73 Basic Arabic Phrases for Your Next Trip to Iraq 🇮🇶

Marhaba! 🙌 That's Arabic for "hello" and one of the first phrases you'll want to know for your upcoming adventure to Iraq. Arabic is spoken by over 400 million people worldwide, but the dialect in Iraq has its own unique flair. From the bustling streets of Baghdad to the ancient ruins of Babylon, knowing some key Arabic phrases will help you navigate this fascinating country like a pro. So let's dive in and learn some essential Iraqi Arabic to make your trip unforgettable! 😎

Greetings & Pleasantries

1. Marhaba (mar-ha-ba) - Hello
2. Salam (sa-lam) - Hello/Peace
3. Sabah al-khair (sa-bah al-kha-eer) - Good morning
4. Masa' al-khair (ma-sa al-kha-eer) - Good evening
5. Ahlan wa sahlan (ah-lan wa sah-lan) - Welcome
6. Shukran (shook-ran) - Thank you
7. Afwan (af-wan) - You're welcome
8. Na'am / Aywa (na-am / ay-wa) - Yes
9. La (la) - No
10. Law samaht (law sa-maht) - Please
11. Maʿ as-salāmah (ma-ah sa-la-mah) - Goodbye

Making a good first impression is key in Iraqi culture. Iraqis appreciate when visitors make an effort to greet them in Arabic. Use these phrases to show respect and break the ice with the locals.

Getting Around

12. Ayna...? (ay-na) - Where is...?
13. Maḥaṭṭat al-ḥāfilāt (ma-ha-tat al ha-fi-lat) - Bus station
14. Maḥaṭṭat al-qiṭār (ma-ha-tat al qi-tar) - Train station
15. Maṭār (ma-tar) - Airport
16. Sayārah (sa-ya-rah) - Car
17. Ūjrah (ooj-rah) - Fare/Fee
18. Yusār (yu-sar) - Left
19. Yamīn (ya-meen) - Right
20. Ṭarīq (ta-reeq) - Road/Way
21. Fīl mustashfā (feel mus-tash-fa) - Hospital

Getting around in a new city can be daunting, especially if you don't speak the language. Learn these key phrases to help you navigate transportation, find important locations, and stay safe during your travels.

Shopping & Dining

22. Kam hādhā? (kam ha-tha) - How much is this?
23. Ghalī jiddan (gha-lee jid-dan) - Too expensive
24. Arkhasu min fadlik (ar-kha-su min fad-lik) - Can you make it cheaper?
25. Maʿ khuṣm (mah khusm) - With discount
26. Maṣraf (mas-raf) - Bank
27. Fātura (fa-too-ra) - Bill/Check
28. Maṭʿam (mat-am) - Restaurant
29. Ghada (gha-da) - Lunch
30. ʿAshāʾ (a-sha) - Dinner
31. Ana nabatiu (a-na na-ba-tee) - I'm vegetarian

Exploring the vibrant markets and delicious cuisine is a must in Iraq. Knowing numbers (check out the FAQ for those) and these handy phrases will help you haggle for the best deals and savor the local flavors.

Taste of Iraq 😋

32. Dolma (dol-ma) - Stuffed vegetables
33. Quzi (qu-zee) - Slow cooked lamb and rice
34. Kubba (kub-ba) - Fried ground meat dumplings
35. Masgûf (mas-goof) - Grilled fish
36. Makhlama (makh-la-ma) - Iraqi omelette
37. Timan wa sijah (ti-man wa si-jah) - Tomato and egg dish
38. Qeema (qee-ma) - Ground meat stew
39. Falafel (fa-la-fel) - Deep-fried chickpea balls
40. Shawarma (sha-war-ma) - Sliced meat wrap
41. Basbousa (bas-boo-sa) - Semolina cake

Iraqi cuisine is a delectable fusion of Middle Eastern flavors. From hearty stews to fresh salads, there's something for every palate. Don't leave without trying these iconic dishes!

Culture & Customs

42. Inshallah (in-sha-lah) - God willing/Hopefully
43. Alhamdulillah (al-ham-do-li-lah) - Thank God
44. Eid Mubarak (eed mu-ba-rak) - Happy Eid
45. Saha (sa-ha) - Bless you (after sneeze)
46. Ḥarām (ha-ram) - Forbidden/Indecent
47. Shisha (shee-sha) - Hookah/Water pipe
48. Al-qat (al-qat) - Traditional dance
49. Dishdasha (dish-da-sha) - Men's ankle-length robe
50. Hijab (hee-jab) - Women's head covering
51. Abaya (a-ba-ya) - Women's long dress

Understanding Iraqi culture and customs is essential for a smooth trip. From religious holidays to social etiquette, these phrases and tidbits will help you show respect and blend in with the locals.

Making Friends

52. Ismee... (is-mee) - My name is...
53. Tasharrafna (ta-sha-raf-na) - Nice to meet you
54. Kayfa ḥāluk / ḥālik? (kay-fa ha-look / ha-lik) - How are you? (m/f)
55. Anti jamila jiddan (an-ti ja-mee-la jid-dan) - You are very beautiful (to a woman)
56. Anta jameel jiddan (an-ta ja-meel jid-dan) - You are very handsome (to a man)
57. Hal turidina an takhruj ma'i? (hal tu-ri-dee-na an takh-ruj ma-ee) - Do you want to go out with me? (to a woman)
58. Hal turid an takhruj ma'i? (hal tu-rid an takh-ruj ma-ee) - Do you want to go out with me? (to a man)
59. Ana min... (a-na min) - I'm from...
60. Umree... (um-ree) - My age is...

Iraqis are known for their warm hospitality and love of socializing. Break the ice with these friendly phrases and you might just make some lifelong connections. But remember, Iraqi society is quite conservative, so always be respectful, especially when interacting with the opposite gender.

Useful Tidbits

61. Wallah! (wa-lah) - "I swear to God!" used for emphasis
62. Yalla! (ya-la) - "Let's go!" or "Hurry up!"
63. Maku mushkila (ma-ku mush-ki-la) - No problem
64. Bas (bas) - "That's it/Enough"
65. Shinu? (shi-nu) - "What's up?" or "What do you want?"
66. Wayed zain (wa-yed za-in) - "Really good"
67. Inty/Inta majnoon (in-tee/in-ta maj-noon) - "You're crazy!" (f/m)
68. Shgulak? (sh-gu-lak) - "What do you do for work?"
69. Titkalim Arabi? (tit-ka-lim a-ra-bi) - "Do you speak Arabic?"
70. Ma'a salama (ma-a sa-la-ma) - "Goodbye/With peace"
71. Aasif/Aasfa (a-sif/a-si-fa) - "Sorry" (m/f)
72. Qahwa (qa-hwa) - Coffee
73. Chai (cha-ee) - Tea

Iraqi Arabic FAQ 🤔

Q: How do you say numbers in Iraqi Arabic?A: 1 (waḥid), 2 (iṯnān), 3 (ṯalāṯah), 4 (arbaʿah), 5 (khamsah), 6 (sittah), 7 (sabʿah), 8 (ṯamāniyah), 9 (tisʿah), 10 (ʿasharah), 100 (miʾah), 1000 (alf)

Q: What are some common faux pas to avoid in Iraq?A: Avoid showing the soles of your feet, pointing directly at someone, refusing food/drink offers, discussing religion or politics, and public displays of affection.

Q: What are some popular Iraqi sayings?

A: "Il fikir bi sittiin fikra" (Thinking about 60 thoughts) - Overthinking"Il dunya qafas wil bashar asafeer" (The world is a cage and people are the birds) - Life is full of restrictions"Abu tisaah saah wala bu mia waia" (A strong man is better than 100 weak men) - Value of strength and capability

Q: How do Iraqis usually greet each other?A: With a handshake and a kiss on each cheek (for close friends/family of the same gender). But always let them initiate any touching.

Now you're set to embark on your Iraqi adventure armed with some essential Arabic phrases! Remember, making an effort to speak the local language goes a long way in building connections and immersing yourself in the rich culture. So pack your bags, practice your pronunciation, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the land of ancient Mesopotamia. Ma'a salama and safe travels! 🛫