SEHAM ALMUBARAK
Traveling to a new country enriches one’s life and knowing some phrases that will help in going around and living every day life is a way to immerse yourself in a new culture.
Saudi Arabia – a culture like no other:
Exploring the fascinating haven of the Middle East is a “do not miss” opportunity that should be added to your bucket list: Saudi Arabia is a country rich in culture, traditions, and heritage. Saudis are known to be warm and friendly; once you start mumbling a few Arabic words, they are more than eager to help you learn the language.
Experiencing the Arabic language before travelling – how useful is it?
Getting exposed to the Middle Eastern culture is a life-changing journey – it’s a land enriched with rituals, culture, and religion. You will always find different accents and words throughout the whole area, although they are all based on the “formal” Arabic. Before experiencing the culture, knowing a bit of the language will help you move around more and find hidden gems that are only known by locals. Learning a few expressions makes for a simple route and a more profound enthusiasm for the space. It additionally expands your insight – an advantage that serves well even after you get back to your own land.
Learning Saudi dialects will bring a universe of experience and new encounters.
What are the easiest, yet useful phrases you can use in Saudi Arabia?
1) لسلام عليكم (Assalam alaykum)
Meaning: Hello or Hi (Literally “God’s peace upon you, mostly used by Muslims)
This is generally the most used welcome greeting. However, you can also use مرحبا (marHaba), this greeting might be more common especially between foreigners and Saudis.
2) وعليكم السلام (wa alaykum a salaam)
Meaning: Hello or Hi (as a response)
This phrase is used to reply after the first greeting.
3) كيف حالك؟ kayfa haloka (m) / haloki (f)
Meaning: How are you?
It is usually heard among acquaintances or friends, and the answer would be بـخيـر (bi-khair), meaning fine or good.
4) نعم (naA’am) and لا (laa)
Meaning: Yes and No.
5) لا مشكلة (la mooshkilah)
Meaning: No problem.
It is often heard when you are requesting something.
6) يلّا (yallah)
Meaning: Let’s go!
It is a slang word used all over the Middle Eastern, as a sign to let others know that you are ready for the next activity.
7) شكرا (shukran)
Meaning: Thank you.
A very handy phrase to use throughout your stay.
8) إن شاء الله (insha Allah)
Meaning: God willing.
9) أنا سائح من ….. (ana saEh min)
Meaning: I am a tourist from…
This is a super catchy phrase that will help you socialize more!
10) أريد أن أذهب إلى …. (ureed an ath-hab ela)
Meaning: I want to go to…
Learning this sentence will be helpful whenever you want to find a place.
11) كم السعر (kam al-eh-zayer) / بكم هذا؟ (bikum hadha?)
Meaning: What is the price? / Meaning: How much is this?
These phrases are going to be super useful when it comes to shopping in any bazaar or market, and do not be afraid when you pronounce; locals will always be there to help you out, since they see it as a compliment. Use غالي (ghali) which is “expensive” if you would like to negotiate the prices.
12) ممكن الفاتورة؟ (mumkin alfaturah?)
Meaning: Can I have the receipt?
13) لو سمحتْ. لو سمحتِ law smht (m) / law smhty (f)
Meaning: Excuse me.
It could be used also as “please” in a concrete way. You can basically use this phrase in any communication that requires politeness.
14) رحلة سعيدة (riHla saeeda)
Meaning: Happy trip
These are just some of the phrases that you can use around the country. If you want to delve more and learn the Arabic language, let Takleem, a platform for Arabic language learning for non-native speakers, help you in your journey.
