Learning a new language opens doors to exploring new cultures, and what better way to dive into a culture than through its celebrations? Holidays and festivities are not only fun but also rich with language. Here are some essential Arabic phrases and vocabularies that will help you navigate through holiday celebrations in Arabic-speaking countries.
عيد مبارك (Eid Mubarak) – Blessed Festival
This is a common greeting used during Islamic holidays, most notably Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. It’s akin to saying “Happy Holidays” and is used to wish someone well during these festive times.
تقبل الله منا ومنكم، عيد مبارك.
رمضان كريم (Ramadan Kareem) – Generous Ramadan
Used to greet someone during Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. This phrase wishes the recipient a generous and rewarding Ramadan.
رمضان كريم! أتمنى لك شهراً مليئاً بالبركات.
كل عام وأنتم بخير (Kul ‘am wa antum bikhair) – May you be well every year
This is a versatile greeting used for various holidays and celebrations, much like “Season’s Greetings”. It is a wish for continued well-being.
كل عام وأنتم بخير في هذا العيد السعيد.
مبروك (Mabrook) – Congratulations
This can be used in a variety of celebratory contexts, from holidays to personal achievements.
مبروك على التخرج، أتمنى لك مستقبلاً مشرقاً.
أضحى مبارك (Adha Mubarak) – Blessed Adha
Specifically used for Eid al-Adha, one of the holiest holidays in Islam, which commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
أضحى مبارك، أعاده الله علينا باليمن والبركات.
عساكم من عواده (Asakum min ‘awadah) – May you be among those who return to it yearly
This phrase is often used during both Eids, wishing that the person will continue to celebrate these occasions for many years.
عساكم من عواده وعيدكم مبارك.
فطر سعيد (Fitr Saeed) – Happy Fitr
Used specifically at the end of Ramadan during Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of fasting.
فطر سعيد! تقبل الله صيامكم وقيامكم.
ليلة سعيدة (Laylat Saeed) – Happy Night
Commonly used during any celebratory night, whether it’s a religious holiday or a personal celebration.
ليلة سعيدة! أتمنى لكم أمسية جميلة مع العائلة.
السنة الجديدة (Sanat Jadida) – New Year
Used during the Gregorian New Year, this phrase is helpful for those celebrating January 1st in Arabic-speaking countries.
السنة الجديدة ستكون مليئة بالأمل والنجاح، إن شاء الله.
تقبل الله (Taqabbal Allah) – May Allah accept
Often heard during religious holidays, this phrase is a prayer that Allah accepts one’s worship and good deeds.
تقبل الله طاعتكم وكل عام وأنتم بخير.
هدية (Hadiya) – Gift
Exchanging gifts is common during many celebrations. This word might come in handy when talking about giving or receiving presents.
أحضرت لك هدية بمناسبة العيد.
زينة (Zina) – Decorations
During festive times, decorations are often a big part of the celebration, especially during Ramadan and Eid.
الزينة جعلت الشارع يبدو جميلًا جدًا في رمضان.
By using these phrases, you can engage more deeply with Arabic speakers during their times of celebration. Not only does this enhance your language skills, but it also shows respect and appreciation for their culture. Whether it’s Ramadan, Eid, or any other celebration, these phrases will help you share in the joy and community of these special times.
