Important Phrases (العبارات المهمة)
Here are several key phrases you can use to request a little help from an Arabic speaker while you are trying to understand them. When interacting with Arab speakers, always aim to be as polite and as expressive as possible, because most are happy to help you learn and understand.
| Arabic | Transcription | Translation | Literally | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| أنا لا أفهم | ana la afham | I dont understand | I no understand | Shaking your head while saying this will help to express your confusion |
| مرّة أخرى من فضلك | marra ukhra min faDlak | Say it again please | another time please | Remember, the
expression for please, من فضلك changes slightly when addressing males or females |
| مرّة ثانية من فضلك | marra thaaniiya min faDlak | Say it again please | a second time please | See above^^ |
| ببطء من فضلك | bibiTo' min faDlak | More slowly please | With slowness please | Trying to understand speakers will be easier if you use this to ask them to speak more slowly |
| \ انا آسف أنا آسفة | ana aasif \ ana aasifa | I am sorry | I am a sorry one | This phrase changes depending on your (the speaker's) gender.
For males:ا نا آسف For females: أ نا آسفة |
| لو سحمت | lo samaHta | Excuse me /If you please | If you permit | Use for when you are trying to get someones attention or politely interrupt. |
| This phrase changes whether you are speaking to a man, woman or group | Addressing a Man: لو سمحتَ lo samaHta | Addressing a Woman: لو سمحِت lo samaHti | Addressing a Group: لو سمحتم lo samaHtum |
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Related Links: Arabic Goodbye(مع ال س لامة) All of the Diacritics(كلالتشكيل) |
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