Think about this. If you happen to be residing in UAE knowing a few general commonly used words in Emirati Arabic can always be helpful to get a few things done or to be comfortable in a Emirati Arabic speaking surroundings. With that being said we have a list of few general words that would help you on a daily basis.
- Peace be upon you (Salam Alikum)
This term is commonly used as a greeting in the Gulf. The bonus of this word is that it can be used at anytime of the day like morning, afternoon, evening. It can be used for strangers, known people, elderly or the young.
Now if you read this, at the back of your head you’d be thinking ‘Hey I sound like an old priest or a grandparent’ that would be odd wouldn’t it ?
But the literal meaning of ‘Salam Alaikum’ is a formal way of greeting someone. The word could pass for a formal greeting to an elderly person or a coworker or even with loved ones.
Pro Tip: You can use Salam Alikum when visiting any UAE government office. Its shows a sign of respect.
- Hello (Marhaba)
When you are meeting your friends you never greet them as (Hello to you) you are always using more informal words like Hi, Hey or sometimes also Yo. The word Marhaba will help you keep a more friendly tone. A great example on how important this word is that Emirates Airline the official Airline of UAE has named one of its services as Marhaba in order for greeting people around the world.
Pro Tip: You can use marhaba as a greeting at an Emirati Ramadan Fest. It will leave a first good impression.
- Come on/ Lets (Yalla)
This is one of my favourite words to use because its simple and very effective. The word ‘Yallah’ means come on or let’s go or even when you agree upon something to do or when you are saying bye like (Yallah Maa Salama) As the word shows movement it can be used as a motivational word or encouragement word as well. It can also be used as an order to tell your careem driver to arrive at your location faster or for the popcorn lady at the cinema asking her to hurry up so you don’t miss out on your movie.
It can also be used for one of those friends who keep you waiting below their house.
Yallah is a very effective word if used correctly.
Pro Tip: Do not use this word when your Emirati Wife is the middle of getting her eyebrows perfect. It could lead to a great disaster.
- Crazy (Majnoon)
If you are wondering why would this be in our list of general words, well just hold on to your horses. Majnoon is a very emotional word if used correctly. It can be used in terms of showing the depth of your feelings for another individual.
Majnoon Feek would mean I am crazy about you.
Pro Tip: If your friend happens to do something utterly crazy you have my permissions to call him/her Majnoon.
- Thank you (Shukrun)
Everyone deserves to be thanked at some point or the other. From our family to friends, teachers, coworkers and even our careem drivers. For me honestly even Ahmed deserves a thank you for making my starbucks latte perfect every morning.
Shukran is a word with enormous super powers. So make the most of it and sprinkle it a little everywhere you go.
Pro Tip: Thank You is a strong word. It shows the kindest gesture of them all. Saying it to your colleague or the office security guard. To the ones who serve the government in order to make life more comfortable for us or even to the boy who delivers our groceries. If your one shukran causes someone to smile, use it like your best gesture.
- Done/Over (Khalas)
Sitting in a nice Arabic restaurant done with your meal, say Khalas. Cant eat at more and your grandma still wont stop stuffing your mouth, say Khalas. Taking a timed Arabic pop quiz and the first one to be done get a taffy, yell out Khalas. Basically it stands for Done and Over with.
Pro Tip: Annoyed at your lover? Don’t see things working out, say Khalas.
- Come (Ta’al)
Come (Ta’al) is another very commonly used word for movement. The literal meaning of Ta’al in Emirati Arabic is Come so it easier for using it as well as understanding it.
Pro Tip: It is more effectively used as (Ta’al Hnee) translated as ‘Come here’. The word is equally effective even when just used as (Ta’al) ‘come’
- There is no problem (Maa Fee Mishkela)
This is a tricky one. The word Maa Fee Mishkela also states there is nothing to worry about or everything is alright. A very commonly used word in Emirati Arabic across gulf to provide with a positive response if asked a negative question.
Pro Tip: If your emirati friends apologise to you saying (asif) which is (sorry) you can reply (Maa Fee Mishkela) it’s alright.
- Ignore It (Khalla Yiwalle)
In today’s generations the most commonly noticed thing is that every other person is quite interested in giving you opinions even when not asked for it. For these unwanted opinions to work in our favour its best to ignore them. Now this is the emotional aspect of this word. This word can also be used verbally if put in the correct scenario.
Pro Tip: If you are married to an Emirati local and your kids are fighting amongst each other, you can surely tell the smarter one Khalla Yiwalle. Also if your emirati friend is having a problem at work amongst their co-workers the word Khalla Yiwalle can be used.
- Only (Bas)
The word Bas is as simple as it sounds. Used very commonly when referring
to things.
Pro Tip: If your Emirati coworkers are having a quick run to Starbucks before a meeting and sk if you need anything from there you can reply: Bas aba cappuccino (Only a cappuccino)
- Connection (wasta)
This word only shows having connections in a firm or an organization. It is more commonly used in the Emirati corporate world.
Pro Tip: If your coworker or a friend is trying to get into an organization using contacts you can say: If you have wasta you will surely get the job.
- Money (Faloos)
The word Faloos is very effectively used in the UAE or any other gulf countries as it means money or cash.
Pro Tip: Want to go see a new movie and need money for the tickets, simply tell your elderly Ateeni Floos (Give me money). Or if you are keeping a secret for your siblings and need to open the door for them at night, well you might as well say Ateeni Floos
- Good (Zain)
You can’t explain good better than good. The word Zain can be used for a postive response every time you feel nice about something.
Pro Tip: If you are married to an Emirati lady and after you return home and she asks you how was your day you can simply smile and say (Zain Habibti) ‘Good, Darling’.
- Manager (Mudeer)
This is again a word which will be helpful when working in an corporate Emirati office.
Pro tip: If you happen to visit an Emirati office and want to meet with the manager you can say (Wen el Mudeer ?) which is (where is the manager?).