The Top 50 Arabic Words and Phrases You Need for Your First Conversations

Learning Arabic can feel overwhelming at first—but starting with the right words and phrases can make all the difference. Whether you're traveling, working, or simply exploring the Arabic-speaking world, these expressions will help you navigate your first conversations with ease and confidence.

Here are 50 essential Arabic words and phrases that every beginner should know. And if you're serious about becoming conversational, platforms like ArabicCompass.com provide guided lessons tailored for non-native learners in Europe, America, and Canada.

Basic Greetings & Politeness

Hello – مرحباً (Marḥaban)

Peace be upon you – السلام عليكم (As-salāmu ʿalaykum)

And peace be upon you (too) – وعليكم السلام (Wa ʿalaykum as-salām)

Good morning – صباح الخير (Ṣabāḥ al-khayr)

Good evening – مساء الخير (Masāʾ al-khayr)

Good night – تصبح على خير (Tuṣbiḥ ʿalā khayr)

Goodbye – إلى اللقاء (Ilā al-liqāʾ)

Please – من فضلك (Min faḍlik/faḍlak)

Thank you – شكراً (Shukran)

You're welcome – على الرحب والسعة (ʿAlā ar-raḥb wa as-siʿa)

Essential Phrases for Daily Use

Yes – نعم (Naʿam)

No – لا (Lā)

Okay – حسناً (Ḥasanan)

Excuse me / Sorry – عفواً / آسف (ʿAfwan / Āsif)

I don't understand – لا أفهم (Lā afham)

Can you help me? – هل يمكنك مساعدتي؟ (Hal yumkinuka musāʿadatī?)

How much is this? – بكم هذا؟ (Bikam hādhā?)

Where is the bathroom? – أين الحمام؟ (Ayna al-ḥammām?)

I need... – أحتاج إلى... (Aḥtāju ilā...)

What is your name? – ما اسمك؟ (Mā ismuk?)

My name is... – اسمي... (Ismī...)

Travel & Navigation

Where is...? – أين…؟ (Ayna...?)

Left / Right / Straight – يسار / يمين / مباشرة (Yasār / Yamīn / Mubāsharatan)

Taxi – تاكسي (Tāksī)

Airport – مطار (Maṭār)

Hotel – فندق (Funduq)

Station – محطة (Maḥaṭṭa)

Street / Road – شارع / طريق (Shāriʿ / Ṭarīq)

Food & Dining

I’m hungry – أنا جائع (Anā jāʾiʿ)

Water – ماء (Māʾ)

Tea / Coffee – شاي / قهوة (Shāy / Qahwa)

Delicious – لذيذ (Ladhīdh

Vegetarian – نباتي (Nabātī)

No meat, please – بدون لحم، من فضلك (Bidūn laḥm, min faḍlik)

Social Interactions

Nice to meet you – تشرفت بلقائك (Tasharraftu biliqāʾik)

How are you? – كيف حالك؟ (Kayfa ḥāluka/ḥāluki?)

I’m fine, thank you – أنا بخير، شكراً (Anā bikhayr, shukran)

Where are you from? – من أين أنت؟ (Min ayna anta/anti?)

I’m from... – أنا من... (Anā min...)

Time & Numbers

Today / Tomorrow / Yesterday – اليوم / غداً / البارحة (Al-yawm / Ghadan / Al-bāriḥa)

Now / Later – الآن / لاحقاً (Al-ān / Lāḥiqan)

One / Two / Three – واحد / اثنان / ثلاثة (Wāḥid / Ithnān / Thalātha)

Ten / Twenty / Hundred – عشرة / عشرون / مئة (ʿAshara / ʿIshrūn / Miʾa)

Emergency & Help

Help! – النجدة! (An-najda!)

I’m lost – أنا ضائع (Anā ḍāʾiʿ)

Call the police – اتصل بالشرطة (Ittiṣil bish-shurṭa)ن

Doctor / Hospital – طبيب / مستشفى (Ṭabīb / Mustashfā)

Useful Additions

Slowly, please – ببطء، من فضلك (Bibutʾ, min faḍlik)

Repeat, please – أعد، من فضلك (Aʿid, min faḍlik)

Do you speak English? – هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟ (Hal tatakallam al-inglīziyyah?)

Start Speaking Arabic with Confidence

These 50 words and phrases form a strong foundation for basic communication in Arabic-speaking environments. As you grow your vocabulary and confidence, daily interaction becomes easier and more rewarding.-

If you're ready to go beyond the basics, join the growing community of learners at ArabicCompass.com. The platform offers structured courses designed specifically for non-native speakers—especially those in Europe, America, and Canada—making the learning experience enjoyable, practical, and deeply immersive.

Arabic opens up a world of culture, connection, and opportunity—so why not begin your journey today?