Learning a new language can be both an exciting and challenging endeavor. Arabic, with its rich history and beautiful script, offers a unique experience for language learners. If you are a beginner, or at the A1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), there are certain foundational words and phrases you should become familiar with. Knowing these essential words will not only help you navigate basic conversations but also provide a solid foundation for further study.
Basic Greetings and Polite Expressions
One of the first things you will learn in any new language is how to greet people and express basic courtesies. In Arabic, greetings and polite expressions form a crucial part of daily interactions.
Marhaba (مرحبا) – This is a common way to say “Hello” in Arabic. It is used in both formal and informal settings.
As-salamu alaykum (السلام عليكم) – This phrase means “Peace be upon you” and is a traditional Islamic greeting. The appropriate response is Wa alaykum as-salam (وعليكم السلام), which means “And peace be upon you too.”
Shukran (شكرا) – This means “Thank you.” You might also hear Shukran jazilan (شكرا جزيلا), which means “Thank you very much.”
Afwan (عفوا) – This means “You’re welcome” or “Excuse me,” depending on the context.
Min fadlak (من فضلك) – This phrase means “Please” when addressing a male. When addressing a female, it changes to Min fadlik (من فضلك).
Naam (نعم) – This is the Arabic word for “Yes.”
La (لا) – This is the Arabic word for “No.”
Common Nouns
To build your vocabulary, start with some common nouns that you are likely to encounter frequently. These words are essential for basic communication.
Kitab (كتاب) – This means “Book.”
Bab (باب) – This means “Door.”
Kursi (كرسي) – This means “Chair.”
Bayt (بيت) – This means “House.”
Madrasa (مدرسة) – This means “School.”
Saiyara (سيارة) – This means “Car.”
Qalam (قلم) – This means “Pen.”
Shajara (شجرة) – This means “Tree.”
Ma’a (ماء) – This means “Water.”
Akil (أكل) – This means “Food.”
Numbers
Understanding numbers is crucial for daily activities such as shopping, telling time, and understanding dates. Here are the numbers from 1 to 10 in Arabic:
1 – Wahid (واحد)
2 – Ithnayn (اثنان)
3 – Thalatha (ثلاثة)
4 – Arba’a (أربعة)
5 – Khamsa (خمسة)
6 – Sitta (ستة)
7 – Saba’a (سبعة)
8 – Thamaniya (ثمانية)
9 – Tis’a (تسعة)
10 – Ashara (عشرة)
Basic Verbs
Verbs are the backbone of any language as they allow you to describe actions. Here are some basic verbs that you will find useful:
Yakulu (يأكل) – This means “to eat.”
Yashrabu (يشرب) – This means “to drink.”
Yaktubu (يكتب) – This means “to write.”
Yaqra’u (يقرأ) – This means “to read.”
Yadhhabu (يذهب) – This means “to go.”
Yasma’u (يسمع) – This means “to hear.”
Yara (يرى) – This means “to see.”
Yaf’alu (يفعل) – This means “to do.”
Ya’amalu (يعمل) – This means “to work.”
Yuhibu (يحب) – This means “to love.”
Days of the Week
Knowing the days of the week is important for making plans and understanding schedules. Here are the days of the week in Arabic:
Al-Ahad (الأحد) – Sunday
Al-Ithnayn (الإثنين) – Monday
Al-Thulatha (الثلاثاء) – Tuesday
Al-Arba’a (الأربعاء) – Wednesday
Al-Khamis (الخميس) – Thursday
Al-Jumu’a (الجمعة) – Friday
As-Sabt (السبت) – Saturday
Family Members
Family is an important part of Arabic culture. Knowing the words for different family members can help you connect with people on a personal level.
Ab (أب) – Father
Umm (أم) – Mother
Akhi (أخي) – Brother
Ukhti (أختي) – Sister
Jadd (جد) – Grandfather
Jadda (جدة) – Grandmother
Ibni (ابني) – My son
Binti (بنتي) – My daughter
Colors
Being able to describe colors can be very useful in everyday conversations. Here are some basic colors in Arabic:
Ahmar (أحمر) – Red
Azraq (أزرق) – Blue
Asfar (أصفر) – Yellow
Akhder (أخضر) – Green
Aswad (أسود) – Black
Abyad (أبيض) – White
Bunni (بني) – Brown
Common Phrases
To help you get by in everyday situations, here are some common phrases that you might find useful:
Kayfa halak? (كيف حالك؟) – How are you? (to a male)
Kayfa halik? (كيف حالك؟) – How are you? (to a female)
Ayna (أين) – Where?
Mataa? (متى؟) – When?
Kam? (كم؟) – How much?
Ma ismuka? (ما اسمك؟) – What is your name? (to a male)
Ma ismuki? (ما اسمكِ؟) – What is your name? (to a female)
Ismi (اسمي) – My name is…
Hal tatahaddath al-lughah al-ingliziyah? (هل تتحدث اللغة الإنجليزية؟) – Do you speak English?
La afham (لا أفهم) – I don’t understand.
Momkin (ممكن) – Can you…? or Is it possible…?
Prepositions
Prepositions are small words but they play a big role in sentences. Here are some common prepositions in Arabic:
Fi (في) – In
Ala (على) – On
Taht (تحت) – Under
Amam (أمام) – In front of
Khalf (خلف) – Behind
Ma’a (مع) – With
Bidoon (بدون) – Without
Ila (إلى) – To
Min (من) – From
Ind (عند) – At
Adjectives
Describing things accurately is an important skill. Here are some basic adjectives in Arabic:
Kabeer (كبير) – Big
Sagheer (صغير) – Small
Jameel (جميل) – Beautiful
Qabeeh (قبيح) – Ugly
Saeed (سعيد) – Happy
Hazin (حزين) – Sad
Jadid (جديد) – New
Qadeem (قديم) – Old
Sahl (سهل) – Easy
Sa’b (صعب) – Difficult
Questions Words
Knowing how to ask questions is crucial for learning more about your surroundings and engaging in conversations. Here are some essential question words in Arabic:
Maa? (ما؟) – What?
Man? (من؟) – Who?
Madha? (ماذا؟) – What? (used with verbs)
Ayna? (أين؟) – Where?
Kam? (كم؟) – How much?/How many?
Limaadha? (لماذا؟) – Why?
Kayfa? (كيف؟) – How?
Mataa? (متى؟) – When?
Conclusion
Learning a new language is a journey that requires patience, practice, and persistence. By familiarizing yourself with these essential A1 level Arabic words and phrases, you are laying a strong foundation for your language learning journey. As you practice and use these words in daily conversations, you will find yourself becoming more comfortable and confident in your ability to communicate in Arabic.
Remember, language learning is not just about memorizing words but also about understanding the culture and context in which those words are used. So, take your time, practice regularly, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve.
Happy learning!
