One way to foster camaraderie with your employer is to speak their language. You can also earn potential points if you can speak like them and understand them.
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So if you plan to work in Qatar, equip yourself with basic Arabic words and phrases to help you in your day-to-day transactions. Even if you are already working in Qatar, it never hurts to brush up on your knowledge as well.
Useful Arabic Words and Phrases
To help start the conversation going, here are some words and phrases that you can use. Be familiar with these words, so you can converse properly with the people around you.
Basic Greetings
Hello As salaamu alaykum
Good morning Sabahu al-hayir
Good afternoon Masa al-hayir
Good night Tusbih ala hayr
What’s your name? Ma ismuk?
Nice to meet you Tasarrafna
See you later Arak lahiqan
Goodbye Ma’ al-salamah
How are you? Kaifa haluka?
Please Min fadhlik
Thank you Sukran
You’re welcome Afwan
No La
Yes Na’am
Okay Hasanan
Excuse me Udran
I’m sorry Ana asif
When Shopping
What is this? Ma hadha?
How much is this? Bikam hadha?
Could I get the check, please? Al-hisab law samahi
For getting directions or traveling
Left Al-yasaar
Right Al-yameen
Help Al-nagdah
What time is it? Kam al sa ah?
Wait a moment Intazir lahzah
Where is …? Ayna…?
Where is the restroom? Ayn al-mirhad?
Where is the bank? Ayna al maraf?
The police station markazash-shurta
Hospital Mustashfa
Airport al mataar
Embassy Safaara
Arabic Numbers
One wahed
Two ethnein
Three thalatha
Four arba-a
Five khamsa
Six sitta
Seven sab-a
Eight thamanya
Nine tis-a
Ten ashara
To better help you in pronouncing some of the Arabic words you’re studying, you can watch instructional videos or podcasts. Here is an example of a YouTube video that you can use:
At the start, you might feel awkward in pronouncing these new words. But to some people who have successfully learned a new language, the secret is to keep practicing. Devote just a few minutes each day to read these phrases, and keep increasing your vocabulary of Arabic words. You can also watch Arabic shows to further familiarize yourself with the language. Or better yet, talk to native speakers so they can coach you with the words you’re using.
It is also a good idea to start with learning how to pronounce the Arabic words, before moving on to learning how to write and read. Just keep a steady pace until you master this new language.
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