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The Arabic language is rich with phrases that capture everyday moments, emotions, and cultural values. With over 22 dialects across the Arab world, these expressions vary by country and region—but many have become widely understood thanks to media, travel, and social interactions.

Here’s a selection of 11 must-know Arabic expressions, complete with meanings, dialect info, and audio pronunciation.


1. خلاص – khalas

Meaning: done / OK / enough / stop it
Dialect: All Arabic dialects
Usage: To end an argument, finish a task, or express frustration.


2. يعني – yaani

Meaning: like / it’s like / I mean
Dialect: All Arabic dialects
Usage: Filler word in conversation (like “um” or “you know”)


3. إن شاء الله – inshallah

Meaning: God willing / hopefully
Dialect: All Arabic dialects
Usage: Used in nearly every conversation—past, present, or future.


4. هلا والله – hala wallah

Meaning: Hi there! / Welcome! / My pleasure
Dialect: Gulf
Usage: Greeting someone warmly or responding to a thank-you.


5. خلي ولي – khali wali

Meaning: Let it be / forget about it / whatever
Dialect: Gulf
Usage: Dismissive phrase when annoyed.


6. أكيد – akeed

Meaning: Sure! / Of course!
Dialect: All Arabic dialects
Usage: Emphatic confirmation.


7. شكو ماكو – shaku maku

Meaning: What’s up? / What’s new?
Dialect: Iraqi
Usage: Casual greeting to check in on someone.


8. ولو – walaw

Meaning: Don’t mention it / of course / it’s okay
Dialect: Levant (especially Lebanon)
Usage: Used to make someone feel welcome or brush off thanks.


9. يا حرام – ya haram

Meaning: Aww, poor thing
Dialect: Levant
Usage: To express sympathy, either sincerely or sarcastically.


10. فهمت علي شلون؟ – fahamit alyee shlon?

Meaning: Do you get what I mean?
Dialect: Levant (esp. Syrian)
Usage: Rhetorical check for understanding after explaining something.


11. من صجك؟ – min sijak?

Meaning: Are you serious?
Dialect: Gulf
Usage: Expression of disbelief or sarcasm.

Bonus :

12. يلا – yalla

Meaning: Let’s go / hurry up / come on
Dialect: All Arabic dialects
Usage: A commonly used word to prompt action or speed things up: “Yalla, we’re going to be late!”


13. حبيبي / حبيبتي – habibi / habibti

Meaning: My dear / sweetheart / darling
Dialect: All Arabic dialects
Usage: “Habibi” is used for males and “habibti” for females, often affectionately among friends, family, or partners.


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