How Do You Say.....

Here's a few Arabic phrases written with English pronunciations, if you ever have the chance to hear them anywhere, think of us and hopefully you will know what they mean!  I'll warn you that most are pronounced with the sound you make before you spit, quite lovely if I must say. This one's for you Ken, we'll quiz you next time we make it to Charlotte!

Welcome/Hello...................Marhaban

(there's that throat sound on the "ha" in the middle)

No........................................Laa

Yes.......................................Naaam

Slow down...........................Shway Shway

(this one is good for scary taxi rides)

Thank you...........................Shukran

(I use this one the most)

Please..................................Min faDlik

(Haven't been brave enough for this one yet!)

Finished..............................Ahlas

(I use in the market when telling vendors that's enough!)

No Problem........................Mafi Muskila

(Probably the phrase we hear the most, in arabic and english!)

God Willing........................In Challah

(Literally "if God wants", used in different contexts)

Peace Unto You.................Al salaam a' alaykum

(Used as a greeting; as in Good Day)

And unto you also.............A' alaykum. Al salaam

(response to above)