Nightlife

1. في صحتك!

   Fī ṣiḥhatik!

   Cheers! (to your health)

   Usage

   Toast when drinking. To a male: "fi sihhatik", to a female: "fi sihhatiki".

   Grammar Note

   "Fi sihhatik" literally means "to your health", like many world toast expressions. The response is the same phrase or "wa-fi sihhatik" (and to your health too).

2. أين يوجد مطعم جيد في المنطقة؟

   Ayna yūjad maṭʿam jayyid fī al-minṭaqa?

   Where is there a good restaurant in the area?

   Usage

   Used to find dining options at night. "Ayna yujad" asks where such a place is.

   Grammar Note

   "Mat'am" (restaurant) is a place noun derived from root ṭ-ʿ-m (to eat), literally "a place for eating/feeding".

3. شاي بالنعناع من فضلك

   Shāy binnaʿnāʿ min faḍlak

   Mint tea, please

   Usage

   A traditional drink enjoyed even where alcohol is not served. Known as "atay" in North Africa.

   Grammar Note

   The preposition "bi-" means "with". "Shay bi-n-na'na'" is "tea with mint". The definite article "al-" contracts with "bi-" to form "bal-".

4. متى يغلق المطعم؟

   Matā yughliqu al-maṭʿam?

   What time does the restaurant close?

   Usage

   Used to check closing time.

   Grammar Note

   "Mata" (when) is placed at the start. "Mat'am" (restaurant) is masculine, so the 3rd masculine singular verb "yughliqu" is used.

5. طاولة لشخصين من فضلك

   Ṭāwila li-shakhṣayn min faḍlak

   A table for two, please

   Usage

   Used when requesting a table at a restaurant or cafe.

   Grammar Note

   "Shakhsayn" is the dual form (exactly two). "Min fadlak" is for a male staff member; use "min fadliki" for a female.

6. أين مقهى الشيشة القريب؟

   Ayna maqhā ash-shīsha al-qarīb?

   Where is the nearest shisha cafe?

   Usage

   Shisha cafes are a very common social venue across Arab countries.

   Grammar Note

   "Maqha" is a place noun from root q-h-w meaning "a place for coffee". "Al-qarib" (nearby) is the attributive adjective agreeing with "maqha".

7. هل يوجد موسيقى تقليدية الليلة؟

   Hal yūjad mūsīqā taqlīdiya al-layla?

   Is there traditional music tonight?

   Usage

   Used to check whether there is live music at a restaurant or cafe tonight.

   Grammar Note

   "Hal yujad" is the existential question form "Is there?". "Al-musiqa" is feminine, so the adjective "taqlidi-yya" takes the feminine form.

8. أين السوق الليلي؟

   Ayna as-sūq al-laylī?

   Where is the night market?

   Usage

   Used to find the night market or evening souk.

   Grammar Note

   "Al-layli" (nocturnal/night) is a descriptive adjective following "as-sūq" (Arabic adjectives follow nouns) and agreeing in definiteness.

9. هل هذه المنطقة آمنة؟

   Hal hādhihi al-minṭaqa āmina?

   Is this area safe?

   Usage

   Used to check safety before going out at night.

   Grammar Note

   "Al-mintaqa" is feminine, requiring the feminine demonstrative "hadhihi" and feminine predicate "amina". Root ʾ-m-n also gives "amin" (trustworthy).

10. متى تغلق هذه الحانة؟

    Matā tughliqu hādhihi al-ḥāna?

    What time does this bar close?

    Usage

    Used to check closing time at a bar or restaurant.

    Grammar Note

    "Tughliqu" uses the feminine verb form to agree with "al-hana" (feminine noun). "Mata" is the time interrogative. Opposite: "taftahu" (opens).

Browse all TravelPhrases languages