Navigating a new country is an adventure, and there’s no better way to connect with the local culture than by speaking the language. While many Jordanians, especially in tourist areas, speak English, using even a few words of Jordanian Arabic will be met with warmth and a genuine smile. It’s a sign of respect that opens doors to incredible interactions.
Why Learn Some Jordanian Arabic Phrases?
Jordan, known in Arabic as “الأُردُن” (Al-Urdun), is a country rich in culture and hospitality. When you use some local Jordanian Arabic phrases, you’re not just communicating; you’re showing respect and appreciation for the culture. This opens doors to deeper, more authentic interactions with locals, and you might even get some amazing tips or unique experiences you wouldn’t find otherwise.
A Quick Pronunciation Guide
The Jordanian dialect is generally considered one of the clearer and easier Arabic dialects to learn. Here are a few key tips to help you sound more like a local:
- The “Qaf” (ق): In most cities, this sound is dropped and replaced with a glottal stop, similar to the sound in “ʼah-wah” For example, the word for “coffee,” qahwa, becomes ʼahwah.
- The “Jeeem” (ج): This letter is pronounced like the “g” in “game.” So, “mountain,” or jabal, is pronounced jabal.
- Masculine vs. Feminine: Pay attention to a few key words that change depending on whether you’re speaking to a male or female. For example, “how are you?” is keefak (to a man) and keefik (to a woman).
Essential Jordanian Arabic Phrases for Every Traveler
Here’s a list of crucial phrases that will come in handy during your trip:
Greetings & Salutations
| Arabic | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| أهلاً وسهلاً! | Ahlan wa Sahlan! | Welcome! (Used to warmly greet someone). |
| صباح الخير | Sabah al Khair | Good morning |
| صباح النور | Sabah an Noor | Good morning back |
| مساء الخير | Masa’ al Khair | Good evening |
| مساء النور | Masa’ an Noor | Good evening back |
| كيفَك؟ | Keefak? | How are you? (When addressing a male) |
| كيفِك؟ | Keefik? | How are you? (When addressing a female) |
| الحمد لله تمام | Alhamdulilah tamam | Good, thank God! |
| بخير | Bikhair | Fine |
Politeness & Thanks
| Arabic | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| شكرًا | Shukran | Thank you |
| عفوًا | Afwan | You are welcome! |
| ْلو سَمَحْت | Law Samaht | Please (When asking for something) (male) |
| لو سَمَحْتِ | Law Samahti | Please (When asking for something) (female) |
| بعد إذنك | Ba’d Iznek | Excuse me / With your permission (When passing by or leaving a place) |
| تكرم عيونك | Tekram Ayounak | May your eyes be honored (A common reply that implies “you’re welcome” or “it’s my pleasure to help”) |
Daily Essentials
| Arabic | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| آه | ʼaah | Yes |
| لا | La’ | No |
| كم هاد؟ | kam haad? | How much is this? (When asking about the price). |
| وين الحمام؟ | Wein el Hammam? | Where is the bathroom? |
| بدي ماء | Biddee may | I want water |
Useful Phrases for Various Situations
| Arabic | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| ما بفهم عربي | Ma bafham Arabi | I don’t understand Arabic |
| بتحكي إنجليزي؟ | Betihki Ingleezi? | Do you speak English? |
| الله معك | Allah Ma’ak | Goodbye / May God be with you (Used for farewells) |
| صحتين | Sahtain wa Afiyeh | Bon appétit / To your health (Said when someone is eating) |
| يلا | Yalla | Let’s go / Hurry up (A very popular word used to encourage action) |
| ان شاء الله | Inshallah | God willing / Hopefully (Used to express hope for something to happen) |
Shopping and Bargaining
| Arabic | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| قديش سعره؟ | Addeish se’ro? | How much is this? |
| غالي كتير | Ghali kteer! | It’s very expensive! |
| رخيص | Rakhees | Cheap |
| مصاري | Masari | Money |
| تنزيلات | Tanzilat | Discounts / Sales |
| محل | Mahall | Shop / Store |
| بدي هذا | Biddi hadha | I want this one |
| الحساب لو سمحت | El hisab law samaht | The bill, please |
Restaurants and Food
| Arabic | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| جوعان / جوعانة | Jou’an (m) / Jou’aneh (f) | I am hungry |
| بدي … | Biddi… | I want… |
| صحة وعافية | Saha w ‘afyeh | Enjoy your meal |
| لذيذ | Latheeth | Delicious |
| ما بدي | Ma biddi | I don’t want |
| شاي | Shay | Tea |
| قهوة | Ahweh | Coffee |
| كاسة مي | Kasit mai | A glass of water |
Emergency and Useful Phrases
| Arabic | Transliteration | English |
|---|---|---|
| ساعدوني! | Sa’edouni! | Help! |
| أنا ضايع / ضايعة | Ana dhaye’ (m) / Ana dhay’ah (f) | I am lost |
| وين الحمام؟ | Wein el Hammam? | Where is the restroom? |
| طبيب | Tabib | Doctor |
| مستشفى | Mustashfa | Hospital |
| شرطة | Shurta | Police |
| إنسى الموضوع | Insa el mawdou’ | Forget about it |
| بكرة | Bokra | Tomorrow |
| يلا | Yalla | Let’s go |
| إن شاء الله | Inshallah | God willing |
Tips for Learning the Jordanian Arabic Dialect
Ready to start practicing? Here are some simple tips to help you on your journey.
- Don’t be afraid to try: Even if you make mistakes, locals will appreciate your effort.
- Listen carefully: Pay attention to how words are pronounced, especially letters that might be new to you.
- Use them in context: Try to integrate the phrases into your daily conversations.
- Repeat and practice: Practice makes fluency easier.
A Deeper Experience
Remember, this is just the beginning of your journey with the Jordanian Arabic dialect. Every word you learn is a step towards a deeper understanding of Jordanian culture and its kind people. Enjoy every moment, interact with locals, and let the spirit of adventure guide you!
If you wish to learn more about the Arabic language, download our Arabic learning app.
