A visit to Jordan would provide an ideal opportunity to brush up on your Arabic! Arabic has been one of the world's dominant languages for the last 14 centuries. Over 200 million people in over twenty countries speak this rich and enduring language. In addition to that of Jordan, Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. It is the language of the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam and, as such, Muslim followers study it all over the world.

 

Therefore, while spoken Arabic consists of various dialects, the written language as preserved through the holy Qur'an remains constant throughout the years. Speakers of different Arabic dialects may experience problems understanding one another, however they all understand its classical form as exemplified in its textual representation. A Semitic language, Arabic is written from right to left.

The following list of useful phrases should help you get started with your introduction to the Arabic language as it is spoken in Jordan. Good luck!
 

 

 

Hello
Good-bye
My name is
What is your name?
Thank you
You're welcome
Please
Excuse me
What time is it?
How much does this cost?
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Where is the nearest restroom?
Left
Right
Straight
Do you accept credit cards?

Could you speak more slowly
please?

Marhaba
Ma'a salaameh
... Ismee ...
Shoo ismek?
Shukrun
‘Afwan
Lao samaht
‘An iznek
Edesh el sa'aa?
Bikaam hatha?
Waahid
Tinain
Talaateh
Arba'a
Khamseh
Sitteh
Sab'a
Tamenyeh
Tis'a
‘Ashra
Wen il hamaam?

Shmaal
Yameen
Dughree
Mumkin adfaa' bi kart masrafi?
Mumkin tehkee shway shway?

 

 

Home    Contact us   Top