A Guide to Arabic - Videos - Learning Arabic

Basic words in Arabic

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Basics 1
The clip starts by comparing hieroglyphs to modern day Arabic and noting the differences between the two languages. It goes on to show how to greet somebody in modern day Arabic.
Basics 2
Beginning in an Egyptian market, there are lots of vibrant colours and music playing. In the markets of Cairo, there are no prices on the items you are expected to haggle. Whilst the presenter is haggling she explains how to say 'yes' and 'no' in Arabic. The clip goes on to show people saying 'hello' and 'thank you'. Next, we see some Arabic symbols meaning 'dad', 'brother' and 'door'.
Basics 3
This clip looks at school life in Egypt. In this clip, we meet a young boy and find out about his school life. We also learn the Arabic words for 'father', 'door', 'please' and 'thank you'.
Basics 4
This clip starts with a young boy describing why he likes shopping with his mother. We then see the boy shopping with his mum, hear the word for 'thank you' and get to see various market stalls and a busy street scene. At the end of the clip, we are introduced to the letter L in Arabic and the words for 'please' and 'thank you'.

Key language: The basics

Arabic pronunciation
English translation
[ahlan]
hello, hi
[as-salam alaykum]
hello
(literally: 'peace be upon you')
[wa alaykum as-salam]
hello
(in reply to above, literally: 'and upon you be peace')
[ana]
I, I am
[ahlan ana ...] + name
hello, I'm ... + name
[ma'a salama]
goodbye, bye
[shukran]
thank you
[min fadlak]
please (said to a man)
[min fadlik]
please (said to a woman)
[na'am]
yes
[laa]
no
[ab]
father
[akh]
brother
[bab]
door