Arabic is spoken by over 400 million people across 22 countries. With this kit, you have the bare minimum to get by in any Arabic-speaking city, whether in Cairo, Dubai, Casablanca or Beirut.
Arabic brings together nearly 400 million speakers and serves as the lingua franca of 22 countries, from Morocco to Oman, including Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and the Emirates. It is one of the six official languages of the United Nations and the liturgical language of the Muslim world, which gives it influence far beyond its native regions. You will quickly notice a key feature: diglossia. Modern Standard Arabic (MSA, fusha) is used in media, administration, schools and writing, but nobody speaks it in daily life. On the streets, each region uses its own dialect: Egyptian, Levantine (Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine), Maghrebi (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia), Gulf or Iraqi. The phrases in this kit are in MSA, understood everywhere, even if local pronunciation will vary. The script is written from right to left, with connected letters and without short vowels written. No need to worry: phonetic transliteration lets you pronounce without learning the alphabet. Arabic culture places central importance on register: greet before asking, thank often, show respect to elders. With this kit, you will have the bare essentials to clear an airport checkpoint, take a taxi, order mint tea, handle a medical emergency or bargain in a souk. Locals deeply appreciate any effort, even clumsy. You will see: a simple "As-salamu alaykum" said with respect opens doors, brings smiles and transforms your trip.
Here is how these phrases play out in real life. Each scene sets the stage and gathers the useful expressions.
You have just landed in Cairo, Dubai or Casablanca. The immigration officer looks at you, passport in hand. A polite greeting in Arabic immediately earns you a smile and smooths your way through.
Outside the airport or train station, drivers approach. Stating your destination, asking the price and knowing how to say where to stop are the basics. If the meter is off, agreeing on the fare before getting in saves you many surprises.
You sit down on the terrace, in front of a mint tea or Arabic coffee. Asking for the menu, following the waiter's recommendation and complimenting the dish always pleases the local staff.
Theft, illness, accident: you must be understood quickly. Memorising these phrases before leaving can save you precious minutes. Local emergency services usually understand Modern Standard Arabic even in dialect regions.
On the morning of departure, you settle the bill and thank the staff. Checking the check-out time, saying goodbye with respect and adding a sincere thank you leaves an excellent memory on both sides.
What you need to know before travelling to a arabic-speaking country.
Greeting with "As-salamu alaykum" opens every door. It is the universal greeting in Arabic-speaking countries, used by Muslims and often by non-Muslims too.
Placing your hand on your heart after a handshake signals respect and sincerity. Wait for the other person to extend their hand first when greeting women.
Bargaining is an art and a normal practice in souks and markets. Starting at 30-40% of the asking price is not rude, it's part of the game.
During Ramadan, refraining from eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight is a sign of respect, even if you are not Muslim.
Hospitality is sacred in Arab culture. If invited to someone's home, declining three times before accepting is a sign of politeness, not disinterest.
"Inshallah" (God willing) is not a dodge: it is a sincere way of expressing the hope that things will go well.
Mint tea or Arabic coffee served at the start of a meeting is a welcoming ritual. Refusing it can seem rude.
Punctuality is less rigid than in Europe. A "cultural delay" of 15-30 minutes is common for informal invitations.
Preview. The full glossary (30 words) and all the phrases are in the PDF.
نعم
Na'am
Yes
لا
La
No
شكراً
Shukran
Thank you
عفواً
'Afwan
You're welcome
آسف
Asif
Sorry
ماء
Ma'
Water
طعام
Ta'am
Food
فندق
Funduq
Hotel
مطار
Matar
Airport
مستشفى
Mustashfa
Hospital
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Every translation is cross-checked against at least two concordant sources among the references below.
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