Speak Like a Local: Essential Levantine Arabic
Jun 21, 2024Phrases in Levantine Arabic For Beginners
Marhaba! Welcome to our Levantine Arabic lesson for travelers. In this blog post, you'll learn some essential Arabic phrases to help you navigate through your trip to the Levant region. Whether you're exploring bustling markets, savoring delicious cuisine, or making new friends, these phrases will come in handy.
Basic Arabic Greetings
Greetings are the first step to making a good impression. Here are some basic greetings to get you started:
- 'Marhaba' (مرحبا) - Hello.
- 'Sabah al-kheir' (صباح الخير) - Good morning.
- 'Masa' al-kheir' (مساء الخير) - Good evening.
- 'Shu ism-ak?' (شو اسمك؟) - What is your name? (to a male)
- 'Shu ism-ik?' (شو اسمك؟) - What is your name? (to a female)
- 'Ana ism-i ...' (أنا إسمي ...) - My name is...
- 'Tasharrafna' (تشرفنا) - Nice to meet you.
Practice these greetings until you are comfortable with them.
Asking for Directions
When you're traveling, knowing how to ask for directions is crucial. Here are some phrases that will be helpful:
- 'Wen al-mataar?' (وين المطار؟) - Where is the airport?
- 'Wen al-hotel?' (وين الفندق؟) - Where is the hotel?
- 'Kaif bisaaroush al-masafah?' (كيف بتصير المسافة؟) - How far is the distance?
- 'Wen al-hamaam?' (وين الحمام؟) - Where is the bathroom?
These Arabic phrases will help you find your way around.
Dining in Restaurants
One of the best parts of traveling is tasting the local food. Here are some phrases to help you in a restaurant:
- 'Biddi taam menu, law samaht?' (بدي قائمة الطعام لو سمحت؟) - Can I have the menu, please?
- 'Ana biddi...' (أنا بدي...) - I would like...
- 'Chou bitnsharib?' (شو بتنصحني؟) - What do you recommend?
Enjoy your meals using these phrases!
Shopping in Local Markets
Shopping in the local markets can be a delightful experience. Here are some useful phrases:
- 'Qaddesh hatha?' (قديش هذا؟) - How much is this?
- 'Baddi alfikr.' (بدي أفكر) - I need to think about it.
- 'Fi tati tawilat?' (في تعطي تخفيضات؟) - Do you give discounts?
- 'Ana bas 3am shouf' (أنا بس عم شوف) - I am just looking.
These Arabic phrases will help you while shopping.
Making Friends
When you make friends while traveling, it enriches your experience. Here are some phrases to break the ice:
- 'Maasha al hal?' (ماشا الحال؟) - How are you?
- 'Wen saken?' (وين ساكن؟) - Where do you live?
- 'Shou bytishtagl?' (شو بتشتغل؟) - What do you do for a living?
Use these phrases to build connections and enjoy your travels more.
That's the end of our Levantine Arabic lesson for travelers. Remember, practicing these phrases will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to use them, and have a wonderful time in the Levant.
For those interested in accessing 900 hours of Arabic lessons and weekly premium podcasts complete with audio, transcripts, show notes, and PDFs, please take a look at My Phone App The Nassra Arabic Method.
Ma’a as-salamah (مع السلامة)
Omar Nassra