Language/Omani-arabic/Vocabulary/Drinks
Hi Omani Arabic learners! 😊
In this lesson on Omani Arabic vocabulary, we will be focusing on drinks. Whether it's hot or cold, you'll learn how to order your favorite beverages in Oman. We will provide you with some cultural information and interesting facts along the way. So, let's get started! Don't forget to use vocabulary and practice as much as you can with native speakers on Polyglot Club. You can always exchange language practice with our community members.
Drinks in Omani Arabic[edit | edit source]
Let's start with the basics. Here are some of the most common drinks you may want to order in Oman:
| Omani Arabic | (IPA) | English | Transliteration |
|---|---|---|---|
| شاي | /ʃaːi/ | Tea | Shay |
| قهوة | /qahwa/ | Coffee | qahwah |
| شوربة | /ʃuːrba/ | Soup | shoorbah |
| لبن | /laban/ | Milk | Laban |
| عصير | /ʕaˈsˤiːr/ | Juice | 3aseer |
| ماي | /maːi/ | Water | Mai |
Note that in Omani Arabic, the letters "p" and "g" do not exist. So, you will never hear someone say "Pepsi" or "Coca-Cola". Instead, they will say "Bepsi" or "Coca-Coola".
Ordering Drinks[edit | edit source]
Now that we know some basic Omani Arabic words for drinks, let's see how to order them.
Dialogue:
- Person 1: مرحبا، أريد شاي بالحليب من فضلك. (Marhaba, aried shay bilhaleeb min fadlik) - Hello, I would like tea with milk please.
- Person 2: تفضل، شاي بالحليب. (Tafadhhal, shay bilhaleeb) - Here you are, tea with milk.
- Person 1: شكرًا جزيلًا! (Shukran jazeelan) - Thank you very much!
Cultural Information[edit | edit source]
In Oman, Shawarma and Omani tea are popular street food items. Shawarma is made by marinating chicken or beef, stacking it, and roasting it on a spit. It is then sliced off and served in a pita bread with vegetables and sauce. Omani tea is typically made with loose-leaf tea, and is served with milk and lots of sugar.
In the winter, Gahwa (Omani coffee) is the beverage of choice. Gahwa is typically served hot and sweetened with dates. The coffee beans are first roasted and then ground with a manual grinder. The ground coffee is then boiled in a dallah (traditional coffee pot) with a few green cardamom pods to give it flavor.
Interesting Facts[edit | edit source]
Did you know that Omani coffee is so important to the culture that it is a part of a traditional method of welcoming guests to one's home? The process, called "Al Majaalis", involves placing the coffee pot on hot coals and pouring the coffee from a distance of about one foot above the cup. This is to create a worthiness effect and show respect toward the guest.
Also, Oman serves one of the most expensive drinks in the world, called "Al-Falak". It is a combination of saffron, almonds, and milk. Not everyone can afford this luxury drink, as a single cup can cost around 200 OMR (approx. 520 USD).
Practice Makes Perfect[edit | edit source]
Here's some practice! Can you translate the following phrases into Omani Arabic?
1. Can I have water please? 2. I would like a cup of Omani coffee, please. 3. I prefer juice over milk.
Dialogue:
- Person 1: مرحبا، أريد عصير التفاح من فضلك. (Marhaba, aried 3aseer atefah min fadlik) - Hello, I would like apple juice please.
- Person 2: بالطبع، عصير التفاح. (Baltaba3, 3aseer atefah) - Of course, apple juice.
- Person 1: شكرا لك! (Shukran lak) - Thank you!
Sources[edit | edit source]
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