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Survival Arabic
Arabic is spoken by over 420 million people across 22 countries, from Morocco on the Atlantic coast to Oman on the Arabian Sea. It’s the liturgical language of Islam and one of the six official UN languages — yet many travelers feel intimidated by its unfamiliar script and sounds. The truth is: a handful of phrases goes an extraordinarily long way. Arabic speakers genuinely light up when a foreigner attempts even basic greetings. In markets, restaurants, and desert camps alike, your effort is reciprocated with warmth, discounts, and an invitation for tea.
Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is the formal written language used in news and official settings. Colloquial Arabic varies by country — Egyptian Arabic is the most widely understood thanks to Egyptian films and TV. This guide focuses on phrases that work across regions, with notes on key differences where they matter.
Key Sounds to Know
Arabic has a few sounds that don’t exist in English. These are the essential ones for a traveler — master these and the rest becomes much more natural.
Sounds unique to Arabic
💡 Tip: Don’t stress about perfecting these sounds. Approximate them and context will carry you. Arabic speakers are endlessly patient with foreign learners.
Numbers & Counting
Arabic numerals are actually the origin of Western “Arabic numerals” — but the shapes differ in Eastern Arabic. Most price tags in tourist areas show Western numerals (1, 2, 3) too.
Greetings & Politeness
These phrases are your most powerful travel tools. The Islamic greeting “As-salamu alaykum” opens virtually every interaction across all Arabic-speaking countries — use it freely.
Directions, Transport & Hotels
Ordering Food & Drinks
Arab hospitality revolves around food. Your host will likely insist you eat more than you planned — “tafaddal” (please, go ahead) will be said many times.
Markets, Souks & Bargaining
Bargaining is expected in Arab bazaars and souks — it’s a cultural exchange, not a conflict. Start at 40–50% of the asking price, smile throughout, and always be ready to walk away.
Help, Emergency & Health Phrases
Pocket Cheat Sheet — 40 Essential Phrases
Screenshot this table and save it to your camera roll before you travel.
| English / Korean | Transliteration | Arabic |
|---|---|---|
| Peace be upon you | As-salamu alaykum | السلام عليكم |
| Hello | Marhaba | مرحبا |
| Good morning | Sabah al-khayr | صباح الخير |
| Good evening | Masa’ al-khayr | مساء الخير |
| Thank you | Shukran | شكراً |
| Thank you very much | Shukran jazeelan | شكراً جزيلاً |
| Please | Min fadlak (m) / fadlik (f) | من فضلك |
| You’re welcome | Afwan | عفواً |
| Sorry / Excuse me | Asif / Afwan | آسف / عفواً |
| Yes / No | Na’am / La | نعم / لا |
| God willing | Inshallah | إن شاء الله |
| Goodbye | Ma’ as-salama | مع السلامة |
| My name is… | Ismi… | اسمي… |
| I’m from Korea | Ana min Koriya | أنا من كوريا |
| I don’t understand | La afham | لا أفهم |
| Do you speak English? | Hal tatakallam ingleezi? | هل تتكلم إنجليزي؟ |
| Where is…? | Ayna…? | أين…؟ |
| Left / Right / Straight | Yasaran / Yameenan / Mubashara | يساراً / يميناً / مباشرة |
| Near / Far | Qareeb / Ba’eed | قريب / بعيد |
| I am lost | Ana da’i’ | أنا ضائع |
| Stop here | Qif huna | قف هنا |
| How much? | Bikam? | بكم؟ |
| Too expensive | Ghali jiddan | غالي جداً |
| I’ll take it | Sa’ashtarih | سأشتريه |
| No thank you | La, shukran | لا شكراً |
| Water | Ma’ | ماء |
| Tea / Coffee | Shay / Qahwa | شاي / قهوة |
| Delicious! | Ladhidh! | لذيذ! |
| The bill please | Al-hisab min fadlak | الحساب من فضلك |
| I am sick | Ana marid | أنا مريض |
| Help! | An-najda! | النجدة! |
| Call the police | Ittasil bish-shurta | اتصل بالشرطة |
| Hospital / Pharmacy | Mustashfa / Saydaliya | مستشفى / صيدلية |
| Toilet / Bathroom | Toilet / Hammam | مرحاض / حمّام |
| Hotel | Funduq | فندق |
| Airport | Matar | مطار |
| Passport | Jawaz safar | جواز سفر |
| I don’t speak Arabic | La atakallam ‘arabi | لا أتكلم عربي |
| Please write it down | Iktubha min fadlak | اكتبها من فضلك |
| I love it here! | Ana uhibb hada al-makan! | أنا أحب هذا المكان! |
Dialect Notes for Key Countries
MSA phrases work everywhere as a fallback, but knowing a few local words earns enormous goodwill.
Do’s & Don’ts Across the Arab World
Greet before anything else
Always greet before asking questions or making requests. Jumping straight to “where is…?” without a greeting is considered rude. A “marhaba” or “salam” first changes everything.
Right hand matters
Always use the right hand to eat, give or receive items, and greet. The left hand is considered unclean in Islamic culture. This applies even if you’re left-handed.
Remove shoes when entering homes
Always remove shoes before entering a private home or mosque. Look for shoes at the entrance as a cue. When in doubt, ask: “Ashlaa’u al-ahdhiya?” (Shall I remove my shoes?)
Always ask before photographing
Ask permission before photographing people, especially women in conservative regions. “Mumkin aakhud surak?” (May I take your photo?) is the right phrase. Accept “no” gracefully.
Never refuse tea
Being offered tea is a gesture of hospitality and friendship. Refusing is considered impolite. Even if you don’t like tea, accept a small cup and take tiny sips. You can decline a second cup.
Patience is everything
“Inshallah” reflects a philosophical relationship with time. Things may run late, plans may change — frustration never helps. Accept delays with grace, and the experience will be richer.
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