Learning the Arabic language online from an accredited school with native-speaking teachers is convenient. The first step of learning a foreign language usually starts with mastering basic words like greetings, farewells, and useful phrases. Here are three groups of Arabic words to get you familiar with the language:
Greetings and Farewells
Learning basic greetings allows you to connect with others and start conversations. The Arabic language has many standard greetings, such as Marhaban for Hello and Kayfa ḥālaka? for How are you? Other standard greetings include Sabah al-khair for good morning and Masā’ al-khayr for good evening. Such phrases demonstrate politeness and can help you make a good first impression. Arabs also have unique greetings and farewells like peace be upon you, which translates to As-salāmu ʿalaykum.
Different greetings have unique replies, so the response for peace be upon you is and upon you be peace or Wa ʿalaykumu as-salām. Other responses for standard greetings include Ahlan wa sahlan for Welcome and Bikhayr, shukran for I’m fine, thank you. Polite farewells like Goodbye or Maʿ as-salāmah and Take care or Kun bikhayr should be added to your everyday usage. Native speakers also have casual farewells, like Salām for Peace, instead of goodbye.
Questions and Phrases
Basic questions like What is your name or Mā ismuka? take you a step further in your learning process. Such questions help you further your conversations and respond more accurately to specific questions or inquiries. Some phrases to learn include Mā hādhā? for What is this? and Hal anta bikhayr? for Are you okay?
Learning some basic questions in Arabic allows you to explore the different answers that come with them and also to seek help or directions. These phrases might include Ayn yumkinunī al-ʿuthūr ʿalā? or Where can I find? and Hal yumkinuka musa‘adati? or Can you help me? Other phrases include min fadlik, sa‘idni, kayfa yumkinunī, and ayn ajid for please help me, how can I, and where do I find. Knowing these phrases can help you communicate some basic needs with most people within an Arabic-speaking city.
Numbers and Time
Learning Arabic numbers and times can enhance your vocabulary and communication in various scenarios, such as reading recipes or purchasing items. Numbers and times are used when making plans, discussing schedules, shopping, or calculating amounts. Start by learning to pronounce numbers one or wāḥid through ten or ašara. Then, proceed to learn multiples of ten, such as ishrūn, thalāthūn, khamsūn, and miʾa for twenty, thirty, fifty, and one hundred.
You may want to learn how to say hour, minute, and days of the week from Monday to Sunday. Learning phrases like today, tomorrow, in the morning and the evening is helpful. Numbers and times come up often in conversation, so mastering them allows you to recognize them and gauge what conversations are about.
Start Speaking the Arabic Language Today
Arabic has various forms, including the standard version spoken in formal settings and colloquial dialects, which vary from place to place. You can enroll with an Arab school to learn the standard version or immerse yourself in local cultures to pick on different dialects. Enroll with an accredited school today to start learning and speaking Arabic online.