Q&A for How to Greet in Arabic

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What do Arabs do when they greet each other?
    Community Answer
    If it is a new person or a formal greeting, shake hands with your right hand. If you are meeting a friend or family member, it is customary to shake hands and kiss each other on each cheek.
  • Question
    How do I spell bismala?
    Community Answer
    I believe you mean "bismillah", which means "in God's (Allah's) name". It's a shortened form of Bismi llaahi In Arabic it's written بسم الله, and it's comprised three different parts; ب "bi" which means in, اسم "ism" which means name, and الله "Allah" which means God.
  • Question
    Is it common in the Middle East for a woman to shake hands with a man (in a formal greeting)?
    Community Answer
    Well, the Middle East has evolved and it is not unusual for a woman to shake hands with a man in a formal setting (e.g. a business meeting.) Just make sure you have consent before touching anyone, regardless of gender.
  • Question
    How do I say "God be with you" in Arabic?
    Community Answer
    "Allahu Akbar" is the most common way.
  • Question
    How do I ask for a price of something in Arabic?
    Community Answer
    You would say "Kam Hadtha?" which is the most common way to say "How much is this?"
  • Question
    How do I say 'no way' in Arabic?
    Community Answer
    You can say "La yumkin" or "Mustahil", the most common words which mean no way or impossible.
  • Question
    How do I tell someone to have a nice day in Arabic?
    Community Answer
    أتمنى لك نهارا سعيد (Atmana lak nahara sa’eed) Meaning: Have a nice day.
  • Question
    How do I say “I love you”, “I miss you”, and “I love you too” in Arabic?
    Community Answer
    You would say: "I love you"= ana ahibik; "I miss you"= "ana ish taktalik"; and "I love you too"= " hita ana ahibik".
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article