Everyday Levantine Arabic — family, greetings, and expressions.
bukra
Tomorrow. Often combined with inshallah.
in shāʾ allāh
God willing. Used when speaking about future plans.
kibbeh
A dish of bulgur, minced meat, and spices. Can be fried, baked, or raw.
tabbūleh
A parsley-forward salad with bulgur, mint, tomato, and lemon.
manāqīsh
Flatbread topped with za'atar, cheese, or meat. A Levantine breakfast staple.
saḥtein
Bon appétit / enjoy your meal. Said to someone eating.
tfu
An expression to ward off the evil eye. Said playfully when something is too good.
khalas
Enough / that's it / done. Used to wrap up a conversation or topic.
yalla
Let's go / come on / hurry up. The most versatile word in the language.
shu fī mā fī
What's up? / What's going on? A classic conversation opener.
ahlein
Welcome / hi there. Often said in response to marhaba.
marḥaba
Hello. A warm, everyday greeting.
ʿamto
Aunt (paternal). An amto is your father's sister.
khalto
Aunt (maternal). A khalto is your mother's sister.
jiddo
Grandfather.
sittu
Grandmother (alternative, used in some families).
tēta
Grandmother. Used with deep affection across the Levant.
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