70 Basic Arabic Phrases for Your Next Trip to Jordan 🇯🇴

Ahlan wa sahlan! 👋 Welcome to Jordan, where the ancient meets the modern, and the hospitality is as warm as the sun-kissed sands of Wadi Rum. 🏜️ If you're planning a trip to this stunning Middle Eastern gem, knowing a few basic Arabic phrases will not only make your journey smoother but also endear you to the locals. 🤗 While Arabic is spoken in many countries, the Jordanian dialect has its own unique flavor, peppered with local slang and expressions that'll make you feel like a true insider. 😎 So, let's dive into these 70 essential Arabic phrases that'll have you navigating Jordan like a pro! 🚀

Greetings and Pleasantries 🙌

1. Hello: Marhaba (mar-ha-ba)
2. Welcome: Ahlan wa sahlan (ah-lan wa sah-lan)
3. Good morning: Sabah al-khair (sa-bah al-khayr)
4. Good evening: Masaa al-khair (ma-sa al-khayr)
5. Good night: Tisbah ala khair (tis-bah a-la khayr)
6. Goodbye: Ma'a salama (ma-a sa-la-ma)
7. Yes: Na'am (na-am)
8. No: La (la)
9. Please: Min fadlak (min fad-lak) - male / Min fadlik (min fad-lik) - female
10. Thank you: Shukran (shoo-kran)
11. You're welcome: Afwan (af-wan)
12. Excuse me: An iznak (an iz-nak) - male / An izniki (an iz-ni-ki) - female
13. Sorry: Asif (a-sif) - male / Asfa (as-fa) - female
14. How are you?: Keef halak? (keef ha-lak) - male / Keef halik? (keef ha-lik) - female
15. I'm fine: Ana bekhair (a-na be-khayr)

Getting Around 🚕

16. Where is the...?: Ayna...? (ay-na)
17. Bathroom: Hammam (ham-mam)
18. Restaurant: Matta'm (ma-ta-am)
19. Hotel: Funduq (fun-duq)
20. Airport: Mataar (ma-tar)
21. Taxi: Taksi (tak-si)
22. Bus: Hafilah (ha-fi-lah)
23. Train: Qitaar (qi-tar)
24. How much does this cost?: Kam thamanuh? (kam tha-ma-nuh)
25. Too expensive: Ghali jiddan (gha-li ji-dan)
26. Can you give me a discount?: Hal yumkinuk an tu'tini khasm? (hal yum-ki-nuk an tu-ti-ni kha-sm)
27. I'm lost: Ana taeh (a-na ta-eh)
28. Can you help me?: Hal yumkinuk musaadati? (hal yum-ki-nuk mu-sa-a-da-ti)

At the Restaurant 🍽️

29. I'm hungry: Ana jau'an (a-na jau-an)
30. I'm thirsty: Ana atshan (a-na at-shan)
31. Menu, please: Qaa'imat atta'aam, min fadlak (qa-i-mat at-ta-am, min fad-lak)
32. I'm vegetarian: Ana nabati (a-na na-ba-ti)
33. I'm allergic to...: Ana a'ani min hasasiya tudgah... (a-na a-a-ni min ha-sa-si-ya tu-dgah)
34. Water: Maa' (ma-a)
35. Coffee: Qahwah (qah-wah)
36. Tea: Shai (sha-i)
37. Check, please: Alfaatorah, min fadlak (al-fa-to-rah, min fad-lak)

When dining out in Jordan, be sure to try local favorites like mansaf (a traditional lamb dish), falafel, and knafeh (a sweet cheese pastry). 🍖🧀🍯 And remember, it's common to share dishes family-style, so don't be shy about digging in! 🍽️

Shopping and Bargaining 💰

38. How much is this?: Bekam hatha? (be-kam ha-tha)
39. That's too expensive: Hatha ghali jiddan (ha-tha gha-li ji-dan)
40. Can you lower the price?: Hal yumkinuk takhfid asse'r? (hal yum-ki-nuk takh-fid as-se-r)
41. I'll take it: Sawfa akhudhuh (saw-fa a-khu-dhuh)
42. I'm just looking: Ana faqat atfarraj (a-na fa-qat at-far-raj)
43. I don't like it: La yuajibuni (la yu-a-ji-bu-ni)
44. Do you have this in another color/size?: Hal ladayka hatha bi lawn/hajm akhar? (hal la-day-ka ha-tha bi lawn/hajm a-khar)
45. I need a bag: Ahtaj ila kees (ah-taj i-la kees)
46. Can I pay with credit card?: Hal yumkinuni addaf' bi bitaqat i'timan? (hal yum-ki-nu-ni ad-daf bi bi-ta-qat i-ti-man)

Bargaining is a way of life in Jordan, especially in souks and bazaars. 🛍️ Don't be afraid to negotiate prices, but always do so with a smile and a friendly demeanor. 😊 And if you're not sure where to start, head to Rainbow Street in Amman for a mix of traditional and modern shops. 🌈

Emergencies and Health 🚨

47. I need a doctor: Ahtaj ila tabib (ah-taj i-la ta-bib)
48. It's an emergency: Innaha hala tawarrut (in-na-ha ha-la ta-war-rut)
49. I'm in pain: Ana asha'ur bi alam (a-na a-sha-ur bi a-lam)
50. Where is the nearest hospital?: Ayna aqrab mustashfa? (ay-na aq-rab mus-tash-fa)
51. I have a headache: Lada suda' (la-da su-da)
52. I have a stomachache: Lada waja' fi alma'ida (la-da wa-ja fi al-ma-i-da)
53. I'm allergic to...: Ana a'ani min hasasiya tudgah... (a-na a-a-ni min ha-sa-si-ya tu-dgah)
54. I need an ambulance: Ahtaj ila sayyarat isaf (ah-taj i-la say-ya-rat i-saf)

While Jordan has a modern healthcare system, it's always a good idea to have travel insurance and carry any necessary medications with you. 💊 And if you do need medical assistance, don't hesitate to ask your hotel or a local for help. 🏨

Making Friends and Flirting 😘

55. What's your name?: Ma ismuk? (ma is-muk) - male / Ma ismuki? (ma is-mu-ki) - female
56. My name is...: Ismi... (is-mi)
57. Nice to meet you: Tasharrafna (ta-shar-raf-na)
58. Where are you from?: Min ayna anta? (min ay-na an-ta) - male / Min ayna anti? (min ay-na an-ti) - female
59. I'm from...: Ana min... (a-na min)
60. You have beautiful eyes: Ladayka 'ayunan jamilah (la-day-ka a-yu-nan ja-mi-lah)
61. Can I have your number?: Hal yumkinuni alhusul ala raqmuk? (hal yum-ki-nu-ni al-hu-sul a-la raq-muk) - male / Hal yumkinuni alhusul ala raqmuki? (hal yum-ki-nu-ni al-hu-sul a-la raq-mu-ki) - female
62. Would you like to go out sometime?: Hal turidu alkhruj mae yawman ma? (hal tu-ri-du al-khruj ma-e yaw-man ma) - male / Hal turidina alkhruj mae yawman ma? (hal tu-ri-di-na al-khruj ma-e yaw-man ma) - female
63. I like you: Ana uhibuk (a-na u-hi-buk) - male / Ana uhibuki (a-na u-hi-bu-ki) - female
64. You're very kind: Anta lateef jiddan (an-ta la-teef ji-dan) - male / Anti lateefa jiddan (an-ti la-tee-fa ji-dan) - female

Jordanians are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness, so don't be surprised if locals strike up a conversation with you. 🗣️ However, it's important to remember that Jordan is a conservative society, so be mindful of your words and actions, especially when interacting with the opposite sex. 🙏

Customs, Culture, and Sensitivities 🕌

65. Is this halal?: Hal hatha halal? (hal ha-tha ha-lal)
66. I don't eat pork: Ana la akul lahm alkhinzir (a-na la a-kul la-hm al-khin-zir)
67. I don't drink alcohol: Ana la ashrab alkuhul (a-na la ash-rab al-ku-hul)
68. What time is prayer?: Mata waqt assala? (ma-ta waqt as-sa-la)
69. Can I enter the mosque?: Hal yumkinuni dukhul almasjid? (hal yum-ki-nu-ni du-khul al-mas-jid)
70. I respect your culture: Ana ahtarim thaqafatuk (a-na ah-ta-rim tha-qa-fa-tuk)

Jordan is an Islamic country, and it's crucial to respect local customs and traditions. 🕌 Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, and be mindful of public displays of affection. 💑 During Ramadan, it's polite to refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. 🌙

FAQ ❓

Q: Do I need to know Arabic to visit Jordan?A: While knowing some basic Arabic phrases is helpful, many Jordanians, especially in tourist areas, speak English. However, learning a few key phrases will endear you to the locals and make your trip more enjoyable. 😊

Q: Is Jordan safe for tourists?A: Yes, Jordan is generally considered a safe country for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it's essential to exercise caution, be aware of your surroundings, and follow local customs and laws. 🚓

Q: What should I wear in Jordan?A: Jordan is a conservative country, so it's best to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Avoid shorts, tank tops, and revealing clothing. 👚👖

Q: Can I drink alcohol in Jordan?A: While alcohol is available in some hotels, restaurants, and bars, it's not widely consumed in Jordan due to religious and cultural reasons. It's best to avoid drinking in public and to respect local customs. 🍷🚫

Yalla, let's go! 🏃‍♀️💨 With these 70 basic Arabic phrases and cultural insights, you're ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in Jordan. From the ancient ruins of Petra to the vibrant streets of Amman, this country will captivate your heart and soul. So pack your bags, brush up on your Arabic, and get ready to experience the magic of Jordan! 🧳✨🇯🇴