Planning a trip to the Middle East? Whether you’re exploring the ancient ruins of Jordan, wandering through vibrant souks, or experiencing the warm hospitality of the locals, knowing a few Arabic expressions can enhance your travel experience.
At Jordan mw, we believe that learning some basic Arabic words and phrases helps create meaningful connections and makes your journey smoother.
From common Arabic terms used in greetings to popular Arabic phrases for shopping and dining, this guide will introduce you to essential expressions that every traveler should know.
Whether you’re asking for directions, ordering food, or simply greeting a local, mastering a few Arabic phrases in Arabic will make your adventure more enjoyable and immersive.
Let’s dive into the most useful common Arabic expressions and how to use them on your next trip!
Also read : Discover Jordan in 5 Days with our Tours
Arabic Greetings and Polite Expressions
A warm greeting can go a long way in creating a good first impression. Here are some essential common greetings in Arabic:
- Hello – مرحبًا (Marhaban)
- Peace be upon you – السلام عليكم (As-salamu alaykum)
- Good morning – صباح الخير (Sabah al-khair)
- Good evening – مساء الخير (Masa’ al-khair)
- Goodbye – مع السلامة (Ma’a as-salama)
- Excuse me – عذرًا (Uthran)
- Please – من فضلك (Min fadlik – to a woman / Min fadlak – to a man)
- Thank you – شكرًا (Shukran)
- I’m sorry – أنا آسف (Ana asif – male) / أنا آسفة (Ana asifa – female)
Also read :How to Enjoy in Jordan alone
2. Essential Arabic Phrases for Shopping
Shopping in local markets (souks) is an exciting experience, and knowing common Arabic expressions can help you communicate better with shopkeepers.
- How much is this? – بكم هذا؟ (Bikam hatha?)
- Can you lower the price? – هل يمكنك تخفيض السعر؟ (Hal yumkinuka takhfid as-si’r?)
- I want this one – أريد هذا (Ureed hatha)
- Do you accept credit cards? – هل تقبل بطاقة الائتمان؟ (Hal taqbal bitaqat al-i’timan?)
- It’s too expensive – إنه غالٍ جدًا (Innahu ghali jiddan)
Also read : How to plan your trip with your Kids
3. Ordering Food in Arabic
Dining out is an essential part of any trip, and knowing a few Arabic phrases with meaning will make the experience more enjoyable.
- I would like… – أريد… (Ureed…)
- What do you recommend? – ماذا تنصحني؟ (Mada tansahuni?)
- The menu, please – القائمة من فضلك (Al-qa’ima min fadlik)
- I am allergic to… – لدي حساسية من… (Ladayya hasasiyyah min…)
- The food is delicious! – الطعام لذيذ! (At-ta’am ladhidh!)
- Check, please – الفاتورة من فضلك (Al-fatoura min fadlik)
explore the underwater colorful life of Red Sea
4. Asking for Directions in Arabic
Getting around in a new city is easier when you know some basic Arabic phrases for directions.
- Where is…? – أين…؟ (Ayna…?)
- Where are you? – أين أنت؟ (Ayna anta? – male / Ayna anti? – female)
- How do I get to…? – كيف أصل إلى…؟ (Kayfa asil ila…?)
- Is it far? – هل هو بعيد؟ (Hal huwa ba’eed?)
- Right – يمين (Yameen)
- Left – يسار (Yasar)
- Straight ahead – إلى الأمام (Ila al-amam)
5.Common Arabic Sayings & Expressions for Travelers
“Patience is the key to relief.” – الصبر مفتاح الفرج (As-sabr miftaah al-faraj)
- Traveling often comes with challenges—flight delays, language barriers, or getting lost in a new city. This saying reminds travelers that patience is essential for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
“Whoever works hard will find success.” – من جد وجد (Man jadda wajada)
- Whether you’re learning a new language, adapting to a different culture, or exploring unfamiliar places, persistence and effort always lead to rewarding experiences.
“A stranger is blind, even if they have eyes.” – الغريب أعمى ولو كان بصيرًا (Al-ghareeb a’ma walaw kana baseeran)
- This expression highlights the importance of asking for help and embracing guidance when traveling. Even if you can see, navigating a foreign place without local knowledge can feel overwhelming.
“If you have a companion, the road becomes shorter.” – إذا كنت تملك رفيقًا، فق الطريق يقصر (Itha kunta tamlik rafiqan, fa inna at-tareeq yaqsur)
- A reminder that traveling with good company makes the journey more enjoyable and memorable.
“He who travels alone travels fast, but he who travels with others travels far.” – من يسافر وحده يسافر بسرعة، ولكن من يسافر مع الآخرين يسافر بعيدًا (Man yusafir wahdahu yusafir bisur’a, walakin man yusafir ma’ al-akharin yusafir ba’eedan
Whether you’re exploring the streets of Amman, enjoying the markets of Marrakech, or dining in a local café, knowing these Arabic expressions will make your travels smoother and more enjoyable.
Start with the basics, and don’t be afraid to practice – locals always appreciate the effort! Embracing Arabic expressions not only helps with communication but also deepens your cultural experience, making your journey even more memorable.
Looking for a customized travel experience? Contact us, and we’ll help you plan an unforgettable journey through the Arab world
