In Kuwait, the official language is Arabic. While Arabic is the primary language spoken in everyday life, English is also widely understood and used, especially in business, government, and the education sector. Here are some basic Arabic phrases and common words that may be useful if you're traveling to Kuwait or interacting with Arabic-speaking people in the country:
Basic Phrases:
Hello - مرحبًا (Marhaban)
Good morning - صباح الخير (Sabah al-khair)
Good afternoon - مساء الخير (Masa' al-khair)
Good evening - مساء النور (Masa' al-noor)
Thank you - شكرًا (Shukran)
You're welcome - على الرحب والسعة (Ala al-rahb was-sa'ah)
Please - من فضلك (Min fadlik)
Yes - نعم (Na'am)
No - لا (La)
Excuse me / Sorry - عذرًا (Adhara)
How are you? - كيف حالك؟ (Kayf halak?)
I'm fine, thank you - أنا بخير، شكرًا (Ana bikhair, shukran)
What is your name? - ما اسمك؟ (Ma ismak?)
My name is... - اسمي... (Ismi...)
Where is...? - أين...؟ (Ayna...?)
How much does this cost? - كم يكلف هذا؟ (Kam yaklif hadha?)
I don't understand - لا أفهم (La afham)
Do you speak English? - هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟ (Hal tatahadath al-Ingleeziyah?)
Common Words:
Food - طعام (Ta'am)
Water - ماء (Ma')
Coffee - قهوة (Qahwa)
Tea - شاي (Shai)
Bathroom / Toilet - حمام (Hammam)
Hotel - فندق (Fanduq)
Airport - مطار (Matar)
Bus - حافلة (Hafilah)
Taxi - تاكسي (Taksi)
Bank - بنك (Bank)
Money - نقود (Nuqud)
Police - شرطة (Shurta)
Hospital - مستشفى (Mustashfa)
Pharmacy - صيدلية (Saydaliyah)
Keep in mind that while these phrases and words can be helpful for basic communication, English is often sufficient for getting by in Kuwait, especially in urban areas and among people in the service industry. However, making an effort to speak a few Arabic phrases is always appreciated and can enhance your travel experience.
