Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Say "Hello" in Arabic
• Method 2 of 2: Observing Arabic customs and traditions
• Tips
• Warnings

Whether you're traveling to an Arabic country or just want to be able to greet an Arabic friend in their native language, learning how to greet people is a great way to get started with the Arabic language and culture. The most common Arabic greeting is “as-salaam’ alaykum, ”which means“ peace be upon you ”. While this is technically a Muslim greeting, it is used throughout the Arab world. You can also say "ahlan" which means "hello". However, as with any other language, there are other ways to greet people in Arabic, depending on the context and how well you know the person.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Say "Hello" in Arabic

1. Use "as-salaam" alaykum "as the default greeting. The greeting "as-salaam" alaykum "literally means" peace be upon you, "and this is a traditional greeting among Muslims. Since the majority of Arabs are Muslim, it is also the most common Arabic greeting.
   • The answer to this greeting is "wa'alaykum as-salaam," which basically means "and also with you."
   • If you are in an Arab country, this is a good standard greeting, whether you know the religious beliefs of the person you are greeting or not. Outside of Arab countries, you can use a different greeting if you know that the person greeting you is not a Muslim.
2. Switch to "ahlan" if you are uncomfortable with religious greetings. "Ahlan" is the basic way to say "hello" in Arabic, and is suitable in any situation. You can use this if you are not Muslim, or are uncomfortable with a Muslim greeting.
   • "Ahlan wa sahlan" is the formal version of "ahlan." Use this with people older than you or with people in a position of authority.
   • The answer to "ahlan" is "ahlan bik" (if you are male) or "ahlan biki" (if you are female). If someone says "ahlan" to you themselves, remember to adjust your answer depending on whether they are male or female.

   Tip: You can also hear Arabic speakers using English greetings. However, these are considered relatively informal or familiar. Avoid them unless you know the person well or if they used an English greeting with you first.

   
   
3. Try "marhaba" to welcome someone. This word literally means "welcome," and is often used when you are welcoming someone into your home or the place where you are staying. You can also use it to invite someone to join you. It is also used simply to say "hi" or "hello" informally.
   • For example, if you are sitting in a cafe and a friend comes over and says "ahlan," you can reply with "marhaba," indicating that they can join you for a chat.
4. Change your greeting based on the time of day. There are also time-specific greetings in Arabic that you can use in the morning, afternoon, and evening. While these are not that common, you can use them if you wish. They are considered relatively formal, so they are appropriate no matter who you greet.
   • In the morning say "sabaahul khayr" (good morning).
   • In the afternoon, say "masaa al-khayr" (good afternoon).
   • in the evening say "masaa al-khayr" (good evening).

   Tip: The translation of "good evening" is "tusbih alaa khayr." However, this phrase is usually used as a form of "goodbye" at the end of an evening, but not as a greeting.

   
   
5. Ask how the person is doing. As in other languages, it is common to ask about someone's well-being immediately after greeting them. In Arabic, this question is different depending on whether you are talking to a man or a woman.
   • If you are talking to a man, ask "kayfa kiesak?" He probably answers with "ana bekhair, shukran!" (which basically means "I'm fine thank you!")
   • If you are talking to a woman, ask "kayfa fetch me?" The answer is usually the same as for a man.
   • If the other person asks you how you are first, reply "ana bekhair, shukran!" followed by "wa ant?" (if the person is male) or "wa anti?" (if the person is female). These sentences basically mean "and with you?"
6. Continue the conversation when you feel comfortable. If you know very little Arabic, you can say at this point, "Hal tatahadath lughat’ ukhraa bijanib alearabia? " ("Do you speak a language other than Arabic?") However, if you have studied and feel that you can hold your own in a basic conversation, you can continue the conversation by asking the person their name or where they are from.
   • If you and the person you greeted don't have any other languages ​​in common, and you want to try to continue speaking in Arabic, let them know that you only speak a little Arabic. Say "na'am, qaliilan," to indicate that you only speak a little bit of Arabic.
   • If you don't understand what the person is saying, you could say "laa afham" (I don't understand).

Method 2 of 2: Observing Arabic customs and traditions

1. Use polite words and phrases to show respect. You can show respect in any language by paying attention to your manners. By using polite words and phrases in Arabic, even if you know few other words in the language, you communicate that you respect the Arabic culture. Some words include:
   • "Al-ma'dirah": Excuse me (if you ask someone to pull over)
   • "Aasif": Sorry
   • "Miin faadliikaa": Please
   • "Shukran": Thank you
   • "Al'afw": Reply to "thank you"
2. Don't touch people of the opposite sex when greeting them. Traditionally, men and women do not touch when greeting each other unless they are close relatives. Some women are willing to shake hands with men, especially in more formal situations. However, if you are a man, you should let the woman take the lead.
   • Keep your distance from the woman while greeting her. If she is willing to shake your hand, she will reach out to you. Don't automatically reach out first.
   • If she claps her hands or puts her right hand over her heart, it's an indication that she's not willing to shake hands, but is still happy to meet you.
3. Shake hands when you formally greet someone of the same sex. It is common to shake hands when greeting someone of the same sex in a formal context, such as in a professional setting or at school. It's still a good idea to let the other person take the lead and extend their hand first.
   • Always shake your right hand, never your left. The left hand is considered unclean in Arab culture.
4. Place your right hand over your heart to greet someone warmly. Placing your right hand over your heart indicates that although you are not going to touch the person, you are still happy to meet them. If you have Arab friends of the opposite sex, this is an appropriate way to greet them.
   • Since men and women who are not related to each other usually do not touch each other when greeting each other, this gesture is a way of showing your attachment to the person greeting you without hugging or kissing them.
5. Touch noses or kiss cheeks with people you know well. In Arab culture, touching noses is not seen as a particularly intimate gesture often used between two men or between two women. Another popular gesture in some areas is to kiss the other person's right cheek three times.
   • These gestures are usually not suitable for someone of a different gender unless you are related and in a very close relationship. Even then, many Arabs would not consider such a public greeting appropriate.

   Tip: Women (but not moons) also give each other a hug every now and then when they greet each other. Hugs are kept for family members and close friends you know very well.

   
   
6. Greet an elder with a kiss on the forehead. Old minds are greatly respected in Arab culture. A kiss on the forehead honors them and shows respect. Use this gesture with old people you know well or who are related to someone you know well.
   • For example, if your Qatari friend introduces you to his grandmother, you can kiss her on the forehead when greeting her.

Tips

• Learning how to pronounce the Arabic alphabet will help you pronounce all Arabic words, including greetings. While it is not necessary to learn Arabic script if you just want to be able to have a basic conversation, you need to start with the alphabet if you want to become proficient in Arabic.

Warnings

• This article uses transliterated Arabic. Pronunciations are approximate and may vary depending on the dialect used. To pronounce the words correctly, listen to a native speaker and imitate their pronunciation.