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3.6: Dialog - Greetings

  • Page ID
    260184
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    Learning Objectives

    In this section, you will be able to:

    • Identify formal and informal greetings in Arabic.
    • Greet and reply to others at different times of the day.

    Introduction

    Greetings are an essential part of any language, serving as the gateway to communication and interaction. In Arabic, greetings are rich and varied, reflecting the cultural importance placed on politeness, respect, and hospitality. Understanding the nuances between formal and informal greetings in Arabic can help you navigate different social contexts with ease and confidence.

    Formal Greetings

    Formal greetings in Arabic are used in professional settings, with elders, or in situations where respect and decorum are paramount. Here are some common formal greetings that you can listen to and repeat:

    • السلام عليكم (As-salāmu ʿalaykum):

    Translation: "Peace be upon you."

    Usage: This is a universal greeting used in many parts of the Arab world. It is often used in both formal and informal settings, but it carries a level of formality and respect.

    Response: وعليكم السلام (Wa ʿalaykumu as-salām) - "And peace be upon you."

    • صباح الخير (Sabāḥ al-khayr):

    Translation: "Good morning."

    Usage: This greeting is used in the morning and is appropriate for formal settings.

    Response: صباح النور (Sabāḥ an-nūr) - "Morning of light."

    • مساء الخير (Masāʾ al-khayr):

    Translation: "Good evening."

    Usage: Used in the evening, this is a formal way to greet someone.

    Response: مساء النور (Masāʾ an-nūr) - "Evening of light."

    • كيف حالك؟ (Kayfa ḥāluka/ḥāluki):

    Translation: "How are you?"

    Usage: This can be used in formal settings to inquire about someone's well-being.

    Response: بخير، شكراً (Bi-khayr, shukran) - "I am well, thank you."

    Informal Greetings

    Informal greetings are more relaxed and are typically used among friends, family, and peers. These greetings reflect a closer, more casual relationship. Here are some examples that you can listen to and repeat:

    • مرحبا (Marḥabā):

    Translation: "Hello."

    Usage: A common, informal greeting used at any time of the day.

    Response: مرحبا (Marḥabā) or أهلاً (Ahlan) - "Hello."

    • أهلاً (Ahlan):

    Translation: "Hi" or "Welcome."

    Usage: Informal and friendly, used among close acquaintances.

    Response: أهلاً (Ahlan) - "Hi."

    • كيفك؟ (Kayfak):

    Translation: "How are you?" (informal, masculine)

    Usage: Used among friends and family.

    Response: منيح، شكراً (Mniḥ, shukran) - "I am good (masculine), thank you."

    • كيفك؟ (Kayfik):

    Translation: "How are you?" (informal, feminine)

    Usage: Used among friends and family.

    Response: منيحه، شكراً (Mniḥa, shukran) - "I am good (feminine), thank you."

    • شو الأخبار؟ (Shū al-akhbār?):

    Translation: "What's the news?" or "What's up?"

    Usage: Informal, casual greeting to ask about someone's day or news.

    Response: ما في شي جديد (Ma fī shī jadīd) - "Nothing new."

    Practice Greetings

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    3.6: Dialog - Greetings is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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