Useful Phrases in Palestinian Colloquial Arabic: Despite the fact that Arabic is an extremely complicated language, there are several key phrases that will get arabs wondering if you are really a foreigner. Arabic is spoken in a highly mechanical fashion with different cultural expressions demanding an equally important and lengthy response. When in the Palestinian Colloquial Arabic areas the first thing you will notice are the constant appeals to God, so if you are going to be in Arabic speaking areas you must know these appeals.

Insha’allah ان شاء الله

First in foremost: Insha’allah. Often and roughly translated as “God Willing”, this term invades every conversation in hordes and can mean many things. In English I believe the nearest term we use is “hopefully”, however this isn’t used nearly as much in English. For example one person might suggest that he is studying to be a doctor, the other would say Insha’allah and the other would repeat it. Another, less relatable use, occurs often for trivial feats for example one person will announce he is going to the restroom and will return soon.

Masha’allah ما شاء الله

The pair will then exchange Insha’allah. Another conversational staple is “Masha’allah” which roughly translates to “God willed it”. To be honest I’m not sure how to use this term but I hear it all the time, in fact I usually just randomly throw it into sentences and hope for the best. For example I will find my lost pencil and announce Masha’allah. People usually stare. Another common arabism has a very negative stigma associated with it in English, a stigma that is completely unnecessary. The phrase is “Allahu Akbar”.

Allahu Akbar الله اكبر

The phrase is “Allahu Akbar”.Literally translated it is “God is Greatest” and used for just about anything religious, sacred, or just joyous. Before meals, when you pray, or even when you’re just feeling thankful. Another useful term is “Mumkin” which means “possibly”. You can basically stick that in front of any rude demand and magically make it polite. Mumkins everywhere. The there are the universal staples of thank you and your welcome. “Shukran” and “afwan” respectively.

Allah Yarhemu الله يرحمو

A personal favorite of mine is “Allah Yarhemu” which translates to God rest his soul. This is a bit silly, but in English whenever something bad happens, no matter how trivial, I say “RIP” which is rest in peace, as if whatever trivial obstacle I encountered killed me. I decided to translate this into arabic as “Allah yarhemny” or “God rest my soul” just to be funny or dramatic.

Sabah Alkhair صباح الخير

It’s sort of my catch phrase now. Beyond these are the more casual necessities like “Sabah Alkhair” and the response “Sabah Alnur” which is how people greet each other in the morning.

keefak كيفك

Or even “keefak” which is the quintessential “How are you”, however when speaking to women the term changed to “Keefik”. Which brings us to our next phrase “Alhamdulilah” which is “praise God”. Mostly used as a response when someone asks about your well being, the term is meant to credit God with your assets in life. Really it can be said after anything. Even if bad news has been shared, you still thank God for what you have.