Arabic is the official language, although English is widely spoken and most road and shop signs and restaurant menus are in both languages. The further out of town you go, the more Arabic you will find, both written and spoken. Arabic isn't the easiest language to pick up, or to pronounce, but if you can throw in a couple of Arabic words here and there they will be warmly received.
Useful phrases: Greetings
| Hi |
|
Salam |
| Good morning |
|
Sabah el kheer |
| Good evening |
|
Masaa el kheer |
| Welcome! (to greet someone) |
|
Marhaba |
| How are you? |
|
Kaifa alhal |
| I'm fine, thanks |
|
Ana bekhair, shokran |
| And you? |
|
Wa ant? |
| Thank you (very much)! |
|
Shukran (jazeelan) |
| You’re welcome! (for thank you) |
|
Afwan |
| Good night |
|
Tosbeho ala khair |
| Goodbye |
|
Ma’a salama |
Useful phrases: Asking for help and directions
| I'm lost |
|
Ada'tu tareeqi |
| Can you help me? |
|
Momkin mosa’adati? |
| Straight/left/ right |
|
Ala tool/yisar/yameen |
| How much is this? |
|
B kam hatha? (th as in bath) |
| Excuse me...! (to ask for something or to pass by) |
|
Law samaht |