Useful Syrian Arabic Phrases: Arabic serves as the national language of Syria, and the local dialect is known as Ammiya, specifically the Levantine dialect. If you have experience with Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) or Fusha, the Arabic spoken on the streets of Syria may present differences. However, if you’ve studied spoken Arabic in Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, or Egypt, you’ll discover many similarities.
Syria proves to be an excellent environment for learning Arabic, offering affordable programs. Local Syrians are generally open to assisting you in your learning journey, particularly in cities like Hebron and Nablus, where fewer people speak English.
Below, you’ll find some of the most useful Syrian Arabic phrases for traveling, along with links to more advanced vocabulary and verb sets if you’re interested.
- Vocabulary: Flashcards featuring more than 550 Syrian Arabic vocabulary words.
- Verbs: Flashcards highlighting over 100 Syrian Arabic verbs.
Common Syrian Arabic Phrases
| English | Arabic |
| Hello | مرحبا (marhaba) or اهلين (ahlayn) |
| Welcome | اهلا و سهلا (ahlan wa sahlan) |
| Response | اهلا فيك (ahlan feek) |
| Thank you | شكرا (shukran) or يسلمو (eeslamu) |
| Thanks to your hands | يسلمو يديك (eeslamu eedayk) |
| Good Morning | صباح الخير (sabah al kheir) |
| Response | صباح النور/ الورد (sabah al noor or al ward) |
| Good Evening | مسا الخير (masa al kheir) |
| Response | مسا النور (masa al noor) |
| See you later | بشوفك |
| Goodbye/Go in Peace | مع سلامة (ma’ salama) |
| Goodnight | تصبح الخير (tisbah al kheir) |
| Nice to Meet You | فرصة سعيدة (sharafna) or شرفنا (fursa sayeeda) |
| How Are You? (masculine) | كيف حالك (keefak) or كيفك (keef halak) |
| How Are You? (feminine) | كيف حالك (keefik) or كيفك (keef halik) |
| Good, thank God | تمام الحمدلله (tamam alhamduleelah) |
| Living | (عيش(ة (ayeesh–masc.) (ayeesha–fem.) |
| Fine | (منيح (ة (mineeh–masc.) (mineeha–fem.) |
| What’s the News/What’s New? | شو الاخبار (shu al akhbar) |
| Everything is good | كل شي تمام (kul shee tamam) |
| Enjoy the Food/Bon Appétit | صحه (saha) |
| Response | On your heart: على قلبك (ala qalbak) |
| Congratulations | مبروك (mabrook) |
| Thank you for your service | يعطيك العافية (yateek ala’feya) |
| How Old Are You? | قديش عمرك (qadesh umrak–masc/umrik–fem) |
| Where do you live? | (وين ساكن(ة (wayn sakan–masc/sakana–fem) |
| Where are you from? | من وين انت (min wayn inta–masc/inti–fem) |
| Do you speak Arabic? | بتحكي عرابي؟ (bitihky arabey) |
| Do you speak English? | بتحكي انجليزي (bitihky injleezey) |
| A little | شوي (shway) |
| Light/A small amount | حفيف (hafeef) |
| I swear to God | والله (wallah) |
| God Willing | Enjoy the Food/Bon Appétit |
| Praise God | الحمدلله (alhamdulilah) |
| God Willed | ماشاالله (masha’allah) |
| Really or Seriously | عنجد (anjad) |
FOOD/SHOPPING
| English | Arabic |
| How Much? | (qadesh) (kam) كم |
| Do you have? | (indak–masc.) (indik–fem.) عندك |
| Is there? | (feeh?) في |
| Where can I buy | (wayn mumkin ashtaree) وين ممكن اشتري |
| Expensive | (ghalee) غالي |
| Cheap | (rakhees) رخيص |
| Half Kilo | (nos kilo) نص كيلو |
| Delicious | (zaakee) زاكي |
| Disgusting | (muqrif) مقرف |
| Fruit | (fuwakay) فواكه |
| Apples | (tufah) تفاح |
| Bananas | (mowz) موز |
| Grapes | (inab) عنب |
| Watermelon | (bateekh) بطيخ |
| Oranges | (burtuqal) برتقال |
| Peach | (khokh) خوخ |
| Pomegranate | (ruman) رمان |
| Apricots | (mish mish) مشمش |
| Dates | (tamar) تمر |
| Figs | (teen) تين |
| Vegetables | (khudar) خضار |
| Tomatoes | (bandura) بندورة |
| Potatoes | (batata) بطاطا |
| Onions | (basal) بصل |
| Eggplant | (baytinjan) باذنجان |
| Cauliflower | (zahra) زهرة |
| Carrot | (jazar) جزر |
| Cucumber | (ikhyar) خيار |
| Lemon | (limon) لمون |
| Zucchini | (kusa) كوسا |
| Avocado | (abokado) افوكادو |
| Pepper | (filfil) فلفل |
| Lettuce | (khas) خس |
| Spices/Herbs | (baharat) بهارات |
| Ginger | (zanjabeel) زندبيل |
| Cinnamon | (qurfa) قرفة |
| Mint | (na’na’) نعنع |
| Parsley | (baqdunis) بقدونس |
| Garlic | (towm) توم |
| Thyme | (za’atar) زعتر |
OTHER
| English | Arabic |
| Cheese | (jibnay) حبنه |
| Rice | (rowz) رز |
| Chicken | (jaj) جاج |
| Meat | (lahmay) لحمة |
| Oil | (zayt) زيت |
| Olives | (zaytoon) زيتون |
| Yogurt | (laban) لبن |
| Honey | (asal) عسل |
| Butter | (zibday) زبده |
| Pasta | (makaronay) معكرونه |
| Eggs | (bayd) بيض |
| Bread | (Kubuz) خبز |
Summary
In conclusion, navigating the linguistic landscape of Syrian Arabic, specifically the Ammiya dialect, presents a unique and enriching experience for language learners. While distinct from Modern Standard Arabic or Fusha, those with a background in spoken Arabic from neighboring regions may find common ground in the linguistic tapestry of Syria.
The accessibility of affordable Arabic language programs and the welcoming nature of local Syrians, particularly in cities like Hebron and Nablus, make Syria an ideal destination for Arabic language enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner seeking essential travel phrases or a more advanced learner exploring intricate vocabulary and verb sets, the language-rich environment of Syria offers ample opportunities for linguistic growth and cultural immersion.
Embracing the nuances of Syrian Arabic opens doors to authentic communication and a deeper understanding of the vibrant local Syrian culture.
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