chapter 5
This chapter provides a guide to Arabic phrases related to eating and drinking, covering everything from common breakfast items and lunch dishes to dinner options. It includes sample conversations for ordering food and beverages at a cafe and a restaurant, along with vocabulary for setting a dining table and kitchen items. Additionally, it explains the conjugation of the Arabic verb "to eat" in both past and present tenses and touches upon dining etiquette, such as asking for the bill and the custom of tipping.
Notes
Enjoying a Drink or a Snack (or a Meal!)
This chapter provides helpful Arabic phrases and vocabulary related to enjoying a drink or a snack (or a meal!). It covers vocabulary and phrases for breakfast (fuTuur [فطور]), lunch (al-ghidaa’ [الغداء]), dinner (‘ishaa’ [عشاء]), eating a meal at home, and dining out at a restaurant.
Breakfast (fuTuur [فطور])
Breakfast is described as the most important meal of the day. You can find words to help you start your morning right.
qahwa [قهوة] (qah-wah; coffee)
kaHla [كحلة] (kah-lah; black)
qahwa bi Haliib [قهوة بحليب] (qah-wah bee hah-leeb; coffee with milk)
qahwa bi sukkar [قهوة بسكر] (qah-wah bee soo-kar; coffee with sugar)
qahwa bi Haliib wa sukkar [قهوة بحليب وسكر] (qah-wah bee hah-leeb wah soo-kar; coffee with milk and sugar)
shay [شاي] (shay; tea)
shay bi ‘asal [شاي بعسل] (shay bee ah-sel; tea with honey)
khubz [خبز] (koo-bez; bread)
mu’ajjanaat [معجنات] (moo-ah-jah-nat; pastries)
khubz muHammar [خبز محمّر] (koo-bez moo-hah-mar; toasted bread)
khubz bi zabda [خبز بزبدة] (koo-bez bee zab-dah; bread with butter)
khubz bi zabda wa ‘asal [خبز بزبدة وعسل] (koo-bez bee zab-dah wah ah-sal; bread with butter and honey)
shefanj [شفنج] (sheh-fanj; donuts)
Hubuub al-fuTuur [حبوب الفطور] (hoo-boob al-foo-toor; breakfast cereal)
bayD [بيض] (bah-yed; eggs)
‘aSiir [عصير] (ah-seer; juice)
‘aSiir al-burtuqaal [عصير البرتقال] (ah-seer al-boor-too-kal; orange juice)
‘aSiir at-tuffaaH [عصير التفاح] (ah-seer ah-too-fah; apple juice)
‘aSiir al-jazar [عصير الجزر] (ah-seer al-jah-zar; carrot juice)
Haliib [حليب] (hah-leeb; milk)
A piece of faakiha [فاكهة] (fah-kee-hah; fruit) is a healthy addition to any fuTuur [فطور]. Some common fawaakih [فواكه] (fah-wah-keeh; fruits) are listed:
burtuqaala [برتقالة] (boor-too-kal-ah; orange)
tufaaHa [تفاحة] (too-fah-hah; apple)
mawza [موزة] (maw-zah; banana)
tuuta [توتة] (too-tah; strawberry)
‘ijaaS [إجاص] (ee-jas; pear)
dallaaHa [دلّاحة] (dah-lah-hah; watermelon)
baTTiikh [بطيخ] (bah-teek; cantaloupe)
khawkha [خوخة] (kaw-kah; peach)
‘inab [عنب] (ee-nab; grapes)
laymoon [ليمون] (lay-moon; lemon)
laymoon hindii [ليمون هندي] (lay-moon heen-dee; grapefruit)
laymoon maaliH [ليمون مالح] (lay-moon mah-leeh; lime)
al-anbaj [الأنبج] (al-ann-baj; mango)
Example conversation for getting breakfast on the go:
Laura: SabaaH al-khayr ‘aHmad [صباح الخير أحمد]. (sah-bah al-kah-yer ah-mad. Good morning Ahmed.)
Ahmed: SabaaH an-nuur lora. maadhaa tuHib-biina haadha aS-SabaaH? [صباح النور لورا. ماذا تحبّين هذا الصباح؟] (sah-bah ah-noor loh-rah. mah-zah too-hee-bee-nah hah-zah ah-sah-bah? Good morning Laura. What would you like this morning?)
Laura: al-’aadii [العادي]. (al-ah-dee. The usual.)
Ahmed: fawran. qahwa wa Haliib, na’am? [فوراً. قهوة وحليب، نعم؟] (faw-ran. qah-wah wah hah-leeb, nah-am? Right away. Coffee with milk, right?)
Laura: na’am [نعم]. (nah-am. Yes.)
Ahmed: kam min mil’aqat as-sukkar? [كم من ملعقة السكر؟] (kam meen meel-ah-kat ah-soo-kar? How many spoons of sugar?)
Laura: mil’aqatayn [ملعقتين]. (meel-ah-qah-tayn. Two spoons.)
Ahmed: hal tuHibbiina al-qahwa Saghiira ‘aadiya ‘aw kabiira? [هل تحبّين القهوة صغيرة عادية أو كبيرة؟] (hal too-hee-bee-nah al-qah-wah sah-ghee-rah ah-dee-yah aw kah-bee-rah? Would you like a small, medium, or large coffee?)
Laura: ‘uHibbu qahwa kabiira al-yawm [أحب قهوة كبيرة اليوم]. (oo-hee-boo qah-wah kah-bee-rah al-yah-oum. I’d like a large coffee today.)
Ahmed: wa hal turiidiina shay’un li al-’akl? [وهل تريدين شيئاً للأكل؟] (wah hal too-ree-dee-nah shay-oon lee al-ah-kel? And would you like anything to eat?)
Laura: hal ‘indaka shefanj? [هل عندك شفنج؟] (hal een-dah-kah sheh-fanj? Do you have donuts?)
Ahmed: na’am. kam min shefanja turiidiina? [نعم. كم من شفنجة تريدين؟] (nah-am. kam meen sheh-fan-jah too-ree-dee-nah? Yes. How many donuts do you want?)
Laura: ‘uriidu thalaathat shefanja min faDlik [أريد ثلاثة شفنج من فضلك]. (oo-ree-doo thah-lah-that sheh-fan-jah meen fad-leek. I’d like three donuts please.)
Lunch (al-ghidaa’ [الغداء])
Eating fuTuur [فطور] keeps you shab’aan [شبعان] (shab-an; satisfied) for a few hours. When you get jaai’ [جائع] (jah-eeh; hungry) again, it's time for al-ghidaa’ [الغداء] (al-gee-dah; lunch). Al-ghidaa’ [الغداء] is a very important wajba [وجبة] (waj-bah; meal). In most Middle Eastern countries, offices may close for two hours or more for employees to eat al-ghidaa’ [الغداء]. Common Ta’aam [طعام] (tah-am; foods) you can expect during ghidaa’ [غداء]:
laHam [لحم] (lah-ham; meat)
laHam al-baqar [لحم البقر] (lah-ham al-bah-kar; beef)
laHam al-ghanam [لحم الغنم] (lah-ham al-ghah-nam; lamb)
laHam al-‘ajal [لحم العجل] (lah-ham al-ah-jel; veal)
samak [سمك] (sah-mak; fish)
dajaaj [دجاج] (dah-jaj; chicken)
ruz [رز] (rooz; rice)
Sometimes ghidaa’ [غداء] may consist of a simple sandwiish [ساندويتش] (sand-weesh; sandwich). Other times, you might prefer a healthy salada [سلطة] (sah-lah-dah; salad). Here are some khudar [خضار] (koo-dar; vegetables) to help make your salada ladhiidha [لذيذة] (lah-zee-zah; delicious):
khass [خس] (kass; lettuce)
TamaaTim [طماطم] (tah-mah-teem; tomatoes)
khurshuuf [خرشوف] (koor-shoof; artichokes)
baTaaTis [بطاطس] (bah-tah-tees; potatoes)
hilyoon [هليون] (heel-yoon; asparagus)
‘afookaat [أفوكات] (ah-foo-kat; avocado)
qarnabiiT [قرنبيط] (kar-nah-beet; broccoli)
qunnabiiT [قنبيط] (koo-nah-beet; cauliflower)
dhurra [ذرة] (zoo-rah; corn)
khiyaar [خيار] (kee-yar; cucumber)
fuul [فول] (fool; beans)
‘ayshu al-ghuraab [عيش الغراب] (ay-shoo al-ghoo-rab; mushrooms)
baSla [بصلة] (bass-lah; onions)
baziilya [بازيليا] (bah-zee-lee-yah; peas)
‘isfaanaakh [إسفاناخ] (ees-fah-nak; spinach)
To make a sandwiish [ساندويتش] even more delicious, you can add Tawaabil [توابل] (tah-wah-beel; condiments):
SalSa min aT-TamaaTim [صلصة من الطماطم] (sal-sah meen at-tah-mah-teem; ketchup)
khardal [خردل] (kar-dal; mustard)
miiyooniiz [مييونيز] (mee-yoo-neez; mayonnaise)
mukhallalaat [مخللات] (moo-kah-lah-lat; pickles)
Words related to sandwiches and ordering:
‘aTlub [أطلب] (at-loob; order)
Hajem [حجم] (hah-jem; size)
naw’ [نوع] (nah-ouh; type)
khubz ‘abyaD [خبز أبيض] (koo-bez ab-yad; white bread)
khubz az-zara’ [خبز الزرع] (koo-bez ah-zah-rah; whole wheat bread)
jamii’ [جميع] (jah-meeh; all sorts)
faqat [فقط] (fah-kat; only)
Example conversation at a sandwich shop:
Nawal: ‘ahlan. kayfa yumkin ‘an ‘usaa’iduka? [أهلاً. كيف يمكن أن أساعدك؟] (ahel-an. kay-fah yoom-keen an oo-sah-ee-doo-kah? Hi. How may I help you?)
Matt: ‘uriidu ‘an ‘aTlub sandwiish min faDlik [أريد أن أطلب ساندويتش من فضلك]. (oo-ree-doo an at-loob sand-weesh meen fad-leek. I would like to order a sandwich please.)
Nawal: ‘ay Hajem sandwiish turiid: kabiir ‘aw Saghiir? [أي حجم ساندويتش تريد: كبير أو صغير؟] (ay hah-jem sand-weesh too-reed: kah-beer aw sah-gheer? What size sandwich do you want: large or small?)
Matt: as-sandwiish al-kabiir [الساندويتش الكبير]. (ah-sand-weesh al-kah-beer. The large sandwich.)
Nawal: ‘ay naw’ min khubz tuHibb: khubz ‘abyaD ‘aw khubz az-zara’? [أي نوع من خبز تحب: خبز أبيض أو خبز الزرع؟] (ay nah-ouh meen koo-bez too-heeb: koo-bez ab-yad aw koo-bez ah-zah-rah? What type of bread would you like: white bread or whole wheat bread?)
Matt: khubz ‘abyaD [خبز أبيض]. (koo-bez ab-yad. White bread.)
Nawal: ‘indanaa jamii’ al-alHaam: laHam al-ghanam, laHam al-baqar wa laHam al-’ajal. wa ‘indanaa dajaaj ‘ayDan. ‘ay laHam turiid fii as-sandwiish? [عندنا جميع الألحام: لحم الغنم، لحم البقر ولحم العجل. وعندنا دجاج أيضاً. أي لحم تريد في الساندويتش؟] (een-dah-nah jah-meeh al-al-ham: lah-ham al-ghah-nam, lah-ham al-bah-kar wah lah-ham al-ah-jel. wah een-dah-nah dah-jaj ay-zan. ay lah-ham too-reed fee ah-sand-weesh? We have all sorts of meat: lamb, beef, and veal. And we also have chicken. What kind of meat do you want in the sandwich?)
Matt: dajaaj min faDlik [دجاج من فضلك]. (dah-jaj meen fad-leek. Chicken please.)
Nawal: wa hal tuHibb khudar fii as-sandwiish? [وهل تحب خضار في الساندويتش؟] (wah hal too-heeb koo-dar fee ah-sand-weesh? And would you like any vegetables in your sandwich?)
Matt: na’am. hal ‘indakum TamaaTim? [نعم. هل عندكم طماطم؟] (nah-am. hal een-dah-koom tah-mah-teem? Yes. Do you have any tomatoes?)
Nawal: na’am. shay’ ‘aakhar? [نعم. شيء آخر؟] (nah-am. shay ah-kar? Yes. Anything else?)
Matt: khass, qarnabiiT wa baSla [خس، قرنبيط وبصلة]. (kass, kar-nah-beet wah bas-lah. Lettuce, broccoli, and onions.)
Nawal: ‘afwan, ma ‘indanaa qarnabiiT [عفواً، ما عندنا قرنبيط]. (af-wan, mah een-dah-nah kar-nah-beet. I apologize, we don’t have any broccoli.)
Matt: Tayyib. khass wa TamaaTim faqat [طيب. خس وطماطم فقط]. (tah-yeeb. kass, wah tah-mah-teem fah-kat. That’s okay. Lettuce and tomatoes will do.)
Nawal: wa hal turiid Tawaabil? [وهل تريد توابل؟] (wah hal too-reed tah-wah-beel? And do you want condiments?)
Matt: mukhallalaat faqat. shukran [مخللات فقط. شكراً]. (moo-kah-lah-lat fah-kat. shook-ran. Pickles only. Thank you.)
The verb ‘akala (ah-kah-lah [أكل])
The most important fi’l [فعل] (fee-al; verb) relating to Ta’aam [طعام] is the verb ‘akala [أكل].
In the past tense, ‘akala [أكل] means "ate".
In the present tense, it's conjugated as ya’kulu [يأكل] (yah-koo-loo; to eat).
Table 5-1 The Past Tense of the Verb ‘akala (To Eat [أكل])
‘anaa ‘akaltu [أنا أكلتُ] (ah-nah ah-kal-too; I ate)
‘anta ‘akalta [أنتَ أكلتَ] (ahn-tah ah-kal-tah; You ate (MS))
‘anti ‘akalti [أنتِ أكلتِ] (ahn-tee ah-kal-tee; You ate (FS))
huwa ‘akala [هو أكل] (hoo-wah ah-kah-lah; He ate)
hiya ‘akalat [هي أكلت] (hee-yah ah-kah-lat; She ate)
naHnu ‘akalnaa [نحن أكلنا] (nah-noo ah-kal-nah; We ate)
‘antum ‘akaltum [أنتم أكلتم] (ahn-toom ah-kal-toom; You ate (MP))
‘antunna ‘akaltunna [أنتنَّ أكلتنَّ] (ahn-too-nah ah-kal-too-nah; You ate (FP))
hum ‘akaluu [هم أكلوا] (hoom ah-kah-loo; They ate (MP))
hunna ‘akalna [هنَّ أكلن] (hoo-nah ah-kal-nah; They ate (FP))
antumaa ‘akaltumaa [أنتما أكلتما] (ahn-too-mah ah-kal-too-mah; You ate (dual/MP/FP))
humaa ‘akalaa [هما أكلا] (hoo-mah ah-kah-lah; They ate (dual/MP))
humaa ‘akalataa [هما أكلتا] (hoo-mah ah-kah-lah-tah; They ate (dual/FP))
Table 5-2 Present Tense Conjugation of ya’kulu (To Eat [يأكل])
‘anaa ‘a’kulu [أنا آكل] (ah-nah ah-koo-loo; I am eating)
‘anta ta’kulu [أنتَ تأكل] (ahn-tah tah-koo-loo; You are eating (MS))
‘anti ta’kuliina [أنتِ تأكلين] (ahn-tee tah-koo-lee-nah; You are eating (FS))
huwa ya’kulu [هو يأكل] (hoo-wah yah-koo-loo; He is eating)
hiya ta’kulu [هي تأكل] (hee-yah tah-koo-loo; She is eating)
naHnu na’kulu [نحن نأكل] (nah-noo nah-koo-loo; We are eating)
‘antum ta’kuluuna [أنتم تأكلون] (ahn-toom tah-koo-loo-nah; You are eating (MP))
‘antunna ta’kulna [أنتنَّ تأكلن] (ahn-too-nah tah-kool-nah; You are eating (FP))
hum ya’kuluuna [هم يأكلون] (hoom yah-koo-loo-nah; They are eating (MP))
hunna ya’kulna [هنَّ يأكلن] (hoo-nah yah-kool-nah; They are eating (FP))
antumaa ta’kulaani [أنتما تأكلان] (ahn-too-mah tah-koo-lah-nee; You are eating (dual/MP/FP))
humaa ya’kulaani [هما يأكلان] (hoo-mah yah-koo-lah-nee; They are eating (dual/MP))
humaa ta’kulaani [هما تأكلان] (hoo-mah tah-koo-lah-nee; They are eating (dual/FP))
Dinner (‘ishaa’ [عشاء])
In most Arab countries, ‘ishaa’ [عشاء] (eeh-shah; dinner) is usually eaten very late, around 9 or even 10 p.m. Because ghidaa’ [غداء] and fuTuur [فطور] are typically the main meals, and due to the late hour, most people have light meals during ‘ishaa’ [عشاء]. A typical ‘ishaa’ [عشاء] consists of some sort of samak [سمك] (sah-mak; fish), dajaaj [دجاج] (dah-jaj; chicken), or other kind of laHm [لحم] (lah-hem; meat).
Enjoying a Meal at Home
This section provides key terms for preparing and setting the table for a wajba ladhiida fii al-manzil [وجبة لذيذة في المنزل] (waj-bah lah-zee-zah fee al-man-zeel; a delicious home-cooked meal). Common items in your maTbakh [مطبخ] (mat-bak; kitchen):
furn [فرن] (foo-ren; stove)
thallaaja [ثلاجة] (thah-lah-jah; refrigerator)
maghsala [مغسلة] (mag-sah-lah; sink)
khizaanaat [خزائن] (kee-zah-nat; cupboards)
milH [ملح] (mee-leh; salt)
fulful [فلفل] (fool-fool; pepper)
zayt az-zaytuun [زيت الزيتون] (zah-yet ah-zay-toon; olive oil)
When you're done Tibaakha [طباخة] (tee-bah-kah; cooking) daakhil [داخل] (dah-keel; inside) the maTbakh [مطبخ], you're ready to set up Ta’aam [طعام] on the maa’ida [مائدة] (mah-ee-dah; dining table) in the ghurfat al-‘akel [غرفة الأكل] (ghoor-fat al-ah-kel; dining room). Items found on your maa’ida [مائدة]:
‘aS-SHaan [الصحان] (ass-han; plates)
‘aTbaaq [أطباق] (at-bak; dishes)
ku’uus [كؤوس] (koo-oos; glasses)
‘akwaab [أكواب] (ak-wab; tumblers)
‘awaan fiDDiyya [أوانٍ فضية] (ah-wan fee-dee-yah; silverware)
shawkaat [شوكات] (shaw-kat; forks)
malaa’iq [ملاعق] (mah-lah-eek; spoons)
sakaakiin [سكاكين] (sah-kah-keen; knives)
manaadil [مناديل] (mah-nah-deel; napkins)
Dining Out
Going to a maT’am [مطعم] (mat-am; restaurant) is discussed. The dining experience in Middle Eastern restaurants is described as enchanting and magical, often featuring ornate décor, traditional wait staff attire (jellaba [جلابة]), and exotic, spicy, and delicious food. Meals can often last a couple of hours and consist of five or even seven courses.
When perusing the menu (qaa’imat aT-Ta’aam [قائمة الطعام]; qah-ee-mah ah-tah-am), it's usually divided into three sections:
muqabbilaat [مقبلات] (moo-qah-bee-lat; appetizers)
Ta’aam ra’iisii [طعام رئيسي] (tah-am rah-ee-see; main course/entrees)
taHliya [تحلية] (tah-lee-yah; dessert)
In the muqabbilaat [مقبلات] (appetizers) section, you find Ta’aam khafiif [طعام خفيف] (tah-am kah-feef; light food) to build your appetite. Common muqabbilaat [مقبلات] listed:
rubyaan [ربيان] (roob-yan; shrimp)
baadhinjaan [باذنجان] (bah-zeen-jan; eggplant)
kam’a [كمأة] (kam-ah; truffles)
thuum muHammar [ثوم محمّر] (toom moo-hah-mar; roasted garlic)
waraq ‘ay-nab [ورق عنب] (wah-rak ay-nab; stuffed grape leaves)
‘adas [عدس] (ah-das; lentils)
Hasaa’ [حساء] (hah-sah; soup)
Hariira [حريرة] (hah-ree-rah; Moroccan soup)
The Ta’aam ra’iisii [طعام رئيسي] (entrees) consist of dishes featuring dajaaj [دجاج] (chicken), various other laHam [لحم] (meat), and samak [سمك] (fish). An extensive selection of samak [سمك] is often available, including:
salmoon [سلمون] (sal-moon; salmon)
al-qood [القود] (al-kood; cod)
tuun [تون] (toon; tuna)
al-’uTruuT [الأطرود] (al-oot-root; trout)
‘isqoomrii [إسقمري] (ees-koom-ree; mackerel)
shabbooT [شبوط] (shah-boot; carp)
moosaa [موسى] (moo-sah; sole)
qirsh [قرش] (kee-resh; shark)
The taHliya [تحلية] (tah-lee-yah; dessert) is a great way to finish a meal, often with many Halawiyyaat [حلويات] (hah-lah-wee-yat; sweets) to choose from. Popular taHliya [تحلية] listed:
ka’k [كعك] (kahk; cake)
ka’k ash-shuukuulaat [كعك الشوكولاتة] (kahk ah-shoo-koo-lat; chocolate cake)
Buudha [بودة] (boo-zah; ice cream)
‘aTbaaq [أطباق] (at-bak; pudding)
al-jubun [الجبن] (al-joo-boon; cheese)
Beverages (mashruubaat [مشروبات]; mash-roo-bat) may be on the main menu or a separate one. Some drinks listed:
maa’ [ماء] (mah; water)
maa’ ghaaziya [ماء غازية] (mah ghah-zee-yah; soda water)
‘aSiir al-laymoon [عصير الليمون] (ah-seer ah-lay-moon; lemonade)
al-khamer [الخمر] (al-kah-mer; alcohol)
biirra [بيرة] (bee-rah; beer)
nabiidh [نبيذ] (nah-beez; wine)
nabiidh ‘aHmar [نبيذ أحمر] (nah-beez ah-mar; red wine)
nabiidh ‘abyaD [نبيذ أبيض] (nah-beez ab-yad; white wine)
When placing your order after perusing the qaa’imat aT-Ta’aam [قائمة الطعام], you interact with the khaadim al-maT’am [خادم المطعم] (kah-deem al-mat-am; waiter) or the khaadimat al-maT’am [خادمة المطعم] (kah-dee-maht al-mat-am; waitress). MaT’am [مطعم] staff are usually knowledgeable about the food, so don't be afraid to ask ‘as’ila [أسئلة] (ass-ee-lah; questions).
Example conversation ordering drinks and appetizers:
Waitress: marHaba bikum ‘ilaa maT’am ‘aTlas. kayfa yumkin ‘an ‘usaa’idukum? [مرحباً بكم إلى مطعم أطلس. كيف يمكن أن أساعدكم؟] (mar-hah-bah bee-koom ee-lah mat-ham at-las. kay-fah yoom-keen an oo-sah-ee-doo-koom? Welcome to Restaurant Atlas. How may I help you?)
Sam: ‘ay mashruubaat ‘indakum? [أي مشروبات عندكم؟] (ay mash-roo-bat een-dah-koom? What do you have to drink?)
Waitress: ‘indanaa maa’, maa’ ghaaziya wa ‘aSiir al-laymoon [عندنا ماء، ماء غازية وعصير الليمون]. (een-dah-nah mah, mah ghah-zee-yah wah ah-seer ah-lay-moon. We have water, soda water, and lemonade.)
Sam: sa-nabda’ bi maa’ min faDlik [سنبدأ بماء من فضلك]. (sah-nab-dah bee mah meen fad-leek. We’ll start with water please.)
Waitress: turiidaani maa’ Tabi’ii ‘aw maa’ ‘aadii? [تريدان ماء طبيعي أو ماء عادي؟] (too-ree-dah-nee mah tah-bee-eey aw mah ah-dee? Do you want mineral [bottled] water or regular [tap] water?)
Sam: maa’ Tabi’ii [ماء طبيعي]. (mah tah-bee-eey. Mineral water.)
Waitress: fawran. hal turiidaani khamer ‘ayDan? [فوراً. هل تريدان خمر أيضاً؟] (faw-ran. hal too-ree-dah-nee kah-mer ay-zan? Right away. And would you like any alcoholic drinks as well?)
Atika: hal ‘indakum nabiidh? [هل عندكم نبيذ؟] (hal een-dah-koom nah-beez? Do you have any wine?)
Waitress: na’am. ‘indanaa nabiidh ‘abyaD wa nabiidh ‘aHmar [نعم. عندنا نبيذ أبيض ونبيذ أحمر]. (nah-am. een-dah-nah nah-beez ab-yad wah nah-beez ah-mar. Yes. We have white wine and red wine.)
Atika: sa-na’khudh nabiidh ‘aHmar min faDlik [سنأخذ نبيذ أحمر من فضلك]. (sah-nah-kooz nah-beez ah-mar meen fad-leek. We’ll have red wine please.)
Waitress: mumtaaz. sa ‘a’Tiikum waqt li-taqra’aani al-qaa’ima [ممتاز. سأعطيكم وقت لتقرآنا القائمة]. (moom-taz. sah ah-tee-koom wah-ket lee-tak-rah-ah-nee al-qah-ee-mah. Excellent. I’ll give you some time to read through the menu.)
Sam: shukran [شكراً]. (shook-ran. Thank you.)
Waitress: hal ‘antumaa musta’idaani li-’iTlaab aT-Ta’aam? [هل أنتما مستعدان لإطلاع الطعام؟] (hal an-too-mah moos-tah-ee-dah-nee lee-eet-lab ah-tah-am? Are you ready to place your order?)
Atika: na’am. li al-muqabbilaat sa-nabda’ bi rubyaan wa kam’a [نعم. للمقبلات سنبدأ بربيان وكمأة]. (nah-am. lee al-moo-qah-bee-lat sah-nab-dah bee roob-yan wah kam-ah. Yes. For appetizers, we’d like shrimp and truffles.)
Waitress: ‘ikhtiyaar mumtaaz [اختيار ممتاز]. (eek-tee-yar moom-taz. Excellent selection.)
Sam: wa ba’da dhaalika sa-na’khudh salmoon [وبعد ذلك سنأخذ سلمون]. (wah bah-dah zah-lee-kah sa-nah-kooz sal-moon. And after that we’d like to have salmon.)
Waitress: shay’ ‘aakhar? [شيء آخر؟] (shay ah-kar? Anything else?)
Atika: nuriid ka’k ash-shuukuulaat li at-taHliya [نريد كعك الشوكولاتة للتحلية]. (noo-reed kahk ah-shoo-koo-lat lee ah-tah-lee-yah. We’d like the chocolate cake for dessert.)
Finishing your meal and paying the bill
When finished, you need to take care of your Hisaab [حساب] (hee-sab; bill). You can ask for the bill by saying al-Hisaab min faDlik [الحساب من فضلك] (al-hee-sab meen fad-leek; the bill please). Another option is to ask kam al-kaamil? [كم الكامل؟] (kam al-kah-meel; What’s the total?). Tipping your waiter or waitress is customary in Arabic-speaking countries and Middle Eastern restaurants. The baqsheeh [بقشيش] (bak-sheesh; tip) amount depends on the service, but usually 15 to 20 percent is average.
| **English** | **Standard Arabic** | **Transliteration** |
|--------------------|--------------------------|------------------------------|
| 1. Bread | خبز | *Khubz* |
| 2. Rice | أرز | *Aruzz* |
| 3. Meat | لحم | *Lahm* |
| 4. Chicken | دجاج | *Dajāj* |
| 5. Fish | سمك | *Samak* |
| 6. Eggs | بيض | *Bayḍ* |
| 7. Cheese | جبن | *Jubn* |
| 8. Yogurt | زبادي | *Zabādī* |
| 9. Salad | سلطة | *Salata* |
| 10. Soup | شوربة | *Shorba* |
| 11. Pasta | معكرونة | *Maʿkarūna* |
| 12. Potatoes | بطاطس | *Baṭāṭis* |
| 13. Vegetables | خضروات | *Khaḍarawāt* |
| 14. Fruits | فواكه | *Fawākih* |
| 15. Sandwich | ساندويتش | *Sāndawītsh* |
| 16. Cake | كيك | *Kēk* |
| 17. Dessert | حلويات | *Ḥulwiyyāt* |
| 18. Water | ماء | *Māʾ* |
| 19. Coffee | قهوة | *Qahwa* |
| 20. Tea | شاي | *Shāy* |
| 21. Juice | عصير | *ʿAṣīr* |
| 22. Milk | حليب | *Ḥalīb* |
| 23. Soda | مشروب غازي | *Mashrūb ghāzī* |
| 24. Honey | عسل | *ʿAsal* |
| 25. Jam | مربى | *Murabbā* |
| 26. Butter | زبدة | *Zubda* |
| 27. Olive Oil | زيت زيتون | *Zayt zaytūn* |
| 28. Salt | ملح | *Milḥ* |
| 29. Sugar | سكر | *Sukkar* |
| 30. Spices | بهارات | *Bahārāt* |
* English: I often drink coffee in the morning.
Arabic: غالباً أشرب القهوة في الصباح.
Transliteration: Ghaliban ashrabu al-qahwata fi as-sabah.
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Ghaliban [often] ashrabu [I drink] al-qahwata [the coffee (accusative)] fi [in] as-sabah [the morning].
* English: She sometimes reads before sleeping.
Arabic: أحياناً تقرأ قبل النوم.
Transliteration: Ahyanan taqra'u qabla an-nawm.
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Ahyanan [sometimes] taqra'u [she reads] qabla [before] an-nawm [the sleeping/sleep].
* English: He always walks to work.
Arabic: دائماً يمشي إلى العمل.
Transliteration: Da'iman yamshi ila al-'amal.
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Da'iman [always] yamshi [he walks] ila [to] al-'amal [the work].
* English: We rarely eat fast food.
Arabic: نادراً ما نأكل الوجبات السريعة.
Transliteration: Nadiran ma na'kulu al-wajabat as-sari'a.
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Nadiran [rarely] ma [what/that (negating)] na'kulu [we eat] al-wajabat [the meals (plural accusative)] as-sari'a [the fast (feminine plural)].
* English: They usually watch television in the evening.
Arabic: عادةً يشاهدون التلفزيون في المساء.
Transliteration: 'Adatan yushahiduna at-tilifizyuna fi al-masa'.
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): 'Adatan [usually] yushahiduna [they (masculine plural) watch] at-tilifizyuna [the television (accusative)] fi [in] al-masa' [the evening].
* English: The weather will be cold tomorrow.
Arabic: سيكون الطقس بارداً غداً.
Transliteration: Sa-yakunu at-taqsu baridan ghadan.
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Sa-yakunu [will be] at-taqsu [the weather (nominative)] baridan [cold (masculine accusative)] ghadan [tomorrow].
* English: She will be happy to see you.
Arabic: ستكون سعيدة برؤيتك.
Transliteration: Sa-takunu sa'eedatan bi-ru'yatik.
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Sa-takunu [will be] sa'eedatan [happy (feminine accusative)] bi-ru'yatik [with your (masculine) seeing].
* English: He will be busy with his work.
Arabic: سيكون مشغولاً بعمله.
Transliteration: Sa-yakunu mashghulan bi-'amalihi.
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Sa-yakunu [will be] mashghulan [busy (masculine accusative)] bi-'amalihi [with his work].
* English: We will be at home all day.
Arabic: سنكون في المنزل طوال اليوم.
Transliteration: Sa-nakunu fi al-manzili tiwala al-yawm.
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Sa-nakunu [will be] fi [in] al-manzili [the house (genitive)] tiwala [throughout] al-yawm [the day].
* English: They will be tired after the long trip.
Arabic: سيكونون متعبين بعد الرحلة الطويلة.
Transliteration: Sa-yakununa muta'abeena ba'da ar-rihlati at-taweela.
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Sa-yakununa [will be] muta'abeena [tired (masculine plural accusative)] ba'da [after] ar-rihlati [the trip (genitive)] at-taweela [the long (feminine)].
* English: I can speak a little Spanish.
Arabic: أستطيع أن أتحدث قليلاً من الإسبانية.
Transliteration: Astati'u an atahaddatha qalilan min al-isbaniyya.
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Astati'u [I am able] an [that/to] atahaddatha [I speak] qalilan [a little] min [from] al-isbaniyya [the Spanish].
* English: She can play the guitar very well.
Arabic: تستطيع أن تعزف على الجيتار جيداً جداً.
Transliteration: Tastati'u an ta'zifa 'ala al-jitar jayyidan jiddan.
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Tastati'u [she is able] an [that/to] ta'zifa [she plays (instrument)] 'ala [on] al-jitar [the guitar] jayyidan [well (adverb accusative)] jiddan [very].
* English: He can swim very fast.
Arabic: يستطيع أن يسبح بسرعة كبيرة.
Transliteration: Yastati'u an yasbaha bi-sur'atin kabira.
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Yastati'u [he is able] an [that/to] yasbaha [he swims] bi-sur'atin [with speed (feminine genitive)] kabira [big/great (feminine)].
* English: We can see the mountains from our window.
Arabic: نستطيع أن نرى الجبال من نافذتنا.
Transliteration: Nastati'u an nara al-jibala min nafithatina.
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Nastati'u [we are able] an [that/to] nara [we see] al-jibala [the mountains (plural accusative)] min [from] nafithatina [our window].
* English: They can understand English very well.
Arabic: يستطيعون أن يفهموا الإنجليزية جيداً جداً.
Transliteration: Yastati'una an yafhamu al-ingliziyya jayyidan jiddan.
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Yastati'una [they (masculine plural) are able] an [that/to] yafhamu [they (masculine plural) understand] al-ingliziyya [the English (accusative)] jayyidan [well (adverb accusative)] jiddan [very].
* English: I am reading an interesting book about history.
Arabic: أقرأ كتاباً ممتعاً عن التاريخ.
Transliteration: Aqra'u kitaban mumti'an 'an at-tarikh.
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Aqra'u [I read] kitaban [a book (masculine accusative)] mumti'an [interesting (masculine accusative)] 'an [about] at-tarikh [the history].
* English: She is watching a funny movie on television.
Arabic: تشاهد فيلماً مضحكاً على التلفزيون.
Transliteration: Tushahidu filman mudhikan 'ala at-tilifizyun.
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Tushahidu [she watches] filman [a movie (masculine accusative)] mudhikan [funny (masculine accusative)] 'ala [on] at-tilifizyun [the television].
* English: He is listening to some classical music.
Arabic: يستمع إلى بعض الموسيقى الكلاسيكية.
Transliteration: Yastami'u ila ba'di al-musiqa al-klasikiyya.
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Yastami'u [he listens] ila [to] ba'di [some (part of)] al-musiqa [the music (genitive)] al-klasikiyya [the classical (feminine)].
* English: We are eating some delicious food at the restaurant.
Arabic: نأكل بعض الطعام اللذيذ في المطعم.
Transliteration: Na'kulu ba'da at-ta'ami al-lathidhi fi al-mat'am.
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Na'kulu [we eat] ba'da [some (part of)] at-ta'ami [the food (genitive)] al-lathidhi [the delicious (masculine)] fi [in] al-mat'am [the restaurant].
* English: They are playing some games on their computers.
Arabic: يلعبون بعض الألعاب على حواسيبهم.
Transliteration: Yal'abuna ba'da al-al'abi 'ala hawaseebihim.
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Yal'abuna [they (masculine plural) play] ba'da [some (part of)] al-al'abi [the games (plural genitive)] 'ala [on] hawaseebihim [their computers].
* English: I am not feeling well today.
Arabic: أنا لا أشعر بخير اليوم.
Transliteration: Ana la ash'uru bi-khairin al-yawm.
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Ana [I] la [not] ash'uru [I feel] bi-khairin [with goodness/well (genitive)] al-yawm [the day/today].
* English: She does not like spicy food.
Arabic: هي لا تحب الطعام الحار.
Transliteration: Hiya la tuhibbu at-ta'ama al-harra.
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Hiya [she] la [not] tuhibbu [she likes/loves] at-ta'ama [the food (accusative)] al-harra [the spicy/hot (feminine)].
* English: He does not have any pets.
Arabic: ليس لديه أي حيوانات أليفة.
Transliteration: Laysa ladayhi ayyu hayawanatin aleefa.
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Laysa [not (for nominal sentences)] ladayhi [at him/he has] ayyu [any] hayawanatin [animals (plural genitive)] aleefa [tame/pet (feminine)].
* English: We do not want to go out tonight.
Arabic: نحن لا نريد أن نخرج الليلة.
Transliteration: Nahnu la nuridu an nakhruja al-layla.
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Nahnu [we] la [not] nuridu [we want] an [that/to] nakhruja [we go out] al-layla [the night/tonight].
* English: They do not understand the question.
Arabic: هم لا يفهمون السؤال.
Transliteration: Hum la yafhamuna as-su'al.
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Hum [they (masculine plural)] la [not] yafhamuna [they (masculine plural) understand] as-su'al [the question (accusative)].
* English: What is your favorite hobby?
Arabic: ما هي هوايتك المفضلة؟
Transliteration: Ma hiya hiwayatuka al-mufaddala?
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Ma [what] hiya [it is (feminine)] hiwayatuka [your (masculine) hobby] al-mufaddala [the preferred/favorite (feminine)]?
* English: Where did you go on your last vacation?
Arabic: أين ذهبت في إجازتك الأخيرة؟
Transliteration: Ayna dhahabta fi ijazatika al-akheera?
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Ayna [where] dhahabta [you (masculine) went] fi [in/on] ijazatika [your (masculine) vacation] al-akheera [the last (feminine)]?
* English: How long have you been learning Arabic?
Arabic: منذ متى وأنت تتعلم العربية؟
Transliteration: Munthu mata wa anta tata'allamu al-'arabiyya?
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Munthu [since] mata [when] wa [and] anta [you (masculine)] tata'allamu [you (masculine) learn] al-'arabiyya [the Arabic]?
* English: Why are you so happy today?
Arabic: لماذا أنت سعيد جداً اليوم؟
Transliteration: Limadha anta sa'eedun jiddan al-yawm?
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Limadha [why] anta [you (masculine)] sa'eedun [happy (masculine nominative)] jiddan [very] al-yawm [the day/today]?
* English: Can you tell me the way to the airport?
Arabic: هل يمكنك أن تخبرني عن الطريق إلى المطار؟
Transliteration: Hal yumkinuka an tukhbirani 'an at-tareeq ila al-matar?
Arabic Transliteration (with English word meaning): Hal [can/question particle] yumkinuka [it is possible for you (masculine)] an [that/to] tukhbirani [you (masculine) inform me] 'an [about] at-tareeq [the way/road] ila [to] al-matar [the airport]?
Practice the phrases you learned so far or any new phrases, you can use the AI chatbot or translator provided/تدرب على العبارات التي تعلمتها حتى الآن أو أي عبارات جديدة، يمكنك استخدام روبوت الدردشة أو المترجم المتوفر