You’ve conquered the alphabet — now let’s use it! If you learn only one thing today, make it greetings. They’re the words you’ll say most often, and they instantly make Arabic speakers smile. Everything here is something you can use from your very first conversation.
The most important greeting
The classic Arabic greeting is a blessing, not just a hello. Tap it to hear it.
As-salamu alaykum
as-salaamu alaykum
Marhaba
marhaba
| Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| السلام عليكم | as-salaamu alaykum | Peace be upon you (hello) |
| وعليكم السلام | wa alaykum as-salaam | And peace be upon you too |
| مرحبا | marhaba | Hello (simple, friendly) |
| أهلا | ahla | Hi (even more casual) |
Tip: السلام عليكم is the standard greeting across the whole Arab world. If someone says it to you, you MUST reply with وعليكم السلام — it’s considered rude not to. Your turn!
A full greeting exchange
Watch how a real greeting flows. Press Play all to hear the whole thing, or tap any bubble to repeat one line.
Meeting a friend
- Aas-salaamu alaykumPeace be upon you (hello)
- Bwa alaykum as-salaamAnd peace be upon you too
- Akayfa haaluk?How are you?
- Bana bikhayr, shukran. wa anta?I'm fine, thanks. And you?
- Aana bikhayr, al-hamdu lillahI'm fine, praise be to God
Notice the pattern — greeting, then how are you?, then I’m fine, thanks. Once you know this rhythm, you can start almost any conversation.
Asking how someone is
After hello, the next question is always كيف حالك؟ — “how are you?” There’s a slightly different version depending on who you’re talking to:
| Arabic | Transliteration | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| كيف حالك؟ | kayfa haaluk | a man |
| كيف حالك؟ | kayfa haalik | a woman |
| كيف الحال؟ | kayfa al-haal | anyone (general) |
The two versions sound almost identical — don’t stress about getting them perfect. People will understand you either way.
The perfect answer
The standard reply is short and humble. Tap each to hear it.
I'm fine
ana bikhayr
Praise be to God
al-hamdu lillah
| Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| أنا بخير | ana bikhayr | I’m fine |
| بخير | bikhayr | Fine (short version) |
| الحمد لله | al-hamdu lillah | Praise be to God (all good) |
الحمد لله is the secret of Arabic small talk. Whether things are great or just okay, it’s the polite, humble way to say “all is well.” Arabic speakers use it dozens of times a day.
Your first words
Flip each card to reveal the meaning, then flip it back and test yourself.
Saying goodbye
Ending a conversation well is just as important as starting one. There are several ways, from formal to casual:
| Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| مع السلامة | ma’a as-salaama | Go with safety (goodbye) |
| إلى اللقاء | ila al-liqaa | See you later |
| تصبح على خير | tusbih ala khayr | Good night (may you wake to goodness) |
Tip: مع السلامة literally means “with safety” — it’s a wish that the person travels safely. Use it when either of you is leaving.
Test yourself
Cover the answer first — say it out loud, then reveal and compare.
How do you say 'hello' in Arabic?
hint: marhaba
What do you reply to 'السلام عليكم'?
hint: wa alaykum as-salaam
How do you ask 'how are you?'
hint: kayfa haaluk?
Match the phrases
Now pair each phrase with its meaning.
Match each pair — start with Arabic (left)
0 / 5Arabic
English
← Select an Arabic word, then tap its meaning →
Wrap up
That’s it — you can now greet someone, ask how they are, reply, and say goodbye in Arabic. That’s a real conversation, start to finish. Say these out loud a few times today, and tomorrow they’ll feel natural. See all the greeting words in the vocabulary list for quick reference.
Scroll down to the final quiz and lock it in. 🎯
Share what you know
0 notes from learners — add an example, a tip, or a correction
Know something that would help?
Add an example, a tip, or a correction for other learners.
Sign in to contributeNo helpful notes yet
Be the first to add an example or a tip for other learners.