Common Arabic Phrases You Must Know Before Moving to Kuwait

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Life in Kuwait & GCC

Common Arabic Phrases You Must Know Before Moving to Kuwait

  • November 14, 2023
  • Com 3

Moving to Kuwait is an exciting journey — a blend of new opportunities, culture, and experiences. But before you pack your bags, there’s one skill that can make your transition smoother than anything else: learning a few essential Arabic phrases.

Arabic is more than a language here — it’s the heartbeat of everyday life. Knowing even a little Kuwaiti Arabic helps you connect with locals, manage daily tasks, and feel truly part of the community.

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Why Learn Common Arabic Phrases in Kuwait?

While English is widely spoken in business and professional settings, most day-to-day interactions happen in Arabic. Whether you’re buying groceries, greeting your neighbor, or getting directions, a few Arabic words can make all the difference.
Speaking Arabic, even at a basic level, shows respect for local culture and often earns instant warmth and hospitality from Kuwaitis.

1. Essential Greetings and Introductions

  • As-salamu alaykum (السلام عليكم) – Peace be upon you (the universal greeting).
  • Wa alaykum as-salam (وعليكم السلام) – And peace be upon you too.
  • Marhaban (مرحبا) – Hello / Welcome.
  • Sabah al-khair (صباح الخير) – Good morning.
  • Masa’ al-khair (مساء الخير) – Good evening.
  • Shlonak? (شلونك؟) – How are you? (masculine)
  • Shlonich? (شلونج؟) – How are you? (feminine)
  • Zain, alhamdulillah (زين، الحمد لله) – I’m good, thank God.
  • Zaina, alhamdulillah (زينة، الحمد لله) – I’m good, thank God (feminine).
  • Ma-assalaama (مع السلامة) – see you / goodbye
  • Mabrook/  mabrooch (for feminine) (مبروك) – Congratulations
  • Eidkum Mubaarak (عيدكم مبارك) – Happy Eid (Eid is the main festival in Arab world)
  • Deer baalak (دير بالك) – take care
  • Rehla Saeeda (رحلة سعيدة) – happy journey.
  • Fi Amaanillaa (في أمان الله) – May God make your journey safe

👉 Tip: In Kuwait, greetings are very important. Always take a moment to greet before starting a conversation.

2. Everyday Arabic Phrases for Shopping

  • Becham haadha? (بكم هذا / بجم هذا؟) – How much is this?
  • Haadha ghaali (هذا غالي) – This is expensive
  • Abi rakhees shway / arkhas shway (أبي رخيص شوي / ارخص شوى) – I want little cheaper, please.
  • Abi hatha (أبي هذا) – I want this.
  • Laa, maa abi haadha (لا، ما أبي هذا) – No, I don’t want this.
  • Wayn mahal almalaabis (وين محل الملابس؟) – Where is the garment shop?
  • Wayn kaashiar? (وين الكاشير؟) – Where is the cashier / cash counter?
  • Wayn assooq/ assoog (وين السوق) where is the market?
  • Where is restaurant (وين المطعم) I where is the restaurant?
  • Wayn albank (وين البنك) where is the bank?
  • Wayn almawqif/almasfat (وين الموقف) where is the parking?

These phrases are handy whether you’re shopping at the souk (market), a mall, a grocery store or in a coffee shop. 

3. Getting Around – Transportation Phrases

  • Wayn al-mataar? (وين المطار؟) – Where is the airport?
  • Wayn muhatta benzeen (وين محطة بنزين) where is petrol station?
  • Wayn almus-tashfaa  (وين المستشفى) where is the hospital?
  • Wayn aljam-eeya (وين الجمعية) where is cooperative society (supermarket)?
  • Wayn al-makhfar (وين المخفر) where is police station?
  • Waqif hini, min fadlak (وقف هني، من فضلك) – Stop here, please.
  • Cham al-ajra? (كم الأجرة؟) – How much is the fare?
  • Anaa raayeh al-maktab (أنا رايح المكتب) – I’m going to the office.
  • Shukran, ma’ as-salama (شكراً، مع السلامة) – Thank you, goodbye.

4. At Home or Social Settings

  • Tafaddal (تفضل) – Please / go ahead (used when offering something).
  • Shukran (شكراً) – Thank you.
  • Afwan (عفواً) – You’re welcome / excuse me.
  • Wain al-hammam? (وين الحمام؟) – Where is the bathroom?
  • Wayn al-masjid/mosque (وين المسجد) where is police station?
  • Anaa la afham / maa afham al-‘arabi (أنا لا أفهم / أنا ما أفهم العربي) – I don’t understand Arabic.
  • Tatahaddath al-inglizia? (تتحدث الإنجليزية؟) – Do you speak English?

These phrases make home interactions smoother with neighbors, building staff, and delivery personnel.

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5. At Work or in Professional Environments

  • Anaa ashtaghal hini (أنا أشتغل  هني) – I work here.
  • Sa’aiduni min fadlak (ساعدني من فضلك) – Please help me.
  • Mumkin takarrar? (ممكن تكرر؟) – Can you repeat that?
  • Waaed zain (وايد زين) – Very good.
  • When al-ijtamaa (وين الاجتماع؟) – Where is the meeting?
  • Saa-a cham al-ijtamaa (ساعة كم الإجتماع؟) – What time there is meeting?
  • Al-ijtamaa barra (الاجتماع برة) – The meeting is outside
  • Mahdhar al-ijtamaa (محضر الاجتماع) – Minutes of the meeting
  • Mu mushkila (مو مشكلة) – No problem.
  • Anaa fil maktab (أنا في المكتب) – I am in the office

Speaking Arabic at work can strengthen relationships with Arabic-speaking colleagues and clients, reflecting professionalism and respect.

6. Phrases That Reflect Cultural Respect

  • Insha’Allah (إن شاء الله) – God willing.
  • Maashaa Allah (ما شاء الله) – What God has willed (used to show appreciation).
  • Alhamdulillah (الحمد لله) – Praise be to God.
  • Allah yahfezak(الله يحفظك) may God protect you.
  • Allah yashfeek (الله يشفيك) may God recover you.
  • Yaa rait (يا ريت) I wish
  • Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah (السلام عليكم ورحمة الله) – May peace and mercy of God be upon you.

These phrases are part of daily Gulf communication — using them correctly helps you blend naturally into the social and cultural rhythm of life in Kuwait.

7. Quick Tips for Expats Learning Kuwaiti Arabic

  1. Listen before you speak. The Kuwaiti dialect has a pleasant rhythm; mimic its tone.
  2. Start small. Learn 5–10 words a day — greetings, numbers, and directions first.
  3. Practice daily. Speak with taxi drivers, colleagues, friends, in Arabic restaurant, store employees, or neighbours.
  4. Join an Arabic course. A short, structured course will accelerate your learning and pronunciation.
  5. Respect cultural context. Politeness and tone matter as much as vocabulary.

Learning a few common Kuwaiti Arabic phrases can make your move to Kuwait easier, friendlier, and more rewarding. You’ll find locals more open, your daily errands smoother, and your confidence growing every day.

So before you land in Kuwait, spend some time learning the basics — and experience how even simple Arabic words can transform your Gulf journey into a truly meaningful experience.

Take Your Learning Further

If these phrases helped you, you’ll love our Common Arabic for All and Gulf Dialect training sessions. We teach the exact Kuwaiti Arabic used in daily life, offices, malls, hospitals, and public places — making your transition to Kuwait much easier.

The Difference Between Classical Arabic and Kuwaiti Dialect
Why Learning Kuwaiti Arabic Can Transform Your Life in the Gulf