35+ Lebanese Arabic phrases: daily life table + free PDF download
A practical list — not textbook vocabulary, but the phrases Lebanese speakers actually use every day.
Published on 24 July 2026 · About 7 min read
If you already know a few greetings and want to move from ‘saying hi’ to ‘holding a real short conversation,’ this is the shortlist. All phrases are in the Lebanese dialect (Levantine), not Modern Standard Arabic — so what you learn here is what you'll hear on the street, in a café, or with your Lebanese friends and family.
Written in arabizi (Latin transliteration) with the Arabic script for reference. Numbers in arabizi replace sounds that don't exist in English: 3 = ع, 7 = ح, 2 = ء, 5 = خ. More about arabizi.
Greetings & politeness
| Arabizi | عربي | English |
|---|---|---|
| marhaba | مرحبا | hi |
| ahla w sahla | أهلا وسهلا | welcome |
| kifak / kifik | كيفك | how are you (m/f) |
| mniih, hamdillah | منيح، الحمد لله | fine, thank God |
| shukran | شكرا | thank you |
| 3afwan | عفوا | you're welcome |
| law samaht / samahti | لو سمحت | please (m/f) |
| 3an iznak | عن إذنك | excuse me |
| yalla bye | يلا باي | bye |
Introducing yourself
| Arabizi | عربي | English |
|---|---|---|
| ismi ... | اسمي ... | my name is ... |
| ana min ... | أنا من ... | I'm from ... |
| ana 3aayesh bi Bucharest | أنا عايش ببوخارست | I live in Bucharest |
| b7ib el 3arabe | بحب العربي | I like Arabic |
| 3am et3allam 3arabe | عم أتعلم عربي | I'm learning Arabic |
Café, restaurant, taxi
| Arabizi | عربي | English |
|---|---|---|
| baddi ahwe, law samaht | بدي قهوة، لو سمحت | I'd like a coffee, please |
| bikam hayda? | بكم هيدا؟ | how much is this? |
| el 7saab, law samaht | الحساب، لو سمحت | the bill, please |
| lawein ...? | لوين ...؟ | where to ...? |
| 3al yamin / 3al shmeel | عاليمين / عالشمال | on the right / on the left |
| dughri | دغري | straight ahead |
| hon | هون | here |
Small talk & feelings
| Arabizi | عربي | English |
|---|---|---|
| shu 3am ta3mel? | شو عم تعمل؟ | what are you doing? |
| wein raye7? | وين رايح؟ | where are you going? |
| mabsoot | مبسوط | happy |
| ta3ban | تعبان | tired |
| jou3an | جوعان | hungry |
| ma fi mushkile | ما في مشكلة | no problem |
| akid | أكيد | sure / definitely |
| wallaw | ولّاو | come on / no way |
Time & basic questions
| Arabizi | عربي | English |
|---|---|---|
| eymta? | إيمتى ؟ | when? |
| lyoum | اليوم | today |
| bukra | بكرا | tomorrow |
| mbeere7 | مبارح | yesterday |
| 3ala keef | على كيف | at your ease |
| shu badak? | شو بدك؟ | what do you want? |
Want to hear how it sounds?
30 minutes with a native teacher, free — online or in person in Bucharest.
Book the trial lessonHow to actually use these
- Pick 5 phrases per week — don't try to memorise all at once.
- Say each phrase out loud 10 times, then use it in a fake mini-dialogue.
- Post one phrase in a Lebanese friend's DMs — real use beats flashcards.
A list only gets you so far: phrases stick once someone answers back. That is most of what a lesson is — see the courses.
Related: Lebanese greetings guide · Numbers in Lebanese Arabic · Lebanese grammar top 5.
Frequently asked questions
How are the "3" and "7" in these phrases pronounced?
They are throat sounds with no English equivalent: "3" is ع, a tightened sound from deep in the throat, and "7" is ح, a strong breathy h. They are learned by imitation, not description.
Are these phrases used in Syria or Jordan too?
Most of them, yes. All four countries speak Levantine dialects and everyday expressions overlap considerably; what differs is mainly the accent and a handful of words.
How many phrases do I need to start a conversation?
Fewer than it seems. Greetings, introducing yourself, a few simple questions and the politeness formulas cover most short exchanges — everything else builds on top.
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Ready to start speaking Lebanese Arabic?
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