Essential Arabic Greetings and Phrases

Common Arabic Greetings & Phrases

Navigating Social Conversations with Grace

The Universal Greeting

The most famous greeting in the Muslim world and across Arab countries is non-gendered and can be used at any time of day.

Greeting: السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ
(As-salaamu 'alaykum)
"Peace be upon you."

Response: وَعَلَيْكُمُ السَّلَامُ
(Wa 'alaykum as-salaam)
"And upon you be peace."

Essential Social Phrases

English	Arabic	Transliteration
Hello / Welcome	أَهْلًا وَسَهْلًا	Ahlan wa sahlan
Good Morning	صَبَاحُ الْخَيْرِ	Sabaah al-khayr
Thank you	شُكْرًا	Shukran
How are you?	كَيْفَ حَالُكَ؟	Kayfa haaluka? (to male)
Please / If you will	لَوْ سَمَحْتَ	Law samahta
Goodbye	مَعَ السَّلَامَةِ	Ma'a as-salaamah

 

The "Insha-Allah" Concept

You will frequently hear the phrase Insha-Allah (إِنْ شَاءَ اللهُ). It translates to "If God wills." It is used whenever someone talks about a future event, no matter how small (e.g., "I will see you tomorrow, Insha-Allah").

Practice: The response to Sabaah al-khayr (Morning of goodness) is Sabaah an-noor (Morning of light). Try saying it out loud!