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The Arabic language is among the most spoken Semitic languages globally, but is mainly used in the Middle East. If you’re planning for an expedition to the Arabic world or need to learn the language career-wise, you can learn Arabic online and develop polite and meaningful conversations. This means starting with the basics before transiting to more advanced Arabic words, phrases, and expressions.
Basic Arabic Phrases and Expressions for Beginners
MAAFI MUSHKI
This is an Arabic phrase used daily by different groups, pronounced as “mar-fi moosh-key-la.” Maafi Mushkin means “No Problem” and is commonly said when expressing appreciation to someone. It can also be used as a rejoinder when you ask for a favor or make a request and the other person agrees. For example, when you say, “I need a favor;” the answer would be “Maafi Mushkin” (no problem).
ASSALAM ALAIKUM
Pronounced “ass-a-lam al-eye-kum,” Assalam Alaikum is an Arabic phrase meaning “Peace be upon you.” It is used in Arabic as a mode of formal greeting, whether during the day or night. For example, “Assalam Alaikum!” (How are you?).
WALAIKUM ASSALAM
This is a phrase that responds to the Arabic greeting “Assalam Alaikum.” It is pronounced as “wal-eye-Kum ass-a-lam,” which means “Peace be upon you too.” When a person greets you, “Assalam Alaikum!” (How are you?) You respond with “Walaikum Assalam!” (I’m fine, thanks. How about you?).
AHLAN WA SAHLAN
If you land in Dubai, Egypt, or any other Arabic country, this is the first phrase you’ll likely hear. Ahlan Wa Sahlan means “Welcome,” and it is pronounced as “ah-lan wa sar-lan.” The phrase is usually used as a standalone expression, and you can say it when welcoming someone to your home, office, country, or party.
LA AFHAM
La Afham means “I don’t understand,” and it is pronounced as “la af-am.” It is a perfect answer when you run into a person who speaks only Arabic, and you find it hard to communicate. For example, you can respond to someone with “Sorry, la afham” (Sorry, I don’t understand) if you have difficulty conversing.
MID FADLAK
This Arabic expression means “Please” and comes in two different pronunciations depending on gender. It is pronounced as “mid fad-lak” when addressing men, but it changes a bit to “mid fad-lik” when you speak to a woman.
SABAH ALKHAYR
Most Arabs are very friendly, so instead of saying “Hi,” they will greet you with “Sabah Alkhayr,” meaning “Good Morning.” This expression is for morning greetings, and it is pronounced as “sab-ah al-kh-ahy.” For example, suppose you wake up and meet someone; you can say, “Sabah Alkhayr!” (How is your morning?).
KUL SANA WA INTA SALEM
Kul Sana Wa Inta Salem is a common Arabic phrase used during birthdays, Christmas, and Muslim Holidays. The expression’s direct translation to English is “with each year, and you are peaceful.” You can use the phrase to wish people on occasion to remain safe and prosper.
Learn Arabic Online With LanguageBird
To become fluent in Arabic, begin with these basics and then work to increase your knowledge of the language. Enrolling in online Arabic classes with LanguageBird will help you learn Arabic effectively with pronunciation coaching from a true expert: a native speaker! For more information, contact us to learn more today.
