Everyday Spoken Arabic

Hi!

Tip: marhaba — Casual hello for friends, shops, anyone, any time of day.

How are you?

Tip: kayf halak? — The everyday "how's it going"; expect a quick answer, not details.

Fine, thanks

Tip: al-hamdu lillah, bikhayr — Standard reply to "how are you", even on a so-so day.

Thanks a lot

Tip: shukran jazilan — Warm thanks for a favour, a gift or good service.

You're welcome

Tip: afwan — Reply to thanks; light and friendly, like "no problem".

Sorry!

Tip: asif! (f: asfa) — Quick apology: bumping into someone, being late, small mistakes.

Excuse me (to get someone's attention)

Tip: law samaht — To get attention: a waiter, or a stranger before asking something.

I didn't understand

Tip: ma fhimt — Say it honestly; people will happily rephrase.

Can you say that again?

Tip: mumkin t'id? — Ask someone to repeat without sounding awkward.

More slowly, please

Tip: shway shway, min fadlak — Pair with "I didn't understand" when people talk fast.

Can you help me?

Tip: mumkin tsa'idni? — Opener when you need directions or a hand with anything.

How much is it?

Tip: bikam hadha? — Point at the item and ask; works in markets and shops.

A coffee, please

Tip: qahwa, min fadlak — Order at a café counter; swap "coffee" for anything.

The bill, please

Tip: al-hisab, law samaht — Say it at the end of a meal when you catch the waiter's eye.

Of course!

Tip: akid! — A friendly "sure!" when saying yes to a request.

No, thanks

Tip: la, shukran — Polite refusal: offers, sellers, a second helping.

OK / alright

Tip: tamam — All-purpose agreement: fine, deal, got it.

Really? / Seriously?

Tip: wallah? — Reaction to surprising news; your tone shows surprise or doubt.

Great!

Tip: mumtaz! — Enthusiastic reaction to good news or a good plan.

Bye! / See you!

Tip: ma'a as-salama! — Casual goodbye to people you'll see again.