The official language is Arabic, although English is the most commonly used language in all areas that incorporate tourism and commerce. Hindi, Farsi and Urdu are also widely used. Here are some basic Arabic phrases.
Greetings
Hello - marhaba
Peace be upon you - as-salaamu alaikum
(response) Upon you be peace - wa-alaikum as-salaam
Welcome - ahlan wa sahlan
Pleased to meet you - tasharrafna
Goodbye - maas-salaama
Until we meet again - ilallika’
General
Yes - naam
No - laa
Maybe - mumken
I hope so (God willing) - In shaa’ Allah
Please - min fadlak
Thank you - shukran
You’re welcome - afwan
Excuse me - udhran
Let's go - yalla
Congratulations! - mabrook!
Do you speak English? -
hal tatakallam al-ingliiziya?
Numbers
0 - sifr
1 - waahid
2 - ithnaan
3 - thalaatha
4 - arbaa
5 - khamsa
6 - sitta
7 - sabaa
8 - thamaaniya
9 - tisa
10 - ashara
100 - mi’a
Introductions
My name is... - ismii..
What is your name? - maa ismuka? (male) / maa ismuki? (female)
Where are you from? - min ayna anta?
How old are you? - kam umruka?
How are things? - kaif al hal?
Shopping
How much? - bikam?
Do you sell...? - hal tabii...?
I want to buy... - uriidu an ashtarii...
I want to pay... - uriidu an adfa...
Price - si’r
Receipt - iisaal
Dining out
The menu, please - al-kaa’ima, min fadlak
Water - maa’
Salt - malh
Sugar - sukkar
The bill please - al hisaab, min fadlak
Directions
Right - yamiin
Left - yasaar
Straight on - alaa tuul
Airport - mataar
Bank - bank
Beach - shaate’
Hotel - funduk’
Toilet - hammam
Where is...? - ayna...?
I am lost - anaa daa’i
How can I find a taxi? - kayfa yumke nunee aluthoor ala sayyaarat ujra?
I would like to go to... - awad an adhhab ila...