How to say arabic in arabic
How to say arabic in arabic
How to say arabic in arabic
In most cultures, it is custom to express gratitude in some way or another. The dictionary defines gratitude as follows: it is “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness”. Giving a sincere, thankful response to someone’s actions or words is often the ‘glue’ that keeps relationships together. This is true in most societies! Doing so in a foreign country also shows your respect and appreciation for the culture. Words have great power – use these ones sincerely and often!
Table of Contents
So, how do you say ‘Thank you’ in Arabic? You can learn easily! Below, ArabicPod101 brings you perfect translations and pronunciation as you learn the most common ways Arabic speakers say ‘Thanks’ in various situations.
1. 12 Ways to say ‘Thank you’ in Arabic
1- Thank you.
The magical words that can bring a smile to any face. For one day, truly mean it whenever you say these words, and see how this lifts your spirit too!
2- That’s very kind of you.
This phrase is appropriate when someone clearly goes out of their way to give good service, or to offer you a kindness.
3- Thanks for your kind words!
شكرا على كلامك اللطيف!
šokran ʿalā kalāmak el-laṭīf!
Someone paid you a compliment and made you feel good? That is kind of him/her, so express your gratitude!
4- Thank you for coming today.
شكرا إنك جيت النهاردة.
šokran ʾennak gīt el-nahārdah.
This welcoming phrase should be part of your arsenal if you’re conducting more formal meetings with Arabic speakers. If you’re hosting a party, this is also a good phrase when you greet your Arabic guests!
5- Thank you for your consideration.
This is a more formal, almost solemn way to thank someone for their thoughtfulness and sensitivity towards you. It is also suitable to use when a native speaker has to consider something you submit, like a job application, a project or a proposal. You are thanking them, in essence, for time and effort they are about to, or have spent on your submission.
6- Thanks a lot!
This means the same as ‘Thank you’, but with energy and enthusiasm added! It means almost the same as ‘thank you so much’ in Arabic. Use this in an informal setting with your Arabic friends or teachers.
7- Teachers like you are not easy to find.
مش من السهل نلاقي مدرسين زيك.
meš men el-sahl nelāʾī modarresīn zayyak.
Some phrases are compliments, which express gratitude by inference. This is one of them. If you’re particularly impressed with your ArabicPod101 teacher, this is an excellent phrase to memorize!
8- Thank you for spending time with us.
شكرا إنكم قضيتوا وقت معانا.
šokran ʾennokom ʾaḍḍeītū waʾt maʿānā.
Any host at a gathering with Arabic speakers, such as a meeting or a party, should have this under his/her belt! Use it when you’re saying goodbye or busy closing a meeting. It could also be another lovely way to thank your Arabic language teacher for her time.
9- Thank you for being patient and helping me improve.
شكرا إنك صبرت عليا و ساعدتني أتحسن.
šokran ʾennak ṣebert ʿalayyā we sāʿedtenī ʾatḥassen.
This phrase is another sure way to melt any formal or informal Arabic teacher’s heart! Teaching is not easy, and often a lot of patience is required from the teacher. Thank him/her for it! It’s also a good phrase to use if you work in Arabic speaking country, and want to thank your trainer or employer. You will go a long way towards making yourself a popular employee – gratitude is the most attractive trait in any person!
10- You’re the best teacher ever!
انت أحسن مدرس في الدنيا!
enta ʾaḥsan modarres fī el-donyā!
This is also an enthusiastic way to thank your teacher by means of a compliment. It could just make their day!
11- Thank you for the gift.
This is a good phrase to remember when you’re the lucky recipient of a gift. Show your respect and gratitude with these words.
12- I have learned so much thanks to you.
أنا اتعلمت حاجات كتير أوي بسببك.
nā etʿallemt ḥāgāt ketīr ʾawī besababak.
What a wonderful compliment to give a good teacher! It means they have succeeded in their goal, and you’re thankful for it.
2. Video Lesson: Learn to Say ‘Thank You’ in 3 Minutes
Wherever your destination maybe, manners are a must! And in this respect, Morocco is no different.
1- شكرا. Shukran
In Arabic “Thank you” is shukran (شكرا). The word shukran literally means “thanks.” This is rather casual and can be used in restaurants, at shops, and just about everywhere else.
2- شكرا جزيلا. Shukran Jaziilan
Now in Arabic there is a more formal way to express one’s gratitude. The equivalent of “Thank you very much” is shukran jaziilan (شكرا جزيلا ). The first word of the phrase shukran (شكرا) means “Thanks” as we learned earlier. This is followed by jaziilan (جزيلا), which means “a lot.” So, both words together shukran jaziilan (شكرا جزيلا ) mean “thanks a lot.” This phrase is quite formal and is usually used for writing “thank you” notes, or thanking someone when they invite you to their home for lunch or dinner, as well as in business contexts and other formal situations.
3- بارك اللَّه فيك. Baaraka Allahu Fiik
For very special occasions when someone goes above and beyond the call of being kind, when someone is extremely generous, or for any other time you’re extremely grateful, you can use the following phrase to express extreme gratitude: baaraka allahu fiik (بارك اللَّه فيك ) and this can mean something like “Thank you very much” although the literal meaning is quite different. The first word baaraka (بارك) means “to bless.” This is followed by allahu (اللَّه), which is “God” in Arabic. The last word in this phrase is fiik (فيك) which means “in you”. The three words put together baaraka allahu fiik literally mean “God bless you”, which in many situations can be used to say “thank you very much.”
Cultural Insights
Quick Tip 1
In instances when Moroccans want to express extreme gratitude, they usually place their right hand on their chest while saying thank you. This gesture indicates that it’s really coming from the heart. It’s not required, and don’t think about it if it doesn’t come out naturally, but if you see people doing it, that’s what it means.
Quick Tip 2
Since this is your very first encounter with Arabic, here is a quick info on this rich language and on what else is spoken in Morocco. Classical Arabic is Morocco’s official language, but the country’s distinctive Arabic dialect (also called Moroccan Arabic) is the most widely spoken in Morocco. In addition, about 10 million Moroccans, mostly in rural areas, speak Berber either as a first language or bilingually with the spoken Arabic dialect. French which remains Morocco’s unofficial third language, is taught universally and still serves as Morocco’s primary language of commerce, science and economics; it is also widely used in education and government. Many Moroccans in the northern part of the country speak Arabic. English, while still far behind French and Arabic in terms of number of speakers, is rapidly becoming the foreign language of choice among educated youth.
On the run to an Arabic speaking country? Wait! You can’t go without some basic language phrases under your belt! Especially if you’re heading to meet your prospective employer! Either in person or online, knowing how to say ‘Thank you’ in the Arabic language will only improve their impression of you! ArabicPod101 saves you time with this short lesson that nevertheless packs a punch. Learn to say ‘Thank you’ in Arabic in no time!
3. Audio Lesson: Survival Phrases – Thank You
Perhaps you think it’s unimportant that you don’t know what ‘Thank you’ is in Arabic, or that it’s too difficult a language to learn. Yet, as a traveler or visitor, you will be surprised at how far you can go using a little bit of Arabic in Arabic speaking country!
At ArabicPod101, we offer you a few ways of saying ‘Thank you’ in Arabic that you have no excuse not knowing, as they’re so simple and easy to learn. The lesson is geared to aid your ‘survival’ in formal and informal situations in Arabic speaking country, so don’t wait! You will never have to google ‘How do you say thanks in Arabic’ again…!
4. ‘Thank You’ in 31 Languages
For the global traveler in a hurry, here are 31 ways to say ‘Thank you’! These are the first words you need to learn in any foreign language – it is sure to smooth your way with native speakers by showing your gratitude for services rendered, and your respect for their culture! Learn and know how to correctly say ‘Thank you’ in 31 different languages in this short video.
5. Why would ArabicPod101 be the perfect choice to learn Arabic?
However, you need not stop at ‘Thank you’ in Arabic – why not learn to speak the language?! You have absolutely nothing to lose. Research has shown that learning a new language increases intelligence and combats brain-aging. Also, the ability to communicate with native speakers in their own language is an instant way to make friends and win respect! Or imagine you know how to write ‘Thank you’ to that special Arabic friend after a date…he/she will be so impressed!
ArabicPod101 Has Special Lessons, Tools and Resources to Teach You How to Say Thank You and Other Key Phrases
With more than a decade of experience behind us, we have taught thousands of satisfied users to speak foreign languages. How do we do this? First, we take the pain out of learning! At ArabicPod101, students are assisted as they master vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversation through state-of-the-art and fun online learning methods. A library replete with learning resources allows for you to learn at your own pace and in your own space! Resources include thousands of video and audio recordings, downloadable PDF lessons and plenty of learning apps for your mobile devices. Each month, we add benefits with FREE bonuses and gifts to improve your experience.
We accommodate all levels and types of learners, from Absolute Beginner to Advanced, and ArabicPod101 is free for anyone to sign up. However, you can choose to fast track your fluency with lesson customization and increased interactive learning and practicing. Upgrade to Premium, or Premium PLUS to enhance your experience and greatly expedite your learning. With this type of assistance, and pleasurable effort on your part, you will speak Arabic in a very short period of time!
Best of all is that you’re never alone! We believe that practice is the holy grail of learning any new language, and we gear our courses to ensure lots of it. Enroll with us, and you gain immediate access to our lively forum where we meet and greet, and discuss your burning questions. Our certified teachers are friendly and helpful, and you are very likely to practice your first ‘Thanks!’ in Arabic on him/her, AND mean it! Hurry up, and sign up now – you will thank us for it.
How to say arabic in arabic
What word passes between native speakers a dozen times a day without a second thought, but leaves a learner tongue-tied, terrified of making a faux pas?
It’s “hello”—but it’s also all the cultural knowledge that comes with it. Saying hello in Modern Standard Arabic is no picnic if you don’t know the cultural context! Keep reading if you’ve ever wondered “How do Arabs say hello?”
Every Arabic phrasebook or guidebook has an entry for “hello,” but I’ll bet that they didn’t tell you how to use it. No matter how good your grammar is, slapping Arabic words into English cultural contexts will leave anybody confused.
Fortunately, you’ve got this guide to keep you on the right path. Arabs are legendary for their hospitality, and putting a little bit of work into the language will turn whatever goodwill they have for you up to eleven.
Plus, it’s just plain respectful to learn about other people’s cultures.
So with these advantages firmly in mind, let’s take a look right now at the beautiful and varied ways of using Standard Arabic to say hello.
1. Peace Be Upon You
This greeting gets its own special section right at the top. It’s used literally all over the world by Muslims of every country as a respectful greeting. If you’re not Muslim, don’t worry about offending anybody by using it—on the contrary, they’ll take it very well. This may just be the best way to say hello in Arabic.
What’s going on grammatically here? You may be spooked by the idea that “hello” is six syllables long. It turns out it’s pretty simple!
السلام (salām) means “peace” and عليكم is “upon you”—a combination of the preposition على (ʿala) meaning “on” and ـكم (kum), the suffix meaning “you (plural).”
If someone says this to you (or an audience you’re in) there is exactly one possible response:
Same idea, same meaning, slightly different structure to shake things up.
This time, we’re going to add a cute little و (wa) to the front here, adding the meaning “and” to the base structure.
2. Hi! Hey! Hello!
As you’re no doubt aware, Modern Standard Arabic isn’t really used casually among people in their day-to-day life—so there aren’t a zillion slangy ways of greeting as there are in other languages.
But that doesn’t mean you’re limited to excessively formal ways to say hello. Take a look at these phrases in the Arabic language of how to say hello:
These three are less official-sounding than “Peace be upon you.”
Fun fact: ahlan wa-sahlan literally means “Family and easy circumstances.” It’s a shortened version of an old Classical Arabic welcoming expression and has survived until today as a set phrase—much like “how do you do” doesn’t really sound like a greeting when you deconstruct it.
3. As the Day Goes On
Arabic has time-oriented greetings just like many other languages. When learning how to say hello in Arabic, phrases like the ones below will definitely come in handy.
If it’s before noon, you’ll want to greet people with:
To which you will very often hear the response:
So in a way you’re saying “A good morning!” and hearing “A light morning!” And I think that’s beautiful.
MSA, and thus Arabic culture, doesn’t really have a word for “good afternoon.” In fact in some phrasebooks you’ll see an entry for “good afternoon,” but in fact it’s the same as “good evening.”
Any time after noon, you’ll use this phrase:
The structure is the same as the phrase for “good morning,” just as the pattern goes in English.
In fact, the structure for the response is, too:
Perhaps you’ve already guessed the new word here:
If these new words are making you feel in over your head, don’t worry. You can actually skip the un-nūr bit and just reply masāʾ ul-ḫayr or ṣabāḥ ul-ḫayr directly.
These two phrases are a perfect level of formality for the workplace. If you work with Arabic speakers, greet them in the morning or afternoon in Arabic and watch the smiles appear all around.
4. And How are You?
Now that you’ve learned some common ways to say hello in Arabic, we can focus on how to develop a short conversation.
In English we’d say “How are things?” but you’ll note in a moment that the word al-haal is singular, not plural in Arabic.
In fact, you can make it slightly more personal and add the -uk suffix (when speaking to a man) or the -ik suffix (when speaking to a woman): kayfa ḥāluki?
Responses here can vary a lot.
One option is very familiar for English speakers:
These words translate literally, so I won’t put them down below in the vocab section. Culturally, it’s not as strange to actually reply with “how are you doing,” when you speak Arabic.
Let’s say you actually don’t have a lot of time to chat, or you’ve got a lot of things on your mind. You could say:
Remember that this is the masculine form. A woman would say مشغولة (mašġūla) instead, with the same meaning.
Let’s have a look again at that question. The more we break down these everyday greetings, the clearer it becomes that Arabic really isn’t too difficult at all.
The polite response to “how are you” in many cultures is something like “And yourself?”
So we can add this in Arabic too. To a man, you’d say:
The question as posed to a woman is written identically, but pronounced:
And it can’t hurt to keep saying شكرا (šukran), meaning “thank you,” after you offer your answer.
Also keep in mind that you’ll very likely hear this phrase in the context of saying good things:
Culturally, this is used much more commonly than “thank God” is in the West. Any time you mention something good that happened to you or someone you know, it’s perfectly fine to say this phrase.
5. Phone’s for You
It’s an interesting fact of our modern interconnected world that the English word “hello” is so widely known and understood.
Even though it’s a little too formal for people in everyday life to actually say “hello” to one another, it’s the standard and automatic greeting we use whenever we pick up the phone.
And in Standard Arabic, it turns out it’s the same!
In other Arabic dialects, locals may have their own way of answering the phone. Nevertheless, ‘aaloo is both so common and so simple for English speakers, that you’re not likely to forget it.
6. Small Talk is No Big Deal
Suppose you’re in a situation where there’s nothing to do but fill an awkward silence.
One of the best small talk topics is to ask about someone’s family.
But don’t say anything that might come off as too forward. That means no direct questions about a man’s wife, especially asking her name or age.
He might get the wrong impression and resent you for asking.
So it’s better to literally inquire politely about his “family” instead.
Now, he’s almost definitely going to tell you about his wife, but that’s no problem. Just as long as you weren’t the first to bring her up.
Another great and safe topic is the weather.
Don’t complain too much, but once you’re on a bit of an even social footing you can shake your head in exasperation and say:
Have a look—you can still see the word جو (ǧaw), meaning “weather,” in that last sentence. In English, we can say “It’s hot,” but in Arabic we have to say “the weather is hot.”
7. You’ve Mastered the Language — Now What Else?
It’s still pretty rare for foreigners to know or even attempt any Arabic when visiting an Arab country.
More than likely, you’ll receive smiles and praise for saying hello or anything else in Arabic.
But what comes with that hello? Etiquette, culture, and tradition.
Don’t be frightened. You’ve got a lot of leeway as a visitor or foreigner, so don’t feel under a ton of pressure to perform exactly as a local. (Though it’s always good to make an effort to sound polite.)
For example, in many Arab countries people do an “air-kiss” on the cheeks to say hello.
The procedure and number of kisses varies from country to country, so there’s no one-size-fits-all guide out there.
In fact, it’s a source of lighthearted frustration for Arabs themselves at times!
Three basic tips, though:
These ought to get you far enough to pick up the rest when it’s time.
In general, when men meet women in a formal setting for the first time, they should avoid initiating an air-kiss or any other gesture of friendly intimacy like a handshake or hug. Hang back and watch what others do, or simply give a verbal greeting first.
It’s okay to ask your hosts discreetly (and politely!) “Hey, do I have to kiss these people?” Remember, you’re not expected to know everything about how to behave.
It turns out, though, that often the answer is yes. It’s not uncommon for groups of upwards of twenty to spend several minutes just on the kissing!
8. Come Bearing Gifts
Gift-giving is a much more important part of Arabic culture than it is in the West.
It’s actually linked quite closely with greetings, and so the same general principles apply. Don’t be too forward and don’t offer gifts that are too personal.
For instance, it’s probably best to avoid fragrances or clothing unless you know the person well.
Food is a fantastic choice. Everyone appreciates a gift of dates or nuts. They can be stored or eaten right away—in fact, you may get to share as well!
Always give the gift with your right hand or both hands at once. The left hand is usually considered unclean in traditional Arab cultures.
9. Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow
No guide on saying hello would be complete without tips on saying goodbye.
Culturally, saying goodbye in Arabic takes a lot longer than its equivalent in the West. It’s considered quite rude in the Arab world to leave abruptly without paying respect to those whom you were visiting.
Just like saying “Hello” on the phone, the English word “Bye” has crept into everyday Arabic too. Here’s how it’s written out:
The most polite and formal phrase is:
If this is said to you, you can repeat the same thing. “With peace!” “With peace!”
Another excellent option is to use this slightly less formal phrase:
This literally means, “To the encounter,” which happens to translate perfectly to the French au revoir.
Conclusion
Who would have thought that the language used in a quick chat would have so many intricate facets?
If it seems like this is part of some “mysterious Arab culture” then think again. I could write a guide twice as long in Arabic about the particulars of saying hello in American or British culture.
No culture or language is inherently more complex than another. It’s all based on what you’re used to.
So now that you have a solid grounding in what’s involved in Arabic greetings, why not explore even more about the language and culture on ArabicPod101.com? We have all the resources you need to become a pro in the language, from vocabulary lists on a range of topics, to our MyTeacher app which offers one-on-one guidance as you learn Arabic.
We wish you the best on your Arabic-learning journey!
Author: Yassir Sahnoun is a HubSpot certified content strategist, copywriter and polyglot who works with language learning companies. He helps companies attract sales using content strategy, copywriting, blogging, email marketing & more.
How to say arabic in arabic
Well, you blew it. Perhaps it wasn’t even your fault. Maybe it was a moment of weakness and you definitely won’t do it again.
The point is, you’ve got to apologize for something now. And you’re going to have to do it in Arabic, which is why, when learning Arabic, how to say sorry is so essential.
Trying to navigate the intricacies of politeness in a new language isn’t the easiest thing in the world. It would be a lot easier if you could just communicate in English—easier for you, that is!
Saying sorry in Arabic is something you shouldn’t do until you’re well past the language-learning level of taking phrases from articles like this one. Each situation that calls for an apology is unique and complex.
But everyone has to start somewhere, and when it comes to how to say sorry in Arabic, lessons like this one are a good place to do so. Even learning a simple “sorry” in Arabic language can have massive benefits. Start with a bonus, and download your FREE cheat sheet – How to Improve Your Arabic Skills! (Logged-In Member Only)
1. What is an Apology?
An apology is when one person has wronged another in some way, through word or deed, and now must bear a certain amount of responsibility to right that wrong. In other words, an apology is a way of transforming what has been seen as offensive into what can be seen as acceptable.
Sometimes that’s as easy as saying a set phrase like “I’m sorry.” After all, life happens and we can’t all be perfect. There are bound to be little mishaps from time to time that simply take a tiny acknowledgment of guilt to fix.
It often takes specific reflection on the offensive act before the other party is satisfied—particularly in formal or serious situations. This is even more apparent in conservative Arab cultures.
Take just one example: You’re a professor, and a student arrives late to your class. Would you prefer that he mumbles “sorry” as he heads to his seat, or that he gives you a more detailed and “real” apology along the lines of “Sorry I’m late, Professor, there was construction on the road.”
It might not matter to you. But it certainly does to others.
Knowing how to navigate these treacherous cultural waters is one of the most important things you can learn in terms of cross-cultural communication. Far more so than just the language itself! That said, when learning how to say sorry in Arabic, phrases like the ones below make for good building blocks as you work toward more complex apologies, and are great for building your core “sorry” in Arabic vocabulary.
2. Basic Phrases for Apologizing
So, what does saying sorry in Arabic words look like? The simplest way of how to say sorry in spoken Arabic is with the word “sorry.”
Infinitesimally more complicated is “I’m sorry,” which naturally requires the pronoun.
In Arabic and in English, there’s also a verb form: I apologize.
This is more formal and slightly heavier in tone. As you can probably guess, something as simple as your choice of words can have a big effect on how the other party perceives your message.
And yet, taking the time to learn “sorry” in Arabic may simply not be enough. Let’s dive a little deeper, and learn how to say “forgive me” in Arabic.
3. Asking for Forgiveness
If you ask someone to forgive you, it’s possible that it might actually make them angrier than if you waited for things to blow over naturally.
After all, forgiveness takes a certain amount of sacrifice. And when you’ve been wronged by someone, sacrifice is the very last thing you want to do.
On the other hand, if someone is already past being emotional, but still harbors a little bit of a grudge, asking for forgiveness puts the ball in their court to give up their enmity and move on. It can be a wake-up call, like “I guess it’s time to let this go.”
Let’s take a closer look at that verb: سامِحْنِي (sāmiḥnī).
The triliteral root is س م ح, s-m-ḥ, which is related to permission and magnanimity. For instance, there’s سَمَحَ (samaḥa) which means “to allow; to permit” as well as سَمُحَ (samuḥa) which means “to be generous.”
The verb sāmiḥnī itself translates most directly to the English phrase “forgive me.” If a woman is speaking, it would be sāmiḥinī instead.
And it’s a pretty serious word! You absolutely wouldn’t use it for simple annoyances or misunderstandings that resolve themselves quickly.
The more you pull apart these words and phrases, the more impossible the whole task seems. And yet, tons of second-language Arabic speakers have figured it out. How, then, can you come up with a foolproof way to apologize in Arabic?
4. Four Different Approaches to Apologizing
There are as many different ways to get an apology across as there are bends in a river. In general, the most effective and heartfelt apologies are a combination of multiple approaches.
Saying sorry isn’t enough on its own, but check out these different strategies and think about how you might express these feelings in Arabic.
1- Trying to Right the Wrong
With this strategy, you implicitly accept guilt and want to show with your actions that you regret what happened.
Righting the wrong could be as simple as paying for something that you accidentally broke, buying someone a meal, or even something as complex as making a thoughtful gift from scratch to show that you care.
The important thing is that you’re expending time, effort, or money on behalf of the other person because they were inconvenienced by you. Here are three different ways to let someone know you’re immediately prepared to make amends.
What do these phrases have in common? They refer to something in particular, such as “food” in the last example.
2- Accepting Responsibility
Here, you’re explicitly accepting guilt and admitting that it was, in fact, your fault. This is a very valuable trait to have. No matter how much people enjoy making excuses, nobody likes to hear them.
As you can see from these two examples, the word غَلَط (ghalata) here means “error” or “mistake.” Idiomatically, in English we can say “it’s my fault,” but in Arabic it’s better to stick with phrasing in the style of “it’s my mistake” or “the error was mine.”
3- Not Doing it Again
As long as you can keep your promise, you’ll definitely want to reassure the other person that you won’t make the same mistake again.
Are you trustworthy? Hopefully you’re not a خائن (ḫāʾin) or a traitor, a snake, or a backstabber. If somebody calls you that, you might want to skip straight to the later part of this article where you learn how to beg for forgiveness. Either that or start a fight.
Assuming that nobody is brawling over an attack on their honor, here are two phrases you can use to try and convince the other person that you’ve turned over a new leaf.
Of course, with most people, you’re lucky to even get this chance. Your actions have to speak louder than your words here.
4- Explaining Your Actions
Who doesn’t like to stick up for themselves? Although we mentioned earlier that you should try to avoid excuses and stay honorable, it’s not a black-and-white situation.
If the thing that happened really wasn’t that serious, then explaining the circumstances can let the other person step into your shoes for a moment, and understand that you really didn’t mean any harm.
Who knows when you might need phrases like these? As alluded to previously, however, doing this too much is a recipe for being brushed off in the future. If you’re always the one to come up with an excuse, well, congratulations on reaching such an impressive level in Arabic!
But whichever of your friends that are still sticking around might be having second thoughts.
5. Saying Sorry When it Really Wasn’t so Bad
Time for something a little lighter: how to apologize in Arabic language for smaller things.
In English, we say the word “sorry” to apologize, but we also use it as a kind of filler word when the tiniest inconvenience has taken place. It doesn’t even matter if it was your fault.
You might say “sorry” when you mishear someone, for instance; but wasn’t it their fault in the first place for speaking so quietly? And how many times have you automatically mumbled an apology when someone bumped into you in a crowded place?
Well, from Morocco to Iraq, people are bumping into each other and mumbling apologies just the same as people do in English-speaking countries. It’s a good idea to learn these two phrases for “excuse me” and “sorry” in Arabic.
If you want to be specific about mishearing someone, you can say آسِف (aasif) and then add this simple phrase:
Lastly, the word عفوا (ʿafwan) means “excuse me,” like the kind of thing you’d say after coughing or sneezing. It’s neutral and formal, so you can easily use it in any situation where you don’t really know your audience.
On the whole, most people find Arabs extremely polite and well-mannered. They might not take unnecessary apologies as far as some British people do, but this is one aspect of Western culture that you can import wholesale into the Middle East.
6. Learning to Apologize Like a Native
You can learn a lot about apologizing in Arabic by watching TV and reading books meant for native speakers.
TV is a bit of a double-edged sword in this case. Soap operas have people apologizing and begging forgiveness at least once an episode, but there aren’t any ordinary daily-life soaps in MSA. Arabic TV shows dealing with everyday situations are all in colloquial Arabic.
The MSA shows you’ll tend to find are the kind of sweeping historical epics that come out around Ramadan. Either that, or Sesame Street.
So for really expressing yourself naturally in Modern Standard Arabic, you’ll have to do a lot of reading. Fiction in translation that you’re already familiar with is an excellent starter. It won’t teach you the cultural norms, but it will give you a great first boost for being comfortable reading the language.
After that, you can move into original articles (because they’re short), literature, and even poetry. Authentic depictions of actual Arab cultures written in Arabic are the ideal way to pick up on real norms of how feelings get expressed—certainly not limited to apologies.
7. Conclusion
All in all, feelings rely heavily on language. Sure, you can shout, scream, and break things, but at the end of the day you’ve got to be clear about what you mean.
We didn’t cover the myriad ways that people might demand or accept apologies in Arabic because there’s simply no end to the depth this topic could reach.
Learning how to say sorry in Arabic is a valuable skill for communication across the Arab world. Even better than that, though, is a thoroughly open mind and a readiness to be extremely flexible when it comes to cultural misunderstandings.
Most people will afford you this luxury as a visiting foreigner. Will you be prepared to offer them the same?
If you want to take your Arabic up a notch, don’t hesitate to grab ArabicPod101’s free trial to get access to over 1060 video and audio lessons.
Before you go, let us know in the comments how confident you feel now about offering an apology in Arabic. Much more confident, or do you still need some time to study and practice? We look forward to hearing from you!
Author: Yassir Sahnoun is a HubSpot certified content strategist, copywriter and polyglot who works with language learning companies. He helps companies attract sales using content strategy, copywriting, blogging, email marketing & more.
How to say arabic in arabic
Do you often feel lonely and sad? Do you long for romance and are willing to do whatever it takes to meet that special person? Speaking another language could revolutionize your love life! So, why wait? Learning how to say ‘love’ in Arabic could be just what you need to find it.
Or perhaps you were lucky, and have found your Arabic partner already. Fantastic! Yet, a cross-cultural relationship comes with unique challenges. Learning how to speak your lover’s language will greatly improve your communication and enhance the relationship. At ArabicPod101, our team will teach you all the words, quotes and phrases you need to woo your Arabic lover with excellence! Our tutors provide personal assistance, with plenty of extra material available to make Arabic dating easy for you.
Table of Contents
Start with a bonus, and download the ‘How To be a Good Lover Cheat Sheet’ for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only)
1. Common Phrases You’ll Need for a Date
So, you have met your Arabic love interest. Congratulations! Who knows where this could take you…?! However, the two of you have just met and you’re not ready to say the Arabic word for love just yet. Great, it is better to get to know him/her first. Wow your prospective love by using these Arabic date phrases to set up a spectacular first date.
Would you like to go out to dinner with me?
The important question! In most cultures, this phrase indicates: ‘I’m romantically interested in you’. Flirting in Arabic is no different, so don’t take your date to Mcdonald’s!
Are you free this weekend?
This is a preamble to asking your love interest on a date. If you get an immediate ‘Yes’, that’s good news!
Would you like to hang out with me?
You like her/him, but you’re not sure if there’s chemistry. Ask them to hang out first to see if a dinner date is next.
What time shall we meet tomorrow?
Set a time, and be sure to arrive early! Nothing spoils a potential relationship more than a tardy date.
Where shall we meet?
You can ask this, but also suggest a place.
You look great.
A wonderful ice breaker! This phrase will help them relax a bit – they probably took great care to look their best just for you.
You are so cute.
If the two of you are getting on really well, this is a fun, flirtatious phrase to use.
What do you think of this place?
This another good conversation starter. Show off your Arabic language skills!
Can I see you again?
So the date went really well – don’t waste time! Make sure you will see each other again.
Shall we go somewhere else?
If the place you meet at is not great, you can suggest going elsewhere. It is also a good question to follow the previous one. Variety is the spice of life!
I know a good place.
Use this with the previous question. However, don’t say if you don’t know a good place!
I will drive you home.
If your date doesn’t have transport, this is a polite, considerate offer. However, don’t be offended if she/he turns you down on the first date. Especially a woman might not feel comfortable letting you drive her home when the two of you are still basically strangers.
That was a great evening.
This is a good phrase to end the evening with.
When can I see you again?
If he/she replied ‘Yes’ to ‘Can I see you again?’, this is the next important question.
I’ll call you.
Say this only if you really mean to do it. In many cultures, this could imply that you’re keeping the proverbial backdoor open.
2. The Most Romantic Ideas for a Date
You learned all the Arabic phrases to make a date – congratulations! Now you have to decide where to meet, which can be tricky. Discuss these options with your lover to gauge whether you like the same things. Check out romantic date ideas in Arabic below!
museum
If you’re looking for unique date ideas that are fun but won’t break the bank, museums are the perfect spot! You won’t be running out of things to say in the conversations.
candlelit dinner
A candlelit dinner is perhaps best to reserve for when the relationship is getting serious. It’s very intimate, and says: “Romance!” It’s a fantastic choice if you’re sure you and your date are in love with each other!
go to the zoo
This is a good choice for shy lovers who want to get the conversation going. Just make sure your date likes zoos, as some people dislike them. Maybe not for the first date, but this is also a great choice if your lover has children – you’ll win his/her adoration for inviting them along!
go for a long walk
Need to talk about serious stuff, or just want to relax with your date? Walking together is soothing, and a habit you can keep up together always! Just make sure it’s a beautiful walk that’s not too strenuous.
go to the opera
This type of date should only be attempted if both of you love the opera. It can be a special treat, followed by a candlelit dinner!
go to the aquarium
Going to the aquarium is another good idea if you need topics for conversation, or if you need to impress your lover’s kids! Make sure your date doesn’t have a problem with aquariums.
walk on the beach
This can be a very romantic stroll, especially at night! The sea is often associated with romance and beauty.
have a picnic
If you and your date need to get more comfortable together, this can be a fantastic date. Spending time in nature is soothing and calms the nerves.
cook a meal together
If you want to get an idea of your date’s true character in one go, this is an excellent date! You will quickly see if the two of you can work together in a confined space. If it works, it will be fantastic for the relationship and create a sense of intimacy. If not, you will probably part ways!
have dinner and see a movie
This is traditional date choice works perfectly well. Just make sure you and your date like the same kind of movies!
3. Must-know Valentine’s Day Vocabulary
Expressing your feelings honestly is very important in any relationship all year round. Yet, on Valentine’s Day you really want to shine. Impress your lover this Valentine’s with your excellent vocabulary, and make his/her day! We teach you, in fun, effective ways, the meanings of the words and how to pronounce them. You can also copy the characters and learn how to write ‘I love you’ in Arabic – think how impressed your date will be!
4. Arabic Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day
So, you now have the basic Valentine’s Day vocabulary under your belt. Well done! But, do you know how to say ‘I love you’ in Arabic yet? Or perhaps you are still only friends. So, do you know how to say ‘I like you’ or ‘I have a crush on you’ in Arabic? No? Don’t worry, here are all the love phrases you need to bowl over your Arabic love on this special day!
I love you.
Saying ‘I love you’ in Arabic carries the same weight as in all languages. Use this only if you’re sure and sincere about your feelings for your partner/friend.
You mean so much to me.
This is a beautiful expression of gratitude that will enhance any relationship! It makes the receiver feel appreciated and their efforts recognized.
Will you be my Valentine?
With these words, you are taking your relationship to the next level! Or, if you have been a couple for a while, it shows that you still feel the romance. So, go for it!
You’re so beautiful.
If you don’t know how to say ‘You’re pretty’ in Arabic, this is a good substitute, gentlemen!
I think of you as more than a friend.
Say this if you are not yet sure that your romantic feelings are reciprocated. It is also a safe go-to if you’re unsure about the Arabic dating culture.
A hundred hearts would be too few to carry all my love for you.
You romantic you…! When your heart overflows with love, this would be the best phrase to use.
Love is just love. It can never be explained.
If you fell in love unexpectedly or inexplicably, this one’s for you.
You’re so handsome.
Ladies, this phrase lets your Arabic love know how much you appreciate his looks! Don’t be shy to use it; men like compliments too.
I’ve got a crush on you.
If you like someone, but you’re unsure about starting a relationship, it would be prudent to say this. It simply means that you like someone very, very much and think they’re amazing.
You make me want to be a better man.
Gentlemen, don’t claim this phrase as your own! It hails from the movie ‘As Good as it Gets’, but it is sure to make your Arabic girlfriend feel very special. Let her know that she inspires you!
Let all that you do be done in love.
You are my sunshine, my love.
A compliment that lets your lover know they bring a special quality to your life. Really nice!
Words can’t describe my love for you.
Better say this when you’re feeling serious about the relationship! It means that your feelings are very intense.
We were meant to be together.
This is a loving affirmation that shows you see a future together, and that you feel a special bond with your partner.
If you were thinking about someone while reading this, you’re definitely in love.
Here’s something fun to tease your lover with. And hope he/she was thinking of you!
5. Arabic Quotes about Love
You’re a love champ! You and your Arabic lover are getting along fantastically, your dates are awesome, your Valentine’s Day together was spectacular, and you’re very much in love. Good for you! Here are some beautiful phrases of endearment in Arabic that will remind him/her who is in your thoughts all the time.
6. Marriage Proposal Lines
Wow. Your Arabic lover is indeed the love of your life – congratulations! And may only happiness follow the two of you! In most traditions, the man asks the woman to marry; this is also the Arabic custom. Here are a few sincere and romantic lines that will help you to ask your lady-love for her hand in marriage.
7. 15 Most Common Break-Up Lines
Instead of moving towards marriage or a long-term relationship, you find that the spark is not there for you. That is a pity! But even though breaking up is never easy, continuing a bad or unfulfilling relationship would be even harder. Remember to be kind to the person you are going to say goodbye to; respect and sensitivity cost nothing. Here are some phrases to help you break up gently.
This is not really a break-up line, but it is a good conversation opener with a serious tone.
It’s not you. It’s me.
As long as you mean it, this can be a kind thing to say. It means that there’s nothing wrong with your Arabic lover as a person, but that you need something different from a relationship.
I’m just not ready for this kind of relationship.
Things moved a bit fast and got too intense, too soon? Painful as it is, honesty is often the best way to break up with somebody.
Let’s just be friends.
If the relationship was very intense, and you have sent many ‘i love u’ texts in Arabic, this would not be a good breakup line. Feelings need to calm down before you can be friends, if ever. If the relationship has not really developed yet, a friendship would be possible.
I think we need a break.
This is again honest, and to the point. No need to play with someone’s emotions by not letting them know how you feel. However, this could imply that you may fall in love with him/her again after a period of time, so use with discretion.
You deserve better.
Yes, he/she probably deserves a better relationship if your own feelings have cooled down.
We should start seeing other people.
This is probably the least gentle break-up phrase, so reserve it for a lover that doesn’t get the message!
I need my space.
When a person is too clingy or demanding, this would be an suitable break-up phrase. It is another good go-to for that lover who doesn’t get the message!
I think we’re moving too fast.
Say this if you want to keep the relationship, but need to slow down its progress a bit. It is also good if you feel things are getting too intense for your liking. However, it is not really a break-up line, so be careful not to mislead.
I need to focus on my career.
If you feel that you will not be able to give 100% in a relationship due to career demands, this is the phrase to use. It’s also good if you are unwilling to give up your career for a relationship.
I’m not good enough for you.
Say this only if you really believe it, or you’ll end up sounding false. Break-ups are usually hard for the receiving party, so don’t insult him/her with an insincere comment.
I just don’t love you anymore.
This harsh line is sometimes the best one to use if you are struggling to get through to a stubborn, clingy lover who won’t accept your break up. Use it as a last resort. Then switch your phone off and block their emails!
We’re just not right for each other.
If this is how you truly feel, you need to say it. Be kind, gentle and polite.
It’s for the best.
This phrase is called for if circumstances are difficult and the relationship is not progressing well. Love should enhance one’s life, not burden it!
We’ve grown apart.
Cross-cultural relationships are often long-distance ones, and it is easy to grow apart over time.
8. Will Falling in Love help you Learn Arabic faster?
Most people will agree that the above statement is a no-brainer – of course it will! Your body will be flooded with feel-good hormones, which are superb motivators for anything. ArabicPod101 is one of the best portals to help help make this a reality, so don’t hesitate to enroll now! Let’s quickly look at the reasons why falling in love will speed up your learning of the Arabic language.
Three Reasons Why Having a Lover will Help you Learn Arabic Faster!
1- Being in a love relationship with your Arabic speaking partner will immerse you in the culture
ArabicPod101 uses immersive methods and tools to teach you Arabic, but having a relationship with a native speaker will be a very valuable addition to your learning experience! You will gain exposure to their world, realtime and vividly, which will make the language come alive even more for you. The experience is likely to expand your world-view, which should motivate you to learn Arabic even faster.
2- Having your Arabic romantic partner will mean more opportunity to practice speaking
Nothing beats continuous practice when learning a new language. Your partner will probably be very willing to assist you in this, as your enhanced Arabic language skills will enhance the relationship. Communication is, after all, one of the most important pillars of a good partnership. Also, you will get to impress your lover with the knowledge gained through your studies – a win/win situation!
3- A supportive Arabic lover is likely to make a gentle, patient teacher and study aid!
With his/her heart filled with love and goodwill for you, your Arabic partner is likely to patiently and gently correct your mistakes when you speak. This goes not only for grammar, but also for accent and meaning. With his/her help, you could sound like a native in no time!
Three Reasons Why ArabicPod101 helps you learn Arabic Even Faster when you’re In Love
Start with a bonus, and download the ‘How To be a Good Lover Cheat Sheet’ for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only)
1- All the Resources and Materials Will Help Both of You
Falling in love with a man or woman speaking Arabic is an opportunity for both of you to learn a new language! For this reason, every lesson, transcript, vocabulary list, and resource at ArabicPod101 is translated into both English and Arabic. So, while your partner can help you learn Arabic faster, you can potentially also help him/her learn and master English!
2- Lessons Are Designed to Help You Understand and Engage with Arabic Culture
At ArabicPod101, our focus is to help our students learn practical vocabulary and phrases used by everyday people in Arabic speaking country. This means that, from your very first lesson, you can apply what you learn immediately! So, when your Arabic partner wants to go out to a restaurant, play Pokemon Go, or attend just about any social function, you have the vocabulary and phrases necessary to have a great time!
3- Access to Special Resources Dedicated to Romantic Arabic Phrases
You now have access to ArabicPod101’s specially-developed sections and tools to teach you love words, phrases, and cultural insights to help you find and attract your Arabic soul mate. A personal tutor will assist you to master these brilliantly – remember to invite him/her to your wedding!
How to say arabic in arabic
I get it, when learning a language we always want to be positive and say Yes! to everything that comes our way. New experiences, new skills, more language practice…
However, we need to learn how to say no as well. And not just that, but also how to use negative sentences.
If you want to master negation in Arabic, keep reading. In this article, we’ll look at how to…
Sure, sometimes saying no isn’t easy…especially for us people-pleasers. But I assure you it will be (at least from a language-learning point of view!), after you’ve read this.
Let’s waste no more time, then. Here’s everything you need to know about forming negatives in Modern Standard Arabic!
1. What is a Negative Sentence?
A negative sentence says that something is false or that something has not happened. In English, for example, we build negatives by adding the word “not” after a helping verb (do, have, be, etc.).
There are several different Arabic negation particles used to negate verbs. In Modern Standard Arabic, the most commonly used ones are: لا, لَمْ, لَنْ (lā, lam, lan).
Another thing to keep in mind when creating negative sentences in Arabic is that you’ll need to look at the type of sentence you’re negating. Is it a nominal sentence or a verbal sentence?
2. Negatives with Verbs
As we just mentioned, there are two types of sentences in Arabic. Depending on the word with which it starts, a sentence can be verbal (when it starts with a verb) or nominal (when it starts with a noun).
A verbal (فِعْلِيَّة [fiʿliyyah]) sentence must contain at least a verb and a subject to be meaningful. For example:
أَعيشُ في مِصر.
ʾaʿīšu fī miṣr.
I live in Egypt.
يُحِبُّ هاني السَفَر.
yuḥibbu hānī al-safar.
Hany loves traveling.
Negating a sentence with a verb is quite simple: You just need to negate the verb.
In order to perform Arabic verb negation, you just need to add the appropriate negative particle before the verb. Again, the most common Arabic negative particles are: لا, لَمْ, لَنْ (lā, lam, lan).
Let’s learn how to use them!
Negatives in the Past
We use a different particle according to the tense of the verb we’re negating. The negative particle لَمْ (lam) makes a verb past tense.
تَأكُل مَها العَشاء.
taʾkul mahā al-ʿašāʾ.
Maha eats dinner.
لَم تَأكُل مَها العَشاء.
lam taʾkul mahā al-ʿašāʾ.
Maha did not eat dinner.
Note how the tense changed from present to past even though the form of the verb didn’t change one bit. It only gained a لَمْ (lam) before it.
Negatives in the Present
To negate a verb in the present tense, we can use the particle لا (lā).
Like the previous particle, the particle لا (lā) does not change the verb form; it only negates the meaning when placed before it.
أَشْرَبُ الحَلِيْب.
ʾašrabu al-ḥaliyb.
I drink the milk.
لا أَشْرَبُ الحَلِيْب.
lā ʾašrabu al-ḥaliyb.
I don’t drink the milk.
Negatives in the Future
Then we have لَنْ (lan), which makes the verb future tense.
تَأكُل مَها العَشاء.
taʾkul mahā al-ʿašāʾ.
Maha eats dinner.
لَن تَأكُل مَها العَشاء.
lan taʾkul mahā al-ʿašāʾ.
Maha will not eat dinner.
Negatives in the Imperative
To negate the imperative form of a verb, which is used to give instructions and commands, we use the particle لا (lā). In this case, the verb form changes from the imperative form to the present form, conjugated according to the gender and number of the people to whom it’s directed.
اِذْهَبْ إلى الجامِعَة اليَوْم.
iḏhab ʾilā al-ǧāmiʿah al-yawm.
Go to the university today.
لا تَذْهَبْ إِلَى الجامِعَة اليَوْم.
lā taḏhab ʾiilaā al-ǧāmiʿah al-yawm.
Don’t go to the university today.
3. Negatives without Verbs
Nominal sentences (اِسْمِيَّة [ismiyyah]) are sentences that start with a noun. They usually consist of a noun, followed by either a noun, an adjective, a verb, or a prepositional phrase. Here, we’re concerned with all these combinations except for the one that contains a verb, since that one will be negated the same way that verbal sentences are negated.
Don’t worry. You’ll need to use a different, but still simple, approach. In Modern Standard Arabic, you’ll need to insert the appropriate conjugation of ليس (laysa).
