As salam alaykum! (Hi!)

If you’ve ever visited or lived in an Arabic country, you have probably noticed the repetitive use of Arabic sayings, especially in rural areas.

If that’s you, I can safely assume that it wasn’t easy for you to understand many of those Arabic sayings—even if you had someone to translate them for you.

The reason why you failed to grasp the meaning of these sayings is that the translation of a certain saying in Arabic doesn’t usually mean its equivalent in English.

As a learner myself, not understanding those sayings has often disappointed me and made me doubt my language skills. This made me realize that I must dive deeper into Arabic and explore the meanings of these sayings.

After conducting a lot of research, asking questions, and having conversations on this topic with many locals, I’ve put together this short list of four popular formal Arabic sayings that almost every Arabic speaker uses. And I made sure to include their equivalents and explanations in English.

Before we move on, let me first give you a few techniques that I used to memorize Arabic sayings.

How to Easily and Effectively Memorize Arabic Sayings

Actions speak louder than words. –Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln is utterly correct in this quote, especially when it comes to learning words and phrases. Writing down Arabic sayings in your copybook and telling everybody that you are going to learn them is usually insufficient. You should always put them into action, digest them, and say them out loud to make learning and memorizing them easier.

The classic “repeat method” that we are taught in language schools is not included in my list, as it’s usually boring and ineffective for most language learners.

Share New Sayings with Your Friends and Language Classmates

By teaching your classmates and friends the new Arabic sayings that you are learning, every proverb will stick in your mind. This is especially effective, as sharing those sayings will require you to explain and translate everything in detail. You can do this in your language school, on the basketball court, or even sitting at the table at home. !فقط إعمل بجد (Just work hard!)

Use an SRS

SRS is a type of software that automatizes flash cards. It uses a smart algorithm to help you keep up with every saying you add to your vocabulary list. You can add hundreds of flash cards to your SRS program, and it will automatically schedule and organize them for you. You can add any type of content you want to your virtual flash cards (explanations, translations, synonyms, etc.).

There are various SRS software packages available online. For me, Anki is my favorite laptop program for memorizing new sayings.

Get Feedback and Further Explanation from Your Language Partner

A language partner is someone who is a native speaker of the language you want to learn. Most—if not all—successful polyglots and language learners connect with virtual and real-life language partners to help them practice their speaking skills and take their language to the next level.

In the case of Arabic sayings, your language partner will help you find new proverbs, will explain them to you, and will put those sayings into context for you by giving you examples in which those sayings are used.

Personally, I use HelloTalk, Speaky, and HelloPal to network with new language partners.

Strike Up Conversations in Arabic and Use the Sayings You’ve Learned

Perhaps you’re on vacation with your family in Dubai, or maybe you’re teaching English in an Arabic country. Or maybe you’re just taking an Arabic course in your home country.

Dragging yourself out your house and striking up actual conversations will allow you to flex your language muscles and share the new sayings that you’ve learned. You’re not in an Arabic country? !لا مشكلة (No problem!) You can always record and send a voice note to your language partners or talk to your language school classmates.

Now that you’ve learned the necessary methods to memorize Arabic sayings, you’re all set to start learning your first five sayings.

5 Must-Know Arabic Sayings about Life (and Their English Translations and Meanings)

The sayings included below are merely a drop in the ocean of Arabic sayings, as there are thousands of other proverbs in this language. The purpose behind these that I have listed is to get you started and to introduce you to just a few Arabic sayings.

1. مصائب قوم عند قوم فوائد

Literal English translation: The misfortunes of some people are advantages to others.

English equivalent: One man’s meat is another man’s poison.

Example: محمد: لقد سمعت أن أحمد قد دفع 20 ألف دولار لطبيبه مقابل إجراء عملية جراحية بسيطة. يحيى: حقا, مصائب قوم عند قوم فوائد.

English translation:
Mohamed: “Ahmed’s doctor charged him $20,000 for a simple surgery.”
Yahya: “The misfortunes of some people are advantages to others.”

Meaning: What is misery for someone can be a victory for someone else.

2. السماء لا تمطر ذهبا ولا فضة

Literal English translation: The sky doesn’t rain gold or silver.

English equivalent: Money doesn’t grow on trees.

Example: قال أستاذ لطلابه: أدرسوا جيدا واستغلوا الفرص المتاحة لكم, فالسماء لا تمطر ذهبا ولا فضة.

English translation: “Study hard and don’t miss any opportunities,” a teacher said to his students, “because the sky doesn’t rain gold or silver.”

Meaning: This saying was used for the first time by the Caliph Omar when he heard about a man who was always praying for sustenance without attempting to earn it. That said, it means that if you don’t work, don’t expect to have success with anything.

3. في التأني السلامة, وفي العجلة الندامة

Literal English translation: In caution, there is safety; in haste, repentance.

English equivalent: Don’t rush it.

Example: ياليتني لم أسلم ورقة الإمتحان بسرعة, حقا إن في التأني السلامة, وفي العجلة الندامة.

English translation: I wish that I hadn’t handed the test back so quickly and that I had taken my time and not rushed through it. Indeed, in caution, there is safety; in haste, repentance.

Meaning: This saying can be used wherever speed plays a negative role in a certain situation.

4. تجري الرياح بما لا تشتهي السفن

Literal English translation: The winds do not blow as the vessels wish.

English equivalent: Life doesn’t always pan out the way you’d like it to.

Example: لقد أرادوا أن يأتوا غدا, لكنهم تعرضوا لحادثة سير. تجري الرياح بما لا تشتهي السفن.

English translation: They wanted to visit us tomorrow, but they had a car accident. The winds do not blow as the vessels wish.

Meaning: This proverb is used when someone’s plans come crashing down or do not work out. It’s usually a positive way of describing hard situations people go through.

5. دخول الحمام ليس مثل خروجه

Literal English translation: Entering the bath isn’t the same thing as leaving it.

Example: لبيب: أريد حقا ترك العصابة لكن بعض الأعضاء هددوني بالقتل إن فعلت ذلك.إليا: دخول الحمام ليس مثل خروجه.

English translation:
Labib: I really want to leave the gang but some members threatened me with death if I do that.
Ilya: Entering the bath isn’t like leaving it.

Meaning: This widely-known saying is very common in most Arabic countries, especially Morocco and Egypt. Its origins date back to the Ottoman empire, when a new Turkish bathhouse manager announced free entry for all clients and hung a poster to promote this offer.

This attracted many customers who wanted to try the new bath. While the customers were in the bath, he held their clothes, and when the customers decided to leave, the owner refused to hand over their clothes unless they payed for the use of the bath.

The customers were surprised by what they were told, and used what was written on the sign on the door as an argument.

The bathroom owner’s response was, “Entering the bath isn’t like leaving it.”

Conclusion

Now you might be wondering, “Where can I find more Arabic sayings?”

ArabicPod101 has got you covered. There you can find more than 1,000 interactive audio and video Arabic lessons where you can learn anything from dialects to famous sayings, from basic day-to-day conversations to wise Arabic quotes, along with PDF lesson notes, flash cards, and effective vocabulary learning tools.

You can access all of this and more by signing up for free using the following link: ArabicPod101

Let’s keep that fire!

Author: Yassir Sahnoun is a HubSpot certified content strategist, copywriter and polyglot who works with language learning companies. He helps companies attract sales using content strategy, copywriting, blogging, email marketing & more.

In most cultures, it is custom to express gratitude in some way or another. The dictionary defines gratitude as follows: it is “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness”. Giving a sincere, thankful response to someone’s actions or words is often the ‘glue’ that keeps relationships together. This is true in most societies! Doing so in a foreign country also shows your respect and appreciation for the culture. Words have great power – use these ones sincerely and often!

Table of Contents

1. 12 Ways to say ‘Thank you’ in Arabic
2. Video Lesson: Learn to Say ‘Thank You’ in 3 Minutes
3. Infographic & Audio Lesson: Survival Phrases – Thank You
4. Video Lesson: ‘Thank You’ in 31 Languages
5. How ArabicPod101 Can Help You

So, how do you say ‘Thank you’ in Arabic? You can learn easily! Below, ArabicPod101 brings you perfect translations and pronunciation as you learn the most common ways Arabic speakers say ‘Thanks’ in various situations.

1. 12 Ways to say ‘Thank you’ in Arabic

1- Thank you.

شكرا
šukran

The magical words that can bring a smile to any face. For one day, truly mean it whenever you say these words, and see how this lifts your spirit too!

2- That’s very kind of you.

ده كرم منك.
dah karam mennak.

This phrase is appropriate when someone clearly goes out of their way to give good service, or to offer you a kindness.

3- Thanks for your kind words!

شكرا على كلامك اللطيف!
šokran ʿalā kalāmak el-laṭīf!

Someone paid you a compliment and made you feel good? That is kind of him/her, so express your gratitude!

4- Thank you for coming today.

شكرا إنك جيت النهاردة.
šokran ʾennak gīt el-nahārdah.

This welcoming phrase should be part of your arsenal if you’re conducting more formal meetings with Arabic speakers. If you’re hosting a party, this is also a good phrase when you greet your Arabic guests!

5- Thank you for your consideration.

أشكرك على اهتمامك.
ʾaškorak ʿalā ehtemāmak.

This is a more formal, almost solemn way to thank someone for their thoughtfulness and sensitivity towards you. It is also suitable to use when a native speaker has to consider something you submit, like a job application, a project or a proposal. You are thanking them, in essence, for time and effort they are about to, or have spent on your submission.

6- Thanks a lot!

شكرا جزيلا!
šokran gazīlan!

This means the same as ‘Thank you’, but with energy and enthusiasm added! It means almost the same as ‘thank you so much’ in Arabic. Use this in an informal setting with your Arabic friends or teachers.

7- Teachers like you are not easy to find.

مش من السهل نلاقي مدرسين زيك.
meš men el-sahl nelāʾī modarresīn zayyak.

Some phrases are compliments, which express gratitude by inference. This is one of them. If you’re particularly impressed with your ArabicPod101 teacher, this is an excellent phrase to memorize!

8- Thank you for spending time with us.

شكرا إنكم قضيتوا وقت معانا.
šokran ʾennokom ʾaḍḍeītū waʾt maʿānā.

Any host at a gathering with Arabic speakers, such as a meeting or a party, should have this under his/her belt! Use it when you’re saying goodbye or busy closing a meeting. It could also be another lovely way to thank your Arabic language teacher for her time.

9- Thank you for being patient and helping me improve.

شكرا إنك صبرت عليا و ساعدتني أتحسن.
šokran ʾennak ṣebert ʿalayyā we sāʿedtenī ʾatḥassen.

This phrase is another sure way to melt any formal or informal Arabic teacher’s heart! Teaching is not easy, and often a lot of patience is required from the teacher. Thank him/her for it! It’s also a good phrase to use if you work in Arabic speaking country, and want to thank your trainer or employer. You will go a long way towards making yourself a popular employee – gratitude is the most attractive trait in any person!

10- You’re the best teacher ever!

انت أحسن مدرس في الدنيا!
enta ʾaḥsan modarres fī el-donyā!

This is also an enthusiastic way to thank your teacher by means of a compliment. It could just make their day!

11- Thank you for the gift.

شكرا على الهدية.
šokran ʿalā el-hedeyyah.

This is a good phrase to remember when you’re the lucky recipient of a gift. Show your respect and gratitude with these words.

12- I have learned so much thanks to you.

أنا اتعلمت حاجات كتير أوي بسببك.
nā etʿallemt ḥāgāt ketīr ʾawī besababak.

What a wonderful compliment to give a good teacher! It means they have succeeded in their goal, and you’re thankful for it.

2. Video Lesson: Learn to Say ‘Thank You’ in 3 Minutes

Wherever your destination maybe, manners are a must! And in this respect, Morocco is no different.

1- شكرا. Shukran
In Arabic “Thank you” is shukran (شكرا). The word shukran literally means “thanks.” This is rather casual and can be used in restaurants, at shops, and just about everywhere else.

2- شكرا جزيلا. Shukran Jaziilan
Now in Arabic there is a more formal way to express one’s gratitude. The equivalent of “Thank you very much” is shukran jaziilan (شكرا جزيلا ). The first word of the phrase shukran (شكرا) means “Thanks” as we learned earlier. This is followed by jaziilan (جزيلا), which means “a lot.” So, both words together shukran jaziilan (شكرا جزيلا ) mean “thanks a lot.” This phrase is quite formal and is usually used for writing “thank you” notes, or thanking someone when they invite you to their home for lunch or dinner, as well as in business contexts and other formal situations.

3- بارك اللَّه فيك. Baaraka Allahu Fiik
For very special occasions when someone goes above and beyond the call of being kind, when someone is extremely generous, or for any other time you’re extremely grateful, you can use the following phrase to express extreme gratitude: baaraka allahu fiik (بارك اللَّه فيك ) and this can mean something like “Thank you very much” although the literal meaning is quite different. The first word baaraka (بارك) means “to bless.” This is followed by allahu (اللَّه), which is “God” in Arabic. The last word in this phrase is fiik (فيك) which means “in you”. The three words put together baaraka allahu fiik literally mean “God bless you”, which in many situations can be used to say “thank you very much.”

Cultural Insights
Quick Tip 1

In instances when Moroccans want to express extreme gratitude, they usually place their right hand on their chest while saying thank you. This gesture indicates that it’s really coming from the heart. It’s not required, and don’t think about it if it doesn’t come out naturally, but if you see people doing it, that’s what it means.

Quick Tip 2

Since this is your very first encounter with Arabic, here is a quick info on this rich language and on what else is spoken in Morocco. Classical Arabic is Morocco’s official language, but the country’s distinctive Arabic dialect (also called Moroccan Arabic) is the most widely spoken in Morocco. In addition, about 10 million Moroccans, mostly in rural areas, speak Berber either as a first language or bilingually with the spoken Arabic dialect. French which remains Morocco’s unofficial third language, is taught universally and still serves as Morocco’s primary language of commerce, science and economics; it is also widely used in education and government. Many Moroccans in the northern part of the country speak Arabic. English, while still far behind French and Arabic in terms of number of speakers, is rapidly becoming the foreign language of choice among educated youth.

On the run to an Arabic speaking country? Wait! You can’t go without some basic language phrases under your belt! Especially if you’re heading to meet your prospective employer! Either in person or online, knowing how to say ‘Thank you’ in the Arabic language will only improve their impression of you! ArabicPod101 saves you time with this short lesson that nevertheless packs a punch. Learn to say ‘Thank you’ in Arabic in no time!

3. Audio Lesson: Survival Phrases – Thank You

Perhaps you think it’s unimportant that you don’t know what ‘Thank you’ is in Arabic, or that it’s too difficult a language to learn. Yet, as a traveler or visitor, you will be surprised at how far you can go using a little bit of Arabic in Arabic speaking country!

Click Here to Listen to the Free Audio Lesson!

At ArabicPod101, we offer you a few ways of saying ‘Thank you’ in Arabic that you have no excuse not knowing, as they’re so simple and easy to learn. The lesson is geared to aid your ‘survival’ in formal and informal situations in Arabic speaking country, so don’t wait! You will never have to google ‘How do you say thanks in Arabic’ again…!

4. ‘Thank You’ in 31 Languages

For the global traveler in a hurry, here are 31 ways to say ‘Thank you’! These are the first words you need to learn in any foreign language – it is sure to smooth your way with native speakers by showing your gratitude for services rendered, and your respect for their culture! Learn and know how to correctly say ‘Thank you’ in 31 different languages in this short video.

5. Why would ArabicPod101 be the perfect choice to learn Arabic?

However, you need not stop at ‘Thank you’ in Arabic – why not learn to speak the language?! You have absolutely nothing to lose. Research has shown that learning a new language increases intelligence and combats brain-aging. Also, the ability to communicate with native speakers in their own language is an instant way to make friends and win respect! Or imagine you know how to write ‘Thank you’ to that special Arabic friend after a date…he/she will be so impressed!

ArabicPod101 Has Special Lessons, Tools and Resources to Teach You How to Say Thank You and Other Key Phrases

With more than a decade of experience behind us, we have taught thousands of satisfied users to speak foreign languages. How do we do this? First, we take the pain out of learning! At ArabicPod101, students are assisted as they master vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversation through state-of-the-art and fun online learning methods. A library replete with learning resources allows for you to learn at your own pace and in your own space! Resources include thousands of video and audio recordings, downloadable PDF lessons and plenty of learning apps for your mobile devices. Each month, we add benefits with FREE bonuses and gifts to improve your experience.

We accommodate all levels and types of learners, from Absolute Beginner to Advanced, and ArabicPod101 is free for anyone to sign up. However, you can choose to fast track your fluency with lesson customization and increased interactive learning and practicing. Upgrade to Premium, or Premium PLUS to enhance your experience and greatly expedite your learning. With this type of assistance, and pleasurable effort on your part, you will speak Arabic in a very short period of time!

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Best of all is that you’re never alone! We believe that practice is the holy grail of learning any new language, and we gear our courses to ensure lots of it. Enroll with us, and you gain immediate access to our lively forum where we meet and greet, and discuss your burning questions. Our certified teachers are friendly and helpful, and you are very likely to practice your first ‘Thanks!’ in Arabic on him/her, AND mean it! Hurry up, and sign up now – you will thank us for it.

Hey Listeners!

So you’ve decided to study Arabic, now what?

Chances are you’re looking to become fluent and conversational as fast as possible, right? Well then, look no further! This is the list for you!

Without further ado, here are the top 5 shortcuts to learning Arabic!

Click Here To Start Learning Arabic Right Now!

1. Create A Study Schedule And Set Some Goals:
This one may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many unorganized language learners there are in the world! Creating a schedule allows you to manage your time wisely, enabling you to free up time to study consistently. Goals are also a key component of learning Arabic. These give you motivation and something to strive for.

2. Make It Fun:
You may roll your eyes at this one, but it’s true! If you learn how to make your study time enjoyable, chances are you’ll be more inclined to study! Try changing it up every now and then with something new. Watch a TV show in Arabic or listen to some Arabic music! The sky is the limit!

3. Find A Language Partner:
This is one surefire way to improve your conversational skills. Having a language partner allows you to practice your target language in a conversational manner. This will help you gain fluency even faster!

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4. Use Word Lists To Build Up A Solid Vocabulary:
This is a great way to build up your fluency, one word at a time. At ArabicPod101, you can use one of our many word lists. Choose whichever topic you want to study and go!

5. Make Mistakes:
Lastly, don’t be afraid to make mistakes! In fact, make a lot of them! Nothing helps you improve more than correcting your own errors. If you catch yourself saying something wrong, you’re likely to remember it the next time around. So just remember, everyone makes mistakes! Learn from them!

Get On the Fast-Track To Speaking Arabic Now! Click Here!

Again, there is no magical, overnight way to learn Arabic. However, doing a few or all of these will help you out substantially. And remember, if you’re really interested in getting on the fast-track to fluency, sign up for a FREE lifetime account at ArabicPod101.com now!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from everyone here at ArabicPod101.com! We’re grateful to have listeners just like you, and we’re eagerly waiting for the upcoming year to learn Arabic together!

And when the New Year comes around, be sure to make a resolution to study Arabic with ArabicPod101.com!

Have a healthy and happy holiday season.

From the ArabicPod101.com Team