LIVING LANGUAGE - iKnow Arabic - Beginner Level Arabic Program

iKnow

ARABIC

WORDS + PHRASES + CONVERSATIONS
Beginner Level Arabic Program

Transcript

Welcome to Living Language iKnow Arabic. This audio flash card
program lets you see and hear all of the essential words, phrases,
and conversations that you need to get by in Arabic. Just listen to
the native speakers of Arabic and repeat in the pauses.
Before we get started learning new words, phrases, and sentences,
let’s first take a look at Arabic script.

Arabic Script 1
Are you ready to learn how to read Arabic script?
Make sure to go through these sections in order (Arabic Script 1,
then Arabic Script 2, etc.), because they build on each other.
We’ll start with vowels. There are three “long” vowels in Arabic.

aa
The letter ’alif is pronounced “aa,” as in the “a” in “bath.”

uu
The letter waaw is pronounced “uu,” as in the “oo” in “pool.”

ii
The letter yaa’ is pronounced “ii,” as in the “ee” in “see.”
There are also three“short”vowels, which are represented by symbols
above or below a letter, and not by actual letters of the alphabet.

ya, wa
The slash over a letter (fatHa) is pronounced “a.”

2

yu, wu
The small hook over a letter (Damma) is pronounced “u.”

yi, wi
The slash under a letter (kasra) is pronounced “i.”
Note, however, that two of the long vowels can also be consonants.

way, yay
The letter yaa’ is the consonant “y,” as in “yes,” when it follows or precedes
another vowel.

yaw, waw
The letter waaw is the consonant “w,” as in “water,” when it follows or
precedes another vowel.

way, yay
Notice that when a consonant, such as “y,” ends a word, a small circle
(sukuun) is written on top of it.
Now let’s learn more about consonants.
Most Arabic consonants have four forms, depending on where
they’re used in a word.

b, t, th
Independent forms are used on their own.

3

b, t, th
Initial forms are used at the beginning of words.

b, t, th
Medial forms are used in the middle of words.

b, t, th
Final forms are used at the end of words.
Next, let’s practice each consonant on its own.
You will see all the forms of each consonant listed in a row, from
independent and initial to medial and final.

b
The letter baa’ (b) is pronounced like the “b” in “boy.”

t
The letter taa’ (t) is pronounced like the “t” in “take.”

th
The letter thaa’ (th) is pronounced like the “th” in “think.”
You can already read some words now!
Here are words that use the letters you’ve learned so far.

4

baab
door

buyuut
houses

thaabit
fixed, firm

’ab
father
Note that when a consonant is followed by another consonant (as
in the following word, with y + t), the small circle, sukuun, is written
on top of it.

bayt
house

Arabic Script 2
Here are more Arabic consonants you should know.

j
The letter jiim (j) is pronounced like the “j” in “jam” or the “s” in “pleasure.”

5

H
The letter Haa’ (H) is pronounced like a forceful “h,” as in the English “Hah!”

kh
The letter khaa’ (kh) is pronounced like the “ch” in Scottish “loch.”

’ukht
sister

Habiib
sweetie, darling

wujuub
obligation, necessity

Hijaaj
argument, debate

khabiith
wicked
Some Arabic consonants do not connect to the letters that come
after them.
This means that the independent and initial forms of these
consonants look alike, as do their final and medial forms.

6

d
The letter daal (d) is pronounced like the “d” in “day.”

dh
The letter dhaal (dh) is pronounced like the “th” in “this.”

r
The letter raa’ (r) is pronounced like a rolled “r.”

z
The letter zaay (z) is pronounced like the “z” in “zebra.”

baHr
sea

raadaar
radar

zawaaj
marriage

dharib
sharp

7

tardiid
repetition

s
The letter siin (s) is pronounced like the “s” in “sea.”

sh
The letter shiin (sh) is pronounced like the “sh” in “shoe.”

saadis
sixth

siyaasiyy
political

shayb
gray hair, old age

shaykh
sheikh, chief

darastu
I studied

8

sharibtu
I drank

Arabic Script 3

Saad (S)
The letter Saad (S) is pronounced similar to the “s” in “sad,” but gives
the vowels around it a deeper, throaty sound.

Daad (D)
The letter Daad (D) is pronounced similar to the “d”in “day,”but gives
the vowels around it a deeper, throaty sound.

Taa’ (T)
The letter Taa’ (T) is pronounced similar to the “t” in “take,” but gives
the vowels around it a deeper, throaty sound.

DHaa’ (DH)
The letter DHaa’ (DH) is pronounced similar to the “th” in “this,” but
gives the vowels around it a deeper, throaty sound.

SaaHib
owner

9

DabaTa
he grabbed

Tabiib
doctor

HaDHiiDH
lucky

SabaaH
morning

x
The letter xayn (x) is pronounced deep in the throat, with tight
constriction.

gh
The letter ghayn (gh) is similar to the French “r” in “rue.”

xarabiyy
Arabic

ghayr
not

10

Saghiir
small

baghdaad
Baghdad

rabiix
spring

f
The letter faa’ (f) is pronounced like the “f” in “first.”

q
The letter qaaf (q) is similar to the “c” in “cat,” but comes from further back
in the throat.

fii
in

Dayf
guest

qaSiir
short

11

xuquud
contracts

Sadiiq
friend

k
The letter kaaf (k) is pronounced like the “k” in “kite.”

l
The letter laam (l) is pronounced like the “l” in “lip.”

m
The letter miim (m) is pronounced like the “m” in “me.”

n
The letter nuun (n) is pronounced like the “n” in “no.”

layalii
nights

laHm
meat

12

kursii
chair

naxam
yes

saakin
resident

’ismuka
your (m.) name

’akaltu
I ate

jamiil
beautiful

qalam
pen

h
The letter haa’ (h) is pronounced like the “h” in “house.”

13

nahr
river

dhahabat
she went

huwa
he

Arabic Script 4

Now let’s look at other important Arabic symbols, characters, and
letters.

Taa’ marbuuTa (t)

Taa’ marbuuTa (t) is only found at the end of words. It is usually not
pronounced, and it is always preceded by fatHa (a).

baqara
cow

’amiira
princess

madiina
city

14

shadda
The symbol shadda, which looks like a small 3 on its side, is used to double
consonant sounds.

kull
every

Hammaam
bathroom

laa
laam-’alif is used when the letter ’alif is written right after the letter laam.

laa
no

laazim
necessary

’al
’al is the definite article in Arabic, like the English “the.” It is joined to the
beginning of words.

’al-kitaab
the book

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’al-walad
the boy
If a word begins with a short vowel sound, it’s written with the letter
’alif, which “hosts” the vowel’s symbol.
If the definite article is used with a word like that, the word is written
with the letter ’alif followed by the letter laam-’alif.

’al-’ism
the name

’al-’usra
the family

If a word begins with one of the following letters, the l in the
definite article is pronounced like that letter:

t, th, d, dh, r, z, s, sh

S, D, T, DH, n

aT-Tawiila
the table

’ash-shams
the sun

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’ar-rajul
the man

Arabic Script 5

’
hamza

hamza is a glottal stop, or a short “catch” like the one in the word
“uh-oh!”

Words that start with a short vowel sound all begin with hamza,
written with the letter ’alif and the short vowel.

’anaa
I

’ustaadha
professor (f.)

’ibn
son

Inside a word, hamza can be written in a number of ways.

With practice, you’ll come to recognize word-internal hamza.

’imra’a
woman

17

sa’ala
he asked

sa’uul
curious, nosy

xaa’ila
family

Taa’ira
airplane
hamza can also come at the end of a word.

masaa’
evening

nisaa’
women

’alif maqSuura (aa)
’alif maqSuura looks just like , but without the dots. It’s pro-
nounced like a long “aa,” and it only comes at the end of words.

18

’ilaa
to

Hakaa
he told
You may come across one of the three tanwiin symbols. These mark
short vowel endings, -an, -un, and -in.

-an

-un

-in

shukran
thank you

kathiirun
numerous

kitaabin
(of) a book
Now practice reading a few useful phrases and sentences that bring
everything together.

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’al-lugha ’al-xarabiyya
the Arabic language

SabaaH ’al-khayr
good morning

’as-salaamu xalaykum
hello

maxa s-salaama
good-bye

maa haadha?
What’s this?

’anaa ’amriikiyya.
I’m American (f.).

huwa miSriyy wa hiya ’amriikiyya.
He’s Egyptian and she’s American.

hal haadha Saff ’al-lugha ’al-xarabiyya?
Is this the Arabic class?

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Now that you’ve learned the basics of reading Arabic script and
transliteration, we can get started! All of the following words,
phrases, and conversations are written in transliteration only.

Ready?

Adjectives: Agreement Around Town
with Nouns
Taa’ira
Sadiiq laTiif airplane
a nice (male) friend
maTaar
Sadiiqa laTiifa airport
a nice (female) friend
ximaara
aS-Sadiiq al-laTiif apartment building
the nice (male) friend
fi l-madiina
aS-Sadiiqa l-laTiifa around town
the nice (female) friend
makhbaz
al-kitaab aS-Saghiir (m.) bakery
the small book
maSraf, bank
al-bint aS-Saghiira bank
the little girl
maktaba
al-maktab al-’azraq (m.) bookstore
the blue office
mabna, binaaya
ash-shams al-jamiila (f.) building
the beautiful sun
baaS, Haafila
al-mudarris aT-Tawiil bus
the tall (male) teacher
jazzaar
al-mudarrisa l-qaSiira butcher shop
the short (female) teacher
maqha
café

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sayyaara suuq
car market

markaz muHaafiDH
center mayor

kaniisa masjid, jaamix
church mosque

madiina binaayat al-baladiyyaat
city municipal building

markaz al-muHaafaDHa qariib/baxiid
city hall near/far

maHal malaabis Hadiiqa
clothing store park

maHal li bayx al-qahwa Saydaliyya
coffee shop pharmacy, drugstore

maHal kabiir, ’aswaaq maTxam
department store restaurant

maHal al-’iliktruniyaat qurawi
electronics store rural

baqqaal maHal ’aHdhiya
grocery store shoe store

kayfa ’adhhab ’ila . . . ? raSiif
How do I get to . . . ? sidewalk

nuqTat taqaaTux, Halaqat muruur maHal

intersection store

xamuud Daw’ shaarix
lamppost street

maktaba miSbaaH shaarix
library streetlight

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min aD-DaaHiya Asking Directions
suburban
Xaafwan, ’ayna . . . ?
metru Excuse me, where is . . . ?
subway
’idhhab . . .
suubermaarkit Go . . .
supermarket
’idhhab ’ila l-’amaam.
taksi Go straight ahead.
taxi
’idhhab min hazihi l-jiha.
maxbad Go that way.
temple
’irjax.
yashtari Go back.
to buy
’inxaTif . . .
yatasawwaq Turn . . .
to go shopping
’inxatif yamiinan.
balda Turn right.
town
’inxatif yasaaran.
Harakat al-muruur Turn left.
traffic
dawar.
qiTaar Turn around.
train
fi ’aakhir ash-shaarix.
maHaTTat qiTaar At the end of the street.
train station
xala l-zaawiya.
min al-madiina On the corner.
urban
’awwal shimaal.
qarya The first left.
village
thaani yamiin.
’ayna . . . ? The second right.
Where is . . . ?
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hal huwa qariib? hal layla fii l-ghurfa?
Is it near? Is Layla in the room?

hal huwa baxiid? Asking Questions 2
Is it far?
maa?
’ila jaanib . . . What?/Which? (used with nouns
Next to . . . and pronouns)

Daw’ al-’ishaara maa haadhaa?
the traffic light What is this?

ash-shaarix maa ’ismuki?
the street What is your name?

al-taqaTux maadha?
the intersection What? (used with verbs)

al-Hadiiqa maadha kataba?
the park What did he write?

(al-)mawqif al-baaS maadha tafxal?
the bus stop What are you doing?

(al-)maHaTTat al-metro man?
the subway station Who?

al-funduq man hum?
the hotel Who are they?

Asking Questions 1 man ar-rajul?
Who is the man?
kariim dhahaba ’ilaa s-suuq.
Kareem went to the market. ’ayna?
Where?
kariim dhahaba ’ilaa s-suuq?
Did Kareem go to the market? min ’ayna ’anta?
Where are you from?
hal kariim hunaa?
Is Kareem here? ’ayna l-kitaab?
Where is the book?

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mataa? man?
When? Who?

mataa dhahabat ’ilaa s-suuq? man haadha?
When did she go to the market? Who is that?

mataa kataba l-kitaab? mataa?
When did he write the book? When?

kayfa? mataa taSil haadhihi r-riHla?
How? When does the flight arrive?

kayfa l-Haal? kayfa?

How are you? (lit., How’s the health?) How?

kayfa dhahaba ’ilaa l-maTaar? kayfa ’attaSil bil wilaayaat
How did he go to the airport? al-muttaHida?
How do I call the U.S.?
kam (min)?
How much (of)?/How many (of)? kam?
(+ a singular Arabic noun) How much?

kam min kitaab qara’a? kam sixr haadha?
How many books did he read? How much does this cost?

kam min khubz hunaak? At Home
How much bread is there?

Asking Questions 3 shiqqa
apartment

’ayna? fi l-bayt
Where? at home

’ayna l-makhraj? Hammaam
Where is the exit? bathroom

maadha?/maa? ghurfat nawm
What? bedroom

maa huwa xunwaan bariiduka kabiir/Saghiir
l-’iliktrunii? big/small
What is your e-mail address?

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sijjaada maTbakh
carpet kitchen

mushaghghil as-sii dii miSbaaH
CD player lamp

saqf jildi
ceiling leather (adj.)

kursi ghurfat juluus
chair living room

khazzaana, duulaab maxdani
closet metal (adj.)

Haasuub ’aali jadiid/qadiim
computer new/old

sitaara lawHa
curtain painting

ghurfat Taxaam blaastiiki
dining room plastic (adj.)

baab ghurfa
door room

mushaghghil ad-dii fii dii raff
DVD player shelf

’arDiyya ’ariika
floor sofa

zujaaji niDHaam ’aSwaat
glass (adj.) sound system

qaaxa sullam
hall stairs

bayt, manzil minDada, Taawila
house table

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tilifizyun diblawm
television diploma

Haa’iT xalaama, daraja
wall grade

shubbaak malxab
window gym

khashabi taariikh
wooden history

At School ’insaaniyyaat
humanities
fann
art lugha
language
fi l-madrasa
at school ’adab
literature
’aHyaa’
biology riyaaDiyyaat
math
kiimyaa’
chemistry muusiiqa
music
ghurfat dars
classroom daftar, kurrasa
notebook
kulliyya
college fiizyaa’
physics
muqarrar
course mudarris jaamixi
professor
daraja xilmiyya
degree furSat ’istiraaHa
recess
Saxb/sahl
difficult/easy shahaadat darajaat
report card

27

madrasa At the Airport
school
’ayna?
hawiyya shakhSiyya Where?
school ID
’ayna l-jamaarik?
xuluum Where is customs?
sciences
’ayna maktab al-jawaazaat?
Taalib Where is passport control?
student
hal maxaka ayya shay’in tuSarriH
mawDuux xanhu?
subject Do you have anything to declare?

mudarris laysa maxi ayyu shay’ ’uSarriHu
teacher xanhu.
I have nothing to declare.
’imtiHaan
test maxi shay’un ’uSrriHu xanhu.
I have something to declare.
kitaab muqarrar
textbook ’ayna maktab taHSiil al Haqaa’ib?
Where is the baggage claim area?
yarsub
to fail ’ayna makaan ar-riHlaat
al-khaarijiyya al-mughaadira?/
yataxallam ’ayna makaan ar-riHlaat
to learn al-xaalamiyya al-mughaadira?
Where are the international
yanjaH departures?
to pass
’ayna l-wusuul?
yadrus Where are the arrivals?
to study
’ayna l-bawwaaba raqam mi’a
jaamixa ’ithnaan wa thalaathiin?
university Where is gate 132 (lit., one hundred
thirty-two)?

’ayna maktab al-’istixlaamaat?
Where is information?

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’anaa ’uriid . . . li’usbuux.
I would like . . . For one week.

’anaa ’uriid maqxad naafidha. haadha muftaaHuka.
I would like a window seat. Here is your key.

’anaa ’uriid maqxad mamarr. haadha kart al-muftaaH
I would like an aisle seat. al-’iliktrunii.
Here is your key card.
Haadhihi hiya tazkarat al-rukuub.
Here is your boarding pass. hal xindak ghurfa ’ukhra?
Do you have another room?
riHlatun saxiida!
Have a good trip! maxa Hammaam khaaS?
With a private bathroom?

At the Hotel hal hunaaka ghurfa ’ahda’?
Is there a quieter room?
’uriidu ’an ’aHjiz.
I’d like to check in. hal hunaaka ghurfa ’akbar?
Is there a larger room?
’uriidu ghurfa.
I’d like a room. hal hunaaka ghurfa lir-riyaaDa?
Is there an exercise room?
li shakhS waaHid.
For one person. hal hunaaka masbaH?
Is there a pool?
li shakhSayn.
For two people. ’ayna ghurfat al-’ijtimaxaat?
Where is the conference room?
xindi Hajz.
I have a reservation. hal hunaaka maakinat faax?
Where is the fax machine?
kam layla?
For how many nights? ’ayna l-bawwaab?
Where is the concierge?
lilayla waaHida.
For one night. ’uwiddu ’an ’ughaadir.
I’d like to check out.
lilaylatayn.
For two nights.

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At the Restaurant hal xindakum Tabaqun
nabaatiyyun?
hal hunaaka maTxamun Do you have a vegetarian dish?
jayyidun?
Where is there a good restaurant? haadha kull shay’.
That’s all.
Taawila li ’ithnayn, rajaa’an.
A table for two, please. ’al-faatuura, rajaa’an.
The check, please.
tadkhiin ’aw xadam it-tadkhiin?
Smoking or non-smoking? hal al-baqshiish maHsuub?
Is the tip included?
qaa’imat Taxaam, rajaa’an.
The menu, please. ’al-fiTaar
breakfast
qaa’imat al-nabiidh, rajaa’an.
The wine list, please. ghadaa’
lunch
mushahiyaat
appetizers xashaa’
dinner
’al-Tabaq al-’asaasi
main course ’istamtix biTaxaamak! (m.)/
’istamtixii biTaxaamik! (f.)
’al-Hilu Enjoy the meal!
dessert
fi SiHatak! (m.)/fi SiHatik! (f.)
’uridu mashruuban. To your health!
I would like something to drink.
’innahu ladhiidh! (m.)/
kubbaayat maa’, rajaa’an. ‘innaha ladhiidha! (f.)
A glass of water, please. It’s delicious!

kuub shaay, rajaa’an. SaHn
A cup of tea, please. plate

qahwatun maxa l-Haliib. shawka
Coffee with milk. fork

biira sikkiin
beer knife

30

milxaqa makaruna
spoon noodles

xiidaan ’aruzz
chopsticks rice

miHrama jubna
napkin cheese

kuub khuDaar
cup vegetables

ka’s dajaaj
glass chicken

zujaajat nabiidh khanziir
bottle of wine pork

mukaxabaat thalj baqar
ice cubes beef

milH ’uriidu shariiHat laHm ghayr
salt naaDija.
I like my steak rare.
filfil (‘aswad)
pepper ’uriidu shariiHat laHm naaDijatun
qaliilan.
sukkar I like my steak medium.
sugar
’uriidu shariiHat laHm naDija
Hisaa’ jayyidan.
soup I like my steak well-done.

SalaTa xaSiir
salad juice

khubz faTiira
bread pie

zubda buuza, aays kriim
butter ice cream

31

waaHidun ’aakhar, rajaa’an. (m.) fii ’ayy waqt yughaadir al-qiTaar?
(waaHidatun ’ukhra, rajaa’an. (f.)) When does the train leave?
Another, please.
amtaa yaSil al-qiTar?
’al maziid, rajaa’an. When does the train arrive?
More, please.
hal al-qiTaaru xala l-waqt?
rajaa’an marrir li l- . . . Is the train on time?
Please pass the . . .
hal hunaaka maqTuura
Haar liT-Taxaam?
spicy Is there a dining car?

Hilu hal hunaaka maqTuura lil nawm?
sweet Is there a sleeping car?

HaamiD Basic Expressions
sour

At the Train Station shukran.
Thank you.

’uriidu biTaaqatan, rajaa’an. shukran jaziilan.
I would like a ticket, please. Thank you very much.

’ila bayruut. ’ahlan wa sahlan.
To Beirut. You’re welcome.

zihaaban faqaT. rajaa’an.
One way. Please.

zihaab wa xawda. ’ajal./naxam.
Round-trip. Yes.

daraja ’uula aw thaaniya? kalla./laa.
First class or second class? No.

hal ’astaTiixa l-Husuul xala jadwal xafwan.
ir-raHalaat? Excuse me.
May I have a schedule?
xafwan./xuzran.
’ayy minaSSa? Pardon me.
Which platform?

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’anaa ’aasif. quTn
I’m sorry. cotton

la ’afham. fustaan
I don’t understand. dress

’anaa la ’atakallam al-xarabiyya. Halaq, qirT
I don’t speak Arabic. earring

hal tatakallam ’ingilizi? naDHDHaaraat
Do you speak English? eyeglasses

’anaa laa ’atakallam al-xarabiyya quffaaz
jayyidan. glove
I don’t speak Arabic very well.
qubbaxa
rajaa’an takallam bi biT’. hat
Speak slowly, please.
ghayr mulaa’im.
’axid, min faDlak. It doesn’t fit.
Repeat, please.
mulaa’im.
Clothing It fits.

zayy sibaaHa, mayuuh sitra
bathing suit jacket

Hizaam jiinz
belt jeans

qamiiS, bluuza jild
blouse leather

siwaar qimaash Tabiixi
bracelet natural material

malaabis qilaada
clothing necklace

mixTaf bijaama, libaas nawm
coat pajamas

33

banTaluun yalbas
pants to wear

khaatam qamiiS, tiishirt
ring T-shirt

’iishaarb, wishaaH qamiiS taHti
scarf undershirt

qamiiS malaabis daakhiliyya
shirt underwear

Hidhaa’ saaxa
shoe watch

Hariir maadha ’albas?
silk What should I wear . . . ?

Hajm ’ay qiyaas talbas?
size What size do you wear?

tannuura lil-mar’a/lir-rajul
skirt women’s/men’s

Hidhaa’ riyaaDa Suuf
sneaker wool

jawrab Computers and the Internet
sock
murfaq
badla attachment
suit
mudawwina ’iliktruniyya
naDHDHaaraat shamsiyya blog (web log)
sunglasses
niTaaq ’ittiSaalaat xariiDa
short sibaaHa broadband
swimming trunks
kabl, silk
qimaash ’iSTinaaxi cable
synthetic material

34

qirS dhaakira
CD-ROM memory

muHarrik al-qirS mawdim
CD-ROM drive modem

ghurfat al-muHaadatha shaasha
chat room monitor, screen

Hasuub fa’r, maaws
computer mouse

al-Hasuub wa sh-shabaka Taabixa
computers and the internet printer

ittiSaal yurfiq malaff
dial-up to attach a file

mustanad yughliq malaff
document to close a file

dii es el yaHdhif
DSL to delete

bariid ’iliktrunii yunazzil
e-mail to download

malaff yuxiid tawjiih
file to forward

risaala fawriyya yaftaH malaff
instant message to open a file

shabaka yarudd
internet to reply

’ittiSaal shabaki, ’internet yaHfiDH
internet connection to save a document

lawHat al-mafaatiiH yursil malaff
keyboard to send a file

35

yursil bariid ’iliktrunii faransaa, faransiyy/
to send an e-mail faransiyya (m./f.)
France, French
yarfax
to upload ’almaanyaa, ’almaaniyy/
’almaaniyya (m./f.)
SafHa ’iliktruniyya Germany, German
webpage
al-hind, hindiyy/hindiyya (m./f.)
mawqix India, Indian
website
al-xiraaq, xiraaqiyy/
Countries and Nationalities xiraaqiyya (m./f.)
Iraq, Iraqi
’afghaanistaan, ’afghaaniyy/
’afghaaniyya (m./f.) ’iTaliaa, ’iTaaliyy/’iTaaliyya (m./f.)
Afghanistan, Afghani Italy, Italian

al-jazaa’ir, jazaa’iriyy/ al-yaabaan, yaabaaniyy/
jazaa’iriyya (m./f.) yaabaaniyya (m./f.)
Algeria, Algerian Japan, Japanese

al-baHrayn, baHrayniyy/ al-’urdun, ’urduniyy/
baHrayniyya (m./f.) ’urduniyya (m./f.)
Bahrain, Bahraini Jordan, Jordanian

kanadaa, kanadiyy/ kiinyaa, kiiniyy/kiiniyya (m./f.)
kanadiyya (m./f.) Kenya, Kenyan
Canada, Canadian
kuuriyyaa, kuuriyy/
aS-Siin, Siiniyy/Siiniyya (m./f.) kuuriyya (m./f.)
China, Chinese Korea, Korean

miSr, miSriyy/miSriyya (m./f.) al-kuwayt, kuwaytiyy/
Egypt, Egyptian kuwaytiyya (m./f.)
Kuwait, Kuwaiti
’injiltiraa, ’injliiziyy/
’injliiziyya (m./f.) lubnaan, lubnaaniyy/
England, English lubnaaniyya (m./f.)
Lebanon, Lebanese

36

liibyaa, liibiyy/liibiyya (m./f.) ’amriikaa, ’amriikiyy/
Libya, Libyan ’amriikiyya (m./f.)
the United States, American
al-maghrib, maghribiyy/
maghribiyya (m./f.) tuunis, tuunisiyy/
Morocco, Morrocan tuunisiyya (m./f.)
Tunisia, Tunisian
xumaan, xumaaniyy/
xumaaniyya (m./f.) al-yaman, yamaniyy/
Oman, Omani yamaniyya (m./f.)
Yemen, Yemeni
filiSTiin, filiSTiiniyy/
filiSTiiniyya (m./f.) Days and Months
Palestine, Palestinian

qaTar, qaTariyy/qaTariyya (m./f.) al-’ithnayn
Qatar, Qatari Monday

as-saxuudiyya, saxuudiyy/ al-thulaathaa’
saxuudiyya (m./f.) Tuesday
Saudi Arabia, Saudi
al-’arbixaa’
as-sinighaal, sinighaaliyy/ Wednesday
sinighaaliyya (m./f.)
Senegal, Senegalese al-khamiis
Thursday
’isbaaniyaa, ’isbaaniyy/
’isbaaniyya (m./f.) al-jumxa
Spain, Spanish Friday

as-suudaan, suudaaniyy/ al-sabt
suudaaniyya (m./f.) Saturday
Sudan, Sudanese
al-’aHad
suuriyyaa, suuriyy/suuriyya (m./f.) Sunday
Syria, Syrian
kaanuun al-thaanii
tayland, taylandiyy/ January
taylandiyya (m./f.)
Thailand, Thai shubaaT
February

37

’aazaar maa huwa taariikh al-yawm?
March What is the date today?

niisaan ’innahu l-khaamis wal xishriin
April min niisaan.
It’s April 25th.
’ayyaar
May Describing Things

Huzayraan kabiir/Saghiir
June big/small

tammuuz jayyid/sayyi’
July good/bad

’aab jamiil/qabiiH
August beautiful/ugly

’ayluul saakhin/baarid
September hot/cold

tishriin al-’awwal Tawiil/qasiir
October tall/short

tishriin ath-thaanii samiin/Daxiif
November fat/thin

kaanuun al-’awwal qadiim/jadiid
December old/new

haadha l-’ithnayn musinn/fatiyy
this Monday old/young

’al ’usbuux al-maaDii saxiid/Haziin
last week happy/sad

’ash-shahr al-qaadim sariix/baTii’
next month fast/slow

fi l-xishriin min ’aazaar. qariib/baxiid
On March 20th. near/far

38

’aHmar ’intabih!
red Be careful!

’azraq ’istamtix!
blue Have fun!

’aSfar HaDHDHan saxiidan!
yellow Good luck!

’akhDar Dual Nouns:
green Two of Something

burtuqaali kitaab
orange a book

banafsajii kitaabaani, kitabayni
purple two books

’aswad bint
black a girl

’abyaD bintaani, bintayni
white two girls

bunnii ghurfa
brown a room

haadha xaziim! ghurfataani, ghurfatayni
That’s great! two rooms

haadha faziix! Entertainment
That’s terrible!
firqa
Hasanan. band
Okay.
kitaab
laa ’axrif. book
I don’t know.
mummill
’innahu muhimm. boring
It’s important.
39

sirk film siinamaa’i
circus movie, film

naadi matHaf
club museum

barnaamaj fukaahi, kumiidya ubra
comedy opera

Hafla muusiiqiyya lawHa
concert painting

barnaamaj wathaa’iqi Hafla
documentary party

draama, barnaamaj draamaatiiki maTxam

drama restaurant

mubakkir/muta’akhkhir mukhiif, murxib
early/late scary

tasliya timthaal
entertainment sculpture

muthiir ’ughniya
exciting song

muD-Hik xarD niqaashi
funny talk show

Saalat xarD barnaamaj tilifizyuni
gallery television program

mumtix ’akhbaar
interesting the news

majalla masraH
magazine theater

siinama biTaaqa
movie theater ticket

40

yas’am, yammill Family and Relationships
to be bored
xamma, khaala
yarquS aunt
to dance
Tifl
yughayyir al-qanawaat baby
to flip channels
Sadiiq
yadhhab ’ila Hafla muusiiqiyya boyfriend
to go to a concert
’akh
yadhhab lil-Hafla brother
to go to a party
’ibnat khaal
yadhhab lis-siinama cousin (daughter of maternal uncle)
to go to the movies
’ibnat xamm
yuqiim Hafla cousin (daughter of paternal uncle)
to have a party
’ibn khaal
yatamattax cousin (son of maternal uncle)
to have fun
’ibn xamm
yasma’ muusiiqa cousin (son of paternal uncle)
to listen to music
’ibna, bint
yaqra’ kitaab daughter
to read a book
al-xaa’ila wa l-’aqaarib
yaqra’ majalla family and relationships
to read a magazine
’abb
yaraa film father
to see a movie
Hamu
yaraa masraHiyya father-in-law
to see a play
khaTiib
yatafarraj xala t-tilfizyun fiancé
to watch television

41

khaTiiba qariib, qariiba
fiancée relative

zamiil, zamiila ’ukht
friend sister

Sadiiqa ’ibn
girlfriend son

Hafiida ’ibnat al-zawj, ’ibnat al-zawja
granddaughter stepdaughter

jadd zawj al-’umm
grandfather stepfather

jadda zawjat al-’abb
grandmother stepmother

Hafiid ’ibn zawj, ’ibn zawja
grandson stepson

zawj yuTalliq
husband to divorce

’umm yaHSul xala Talaaq
mother to get a divorce

Hamaat yarith
mother-in-law to inherit

’ibn ’akh yuqaddim
nephew (brother’s son) to introduce

’ibn ’ukht yataxarraf xala
nephew (sister’s son) to know (a person)

’ibnat ’akh yuHibb
niece (brother’s daughter) to love

’ibnat ’ukht yatazawwaj
niece (sister’s daughter) to marry

42

yuqaabil qahwa
to meet coffee

xamm, khaal khiyaar
uncle cucumber

zawja xashaa’
wife dinner

Food sharaab
drink
mashruub kuHuulii
alcoholic drink bayDa
egg
tuffaaH
apple samak
fish
mawz
banana Taxaam
food
laHm baqar
beef faakiha
fruit
biira
beer xinab
grapes
khubz
bread xasal
honey
’ifTaar
breakfast Haarr/baarid
hot/cold
jazar
carrot xaSiir
juice
jubn
cheese laHm kharuuf
lamb
dajaaj
chicken khass
lettuce

43

karkand mashruub ghaazii
lobster soft drink

ghadaa’ sukkar
lunch sugar

laHm Hilu/HaamiD
meat sweet/sour

Haliib shaay
milk tea

burtuqaal TamaaTa
orange tomato

kummathra khuDaar
pear vegetable

filfil (’aswad) maa’
pepper (condiment) water

filfil nabiidh
pepper (vegetable) wine

laHm khanziir Getting Around
pork
khaariTa lil-madiina, rajaa’an.
’aruzz A map of the city, please.
rice
khaariTat al-metro, rajaa’an.
milH A subway map, please.
salt
hal yazhab haadha l-baas
ruubyaan ’ila shaarix al-Hamra’?
shrimp Does this bus go to Hamra Street?

wajba khafiifa qif huna rajaa’an.
snack Stop here, please.

Sawda rajaa’an ila hadha al-xunwaan.
soda Take me to this address, please.

44

maa hiya l-’ujra? laqad suriqt.
What is the fare? I’ve been robbed.

’ayna sayyarat al-’ujra? la ’axrifu ’ayna zawjatii.
Where are the taxis? I don’t know where my wife is.

’ayna l-baaS? la ’axrifu ’ayna zawjii.
Where is the bus? I don’t know where my husband is.

’ayna l-makhraj? la ’axrifu ’ayna ’ibnii.
Where is the exit? I don’t know where my son is.

’ayna metro al-’anfaaq? la ’axrifu ’ayna ’ibnatii.
Where is the subway? I don’t know where my daughter is.

Getting Help ’anaa jariihun.
I’m hurt.
hal tastaTiixa ’an tusaaxidani?
Can you help me? ’aHtaaju ’ila Tabiib.
I need a doctor.
laqad faqadtu Haqaa’ibi.
I’ve lost my baggage. ’uTlub sayyaarat ’isxaaf.
Call an ambulance.
laqad faqadtu miHfazati.
I’ve lost my wallet. xindi Hasaasiyya Didd
al-benisiliin.
laqad faqadtu jawaaza safari. I’m allergic to penicillin.
I’ve lost my passport.
’anaa daa’ikh.
laqad faatani l-qiTaar. I’m dizzy.
I’ve missed my train.
’uHissu bil ghathayaan.
’anaa Daa’ix. I feel nauseous.
I’m lost.
yadii tu’limnii.
’an-najda! My arm hurts.
Help!
Rijlii tu’limnii.
’ash-shurTa! My leg hurts.
Police!
Ra’sii tu’limnii.
My head hurts.

45

Going Out I, You, He, She . . .

hal laka ’an taqtariH qahwatan? ’anaa
Can you recommend a café? I

hal laka ’an taqtariH maTxaman? ’anta
Can you recommend a restaurant? you (m.)

hal hunaaka baar bilqurb ’anti
min huna? you (f.)
Is there a good bar nearby?
huwa
hal hunaaka daaru siinama he, it
bilqurb min huna?
Is there a movie theater nearby? hiya
she, it, they (non-human)
hal hunaaka matHaf bilqurb
min huna? naHnu
Is there a museum nearby? we

ma hiya l-’amaakin ’antum
is-siyaaHiyya? you (m. pl. or mixed)
What are the tourist attractions?
’antunna
’ayna ’astaTiixa ’an ’adhab likay you (f. pl.)
’arkab ad-darraaja?
Where can I go to ride a bike? hum
they (m. or mixed)
’ayna astaTiixa ’an ’adhab likay
’arquS? hunna
Where can I go to dance? they (f.)

’ayna ’astaTiixa ’an ’adhab likay In the Bathroom
ma ’arkuD?
Where can I go to jog? ribaaT, blaaster
bandage
’ayna ’astaTiixa ’an ’adhab likay
ma ’asbaH? HawD
Where can I go to swim? bathroom sink

HawD al-’istiHmaam, baanyu
bathtub

46

kuluunya yastaHHimm
cologne to take a bath

muziil al-xaraq, muziil ar-raa’iHa yastaHHimm
deodorant to take a shower

fi l-Hammaam yatanaDHDHaf
in the bathroom to wash oneself

khazzaanat ’adwiya Hammaam
medicine cabinet toilet

mir’aat, miraaya waraq Hammaam
mirror toilet paper

xiTr minshafa
perfume towel

budra In the Kitchen
powder
qaaSiir
muus Hilaaqa bleach
razor
khallaaT
shaambu blender
shampoo
zujaaja, qaaruura
kriim Hilaaqa bottle
shaving cream
zubdiyya
dushsh bowl
shower
Sunduuq
jel lil-’istiHmaam box
shower gel, bath gel
miknasa
Saabuun broom
soap
xulba
yaHliq can
to shave

47

xulba, Sunduuq Taawlat al-kawi
carton ironing board

naDHiif/wasikh HawD
clean/dirty kitchen sink

’ibriiq qahwa kahrabaa’I sikkiin
coffeemaker knife

Taawila munaDHDHif malaabis
counter laundry detergent

kuub maaykruwayf
cup microwave oven

duulaab furn
cupboard oven

ghassaalat Suhuun SaHn
dishwasher plate

munaDHDHif SuHuun thallaaja
dishwashing detergent refrigerator

durj milxaqa
drawer spoon

mujaffifa Tabbaakh
dryer stove

shawka ’ibriiq shaay
fork teakettle

ka’s, qadaH yunaDHDHif
glass to clean

fi l-maTbakh yaTbukh
in the kitchen to cook

mikwaat yaghsil aS-SuHuun
iron to do the dishes

48

yaghsil al-malaabis maakinat faaks
to do the laundry fax machine

ghassaalat malaabis malaff
washing machine file

In the Office khazzaanat malaffaat
file cabinet
mawxid
appointment fi l-maktab
in the office
raff kutub
bookshelf xamal
job
ra’iis
boss ’ijtimaax
meeting
xamal
business ghurfat ’ijtimaax
meeting room
mashghuul
busy maktab
office
zamiil xamal
colleague raatib
salary
sharika
company muwaDHDHafiin
staff
Hasuub ’aali
computer haatif
telephone
minDada, maktab
desk yanshaghil
to be busy
muwaDHDHaf
employee yaksib
to earn
maSnax
factory yaxmal
to work

49

It and Them taHta
under
’anaa katabtu l-kitaab.
I wrote the book. al-maa’ taHta T-Taawila.
The water is under the table.
’anaa katabtu-hu.
I wrote it. bijaanibi
next to
al-bint sharibat al-Haliib.
The girl drank the milk. al-kursiyy bijaanibi s-sariir.
The chair is next to the bed.
al-bint sharibat-hu.
The girl drank it. waraa’a
behind
naHnu ’akalnaa t-tuffaHaat.
We ate the apples. al-bustaan waraa’a l-bayt.
The garden is behind the house.
naHnu ’akalnaa-haa.
We ate them. Making Friends

Location: marHaban, maa ’ismuk?
On, Near, Under, Etc. Hello, what’s your name?

xalaa hal tasmaH ’an ’ajlis huna?
on May I sit here?

al-kitaab xalaa T-Taawila. ’ayna taqTun?/’ayna taxiish?
The book is on the table. Where do you live?

’ilaa ’axiishu fi bayruut.
to I live in Beirut.

kariim dhahaba ’ilaa s-suuq. haadha Sadiiqi.
Kareem went to the market. This is my friend.

qariib min haadha SaaHibi.
near, close to This is my boyfriend.

al-Haliib qariib min al-khubz. haadhihi SaaHibati.
The milk is near the bread. This is my girlfriend.

50