Learn Arabic

Basic Arabic Lesson for Travelers

2015-08-10T01:59:00.000-07:00

Here are the basics words for travelers planning to visit the
Arab world

***

airport - mataar

airplane - tayyaara

arrival - wusool

departure - mughaadara

customs - al-majaarik

luggage - mataa'

passport - jawaaz as-safar

visa - ta'sheera

flight ticket - tazkira

hotel - funduq

reception - istiqbaal

key - miftaah

room - ghurfa

currency exchange - sarraaf

restaurant - mat'am

bathroom * hammaam

taxi - ujra

***

Ramadan Kareem! {2014}

2014-06-28T23:04:00.003-07:00

Today marks the start of the Holy month of Ramadam. For the new comers in the UAE, here are some basic information that you should learn about this season.

Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, so it is an essential step in the spiritual life of every Muslim.

Basically, Ramadan is a time of challenges and fasting during which Muslims should be more turned to Allah, their spiritual life and others. Being free from eating and from the worries and tasks of every day life during the day, they have to use that time to pray and thus be closer to Allah.

RAMADAN FOR MUSLIMS IN UAE

Specifically, during the month of Ramadan, Muslims:

are prohibited from eating, drinking, smoking, or have sex between sunrise and sunset,
should be oriented more towards others, especially the poor and the needy,
need to be more turned to God, and are encouraged to read the Koran.

Some people are exempt from Ramadan, such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly or the persons for which the fast of Ramadan (or Sawm) would be dangerous to their health.

It is possible for some people that can temporarily not fast to "catch up" Ramadan by doing it later. This is the case for some athletes, when Ramadan is at the same period as important events.

In the evening, after the call to prayer of the muezzin, at sunset, is the Iftar, or time to break the fast. This meal is a nice moment that Muslims often share with family or friends, or even with non-Muslims. In the UAE, large tents in the streets or near mosques distribute free meals to those in need.

Originally frugal and lightweight, the Iftar meal is now often very rich, fat and sweet. Since they are more meals at night, many Muslims significantly gain weight during Ramadan.

RAMADAN FOR NON-MUSLIMS IN UAE

These changes have important implications for expatriates in the UAE.

Work schedules are arranged during Ramadan, which impacts everyone in the UAE. In general, theworking day is 2 hours shorter than usual during the Ramadan month. Muslims take advantage of free time in the afternoon for a nap. Indeed, they stay up really late into the night to avoid getting too hungry during the day, so they are often very tired during the day.

This fatigue also leads to behavioral change. Some Muslims are more irritable during Ramadan, many are less productive at work, causing a considerable slowdown of economic activity.

They are also less vigilant on the roads and drive less carefully, especially near the Iftar. Number of road accidents increases significantly during the month of Ramadan

RULES FOR RAMADAN

For everybody in the UAE, during Ramadan, it is strictly forbidden:

eating in public places between sunset and sunrise, even chewing gum (subject to one month in prison)
to drink (even water) or smoking in public places between sunset and sunrise
to drink alcohol during the day, even in a hotel bar (this rule tends to change in some areas of Dubai)
listening to loud music other than religious in a public place.

At home, you remain free to do what you want, as long as it does not interfere with religious practices of Muslims.

Because of the prohibition of eating in public places during the day, almost all restaurants are closed for lunch.

The ban on playing music other than religious (some exceptions are infrequent and tolerated after sunset) in public places often leads to the closure of bars and nightclubs throughout the month of Ramadan. However, in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, it is possible to find bars open (generally without music, though).

END OF RAMADAN

Ramadan ends with Eid el Fitr, a great religious festival, where each company normally give between 1 and 4 public holidays to their employees. This family celebration for Muslims is usually an opportunity to leave the country for non-Muslims, resulting in a large influx of passengers at airports and borders. Among the preferred destinations, the Sultanate of Oman generally sees all hotels booked months in advance for the Eid.

Source: {Google}

Here are some TIPS FOR A BLESSED & SUCCESSFUL RAMADAN

Stay Healthy This Ramadan

2013-07-11T00:14:00.003-07:00

This Ramadan will be one of the longest in recent history. Fasting during this holy month can be very beneficial to your health, but only if it’s done correctly. Here are some tips to avoid any potential health issues during fasting.

01 HEARTBURN
Avoid oily, deep-fried & spicy foods. Control your food and caffeine consumption to avoid heartburn.

02 WEIGHT GAIN

Discipline yourself. Avoid feasting during non-fasting hours. Do not over indulge when breaking your fast during ‘Iftar’.

03 HEADACHE
Don’t miss your pre-dawn meal, consume enough fluids and avoid direct sunlight when possible.

04 DEHYDRATION
Avoid drinks high in caffeine such as tea, coffee and soda. If you are really unable to stand due to dizziness or you are disoriented, you could break the fast and drink regular, moderate quantities of water - ideally with salt and sugar.

05 CONSTIPATION
Maintain a healthy diet to keep bowel movements regular. Include fruits, vegetables and increase your diet’s fiber content.

06 STRESS
Don’t take on more than you can handle. Avoid playing sports in the sun and make an effort to quit smoking.

07 DIABETES
Discuss the risks of diabetes and fasting with your doctor. Regularly monitor your blood glucose levels and watch for signs of hypoglycemia; symptoms include dizziness, excessive sweating & disorientation.

Stay healthy and use this opportunity to better your health by shedding a few kilos, improving your diet and quitting smoking.

RAMADAN KAREEM!

Peace Be With You

2013-07-09T15:06:00.003-07:00

Ramadan Kareem!

UAE National Day 2012

2012-11-22T00:33:00.000-08:00

The United Arab Emirates were formed on December 2, 1971, when the UK's treaty expired and the separate sheikdoms decided to form an independent union. At first the UAE was a federation of six emirates - Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, Fujairah and Ajman. The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah was added a year later.

This year marks the 41th anniversary of the country and a special time to celebrate its culture and heritage. A wide range of celebrations and activities have been planned in shopping malls, parks and other venues throughout the country.

The National Day Downtown Dubai Parade will be held at Emaar Boulevard and feature floats, inflatable balloons, performers, heritage, horses, camels and music groups.

Check out Dubai Calendar for more details on UAE Events...

EID AL ADHA 2012

2012-10-16T05:13:00.000-07:00

News feed for Eid Al Adha (DUBAI):

Dubai: Saudi Arabia on Tuesday announced that the first day of Eid Al Adha is on October 26, which falls on a Friday.

The first day of Dhu Al Hijja is on Wednesday, October 17, while Arafa is on Thursday, October 25, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

---o0o---

Dubai: The Dubai Metro will run for nearly 24 hours on weekends and during the Eid holidays until November 2, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Tuesday.

Complementing the Eid in Dubai celebrations, the metro will operate from 5:30am to 4am on October 18 and 19, said Ramadan Abdullah, the director of Metro operations at the RTA.

The trains will also operate on the new timings on Ocober 25, 26, 27 and 28 to coincide with the Eid holidays, and on November 1 and 2.

Trains will continue with normal operation hours on weekdays.

---o0o---

DO's and DONT's in UAE (2011)

2011-05-21T12:34:00.000-07:00

Guide to safe living in UAE

Bathing suits are OK in hotel pools and private beaches
Men are also expected to dress decently with no bold overtones. Absolutely no cross-dressing
Holding hands and kissing are unacceptable and can lead to arrest
During Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month, people are expected to abstain from alcohol, dancing, chewing gum, smoking and singing in public during the day
Eat/drink with your right hand as the left hand is considered to be unhygienic in this part of the world
Don't show the soles of your feet or shoes as this implies disrespectful to others -- that you are comparing the person to soles or 'dirt / trash'

If a Muslim is praying, do not walk in front of him or stare at him
If you have not accepted Islam as religion, take prior permission before entering a mosque
Do not point fingers at others as this is considered disrespectful
Taxi passengers should avoid sitting in front seat of the taxicab; 'small talk' can be misinterpreted as over-friendliness or even a form of propositioning by taxi drivers
Prescription and over-the-counter medications are often considered illegal or a controlled substance. Keep your medicines in their original containers and bring a letter from your doctor as well as a copy of your prescription with you
Possession of illegal drugs, or the presence of an illegal substance in a blood or urine test, clothing, body or in your luggage, could lead to arrest
Don't drink and drive. Alcohol is served at bars in major hotels but is intended for hotel guests
Drinking or possession of alcohol without a Ministry of Interior liquor permit is illegal and may lead to fines and imprisonment
Avoid making obscene hand gestures, using inappropriate (foul) language to anyone

Source: Handbook on how to avoid jail

Animals

2011-03-12T06:55:00.000-08:00

animal - haiwan

pet - haiwan ahli

dog - kalb

bark (of dog) - nebah (ol kalb)

puppy - joru

bear - dob

buffalo - jamus

cat - her, qetah

claw - makhlab

cow - baqar

donkey - hemar

dragon - torbid

elephant - fil

frog - dhefda

goat - anz, ma-ez

horse - hesan

pony - hesanol - haml

leopard - nemr

lion - asad

pig - khenzir

rabbit - arnab

sheep - kharuf

sheep's tail - elyah

shepherd - ra-i

snake - haiyah

tiger - namer

whale - hut

wolf - ze-eb

In the garden

2011-01-29T10:28:00.000-08:00

Garden -- bostan

Gardener -- bostani

Flower -- zahrah, wardah

Leaf -- waraqah

Butterfly - farashah

Fruit -- fakehah

Bunch of fruit -- anqud

Vegetable -- khodhrawat

Tree -- shajarah

Trees -- ashjar

Branch -- qosn

A-pple -- tofah

B-lack cherry -- albalo

C-oconut -- jawzel hend

D-ate -- tamr, rotab

E-ggplant -- bazenjan

F-ig -- tin

G-rapes -- enab

H-azel nut --bondoq

L-emon -- laimun

M-elon -- batikh

O-range -- bortoqal, narenj

P-each -- khokh

R-ed radish -- fejel

S-quash -- qara

T-omato -- tamatah

Vine -- karm

Soil -- torab

The UAE Essentials

2011-01-21T13:40:00.000-08:00

*Language
ARABIC is the official language but English is widely spoken and understood.

*Religion
ISLAM is the official religion, but other religions are respected. Non-Muslims should not enter Mosques.

*Currency
DIRHAM is the currency in the UAE. It is held constant against the dollars $1 = AED3.67
Most banks are open Sunday to Thursday, but bank malls are open 7 days a week.

*Shopping
MALLS are generally open from 10AM to 10PM, 7 days a week.

*Transportation
DUBAI METRO is the best transport in getting around the city. There are feeder buses to bring you at the doorstep of your destination. TAXIS roam around. BUSES are also available in the respective stations.

*Clothing
Respect should be shown for the local culture and religion - revealing clothing should be avoided.

*Alcohol
Alcohol is available from all bars and restaurants located within hotels. Restaurants and cafes outside of hotel are not permitted to sell alcohol. There is zero tolerance for drink driving and public intoxication is also punishable by law.

*Useful Numbers
Police / Ambulance: 999
Fire: 007
Directories Inquiries: 181
Al Wasl Hospirtal: 009714 334 1111
Dubai Airport: 009714 206 6666

*Useful Website
http://www.uaeinteract.com/
http://www.dubaitourism.ae/

Ramadan Kareem!

2010-08-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

Ramadan (Arabic: رمضان ) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

The word Ramadan comes originally from the word ramd "to burn". The month is spent by Muslims fasting during the daylight hours from dawn to sunset. The name came from before the Islamic calendar creation, when the month of Ramadan started in the summer. Fasting during this month is often thought to symbolically burn away all sins.

Note: The symbol of Ramadan is the new moon which is sighted before Muslims start fasting, astrologically this year, Ramadan should be starting on Wednesday, however, Tuesday astrologers will look for the new moon incase it appears earlier.

Ramadan is the month of charity and generosity; it is about giving the poor and the needy, by offering one's time, efforts and donations.

Tips for a blessed and successful Ramadan

Ramadan Timings:

1. Avoid the rush hours from 1 P.M to 4: 30 P.M on certain roads and bridges

2. Double check the timings of any service providers because in Ramadan all working hours are re-scheduled whether private or government entities.

Breakfast & Supper:

3. For Breakfast (Iftar), it’s advisable that you consume slow digesting foods including fibre containing-foods rather than fast-digesting foods. Slow digesting foods last up to 8 hours, while fast-digesting foods last for only 3 to 4 hours.
Slow-digesting foods are foods that contain grains and seeds such as barley, wheat, oats, beans, lentils, whole meal flour, and unpolished rice. These are complex carbohydrates. Fast-burning foods are foods that contain ingredients such as sugar and white flour.

4. If you are fasting the next day, it’s recommended to drink a lot of water and have yogurt in your sohour or dinner.

5. Drink as much water or fruit juices as possible between iftar and bedtime so that your body may adjust fluid levels in time.

What to avoid:

6. Headache Causes: Caffeine and tobacco-withdrawal, lack of sleep, and hunger. Usually occur as the day goes by and worsens at the end of the day. When associated with "low blood pressure", the headache can be quite severe and can also cause nausea before breakfast or Iftar.

Remedy: Cut down caffeine and tobacco slowly starting a few days before Ramadan.

7. Avoid the too much tea at Sohour as tea makes you urinate more taking away all valuable mineral salts that your body would need during the day especially in August weather. Also avoid smoking cigarettes or Shisha (Hubble): If you cannot give up smoking, cut down gradually starting a few days before Ramadan. And avoid fried and spicy foods as they may cause heartburn or indigestion.

8. During the hottest part of the day, stay in cool areas (indoors or in shade) and limit your physical activity.

Lessons from School

2010-07-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

school - madrasah ; mahadota-alim

---

teacher - mo-alem

teach - ta-alom

teaching - talim ; tadris

---

education - tarbiyah

educated - adib ; aref

---

student - telmiz

---

college - koliyah

college student - taleb jame-i

college graduate - kherijol jame-ah

---

high school - edadiyah

high school teacher - modares

---

lesson - dars

letter - resalah

letters - alfadh

letter of alphbet - harf

counting - add

computations - mohasabat

measure - qiyas ; meqyas ; meqdar

science - olum

scientific - elmi

scientist - alem

history - tarikh

historian - mowarekh

historical - tarikh

reading - motala-ah

writing - ensha

write - rosq

writer - kateb ; moalef

---

word - kalemah ; harf ; loqah ; kalam

words - alfadh

note - tadil

memory - bal ; zakerah

memorize - hefdh

moral lesson - ebrah

---

bag - haqibah ; kis

book - ketabpen - qalam

paper - kaqaz

ballpen - qalam-jaf

pencil - qalam-resas

pen case/holder - mahbarah

At Home

2010-04-06T01:22:00.000-07:00

home - bait

house - dar

shelter - loju

gate - bawabah

gatekeeper - bawab

guard (man) - hares

lawn - color

garden - bostan

gardener - bostani

grass - alaf

door - bab

window - shobak

wall - jodar ; hesar ; ha-et

balcony - eiwan

basement - serdab

room - qorfah

bed - ferash

bedsheet - malhafah

pillow - makhadah ; wesada

quilt - lahaf

sofa - sarir ; arikah

frame - etar

kitchen - matbakh

table - mastabah

tablecloth - maedah

chair - korsi

plate - sahno ta-am

spoon - mel-aqah

knife - sekin

bath - hamam

towel - manshafah

soap - sabun

toothbrush - meswak

shelf - raf

clothes - lebas

clothing - malabes

washing - qasl

---

Arabic Counting 20 UP

2010-02-17T05:41:00.000-08:00

After the Basic Arabic Numbers

and

Arabic Counting 10-20

It's time to move

From 20 and Up
.

20 - eshrun

21 - wahedon wa eshrun

29 - tes-on wa eshrun

...

30 - thalathun

31 - wahedon wa thalathun

32 - ethnan wa thalathun

39 - tes-on wa thalathun

...

40 - arba-un

41 - wahedon wa arba-un

49 - tes-on wa arba-un

...

50 - khamsun

60 - setun

70 - sab-in

80 - thamanun

90 - tes-un

100 - ma-ah

. . .

1000 - alf

1M - malyon

Arabic Alphabet

2010-01-06T00:19:00.000-08:00

Alif - A

Baa - B

Taa - T

Thaa - TH

Jiim - J

Haa - H

Kha - KH

Daal - D

Raa - R

Zaay - Z

Siin - S

Shiin - SH

Saad - S

Daad - D

Taa - T

Dhaa - DH

Ayn -

Ghayn - Q

Faa - F

Qaaf - Q

Kaaf - K

Laam - L

Miim - M

Nuun - N

Ha - H

Waaw - W / U

Yaa - Y / I

Arabic Counting 10-20

2009-11-25T09:00:00.001-08:00

After our Basic Arabic Numbers

Let us proceed to counting from 10 - 20

10 - ashr

11 - ahad ashar

12 - ethna ashar

13 - thalatho ashar

14 - arba-o ashar

15 - khamso ashar

16 - seto ashar

17 - sab-o ashar

18 - thamano ashar

19 - tes-o ashar

20 - eshrun

Arabic Family

2009-11-11T02:18:00.000-08:00

Let's start learning from the smallest group of society:

FAMILY (clan) > a-elah or solalah

FATHER > ab or waled

Arab children call their fathers Baba

MOTHER > om or waledah

Arab children call their mothers Mama

BROTHER > akh or shaqiq

SISTER > okht

HUSBAND > zawj

WIFE > zawaja

SON > sabi or walad

DAUGHTER > bent

>o0o<

GRAND FATER > jad

GRAND MOTHER > jadda

GRAND SON > hafid

GRAND DAUGHTER > hafidah

UNCLE

(Paternal) > am

(Maternal) > khal

AUNT

(Paternal) > amah

(Maternal) > khalah

NEPHEW > ebnol

Brother's Son > ebnol-akh

Sister's Son > ebnol-okht

NIECE > bentol

Brother's Daughter > bentol-akh

Sister's Daughter > bentol-okht

COUSIN (Male) > ibn elam

COUSIN (Female) > ibnt elam

Arabic Numbers

2009-10-22T02:15:00.000-07:00

0 - sifr
.

1 - waahid
.

2 - eeth-nayn
.

3 - thalaatha
.

4 - arba'a
.

5 - khamsa
.

6 - sitta
.

7 - sab'a
.

8 - thamaaneeya
.

9 - tis'a
.

Basic Arabic Lesson

2009-10-05T02:03:00.000-07:00

Assalaam Alaikum - Peace be upon you

To which the reply is:

Wa Alaikum assalaam - And peace be upon you

This phrase will be used in many different contexts when meeting people.

Marhabbah - Hello

to which the reply is:

Marhabbteen - Hello

This is probably the equivalent of saying Hi!

Sabah al khair - Good Morning

To which the reply is:

Sabah al noor

Masah al khair - Good Afternoon / Evening

To which the reply is:

Masah al noor

Shukran (jazeelan) - Thank you (very much)

To which the reply is:

Aafwaan - You're welcome

An alternative to Shukran is Mushkoor

Ahlan wa sahlan -Welcome

To which the reply is:

Ahlan beek (to a male)

Ahlan beech (to a female)

Ahlan beekum (to a group)

- Welcome to you

This is usually used in introductions

Keef haluk? - How are you?

Sometimes shortened to Keefak

To which the reply is:

Al hamdu lillah (bi khair) - Praise be to Allah (well)

This should be the usual reply.

You could use:

Ana bikhayr, shukran - I am fine, thank you

Weyn inta - Literally, Where are you?

But probably equivalent to Long time no see

Occasionally you will hear:

Shu-ukhbaarak - What's your news?

- which you would reply to in the normal way

Aysh ismuk - What is your name?

Ismi Jason - My name is Jason

Titakellem ingleezi - Do you speak English?

Ana la atakellem al arabi - I don't speak Arabic

Terrref arabi? - Do you know Arabic

Atakullum inglieezi - I speak English

Inta min weyn? - Where are you from?

Ana min ingliterra - I'm from England

Umreeka - USA

Oostraaalia - Australia

Al imaraaat - UAE

Wa inta? - And you?

Maasalaamah - Goodbye

To which the reply is:

Fi aman allah or Maasalaamah

Inshallah - If Allah wishes

This phrase is used in reference to a future, since all things are at Allah's will.

So if you say, see you tomorrow, you might be replied with Inshallah.

Indeed, it is used in numerous contexts.

You'll send me the report tomorrow? - Inshallah.

Maashallah - What Allah wishes

This is used when complimenting something, usually in the context of family or health.

Mabrook - Congratulations

This is used in any congratulatory context, more so than you would use in English.

Naam - Yes

Aywa - Yeah/OK

La - No

Min fudluk - Please

Shoo? - What?

Shoofi mafi? - What's up? or What's the matter?

Shoo hada? - What is this?

Mafi mushkil - No problem

Itfudul - Be my guest / My pleasure

Tamaam - Perfect

Baadin - Later

Dilwaati - Now

Ilyoum - Today

Bukra - Tomorrow

Ashoofook bukra - See you tomorrow

Aadhi - It's normal

Jebli shai - Bring me some tea

Kallemni - Call me / Talk to me

Ma adhri - I dont know

Maa-i-khussni - It's not my problem

Inta kida - Thumbs up

Intaa tabaan - Thumbs down

Areed areef - I want to know

Mumken asaduq - Can I help you?

Sida - Straight

Yasar - Left

Yameen - Right

Tabaan - Of course

Andi - I have

Kam - How much

Affwaan - Excuse me

Kull - Everything

When you sneeze you say

Al hamdu lillah

To which someone will say

Yer humkullah

And you will say again

Yer hamna wa yer humkum

Kalas - Finish