Sudanese Arabic is the Arabic dialect spoken in Sudan, along the Nile and around Khartoum. Marked by Nubian and African influences, it stands out for its long, warm greetings such as "Kayf el-jism?" (how is the body?), a true cultural signature of the country.
Sudanese Arabic is the dialect spoken by approximately thirty million people in Sudan, mainly in the Nile valley and around Khartoum, the historic capital at the confluence of the White and Blue Nile. It is one of the most distinctive Arabic dialects, shaped by centuries of contact with Nubian languages, Beja, Nilotic languages and Chadian. The result is a singular Arabic, where Sudanese use "shinu" for "what" where Egyptians say "eh" and Levantines "shu".
Phonetically, the Sudanese dialect often preserves the classical qaf, pronounced "g" as in "gahwa" (coffee). This articulation recalls Bedouin variants and clearly distinguishes it from the neighboring Egyptian dialect. Grammar remains close to Classical Arabic while integrating particles and vocabulary of its own: "jism" (body), "kayf el-jism?" (how is the body?), "yislamu" (may your hands be safe).
Beyond the language, Sudan offers a unique culture: Bedouin hospitality, tea ceremony under the sittat el-shai in the streets of Khartoum, national dishes like ful medames and kissra, endless greetings that are marks of respect. The country has been going through a civil war since 2023 and the situation remains fragile, but its language and culture continue to shine.
This kit gathers the bare essentials to understand the distinctive Sudanese greetings, share a tea, handle an emergency and express gratitude with local phrases. You will find indispensable greetings, survival phrases, key words for eating and sleeping, as well as cultural tips to respect local customs. Memorize these expressions before leaving and you will gain confidence from the very first hours on site.
Here is how these phrases play out in real life. Each scene sets the stage and gathers the useful expressions.
You arrive at Khartoum airport after a long trip. An agent greets you with "As-salamu alaykum". You answer correctly, then he asks the typically Sudanese greeting "Kayf el-jism?" and asks "Kayfak".
The driver welcomes you and you want to ask him a few key questions. You ask "where?" for the direction, "what?" when faced with an unknown word, and "how?" to clarify the price and the route.
You sit under an umbrella by a Sudanese tea seller. You order shai (tea), a bit of laban (fermented milk), a plate of ful (fava beans) and kissra, the traditional flatbread.
You feel unwell and need to explain your condition. You point to your body (jism) and your hand (yed). Depending on the listener, you vary the greeting between "Kayfik" for a woman and "Azayk" for a man in Khartoum.
On the morning of departure, you greet the hostess with "Azayik" then "Sabah el-kheir" and its echo "Sabah el-nour". In the evening, on the eve of the return trip, "Masa el-kheir" punctuates your final exchanges.
What you need to know before travelling to a arabe soudanais-speaking country.
Sudanese Arabic is a spoken dialect, distinct from Modern Standard Arabic (fusha). It incorporates Nubian, Beja and Chadian vocabulary, a heritage of the country's rich ethnic mosaic. The word "shinu" (what?) is one of its signatures.
Sudanese greetings are the longest in the Arab world. "Kayf el-jism?" (how is the body?) traditionally opens a series of questions about health, family, work. Don't be in a hurry.
Sudanese hospitality is legendary, perhaps the warmest in all of Northeast Africa. If you are invited to share ful (fava beans) or kissra (flatbread), refusing sharply would be perceived as an affront.
Tea (shai) punctuates the day. The street tea sellers (sittat el-shai) are an essential social institution in Khartoum and Omdurman.
The expression "Yislamu" (may your hands be safe) is a typically Sudanese "thank you", warmer than a simple "Shukran". Use it after a meal or a favor.
Modest dress is expected, especially for women. Clothing covering shoulders, arms and knees is the norm. Headscarves are not mandatory but appreciated in rural areas.
Sudan has been going through a complex civil war since 2023. Internal travel remains risky and the security situation is evolving. Always check official advisories before any trip.
Alcohol has been banned since 1983 and the law is still enforced. Ramadan is strictly observed: avoid eating or drinking in public during the day out of respect for those fasting.
Preview. The full glossary (30 words) and all the phrases are in the PDF.
Ma'a as-salama
goodbye (with peace)
Allah m'aak
God be with you
Shukran
thank you
Yislamu
thank you (lit. may they/your hands be safe)
Min fadlak
please (m.)
Min fadlik
please (f.)
Tafaddal
please go ahead / come in / here you are
Asif
sorry (m.)
Asfa
sorry (f.)
Wallahi
by God / I swear (intensifier)
A hundred words, thirty key phrases, as a printable PDF. Instant download, also sent by e-mail.
No credit card. One-click unsubscribe. GDPR compliant.
Every translation is cross-checked against at least two concordant sources among the references below.
All Targumi resources for this language.
Assess your CEFR level in 5 minutes.
Films, music, traditions. How well do you know?
Guides, methods and tips to progress.
Essential words and phrases organised by themes.
Films, series, podcasts and music to immerse yourself.
Live classes with a bilingual native teacher. First lessons free.
The kit is just the start. To really speak the language, join a live class with a native teacher. Small groups, real feedback, fast progress.
30-day money-back guarantee, native teachers