Language in Oman

We are so lucky in Oman that even though the official language is Arabic that English is very widely spoken and most signs are in English too!

Although it does not hurt to learn a few Arabic phrases and words- it is really nice to make an effort to be polite and you will see a great response when you try! Here are some of the most useful ones that you should add to your vocabulary as an expat… (excuse the spelling- we have written it how you would say it!)

Good Morning: Sabah al khair
Good Evening: Sabah al noor
How are you?: Shlonik?
Hi or Hello: Salam alay kum
If someone says the above to you the reply is: Wah lay kum salam
I’m good: Ani zein
Good Bye: Masalama
Thank you: Shukran
Your welcome: Afwan
Please: Minfadlich
Excuse me: lawsomatti / afwan
Slowly: Shwaih shwaih
Yes: Naam or sah
No: La
OK: Aywah!
Straight: Sida
Left: Yasar
Right: Yameen
Welcome: Marhaba
Sorry: Asif
Ramadan Greetings: Ramadan Mubarak
Eid Greetings: Eid Mubarak
God willing: Inshallah
Finished: Khallas
Let's Go: Yellah!

Numbers in Arabic

Zero - siffer
One= wahed
Two= ith-nane
Three= thalatha
Four= arba'a
Five= khamsa
Six= sitta
Seven= sabah
Eight= tamaniya
Nine= tissa'a
Ten= asharra