Whether you're traveling to an Arab country or just want to say hello to your Arab friends in their native language, learning how to greet people is a great way to start learning the Arabic language and culture. The most common greeting in Arabic is "as-salaam 'alaykum", which means "may peace be upon you." Although this is basically a greeting among Muslims, it is used throughout the Arab world. You can also say "ahlan", which means "hello". However, as with other languages, there are other ways to greet people in Arabic, depending on the context and how close you are to the person.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Saying "Hello" in Arabic
Step 1. Use "as-salaam 'alaykum" as a general greeting
The word "as-salaam 'alaykum" literally means "may peace be upon you", and is traditionally a greeting among Muslims. Since the majority of the Arab population is Muslim, this is also a common greeting in Arabic.
- The reply to this greeting was "wa 'alaykum as-salaam", which basically means "and also for you."
- If you're in an Arab country, this is a good general greeting regardless of the beliefs of the person you're greeting. But outside of Arab countries, you can use another greeting if you know the person you are addressing is not Muslim.
Step 2. Switch to "ahlan" if you're not comfortable using a religious greeting
"Ahlan" is a basic way of saying "hello" in Arabic, and it's perfect for any situation. If you are not a Muslim or don't feel comfortable giving Islamic greetings, you can use this greeting.
- "Ahlan wa sahlan" is a more official version of "ahlan". Use this greeting with people who are older or in positions of power.
- Replies to "ahlan" are "ahlan bik" (if you are a man) or "ahlan biki" (if you are a woman). If someone says "ahlan" to you first, don't forget to adjust your reply depending on whether the person is a man or a woman.
Tip:
You will probably hear Arabic speaking people use greetings in English as well. However, this is usually seen as casual or intimate. Avoid using it unless you know the person well or he or she says hello in English to you first.
Step 3. Try using "marhaba" to greet someone
This word literally means "welcome", and is usually used when you welcome someone into your home or where you are staying. You can also use it to get someone to come over and sit with you. This greeting means "hi" or "hello" which is more casual.
For example, if you're sitting in a cafe and a friend walks by and says "ahlan," you could reply "marhaba," to show that he or she can come over and sit down with you for a chat
Step 4. Adjust your speech based on the time
There are also sayings for certain times in Arabic that can be used in the morning, afternoon or evening. Although these expressions are not very common, you can use them if you wish. This greeting is generally considered formal, so it's appropriate to use it with anyone you're greeting.
- In the morning, say "sabaahul khayr" (good morning).
- During the day, say "masaa al-khayr" (good afternoon).
- In the evening, say "masaa al-khayr" (good night).
Tip:
The expression for "good night" is "tusbih alaa khayr". However, this expression is usually used as a late-night "goodbye" form of greeting-not as a greeting.
Step 5. Ask how the person is doing
As in other languages, it is common to ask someone how they are after greeting them. In Arabic, the basic questions can vary depending on whether you are talking to a man or a woman.
- If you're talking to a guy, ask "kayfa haalak?" Chances are, he will reply with "ana bekhair, shukran!" (which basically means "I'm good, thank you!"
- If you are talking to a woman, ask "kayfa haalik?" The answer is usually the same as what the man said.
- If that person asks how you're doing first, respond with "ana bekhair, shukran!" then continue with "wa ant?" (if he is a man) or "wa anti?" (if she is a woman. This sentence basically means "and you?"
Step 6. Continue the conversation if you feel comfortable
If you currently know very little Arabic, you can say: "Hal tatahadath lughat 'ukhraa bijanib alearabia?" ("Do you speak a language other than Arabic?") However, if you've studied Arabic long enough and think you can understand basic conversation, you can proceed by asking the person's name or where they're from.
- If you and the person you're talking to don't understand the other language and you want to try to continue speaking Arabic, you can tell them that you know very little Arabic. Say "na'am, qaliilan", to show that you speak very little Arabic.
- If you don't understand what the person is saying, you can say "laa afham" (I don't understand).
Method 2 of 2: Observing Arab Customs and Traditions
Step 1. Use polite words and sentences to show respect
In any language, maintaining good manners shows respect. Using polite words and sentences in Arabic, even if you don't know other words in the language, shows that you respect Arab culture. Some words to learn include:
- "Al-ma'dirah": Excuse me (if you ask someone to give way)
- "Aasif": Sorry
- "Miin faadliikaa": Please
- "Shukran": Thank you
- "Al'afw": "thank you" replies
Step 2. Avoid touching when greeting someone of the opposite sex
According to tradition, men and women do not touch each other at all when greeting, unless they are close family members. Some women are willing to shake hands with men, especially in more formal contexts. However, if you are a man, you should let the woman control the interaction.
- Stand away from the woman when you greet her. If he is willing to shake your hand, he will extend his hand to you. Don't reflexively extend your hand first.
- If he keeps his hand tightly or places his right hand on his left chest, this is a sign that he's not willing to shake hands but still feels good to meet you.
Step 3. Shake hands when greeting someone of the same gender in a formal setting
When greeting someone of the same gender as you in formal situations, such as at work or school, it's common to shake hands. It's still a good idea to let the other person take control of the interaction and extend their hand first.
Always shake hands with the right hand, and never the left. The left hand is considered unclean in Arab culture
Step 4. Place your right hand on your left chest to greet someone warmly
Placing your right hand on your left chest shows that even if you're not going to touch the person, you're still quite happy to meet them. If you have Arab friends who are of the opposite sex from you, this is a great way to greet them.
Since men and women who are not related by blood usually don't touch each other when greeting, this gesture is a way of indicating closeness to the person being greeted without hugging or kissing them
Step 5. Touch noses or kiss cheeks with people you know well
In Arab culture, touching the nose is not considered an intimate gesture and is often practiced between two men as well as between two women. Another popular gesture in some areas is to kiss the person's right cheek three times.
This gesture is usually inappropriate with someone of the opposite sex unless you are related by blood and have a very close relationship. However, many Arabs don't see this as appropriate in a public place
Tip:
Women (but not men) also sometimes hug each other when greeting. Hugs are reserved for a well-known family member or close friend.
Step 6. Greet the parents with a kiss on the forehead
Parents are highly respected in Arab culture. A kiss on the forehead is a tribute to them and shows them respect. Specialize this attitude for parents you know well, or people you know blood-related with.
