We’ve all been in situations where we have struggled to find the right words to express ourselves but this becomes even more problematic when trying to communicate with people who speak a foreign language.
Knowing the right thing to say (at the appropriate time), making an attempt to share in a conversation with contemporaries, or just saying ‘thank you’ in another’s native language, can all help to improve relationships, show respect and encourage constructive communication.
It is especially important when conducting business with foreign-language speaking clients or customers.
Making an effort to speak their language, even if it is only to express your thanks or say hello, works wonders for promoting your brand and shows you have put in time and effort to learn a little of their language.
This blog contains 20 practical and useful English to Arabic translations which are suitable for basic business introductions, meeting and greeting, and will help you feel more confident when dealing with Arabic-language speakers.
It won’t make you fluent or bi-lingual overnight, but with a little effort, you should be able to manage a couple of words in Arabic, be able to introduce yourself, thank your Arab colleagues for their hospitality, and let them know that you will keep in touch.
English Arabic Arabic Pronunciation
Hello/Hi ًمرحبا Marhaban
Goodbye اللقاء إلى Ela Al-Likaa’
Yes نعم Na’am
No لا La
Please فضلك من Men fadlek
Thank you ًشكرا Shukran
I’m sorry آسف أنا Ana a’sif
Nice to meet you فناّتشر Tasharrafna
How are you? حالك؟ كیف Kaifa haluk?
My name is… …اسمي Esmi…
Excuse me سمحت لو Law samaht
I’d like to welcome you all… …ًجمیعا بكم بّأرح أن أرید Ouridu an orahh eb bikum jamia’n…
I’m sorry, I don’t understand… …أفھم لا أناً، عذرا Outhran, ana la a fham…
Can you repeat that please? فضلك؟ من ذلك إعادة یمكنك ھل Hal yumkinuka I’aadat thalek men fadlek?
It’s been great doing business with you كان من دواعي سروري العمل معك Kan men dawai sorouri’alamal ma’k
It was good to meet you بلقائك سررت Sorertu bi likaek
Do you speak English? الإنكلیزیة؟ تتحدث ھل Hal tatahaddath al inklizeya?
I don’t speak Arabic العربیة أتحدث لا أنا Ana la atahaddath al Arabiya
I’ll call you بك أتصل سوف Sawfa atasilu bek
I’ll email you لك إلكتروني برید بإرسال سأقوم Sa akumo bi ersal bareed elictroni lak
Here is my business card أعمالي بطاقة ھي ھذه Hathihi hiya bitakato a’maali
If you struggle with pronouncing some of these phrases it is worth listening to a few YouTube videos such as, the one you’ll find here, or try watching a video or film with Arabic speakers so that you can hear how certain words are pronounced and formed.
If you require professional Arabic translation or English to Arabic interpretation for your business meetings (face-to-face or virtual), please contact the team of experts at Creative Word who will be happy to help.
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