chapter 12
This chapter, "Ten Favorite Arabic Expressions," explores a variety of common and culturally significant Arabic phrases. It provides pronunciation guides and literal translations for each expression. The text explains the context and typical usage of these phrases, ranging from warm greetings and congratulations to expressions of gratitude, hope for the future, and resilience in the face of challenges. Some phrases have religious undertones, while others are more secular greetings or responses. Overall, it offers a practical introduction to some key conversational elements in Arabic.
Ten Favorite Arabic Expressions
The chapter "Ten Favorite Arabic Expressions" introduces ten popular and colorful expressions used by Arabic speakers. The chapter aims to explain the meaning, pronunciation, and usage of these expressions.
Here is a breakdown of the expressions discussed:
marHaba bikum! [مرحباً بكم!] (pronounced mahr-hah-bah bee-koom) means "Welcome to all of you!". This term of welcoming is very popular and often said with zest, enthusiasm, and animated hand gestures. It's not uncommon to hug or give a kiss on the cheek when using this greeting. It's a very affectionate way to greet someone like an old friend, special guest, or close relative, but can also be used when inviting someone into a Middle Eastern home.
mumtaaz! [ممتاز!] (pronounced moom-tahz) means "Excellent!". This expression is used to indicate that something is going very well. It can be used by a teacher praising students for conjugating a difficult verb or by a fan cheering their team for scoring a goal. mumtaaz [ممتاز] is used during joyous events or as encouragement and is seen as a very positive word.
al-Hamdu li-llah [الحمد لله] (pronounced al-hahm-doo lee-lah) means "Praise to God". This expression is a part of everyday Arabic. Arabic speakers say it after completing almost any task, such as finishing a meal, drinking water, finishing a work project, or running an errand. It's also a common response when asked "How are you doing?" (kayf al-Haal? [كيف الحال؟]). Because of its versatility, al-Hamdu li-llah [الحمد لله] is heard quite often in conversations between native speakers.
inshaa’ allah [إن شاء الله] (pronounced een-shah-ah ah-lah) literally means "If God wishes it" or "If God wills it". This expression is very popular among Arabic speakers when discussing future events. It is almost a rule that inshaa’ allah [إن شاء الله] follows soon after someone brings up a future event. For example, when asked about performance on an upcoming exam, one might say, "ata-mannaa ‘an ‘anjaH inshaa’ allah" [أتمنى أن أنجح إن شاء الله] meaning "I hope I do well, if God wishes it".
mabruk! [مبروك!] (pronounced mahb-rook) means "Blessing upon you!" and is like saying "Congratulations". The root word, baraka [بركة], means "blessing". mabruk [مبروك] is used on joyous occasions such as the birth of a baby or a wedding ceremony. When saying mabruk [مبروك], it should be said with energy and enthusiasm.
bi ‘idni allah [بإذن الله] (pronounced bee eed-nee ah-lah) means "With God’s guidance". This expression is intended to motivate and offer support and guidance. Although it references God, it is less common than expressions like inshaa’ allah [إن شاء الله] or al-Hamdu li-llah [الحمد لله]. bi ‘idni allah [بإذن الله] is used only during very special occasions, specifically when someone is facing serious challenges or difficulties in life, marriage, work, or school. Someone facing hardship might say, "sa-‘uwaajihu haadhihi as-su’uubu bi ‘idni allah" [سأواجه هذه الصعوبة بإذن الله] meaning "I will face this difficulty, with God’s guidance".
bi SaHHa [بصحة] (pronounced bee sah-hah) literally means "With strength". Unlike bi ‘idni allah [بإذن الله], it is not primarily used for encouragement or support. Instead, bi SaHHa [بصحة] is appropriate to say after someone has finished a difficult task and can relax. For example, one might say bi SaHHa [بصحة] to a friend who has just finished writing a book, closed a big deal, or ended a difficult case, signifying they will be stronger as a result and can now rest.
taHiyyaat [تحيات] (pronounced tah-hee-yat) means "Regards". taHiyyaat [تحيات] is a religious term used by Muslims during prayer. After praying, a Muslim performs the taHiyyaat [تحيات] by turning right and left to acknowledge guardian angels. In addition to its religious use, Arabic speakers commonly use taHiyyaat [تحيات] to send their regards. If a friend says, "salaam ‘an ‘abuuka" [سلام عن أبوك] ("Say hello to your father for me"), you can respond with taHiyyaat [تحيات] to send your regards back.
muballagh [مبلغ] (pronounced moo-bah-lag) means "Equally". Like taHiyyaat [تحيات], muballagh [مبلغ] is used to send regards, but it is a response used after someone sends regards to you. If someone says, "salaam ‘an ‘ukhtuk" [سلام عن أختك] ("Say hello to your sister for me"), you respond muballagh [مبلغ]. This response means you acknowledge the message and thank the person on behalf of the other person (your sister in this example). It's important to use muballagh [مبلغ] only after someone sends their regards.
tabaaraka allah [تبارك الله] (pronounced tah-bah-rah-kah ah-lah) means "With God’s blessing" and is the equivalent of "God bless you". It is most commonly used among close friends or family members to congratulate each other on accomplishments, achievements, or happy events. Parents might say tabaaraka allah [تبارك الله] if their child gets a good grade. It is also a popular expression to express warmth and joy towards children.
In summary, the chapter provides a glimpse into common Arabic expressions, highlighting their meaning, pronunciation, and typical social and religious contexts of use.
| English Word | Standard Arabic | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Sky | سماء | samaa' |
| 2. Star | نجم | najm |
| 3. Flower | زهرة | zahrah |
| 4. Garden | حديقة | hadeeqah |
| 5. Key | مفتاح | miftaah |
| 6. Door | باب | baab |
| 7. Window | نافذة | naafidhah |
| 8. Table | طاولة | taawilah |
| 9. Chair | كرسي | kursee |
| 10. Pen | قلم | qalam |
| 11. Paper | ورق | waraq |
| 12. Color | لون | lawn |
| 13. Music | موسيقى | mooseeqaa |
| 14. Sport | رياضة | riyaadhah |
| 15. Game | لعبة | lu'bah |
| 16. Road | طريق | tareeq |
| 17. Mountain | جبل | jabal |
| 18. River | نهر | nahr |
| 19. Hot | حار | haar |
| 20. Cold | بارد | baarid |
| 21. Fast | سريع | saree' |
| 22. Slow | بطيء | baṭee' |
| 23. Easy | سهل | sahl |
| 24. Difficult | صعب | ṣa'b |
| 25. Love | حب | ḥubb |
| 26. Heart | قلب | qalb |
| 27. Idea | فكرة | fikrah |
| 28. Voice | صوت | ṣawt |
| 29. Question | سؤال | su'aal |
| 30. Answer | إجابة | 'ijaabah |
* English: The sun is shining.
Arabic: الشمس مشرقة.
Transliteration: Al-shamsu mushriqah.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Al-shamsu [The sun] mushriqah [shining].)
* English: I usually wake up early.
Arabic: عادةً أستيقظ مبكراً.
Transliteration: 'Aadatan 'astaqidh mubakkiran.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): ('Aadatan [Usually] 'astaqidh [I wake up] mubakkiran [early].)
* English: He plays the guitar.
Arabic: هو يعزف على الجيتار.
Transliteration: Huwa ya'zifu 'alaa al-jeetaar.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Huwa [He] ya'zifu [plays (an instrument)] 'alaa [on] al-jeetaar [the guitar].)
* English: We went for a walk in the park.
Arabic: ذهبنا في نزهة في الحديقة.
Transliteration: Dhahabnaa fee nuzhatin fee al-hadeeqah.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Dhahabnaa [We went] fee [in] nuzhatin [a walk/stroll] fee [in] al-hadeeqah [the park].)
* English: They are planning a party.
Arabic: هم يخططون لحفلة.
Transliteration: Hum yukhattitoona li-haflah.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Hum [They] yukhattitoona [plan] li-haflah [for a party].)
* English: The coffee is strong.
Arabic: القهوة قوية.
Transliteration: Al-qahwatu qawiyyah.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Al-qahwatu [The coffee] qawiyyah [strong].)
* English: I want to travel to Egypt.
Arabic: أريد أن أسافر إلى مصر.
Transliteration: 'Ureedu 'an 'usaafira 'ilaa misr.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): ('Ureedu [I want] 'an [to] 'usaafira [travel] 'ilaa [to] misr [Egypt].)
* English: She is a nurse.
Arabic: هي ممرضة.
Transliteration: Hiya mumarridhah.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Hiya [She] mumarridhah [a nurse].)
* English: This is my favorite song.
Arabic: هذه أغنيتي المفضلة.
Transliteration: Haadhihi 'ughniyatee al-mufaddhalah.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Haadhihi [This] 'ughniyatee [my song] al-mufaddhalah [the favorite].)
* English: Where is the nearest pharmacy?
Arabic: أين أقرب صيدلية؟
Transliteration: 'Ayna 'aqrab saydaliyyah?
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): ('Ayna [Where] 'aqrab [nearest] saydaliyyah [pharmacy]?)
* English: Can I pay with a credit card?
Arabic: هل يمكنني الدفع ببطاقة الائتمان؟
Transliteration: Hal yumkinunee al-daf'u bi-bitaaqati al-i'timaan?
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Hal [Question particle] yumkinunee [is it possible for me] al-daf'u [the payment] bi-bitaaqati [with card of] al-i'timaan [the credit]?)
* English: The window is closed.
Arabic: النافذة مغلقة.
Transliteration: Al-naafidhatu mughlaqah.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Al-naafidhatu [The window] mughlaqah [closed].)
* English: We live in a quiet neighborhood.
Arabic: نحن نعيش في حي هادئ.
Transliteration: Nahnu na'eeshu fee hayyin haadi'.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Nahnu [We] na'eeshu [live] fee [in] hayyin [a neighborhood] haadi' [quiet].)
* English: He is a talented artist.
Arabic: هو فنان موهوب.
Transliteration: Huwa fannaanun mawhoob.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Huwa [He] fannaanun [an artist] mawhoob [talented].)
* English: They are talking about the weather.
Arabic: هم يتحدثون عن الطقس.
Transliteration: Hum yatahaddathoona 'an al-taqs.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Hum [They] yatahaddathoona [talk] 'an [about] al-taqs [the weather].)
* English: I am excited. (male)
Arabic: أنا متحمس.
Transliteration: 'Ana mutahammas.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): ('Ana [I] mutahammas [excited].)
* English: Do you need help? (to a female)
Arabic: هل تحتاجين مساعدة؟
Transliteration: Hal tahtaajeena musaa'adah?
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Hal [Question particle] tahtaajeena [you need] musaa'adah [help]?)
* English: My family is important to me.
Arabic: عائلتي مهمة بالنسبة لي.
Transliteration: 'Aa'ilatee muhimmah bi-al-nisbah lee.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): ('Aa'ilatee [My family] muhimmah [important] bi-al-nisbah [in relation] lee [to me].)
* English: The bird is flying.
Arabic: العصفور يطير.
Transliteration: Al-'usfooru yateer.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Al-'usfooru [The bird] yateer [flies].)
* English: We watched a movie last night.
Arabic: شاهدنا فيلماً الليلة الماضية.
Transliteration: Shaahadnaa feelman al-laylata al-maadhiyah.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Shaahadnaa [We watched] feelman [a film] al-laylata [the night] al-maadhiyah [the past].)
* English: She is learning to drive.
Arabic: هي تتعلم القيادة.
Transliteration: Hiya tata'allamu al-qiyaadah.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Hiya [She] tata'allamu [learns] al-qiyaadah [the driving].)
* English: They are visiting their grandparents.
Arabic: هم يزورون أجدادهم.
Transliteration: Hum yazooroon 'ajdaadahum.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Hum [They] yazooroon [visit] 'ajdaadahum [their grandparents].)
* English: The food smells delicious.
Arabic: الطعام رائحته لذيذة.
Transliteration: Al-ta'aamu raa'ihatuhu ladheedhah.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Al-ta'aamu [The food] raa'ihatuhu [its smell] ladheedhah [delicious].)
* English: I need to call my friend.
Arabic: أحتاج أن أتصل بصديقي.
Transliteration: 'Ahtaaju 'an 'attasila bi-sadeeqee.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): ('Ahtaaju [I need] 'an [to] 'attasila [contact/call] bi-sadeeqee [with my friend].)
* English: He teaches mathematics.
Arabic: هو يدرس الرياضيات.
Transliteration: Huwa yudarrisu al-riyaadhiyyaat.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Huwa [He] yudarrisu [teaches] al-riyaadhiyyaat [the mathematics].)
* English: This is a difficult problem.
Arabic: هذه مشكلة صعبة.
Transliteration: Haadhihi mushkilatun sa'bah.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Haadhihi [This] mushkilatun [a problem] sa'bah [difficult].)
* English: We will eat at a restaurant.
Arabic: سوف نأكل في مطعم.
Transliteration: Sawfa na'kulu fee mat'am.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Sawfa [Will] na'kulu [we eat] fee [in] mat'am [a restaurant].)
* English: She likes to paint.
Arabic: هي تحب أن ترسم.
Transliteration: Hiya tuhibbu 'an tarsuma.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Hiya [She] tuhibbu [likes] 'an [to] tarsuma [paint].)
* English: They repaired the old building.
Arabic: هم أصلحوا المبنى القديم.
Transliteration: Hum 'aslahoo al-mabnaa al-qadeem.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): (Hum [They] 'aslahoo [repaired] al-mabnaa [the building] al-qadeem [the old].)
* English: I am listening to the radio.
Arabic: أستمع إلى الراديو.
Transliteration: 'Astami'u 'ilaa al-raadioo.
Arabic Transliteration (word-for-word): ('Astami'u [I listen] 'ilaa [to] al-raadioo [the radio].)
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