For expatriates living in Saudi Arabia, knowing a few basic Arabic words can significantly improve daily interactions and help in various situations, from shopping to office work. Arabic can seem complex at first, but familiarizing yourself with basic phrases will be incredibly helpful and enhance your experience living in the Kingdom. This guide provides practical Arabic vocabulary with pronunciation tips to make learning accessible and user-friendly.
Arabic Numbers (0 to 9)
Arabic numbers are widely used in daily life and are helpful for transactions, directions, and general communication. Below is a table listing the Arabic numbers from 0 to 9, their pronunciations, and their English equivalents.
English Number
Transliteration
Arabic Numeral
0
sifr
٠
1
wahid
١
2
ithnayn
٢
3
thalatha
٣
4
arba’a
٤
5
khamsa
٥
6
sitta
٦
7
sab’a
٧
8
thamanya
٨
9
tis’a
٩
Common Greetings and Phrases
Understanding basic greetings and polite phrases in Arabic can go a long way in showing respect and friendliness. Here are some common phrases you’ll hear and use often in Saudi Arabia.
English Meaning
Arabic
Pronunciation
Hello
مرحبا
marhaban
Good morning
صباح الخير
sabah al-khayr
Good evening
مساء الخير
masa’ al-khayr
How are you?
كيف حالك؟
kayfa haluk?
Fine, thank you
بخير، شكرا
bikhayr, shukran
Goodbye
مع السلامة
ma’a as-salama
Thank you
شكرا
shukran
Yes
نعم
na’am
No
لا
la
Please
من فضلك
min fadlak (m) / min fadlik (f)
Shopping and Market Vocabulary
Shopping in Saudi Arabia often involves a few essential Arabic words to ask for prices, seek discounts, and communicate with shopkeepers. Here’s a handy list of words and phrases to make your shopping experience smoother.
Mohammed Ameen is a seasoned blogger with a decade of experience, blending his master’s in business with practical expertise to offer valuable insights for Saudi expatriates. Since 2012, he has crafted informative content, helping expatriates navigate local culture, regulations, and resources.
