Key Arabic Phrases for Your Trip
Embarking on a trip to Qatar is an exciting adventure filled with cultural richness and unforgettable experiences. While English is widely spoken, learning a few essential Arabic phrases can enhance your interactions with locals.
This guide offers a selection of common Arabic words and phrases to help you navigate Qatar with confidence, from greetings and basic conversations to vocabulary for shopping and getting around.
Essential Arabic Phrases and Vocabulary
Greetings and Common Phrases
|
Arabic Phrase |
English Meaning |
|
Marhaba |
Hello |
|
Sabah al khair / Masaa al khair |
Good morning / Good evening |
|
Ma’assalama |
Goodbye |
|
Kif halak? (m) / Kif halich? (f) |
How are you? |
|
Shukran / Afwan |
Thank you / You’re welcome |
|
Min fadlik (m) / Min fadhlich (f) |
Please |
|
Law samaht |
Excuse me |
|
Naam / La |
Yes / No |
|
Mumkin |
Maybe |
|
Tamam |
Okay |
Basic Questions and Responses
|
Arabic Phrase |
English Translation |
|
Ma ismak? (male), Ma ismich? (female) |
What is your name? |
|
Ismi ... |
My name is... |
|
Min wein anta? (male), Min wein anti? (female) |
Where are you from? |
|
Ana min ... |
I am from... |
|
Titkallam ingleezi? (male), Titkalameen ingleezi? (female) |
Do you speak English? |
|
Atakallam qalilan bil-arabiyya |
I speak a little Arabic |
|
La afham |
I don't understand |
|
Min fadlik, u'id |
Please repeat |
|
Kam thamanahu? |
How much does it cost? |
Arabic Numbers 1-10
|
Arabic Number |
Arabic Word |
|
1 |
واحد (Wāḥid) |
|
2 |
اثنان (Ithnān) |
|
3 |
ثلاثة (Thalātha) |
|
4 |
أربعة (Arba'a) |
|
5 |
خمسة (Khamsa) |
|
6 |
ستة (Sitta) |
|
7 |
سبعة (Sab'a) |
|
8 |
ثمانية (Thamaniya) |
|
9 |
تسعة (Tis'a) |
|
10 |
عشرة ('Ashara) |
Note: Arabic distinguishes between masculine and feminine nouns, and numbers change form according to the gender of the noun they describe. The table above presents the most commonly used forms for basic counting.
Directions
|
Arabic Phrase |
English Meaning |
|
يمين (Yamīn) |
Right |
|
يسار (Yasār) |
Left |
|
قدام (Qaddām) |
Straight / Ahead |
Common Places
|
Arabic Word |
English Translation |
|
مطار (Maṭār) |
Airport |
|
مستشفى (Mustashfā) |
Hospital |
|
بنك (Bank) |
Bank |
|
فندق (Funduq) |
Hotel |
|
مطعم (Maṭ‘am) |
Restaurant |
Basics for Travellers
|
English Phrase |
Arabic (Arabic Script) |
Pronunciation |
|
Where is the bathroom? |
أين الحمام؟ |
ʾayna al-ḥamām? |
|
How much is this? |
بكم هذا؟ |
bikam hādhā? |
|
Do you have any recommendations? |
هل لديك أي توصيات؟ |
hal ladayka ʾay tawṣiyāt? |
|
Where is the train station? |
أين محطة القطار؟ |
ʾayna maḥaṭṭatu al-qiṭār? |
|
Do you speak English? |
هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟ |
hal tataḥaddath al-ʾingilīziyyah? |
Conclusion
Using a few Arabic phrases shows respect and helps create warmer, more natural interactions during your stay. Even simple words can make daily situations smoother and more enjoyable. Keep practising, and make the most of your time in Qatar.
Content Disclaimer: This information was last updated in February 2026. Check with the relevant authorities, embassies, or airlines for the latest requirements before you travel.