Here are the English translations for 50 common Arabic words used in the UAE. This list should be useful for expats and foreigners living or visiting the region. I have been trying to serve the expats community with reliable and good information for better life in Gulf Countries.
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- Marhaba: Hello
- Shukran: Thank you
- Afwan: You’re welcome
- Na’am: Yes
- La: No
- Min fadlak (m) / Min fadlik (f): Please
- Ma’assalama: Goodbye
- Sabah Al Khair: Good morning
- Masaa Al Khair: Good evening
- Layla Sa’ida: Good night
- Kayf halak? (m) / Kayf halik? (f): How are you?
- Ana bekhair: I’m fine
- Ismee: My name is…
- Alhamdulillah: Praise be to God (used to express satisfaction)
- Inshallah: God willing
- Yalla: Come on / Let’s go
- Habibi (m) / Habibti (f): My dear
- As-salamu alaykum: Peace be upon you (traditional greeting)
- Wa alaykumu s-salam: And upon you peace (response to the traditional greeting)
- Maafi: No (in a polite way)
- Madina: City
- Gahwa: Coffee
- Shai: Tea
- Mai: Water
- Ta’am: Food
- Hammam: Bathroom
- Bab: Door
- Sayyara: Car
- Masjid: Mosque
- Souq: Market
- Jazirah: Island
- Dinar: Dinar (a unit of currency)
- Dirham: Dirham (a unit of currency)
- Tamam: Okay/All right
- Jamil: Beautiful
- Shams: Sun
- Qamar: Moon
- Sahra: Desert
- Bahar: Sea
- Ta’ir: Bird
- Kalb: Dog
- Qitta: Cat
- Kitab: Book
- Maktab: Office
- Sikkah: Road/Path
- Saha: Health (often used as “cheers” when toasting)
- Mabrook: Congratulations
- Hajib: Taxi
- Mustashfa: Hospital
- Ustaz: Teacher
It’s always good to keep in mind that addressing someone in their native language can make a big difference in making connections and understanding the local culture better. In case you find this interesting you can send me email at lov@gulfhindi.com
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