ARABIC LANGUAGE
Ahlan wa sahlan!
Arabic is spoken by almost 200 million people in more than twenty two countries, from Morrocco
to Iraq, and as far south as Somalia and the Sudan. As the language of Quran, the Holy book of
Islam, it is thought as a first language in Muslim states throughout the world. Arabic language
originated in Saudi Arabia in pre-Islamic times, and spread rapidly across the Middle East.
The languages of northern India, Turkey, Iran, Portugal, and Spain are full of words of Arabic
origin. Modern arabic varies a good deal from country to country, differing as much as, say
Spanish and Portuguese. However, the classical written arabic has changed little over the
centuries.
Here is a compilation of useful phrases, expressions, and words that I learned from arabic friends
all over the Middle East and from very interesting books. Most of the sounds of Arabic are similar
to sounds found in many European languages.
Enjoy this beautiful language!
Common Expression
What is your name?
Hello!
ma ismok?
marhaba
My name is
ismy ______
How old are you?
Good Morning
sabah al-hayri
kam omroka?
How are you?
Nice to meet you
kayfa haluk?
tasharrafna
fine!
Goodbye
ma'assalama
yes
na'am
no
la
biheyr
Please
minfadlik
Thank you
shukran!
Numbers and Colors
Questions
Where is/ are --- feyn?
What? --- 'eyh?
What's that? --- 'eyh da?
When? --- imta?
Why? --- leyh?
Why not? --- leyh la?
How? --- keyf?
Who? --- meen?
How many? --- kam?
In the City
Hospital --- mostashfa
Market --- sook
Cinema --- sinama
Restaurant --- matt'am
Street --- shari'
People --- nas
Laundry --- masbagha
Library --- maktaba
Pharmacy --- saydaliyya
Boat --- karib
River --- nahr
Airport --- mattar
Bicycle --- darraja
At home
Home --- manzil
Chair --- korsiyy
Table --- ttawila
Door --- bab
Key --- miftah
Bed --- sareer
Balcony -- shorfa
Curtains -- sata'ir
Candel -- sham'a
Sofa --- sofa
Broom --- miknasa
Window --- shobbak
Professions
Poet --- sha'ir
Judge --- kady
Chemist --- saydaliyy
Musician --- mossikiyy
Teacher --- ostath
Singer --- moghannin
Pilot --- mallah
Fisher --- sammak
Guard --- haris
Actor --- momattil
Carpenter --- najjar
Dancer --- rakisa
Engineer --- mohandis
Vegetables and Fruits
Apricots --- romman
Onion --- basal
Mint --- na'na'
Bananas --- mauz
Dates --- balah
Cacao --- kakaw
Bread --- khobz
Tomato --- banadoora
Cucumber --- khiyar
Honey --- asal
Rice --- rizz
Pepper --- bhar
Beans --- loobya'
Potatoes --- battatta
Other Resources
American Association of Teachers of Arabic
Information about arab literature, and place to study arabic language in the United States, and around the
World.
Arabic 2000
Learn Arabic Online
Arabic Verb Conjugation
Very usefull information.
The Modern Standard Arabic Page
Information,vocabulary and arabic grammar. Provided by Harvard University.
Babel: Arabic
Online course in Arabic with text, sound, transcriptions and translations.
Arabic
Excelent site from Foreign Languages for Travelers.
Recommended Books
Here's a list of books about Arab Culture, History, Language and Travel, chosen by me for their outstanding features.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Your First 100 Words in Arabic
Teach Yourself Beginner's Arabic Script
The Arabic Alphabet : How to Read and...
Arabic Verbs and Essentials of Grammar
Arabic at a Glance : Phrase Book
a) Arabic (Teach Yourself), b) Conversational Arabic in Seven Days, c) Arabic for Beginners : With a Guide to...,
d) Alif Baa : Introduction to Arabic
7. My First Arabic Alphabet Book
8. Standard Arabic
9. Teach Yourself Gulf Arabic
10. Arabic (Teach Yourself)
11. Arabic for Beginners
12. Hugo Language Course: Arabic In Three Month
13. Ahlan wa Sahlan: An Introduction to Modern Standard Arabic
14. Lonely Planet Egyptian Arabic Phrasebook
15. Arabic Script: Styles, Variants, and Calligraphic Adaptations
16. Fun with Arabic - CD
17. The Oxford Picture Dictionary: English/Arabic
18. Arabic
Common Expression | Numbers and Colors | Questions | In the City| At home | Professions | Vegetables and Fruits |
Books
Disclaimer: This site is for beginner just like myself interested in Arabic language and culture. It is possible that you find
mistake in translation so please send any corrections to me.
