Question Words

1. ماذا؟

   mādhā?

   What?

   Usage

   A one-word request for clarification when you did not catch something

2. أين؟

   ayna?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a location. Point at a map or photo while you say it

3. متى؟

   matā?

   When?

   Usage

   Asks for a time or date — useful for departure times

4. من؟

   man?

   Who?

   Usage

   To ask who someone is or who is in charge

5. لماذا؟

   limādhā?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason. It can sound blunt, so soften it with a smile

6. كيف؟

   kayfa?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks how to do something — ticket machines, for instance

7. كم العدد؟

   kam al-aʿdad?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a count of items or people

8. بكم هذا؟

   bikam hādhā?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The standard price question. In markets ask them to show the number on a calculator

9. أي واحد؟

   ayyu wāḥid?

   Which one?

   Usage

   For choosing between options — use it while pointing

10. ما هذا؟

    mā hādhā?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or product to ask what it is

11. أين الحمام؟

    ayna al-ḥammām?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most-used questions of any trip. Works in shops, stations and hotels

12. كم الساعة؟

    kam as-sāʿa?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time — useful when your phone is dead

13. هل يوجد؟

    hal yūjad?

    Is there any?

    Usage

    A short way to ask about stock or availability while pointing at something

14. هل يمكنك؟

    hal yumkinuka?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible — card payment, changing money and so on

15. هل هناك رسوم؟

    hal hunāka rusūm?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Checks for an extra fee — luggage storage, Wi-Fi and the like

16. هل هذا مجاني؟

    hal hādhā majjānī?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Confirms something is free of charge — water or refills, for example

17. هل يجوز؟

    hal yajūz?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    Used to ask for permission; pair it with pointing

18. ألا يجوز؟

    alā yajūz?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    Used to double-check after being refused

19. هل أنت بخير؟

    hal anta bi-khayr?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Used to check on someone's wellbeing, unlike "hal yajooz?" which asks permission

20. حقاً؟

    ḥaqqan?

    Really?

    Usage

    Used to confirm something surprising

21. هل أنت متأكد؟

    hal anta mutaʾakkid?

    Are you sure?

    Usage

    Reconfirms a fact; more formal than "haqqan?"

22. من أين أنت؟

    min ayna anta?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A good conversation opener

23. ما اسمك؟

    mā ismuka?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A good conversation opener

24. كم عمرك؟

    kam ʿumruka?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asking someone's age, especially a woman's or a stranger's, can be considered impolite. Best reserved for once you know someone or as a mark of respect toward elders

25. هل يمكننا التقاط صورة معاً؟

    hal yumkinunā iltiqāṭ ṣūra maʿan?

    Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    Used to ask for permission

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