Acquiring fundamental Arabic vocabulary for travel will open the doors to experiences of a lifetime across the Arab world. Whenever you are in enjoying juicy food, or getting advice on directions, knowing some basic Arabic words or phrases will not only increase your confidence, it’s also easier to communicate with local people.
In this article, we have compiled a list of 50 Arabic vocabulary for travel and phrases you must learn to make your travels smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Arabic Greetings and Polite Phrases
The best place to start building your Arabic vocabulary for travel is with polite expressions and greetings. These words help shape the tone and level of respect in your communication and help establish rapport with local people you meet along your travels.
The following are the most critical Arabic greetings and polite expressions that every traveller should learn:
السلام عليكم (As-salamu ‘alaykum) – Peace be with you
A universally recognized Islamic greeting in all Arabic speaking countries and the polite way to say hello.
وعليكم السلام (Wa ‘alaykum as-salam) – And to you (peace be with you)
Traditional response to “السلام عليكم” and it is good to use this response where appropriate out of awareness and respect.
مرحباً (Marhaban) – Hello
A friendly, common and casual way to say hello. Use in everyday situations, worth knowing when going over your Arabic vocabulary for travel if not just for the enjoyment.
كيف حالك؟ (Kayfa ḥāluka/ḥāluki) – How are you?
This is a very common way to ask someone, and it is polite to do so in an Arabic-speaking context. You would say “ḥāluka,” when speaking to a male, and “ḥāluki” when speaking to a female.
الحمد لله (Al-ḥamdu lillāh) – Praise be to God
Most people will use this phrase when asked “how are you,” and it demonstrates pertinent cultural protocol of Arabic language context.
شكراً (Shukran) – Thank you
It is very important to say “thank you” when travelling. “شكراً” is short, easy to remember, and undoubtedly, one of the most important words in your Arabic vocabulary for travel.
من فضلك (Min faḍlik/faḍluka) – Please
A polite way to make a request while someone is assisting you. “faḍluka” for males and “faḍlik” for females.
عفواً (ʿAfwan) – You’re welcome / Excuse me
Another useful and versatile phrase in Arabic that is used as “you’re welcome” or to get someone’s attention politely, or to pass by someone.
آسف / آسفة (Āsif/Āsifah) – I’m sorry.
In Arabic, you say “Āsif” as a male and “Āsifah” as a female when making an appropriate apology internationally.
نعم / لا (Naʿam / Lā) – Yes / No.
Two of the very simple yet very important words in your Arabic vocabulary for travel that you should remember and be able to express confidently during your daily travel communication.
Arabic Vocabulary for Transportation
Navigating a new city becomes much easier when you know the right Arabic vocabulary for travel, especially when it comes to transportation. Whether you’re catching a taxi, asking for directions, or buying a ticket, these essential words and phrases will help you move around confidently.
Here are must-know Arabic transportation terms for travelers:
تاكسي (Tāksī) – Taxi
One of the most frequently used words during travel. Just say “تاكسي” to hail a cab in most Arabic-speaking countries.
حافلة (Ḥāfilah) – Bus
Public transportation is common and budget-friendly. “حافلة” refers to a bus and is useful at stations or terminals.
قطار (Qiṭār) – Train
If you’re planning to travel between cities, “قطار” is an essential term in your Arabic vocabulary for travel list.
مطار (Maṭār) – Airport
This word will pop up everywhere in your itinerary—on signs, tickets, and transport guides.
تذكرة (Tadhkirah) – Ticket
Whether for the bus, train, or plane, you’ll often need a “تذكرة” to get around.
محطة (Maḥaṭṭah) – Station
Used mostly for train stations (محطة القطار) and bus stations (محطة الحافلات).
أين…؟ (Ayna…?) – Where is…?
This question starter is super helpful. For Example:
“أين المطار؟” – Where is the airport?
“أين موقف التاكسي؟” – Where is the taxi stand?
اتجاه (Ittijāh) – Direction
Useful when asking which direction the vehicle is going or confirming your route
كم الأجرة؟ (Kam al-ujrah?) – How much is the fare?
Great for negotiating taxi rides or clearing up costs on the go.
أريد الذهاب إلى… (Urīdu adh-dhahāba ilā…) – I want to go to…
Just fill in after “إلى” and the driver knows where you’re going.
Hotel and Accommodation Vocabulary
Booking a room, checking in, or asking for hotel services becomes a lot easier once you know the appropriate Arabic vocabulary for travel. This hotel and accommodations’ vocabulary will be useful for communicating during your stay, and feeling more confident!
Here are the most helpful Arabic words and expressions for hotel situations:
فندق (Funduq) – Hotel
This is the most basic word you will see on the signs or when you are looking for places to stay.
حجز (Ḥajz) – Reservation
You’ll find this word useful when you confirm a booking or when you are asking if rooms are available. For example: “لديكم حجز؟” Do you have a reservation? This is one of the most important Arabic vocabulary for travel.
غرفة (Ghurfah) – Room
Another key word to add to your Arabic vocabulary regarding travel. This may be useful when you are checking in or making special requests.
مفتاح (Miftāḥ) – Key
You’ll need this word when you might be needing to ask for your room key: “مفتاح الغرفة، من فضلك.” I need the room key, please.
حمام (Ḥammām) – Bathroom
Very important to clarify room features or to locate public restrooms in hotels.
سرير (Sarīr) – Bed
Additionally useful if you might be requesting extra beds in a room, or when you’ll be selecting types of rooms.
تكييف (Takīf) – Air conditioning
Another important Arabic vocabulary for travel. A relatively useful term in places with warm climates when asking if your room has A/C.
مصعد (Miṣʿad) – Elevator
You will often see this on the hotel signs. If not you can always ask “أين المصعد؟” where is the elevator?
أحتاج إلى… (Aḥtāju ilā…) – أحتاج إلى…
A flexible and useful phrase for making polite requests, such as:
“أحتاج إلى منشفة.” – أحتاج إلى منشفة.
هل يوجد…؟ (Hal yūjad…?) – هل يوجد…؟
This phrase is useful for questions about amenities such as:
“هل يوجد واي فاي؟” – هل يوجد واي فاي؟
Arabic Phrases for Eating Out
Part of the fun of travel is trying the local food-and knowing the right Arabic vocabulary for travel helps you feel more confident and comfortable while dining out, from reading the menu to ordering meals.
These key travel phrases will help you to navigate any Arabic-speaking restaurant with confidence. Here are some key Arabic words and phrases for dining out, to know when travelling:
مطعم (Maṭʿam) – Restaurant
A basic, yet important word. Use this word if you are asking for recommendations or following a sign.
قائمة الطعام (Qā’imat aṭ-ṭaʿām) – Menu
Ask “هل يمكنني رؤية قائمة الطعام؟” – Can I see the menu?
ماء (Mā’) – Water
One of the most used vocabulary word when drinking when ordering drinks.
شاي / قهوة (Shāy / Qahwah) – Tea / Coffee
Two common drinks. Great for cafes or during breakfast.
الطعام نباتي (Aṭ-ṭaʿām nabātī) – The food is vegetarian
You could also just say:
“أنا نباتي/نباتية.” – I’m vegetarian (male/female)
لحم / دجاج / سمك (Laḥm / Dajjāj / Samak) – Meat / Chicken / Fish
These are popular protein options on menus among the most important Arabic vocabulary for travel.
الحساب، من فضلك (Al-ḥisāb, min faḍlik) – The bill, please
Another polite way of asking for the check after meals.
لذيذ! (Ladhīdh!) – Delicious!
A fun and friendly way to compliment the food. Local people will appreciate the effort.
اُريد أن أطلب… (Urīdu an aṭlub…) – I want to order…
Perfect to point to an item on a menu and order it clearly.
هل هذا حار؟ (Hal hādhā ḥār?) – Is this spicy?
A good one to ask, especially if you are not used to eating spicy food.
Shopping and Bargaining Phrases
Whether you are browsing through local markets or shopping for souvenirs, knowing some basic Arabic vocabulary for travel can turn an ordinary purchase into something fun (and affordable!). These shopping phrase sections will allow you to ask questions, understand price, and negotiate with confidence.
Here are the most essential Arabic shopping and bargaining terms for traveling in style:
بكم هذَا؟ (Bikam hādhā?) – How much is this?
One of the most important phrases when shopping. Just point to what you want to buy and ask this.
غالي (ghali) – Expensive
If you feel the price is too high, saying ghali is a way of conveying you are hesitant.
رخيص (rakhis) – Cheap / Inexpensive
A word you will love to hear – khas of from the seller!
أريد أن أشتري … (u̒ri̅d an ushtari … ) – I want to buy …
Use this phrase to be clear about what you are interested in buying.
هل يمكنك تخفيض السعر؟ (hal yumkinan takhfi̅dh as-s’ir?) – Can you lower the price?
A polite but powerful phrase to bargain down the price in markets when learning the most important Arabic vocabulary for travel. Usually, the people in the markets expect you to bargain a little.
نقداً / بطاقة (naqd’an / biṭāqa) – Cash / Card
Important when asking about payment mechanisms:
“هل تقبل بطاقة؟” (hal tiqbal biṭāqa?) – Do you take credit card?
مقاس (maqās) – Size
Be very helpful when purchasing clothing or shoes.
“ما هو المقاس؟” (ma hu maqās) – What is the size?
جودة (jawda) – Quality
If you want to ask what material an item is or value of the item.
هدايا (hadāya) – Gifts / Souvenirs
Just think about this word when buying something inexpensive to bring home.
مفتوح / مغلق (maftuh / muglaq) – open / closed
Common on shop signs, helping you know store hours.
Asking for Directions in Arabic
Getting lost is part of the fun – but knowing the right Arabic vocabulary for travel can help you find your way in crowd, quicker and easier. These essential words and phrases will make it easier to ask for and understand directions, when you are out and about in Arabic-speaking parts of the world.
Here are the most useful Arabic phrases for asking directions:
أين…؟ (Ayna…?) – Where is…? Is a phrase you need when you are looking for a place. Just add the location:
“أين الفندق؟” – Where is the hotel?
“أين السوق؟” – Where is the market?
يمين / يسار (Yamīn / Yasār) – Right / Left often used when someone is giving you step-by-step directions while walking or driving.
إلى الأمام (Ilā al-amām) – Straight ahead, This is usually when someone is directing you to keep walking straight ahead.
قريب / بعيد (Qarīb / Baʿīd) – Near / Far. This can also be useful when gauging distance when asking how far is a place:
“هل هو قريب؟” – Is it near?
خريطة (Kharīṭah) – Map. of course this is great when either requesting or looking at a map:
من فضلكم، هل يمكنكم مساعدتي؟ (Min faḍlik, hal yumkinuka musāʿadatī?) – Please can you help me?
A polite way to start any conversation when asking for directions, which must be among your Arabic vocabulary for travel list.
أنا ضائع / ضائعة (Anā ḍāʾiʿ / ḍāʾiʿah) – I’m lost (male/female)
Use this phrase to clearly explain your situation if you did not know where you are.
هل هذا هو الطريق إلى …؟ (Hal hādhā huwa aṭ-ṭarīq ilā …?) – Is this the way to …?
Use to confirm if you are heading the right way.
ميدان / شارع (Maydān / Shāriʿ) – Square / Street
Common words in location that will appear in directions or on signs.
النجدة! (An-najdah!) – Help!
A serious word to use only in true emergencies or destruction.
Health and Emergency Arabic vocabulary for travel
Here are the most essential words and phrases in Arabic for health and safety:
طبيب (Ṭabīb) – Doctor
Could be used when asking for medical help:
“أين الطبيب؟” – Where is the doctor?
مستشفى (Mustashfā) – Hospital
Important to know in case of a medical emergency:
“أين أقرب مستشفى؟” – Where is the nearest hospital?
صيدلية (Ṣaydaliyyah) – Pharmacy
Useful for finding over-the-counter medicine:
“I need a pharmacy.”
أحتاج إلى صيدلية (ʾaḥtāj ilā ṣaydaliyyah).
أشعر بالتعب (Ashʿur bi at-taʿab) – I feel sick / tired
An important Arabic vocabulary for travel for outlining how you’re feeling when seeking medical help.
ألم / وجع (Alam / Wajaʿ) – Pain / Ache
You can use this to describe the “ache” with your body part:
“I have a stomach ache.”
عندي وجع في المعدة (ʿindī wajaʿ fī al-maʿdah).
حالة طارئة (Ḥālah ṭāriʾah) – Emergency
Important to know when explaining (in most cases) that the situation is “urgent.”
اتصل بالشرطة (Ittiṣil bish-shurṭah) – Call the police
Use this phrase for situations when in danger or requiring immediate assistance.
هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟ (Hal tataḥaddath al-inglīziyyah?) – Do you speak English?
A helpful question if you are having trouble communicating in Arabic in a crisisand should be included in your Arabic vocabulary for travel list.
أنا مصاب / مصابة (Anā muṣāb / muṣābah) – I’m injured (male/female).
This phrase is very useful when describing your condition if you are hurt.
النجدة! (An-najdah!) – Help!
A strong word for only when you need help in serious emergencies. Say it loudly to get attention.
Arabic Numbers and Time
Here are the most useful Arabic vocabulary for travel and phrases in relation to numbers and time:
Arabic Numbers 1-10
Get used to these basic numbers – they come up all the time:
١ (Wāḥid) – 1
٢ (Ithnān) – 2
٣ (Thalāthah) – 3
٤ (Arbaʿah) – 4
٥ (Khamsah) – 5
٦ (Sittah)
٧ (Sabʿah) – 7
٨ (Thamāniyah) – 8
٩ (Tisʿah) – 9
١٠ (ʿAsharah) – 10
For amounts, prices or times, these numbers are useful.
Arabic vocabulary for travel for Time
الوقت (Al-waqt) – time
An important word when inquiring about times or checking the schedules.
الساعة كم؟ (As-sāʿah kam?) – What time is it?
The perfect phrase for catching buses, tours or making appointments.
اليوم / غداً / أمس (Al-yawm / Ghadan / Ams) – Today / Tomorrow / Yesterday
Use to plan a day or to check hours of operation:
“هل المتحف مفتوح غداً؟” – Is the museum open tomorrow?
صباح / مساء / ليل (Ṣabāḥ / Masāʾ / Layl) – morning / evening / night
These markers of time are useful for setting meetings or making bookings:
“أريد حجز في المساء.” – I want to make a booking in the evening.
دقيقة / ساعة (Daqīqah / Sāʿah) – minute / hour
Use when speaking about how long something takes you could use the following Arabic vocabulary for travel:
“كم دقيقة؟” – How many minutes?
الآن (Al-ān) – now
A good way to confirm times if there is immediacy.
Bonus Travel Tips for Learning Arabic on the Go
Now that you have learned the important Arabic vocabulary for travel, it is time to take it to the next level! The best way to learn vocabulary and feel comfortable using it is to practice it over and over — even if that means while you are in transit.
Here are some simple tips to help you to continue learning Arabic while you are traveling:
Practice Writing, and Reading Fast, Similarly to Tea Time Drinkers
Apps such as Anki, Quizlet, and Drops permit you to review your Arabic vocabulary for travel any time. Use your travel waiting time wisely, for example, on a flight or in a café!
Label Your Novel Arabic Environment
If you are in one place for some time, label things around you (door = باب, etc.; bed = سرير). The words you’ve learned will continue to be reinforced, and make for a fun and creative way to remember them!
Watch a Local TV Show or Listen to an Arabic Radio Station
Regardless of whether you understand, getting that exposure to natural speech will help your ears get used to travelling phrases.
Use a Pocket Phrase Book, or take a photo of your word list.
Having your Arabic vocabulary for travel at hand will help you to use it on the spot, either in the markets, the restaurants, or at the stations!
Work with Locals:
Don’t be shy–Most locals appreciate you making an effort and may correct your pronunciation or suggest different phrases.
Complete a Short Online Travel Arabic Language Course:
A short, structured course explicitly created for travelers will help you get beyond memorizing aspects of the Arabic language by focusing on the real-life experience of how the language really works.
Repeat New Words in Context:
The more you use your Arabic vocabulary for travel in context (for example, ordering food, asking for directions, etc.), the more quickly it will stick.
Implementing short, consistent, practical activities into your daily travel practice will help you internalize your travel-related Arabic vocabulary for travel and develop real-world fluency!
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