first impression. They are Easy arabic words you already know and Arabic basic words, to know when visiting Dubai. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT.
ENGLISH | ARABIC & HOW TO SAY IT |
---|---|
Hello | مرحبًا marhaba |
Goodbye | مع السلامة mae alsalama |
Good morning | صباح الخير sabah alkhayr |
Good day | يوم جيد yawm jayid |
Good evening | مساء الخير masa’ alkhayr |
Good night | طاب مساؤك tab masawuk |
Nice to meet you | سعيد بلقائك saeid biliqayik |
How are you? | كيف حالك؟ Kayf halika? |
My name is … | … اسمي هو Asmi hu … |
How do you say […] in [language]? | كيف نقول […] في اللغة […]؟ Kayf naqul […] fi allugha […]? |
Speak slowly, please. | .تحدث ببطء من فضلك Tahadath bibut’ min fadlika. |
Essential Arabic travel phrases for directions and getting around
Arabic phrases to know when asking for directions will enable you to navigate unfamiliar streets and find your way around. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT.
ENGLISH | ARABIC & HOW TO SAY IT |
---|---|
Where is … | … أين يقع ال ‘Ayn yaqae al … |
What time is … | … ما الوقت Ma alwaqt … |
How do I get to … | … كيف يمكنني الذهاب إلى Kayf yumkinuni aldhahab ‘iilaa … |
How far away is … | … كم يبعد Kam yabeid … |
Do you have a map? | هل لديك خريطة؟ Hal ladayk kharitatun? |
When does the next … arrive? | متى القادم… وصول؟ Mataa alqadim… wasulu? |
How long does it take to get to….? | كم من الوقت يستغرق الوصول إلى….؟ Kam min alwaqt yastaghriq alwusul ‘iilaa …? |
here / there | هنا / هناك huna / hunak |
North / South / East / West | شمال / جنوب / شرق / غرب shamal / jnub / shariqa / gharb |
left / right / straight / back / up / down | يسار/ يمين / مستقيم / خلفي / أعلى / أسفل yasar / ymin / mustaqim / khalfi / ‘aelaa / ‘asfal |
car / bus / train / taxi / metro / plane | سيارة / حافلة / قطار/ سيارةُ أجرة / مترو/ طائرة syart / haflt / qtar / syart ‘ujrat / mitru / tayira |
bathroom / restaurant / hotel / bank / pharmacy / hospital | حمام / مطعم / فندق / بنك / صيدلية / مستشفى hamami / mutieam / funduqu / binku / saydliatu / mustashfaa |
Useful Arabic phrases for tourists when ordering food and drinks
Useful Arabic words and phrases for ordering meals, asking for recommendations, and specifying dietary preferences ensure enjoyable dining experiences and help you explore local cuisines. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT.
ENGLISH | ARABIC & HOW TO SAY IT |
---|---|
Cheers! | !هتافات Hutafat! |
Is this … | …هذا هو Hadha hu … |
I’m allergic to … | … لدى حساسيه من Ladaa hasaasayh min … |
The bill, please. | .الفاتورة من فضلك Alfaturat min fadliki. |
I would like to have … | … أود أن أحصل على ‘Awadu ‘an ‘ahsul ealaa … |
May I see the menu? | هل يمكنني الاطلاع على قائمة الطعام؟ Hal yumkinuni aliatilae ealaa qayimat altaeami? |
What do you recommend? | بماذا تنصح؟ Bimadha tansahi? |
vegetarian / vegan / gluten free | فيجيتيريان / فيجن / خالٍ من الجلوتين vegeterian / vegan / khalin min al gluten |
sweet / bitter / sour / salty / spicy | حلوة / مُرّة / حامضة / مالحة / حارّة hlwt / murrt / hamdt / malht / harr |
coffee / tea / water / juice / wine / beer | قهوة / شاي / ماء / عصير / نبيذ / بيرة qahwatu / shayi / ma’ / easir / nbidhu / bira |
milk / eggs / fish / peanuts / shellfish / wheat / soybeans | الحليب / البيض / السمك / الفول السوداني / المحار / القمح / فول الصويا alhalib / albid / alsamik / alful alsuwdani /almuhar / alqimahu / ful alsuwya |
Basic Arabic words for travel and shopping
Arabic language words for inquiring about prices, negotiating, and asking for sizes or colors are handy when exploring markets and boutiques. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT.
ENGLISH | ARABIC & HOW TO SAY IT |
---|---|
How much? | كم ثمن؟ Kam thamana? |
May I try this on? | هل يمكنني تجربة هذا؟ Hal yumkinuni tajribat hadha? |
Do you have this in … | … هل لديك هذا في Hal ladayk hadha fi … |
Excuse me, I’m looking for … | … عفوا ، أنا أبحث عن Eafwan ، ‘ana ‘abhath ean … |
Is this on sale? | هل هذا للبيع؟ Hal hadha lilbayei? |
When do you close? | متى تغلق؟ Mataa tughliqa? |
Do you accept credit cards? | هل تقبل بطاقات الائتمان؟ Hal taqbal bitaqat aliaytimani? |
bigger / smaller | أكبر/ أصغر ‘akbaru / ‘asghar |
1 one / 2 two / 3 three / 4 four / 5 five / 6 six / 7 seven / 8 eight / 9 nine / 10 ten | 1١/ 2 ٢/ 3 ٣/ 4 ٤/ 5 ٥/ 6 ٦/ 7 ٧/ 8 ٨/ 9 ٩/ 10 ١٠ 1 wahid / 2 aithnayn / 3 thalatha / 4 ‘arbaea / 5 khamsa / 6 sita / 7 sabea / 8 thamania / 9 tise / 10 eashra |
50 fifty / 100 hundred / 1000 thousand | 50 ٥٠/ 100 ١٠٠/ 1000 ١٠٠٠ 50 khamswun / 100 miaya / 1000 ‘alf |
white / yellow / orange/ red / blue / green / pink / purple / grey / brown / black | أبيض / أصفر/ برتقالي / أحمر / أزرق / أخضر / وردي/ بنفسجي / رمادي / بني/ أسود ‘abid / ‘asifira / burtuqali / ‘ahmru / ‘azrq / akhdir / wrdi / binfisji / rmadi / bini / ‘asud |
Basic Arabic hotel phrases
Arabic hotel phrases you will need when checking in a hotel, asking for towels, fixing air conditioning, enquiring what time is breakfast, and what is included in your room rate. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT.
ENGLISH | ARABIC & HOW TO SAY IT |
---|---|
What time is … | … ما الوقت Ma alwaqt … |
… is not working. | .لا يعمل … … la yuemal. |
Do you have WiFi? | هل لديك واي فاي؟ Hal ladayk way fay? |
Can I drink the tap water? | هل يمكنني شرب ماء الصنبور؟ Hal yumkinuni shurb ma’ alsanbur? |
breakfast / lunch / dinner | الإفطار / الغداء / العشاء al’iiftar / alaghada’u / aleisha’ |
toilet paper / key / towel | ورق المرحاض / مفتاح / منشفة waraq almirhadi / miftah / minshifa |
air conditioning / fan / heater / hairdryer | مكييف الهواء / المروحة / السخان / مجفف الشعر makiif alhawa’ / almiruhat / alisskhan / mujafaf alshier |
Standard Arabic phrases and best survival phrases in case of emergencies
Here you will find simple Arabic words in case of emergencies, natural disasters, or if you will be needing assistance in difficult or dangerous situations. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT and that those can be useful phrases in Dubai.
ENGLISH | ARABIC & HOW TO SAY IT |
---|---|
Help | يساعد yusaeid |
I am lost | .أضعت الطريق Adeat altariqa. |
There is a … | … هناك Hunak … |
Please call the … | … من فضلك اتصل بـ Min fadleek atasal bi … |
I lost my passport | .أضعت جواز سفري ‘Adaet jawaz sifiri. |
My money was stolen | أموالي سُرقت ‘amwali surqt |
fire / flood / earthquake | حريق / فيضان / زلزال hariq / fayadan / zilzal |
police / firemen / ambulance | الشرطة / رجال الإطفاء / الإسعاف alshurtat / rijal al’iitfa’ / al’iiseaf |
Beyond essential Arabic travel phrases
If you’re like me and really love learning a few phrases in new languages, expand your study beyond the must know travel phrases and basic phrases in Arabic. I always learn how to say please and thank you, never visit a country without knowing the local word for “coffee” and never leave without knowing how to say;
ENGLISH | ARABIC & HOW TO SAY IT |
---|---|
Love | حب habun |
Friend | صديق sadiq |
You have beautiful eyes | لديك عيونٌ جميلة ladayk eywn jamila |
You have a beautiful smile | لديك ابتسامةٌ جميلة ladayk abtsamt jamila |
Best language App for traveling abroad
Learning a language is a long process. If you think you won’t have time to learn basic Arabic greetings and responses, or if the situations come your way when above mentioned Arabic phrases for travel won’t be enough, use Google Translate. This is my favorite language app, that I use on (almost) every trip.
Google Translate
Price: Free
Language: 200+ languages
Download: iOS | Android | Website
Google Translate is the most popular language travel app that can be used everywhere. I personally use it on all my travels, when going to Tanzania to learn what some Swahili words mean, when in Mexico to help with my not-the-best Spanish, when in Italy, in Japan and other places.
I’m sure you are familiar with the language app already. The most obvious feature is it will help you translate the destination language into your own one. But the absolute best feature is that it can translate the text using ‘camera translation’.
All you have to do is open the app, point your camera toward the text in a foreign language and Google Translate will do the rest. Perfect for menus! It also translates text from the photos on your camera roll. And it also works offline, when you download the language pair on your phone.
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Did you enjoy this guide with common Arabic words, common Arabic phrases for tourists and basic Arabic words for beginners with pronunciation.
Don’t forget you can download basic Arabic words for beginners pdf.
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