Language/Standard-arabic/Vocabulary/Money-vocabulary
As a frequent traveler to Arabic-speaking countries, I have learned from experience that knowing the local currency and basic shopping vocabulary is essential. In this lesson, you will learn the basic Arabic vocabulary related to money and shopping, which will come in handy whether you're traveling for business or pleasure.
After mastering this lesson, these related pages might interest you: Say Yes & Buildings.
Money vocabulary
Here are some of the most common Arabic words related to money:
Standard Arabic | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
درهم (dirham) | /dɪrˈhæm/ | dirham (currency used in the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, and other countries) |
دولار (dollar) | /dɒˈlɑː(r)/ | dollar |
يورو (euro) | /juːˈrəʊ/ | euro |
ريال (riyal) | /rɪˈjɑːl/ | riyal (currency used in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries) |
ليرة (lira) | /ˈliːrə/ | lira |
جنيه (jinih) | /ˈdʒiːniː(j)/ | pound (such as the Egyptian pound or Syrian pound) |
Here are some useful phrases related to money:
- كم سعر (kam saʻr) - How much does it cost?
- بكم؟ (bikam?) - How much is it?
- لا شيء (la shayʼ) - Nothing (to say "no" to a salesperson or vendor)
- لحظة (lahdha) - Wait a moment
Shopping vocabulary
Shopping is always fun, whether it's for food or clothes. Here are some useful words and phrases to use while shopping in Arabic:
Standard Arabic | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
بقالة (baqālah) | /bæˈqɑːlə/ | grocery store |
سوق (sūq) | /suːq/ | market |
محل (mahal) | /mɛhæl/ | shop |
ملابس (malābis) | /mæˈlæːbɪs/ | clothes |
حذاء (hizāʼ) | /hɪˈðæːʔ/ | shoes |
كتاب (kitāb) | /kɪˈtæːb/ | book |
شاي (shāy) | /ʃaːj/ | tea |
قهوة (qahwah) | /ˈqɑː(h)wɑː/ | coffee |
And here are some phrases you can use while shopping:
- لديك (ladayk) - Do you have...?
- ممكن (mumkin) - Can I have...?
- هذا شيء جميل (hatha shayʼ jamila) - This is beautiful.
- هذا غالي جدا (hatha ghali jiddan) - This is too expensive.
With these basic money and shopping vocabulary words and phrases, you'll be well on your way to making purchases and enjoying your travels in Arabic-speaking countries.
Sources
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