1. khalas
Translation: done / OK / alright / finish / enough / stop it
Depending on the situation, there are many different versions (and tones)
of ‘khalas’ that Arabs use. As you can see above, the translations are endless! It can
be used to end an argument “khalas now!!” and said when you finish a task, yell at
your kids or even when you tell yourself to stop overthinking. Ok, khalas I’ll stop.
2. yaani
Translation: meaning / like / it’s like
In Arabic, yaani is the English word for the slang interjection “like”. It frequently comes
up in any conversation. Tweak it up and write it in Arabizi, i.e., the cooler way: “ya3ni”.
3. inshallah
Translation: God willing / hopefully
Oh, you’ve surely heard it because Arabs tend to use it so often when speaking.
Whether you want to begin or end a conversation (you can add it in between as
well) inshallah is your go-to word: “khalas, I’ll finish it today inshallah”.
4. hala wallah
Translation: hi there! / welcome/ my pleasure
Dialect: Gulf
This phrase is widely common in the Gulf countries. It is said when you meet and greet
your friends, when welcoming a guest to your home, and …when flirting!
When someone says hi to you say “hala wallah!” (like saying hi back basically). If
someone thanks you, you’d reply back with hala wallah, too.
5. khali wali
Translation: let it be/ forget about it/ whatever
Dialect: Gulf
Those who’ve heard it are most definitely laughing right now. “khali wali” has to be one
of the most well-known expressions around the Gulf regions. If you live or have lived
in the UAE, you’d hear Arabs, and non-Arabs say it to express annoyance with a
person or situation. “Don’t reply to his messages, khali wali.”
6. akeed
Translation: sure! / of course
Dialect: Iraqi
Shaku maku is literally a phrase that you’d hear throughout the day when Iraqis
converse. All Arabs are familiar with this popular colloquial phrase that translates
word-for-word to what’s there and what’s not?
It can be used as a casual greeting or when checking up on someone: “Hey! Shaku
maku?”. If you wish, you can reply with “maku shi” (nothing’s new).
8. walaw
Translation: even if / it’s ok / of course/ don’t mention it (when someone thanks you)
Dialect: Levant
Lebanese people use this phrase to make someone feel welcome, express surprise,
frustration and so on.
Dialect: Levant
Use it to express sympathy, i.e. when you feel bad for someone. “Ya haram, are you
ok?” It can be used when you’re being serious or sarcastic. Remember, it all goes
back to the tone it is said in.
Dialect: Levant
Almost every Syrian person you’d encounter would throw fahamit alyee shlon into a
conversation! It is more or less a rhetorical question said to emphasize an important
point (after an explanation or description of something or a situation). The next time
you hear a Syrian talking, listen carefully and observe.
11. min sijak?
Translation: are you serious?
Dialect: Gulf
This question is used to express disbelief and frustration. It’s usually asked in a
sarcastic tone to question someone’s actions or statement (it can be on a serious note,
too).