A friendly greeting, a polite thank-you or a simple question can make everyday travel encounters more enjoyable. Whether you are exploring Amman’s markets, visiting Petra, spending a night in Wadi Rum or enjoying the coast in Aqaba, a few Arabic phrases can help you connect with the people you meet.
Arabic is Jordan’s official language, and English is commonly used in tourism settings. You do not need to speak fluent Arabic to enjoy your visit, but learning a handful of everyday expressions is a thoughtful way to start a conversation.
This guide introduces useful Jordanian Arabic phrases for greetings, shopping, dining and getting around. Put them into practice while discovering local experiences with Excursions Jordan.
Essential Greetings and Polite Expressions
Jordanian Arabic is the spoken variety you will commonly hear in everyday conversation. Pronunciation varies, so the spellings below are approximate guides.
| English | Arabic | How to say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | مرحبا | Marhaba |
| Peace be upon you | السلام عليكم | As-salaamu alaykum |
| Reply to the greeting above | وعليكم السلام | Wa alaykum as-salaam |
| Good morning | صباح الخير | Sabaah el-kheir |
| Reply to good morning | صباح النور | Sabaah en-noor |
| Good evening | مساء الخير | Masa el-kheir |
| Welcome | أهلاً وسهلاً | Ahlan wa sahlan |
| Thank you | شكراً | Shukran |
| You’re welcome | عفواً | Afwan |
| Please / excuse me—to a man | لو سمحت | Law samaht |
| Please / excuse me—to a woman | لو سمحتي | Law samahti |
| Yes | آه / نعم | Aah / Na’am |
| No | لا | Laa |
| Goodbye | مع السلامة | Ma’a s-salaameh |
A useful first phrase: “Marhaba” works well as a simple greeting when entering a shop, meeting your guide or beginning a conversation.
Introducing Yourself and Having a Conversation
Some Arabic expressions change depending on whether you are speaking to a man or a woman.
| English | Arabic | How to say it |
|---|---|---|
| What is your name?—to a man | شو اسمك؟ | Sho ismak? |
| What is your name?—to a woman | شو اسمك؟ | Sho ismek? |
| My name is… | اسمي… | Ismi… |
| How are you?—to a man | كيف حالك؟ | Keef haalak? |
| How are you?—to a woman | كيف حالك؟ | Keef haalek? |
| I’m fine | أنا منيح / أنا منيحة | Ana mneeh / Ana mneeha |
| I don’t speak Arabic | أنا ما بحكي عربي | Ana ma bahki Arabi |
| Do you speak English?—to a man | بتحكي إنجليزي؟ | Btehki Ingleezi? |
| Do you speak English?—to a woman | بتحكي إنجليزي؟ | Btehki Ingleezi? |
| I don’t understand | مش فاهم / مش فاهمة | Mish faahem / Mish faahmeh |
For expressions describing yourself, such as “I’m fine” or “I don’t understand,” the first version is used by a male speaker and the second by a female speaker.
Do not worry about getting every sound right. Speak slowly, smile and use the words you know.
Arabic Phrases for Shopping and Markets
From downtown Amman to souvenir shops in Wadi Musa, these expressions can help with everyday purchases.
| English | Arabic | How to say it |
|---|---|---|
| How much is this? | قديش هاد؟ | Addeish haad? |
| What is this? | شو هاد؟ | Sho haad? |
| I want this | بدي هاد | Biddi haad |
| I’m just looking | بس بتفرّج | Bass batfarraj |
| Do you accept cards? | بتقبلوا بطاقات؟ | Bti’balu bitaaqaat? |
| Cash | كاش / نقداً | Kaash / Naqdan |
| No, thank you | لا، شكراً | Laa, shukran |
Confirm the price and currency before agreeing to a purchase or service. A polite “Laa, shukran” is useful when declining an offer.
Arabic Phrases for Restaurants and Cafés
Trying Jordanian food is an enjoyable part of exploring the country. These phrases can help when ordering a meal or stopping for coffee.
| English | Arabic | How to say it |
|---|---|---|
| Water, please | مي، لو سمحت | Mayy, law samaht |
| Tea | شاي | Shaay |
| Coffee | قهوة | Ahweh |
| Without sugar | بدون سكر | Bidoon sukkar |
| Without meat | بدون لحمة | Bidoon lahmeh |
| The bill, please | الحساب، لو سمحت | Il-hisaab, law samaht |
| Delicious! | زاكي! | Zaaki! |
| Restaurant | مطعم | Mat’am |
If you have a food allergy or a strict dietary requirement, explain it clearly and confirm that the staff understand. Showing a written Arabic translation can help avoid confusion.
Useful Words for Getting Around
Keep your hotel’s name and address saved on your phone, ideally in both Arabic and English. These expressions can also help when asking for directions.
| English | Arabic | How to say it |
|---|---|---|
| Where is…? | وين…؟ | Wein…? |
| Where is the bathroom? | وين الحمّام؟ | Wein il-hammaam? |
| Where is the hotel? | وين الفندق؟ | Wein il-funduq? |
| I want to go to… | بدي أروح على… | Biddi arooh ala… |
| Here | هون | Hoon |
| Right | يمين | Yameen |
| Left | شمال | Shmaal |
| Straight ahead | دغري | Dughri |
| Stop here, please | وقّف هون، لو سمحت | Wa’if hoon, law samaht |
Expressions You May Hear During Your Visit
Some of the most memorable words are the ones you hear from hosts, guides and shopkeepers.
Ahlan wa sahlan — أهلاً وسهلاً
A welcoming expression used when receiving guests or greeting visitors.
Tفضل / Tفضلي — Tfaddal / Tfaddali
Often means “please come in,” “go ahead” or “please help yourself,” depending on the situation. “Tfaddal” addresses a man, while “tfaddali” addresses a woman.
Yalla — يلا
A common expression meaning “let’s go” or “come on,” depending on the tone and context.
Inshallah — إن شاء الله
Means “God willing” and is often used when discussing future plans or hopes.
Sahtein — صحتين
A friendly expression said to someone eating, similar to wishing them an enjoyable meal.
Simple Ways to Practise Arabic in Jordan
Start with a few expressions you can use every day:
Greet people with “Marhaba.”
Say “Shukran” when someone helps you.
Ask “Addeish haad?” when checking a price.
Order with “Law samaht” to keep your request polite.
Finish a conversation with “Ma’a s-salaameh.”
Listening is just as useful as speaking. Ask your guide or host how they pronounce a phrase, then try repeating it in a natural conversation.
Connect with Jordan Through Local Experiences
Language adds a personal dimension to travel. A short conversation over tea, a greeting at a market stall or a thank-you after a guided visit can turn an ordinary moment into a lasting memory.
Excursions Jordan helps travellers discover activities and experiences from local providers across the country, from cultural visits in Amman and Petra to desert adventures in Wadi Rum and Red Sea activities in Aqaba.
Bring a few Arabic phrases along and make room for conversations as well as sightseeing.
Explore tours, activities and local experiences with Excursions Jordan