Although English is increasingly used in business relationships, in many situations Arabic is the key language, as you would expect. If you really want to learn the language, then you should perhaps attend a course by one of the international providers such as Berlitz. Below are a few phrases that will give you the basics in Arabic. Arabs will be particularly impressed that you have at least made an effort to learn their language, and will score you some points in a business situation. The words are deliberately pelled to help you pronounce them correctly.
Introduction
Assalaam Alaikum -Peace be up on you
To which the reply is:
Wa Alaikum assalaam -And peace be upon you
Sabah al khair - good morning
To which the reply is:
Sabah al noor
Masah al khair -good afternoon / evening
To which the reply is:
Masah al noor
Ahlan wa sahlan -Welcome
To which the reply is:
Ahlan beek - welcome to you (to a male)
Ahlan beech (to a female)
Ahlan beekum (to a group)
This is usually used in introductions
Keef haluk? -How are you?
Sometimes shortened to Keefak
To which the reply is:
Al hamdu lillah (bi khair) - praise be to Allah (well)
Aysh ismuk -what is your name?
Ismi Jason -my name is Jason
Inta min weyn? -where are you from?
Ana min ingliterra -I'm from England
Umreeka -USA
Oostraaalia -Australia
Al imaraaat -UAE
Wa inta? -and you?
Maasalaamah -Goodbye
To which the reply is:
Fi aman allah or Maasalaamah
Miscellaneous Words
Inshallah -If Allah wishes
This phrase is used in reference to a future, since all things are at Allah's will. So if you say, see you tomorrow, you might be replied with Inshallah.
Maashallah -What Allah wishes
This is used when complimenting something, usually in the context of family or health.
Mabrook - Congratulations
This is used in any congratulatory context, more so than you would use in English.
Naam - yes
Aywa - yeah/ok
La - no
Min fudluk - please
Shoo? - what?
Shoofi mafi? -what's up? or what's the matter?
Shoo hada? - what is this?
Mafi mushkil -no problem
Itfudul -be my guest / my pleasure
When you sneeze you say
Al hamdu lillah
Tamaam - perfect
Baadin - later
Dilwaati - now
Ilyoum - today
Bukra - tomorrow
Ashoofook bukra - see you tomorrow
Aadhi - it's normal
Jebli shai - bring me some tea
Kallemni - call me/talk to me
Ma adhri - I dont know
Mumken asaduq - can i help you
Sida - straight
Yasar - left
Yameen - right
Tabaan - of course
Kam -how much
Affwaan -excuse me
Kull -everything
Numbers
0 -siffr
1 -wahid
2 -itnain
3 -thalatha
4 -arba
5 -khumsah
6 -settah
7 -sabaa
8 -thamaaneeya
9 -tissaa
10 -asharah
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