Starting a conversation is easy in Arabic. Just say the below phrase when you meet someone.
Kayf Haaluk?
You will hear the phrase “kayf” used in many situations. It is like saying “what are you doing or how are you?”
Here is a simple dialogue.
Suhaila | كَيْفَ حَالُكَ ؟ Kayf haaluk? How are you (m)? |
Hassan | أَنَا طيِّـب Ana Toy-yeb I am good |
Hassan | كَيْفَ حَالُكِ ؟ Kayf haaluke? How are you (f)? |
Suhaila | طيِّـبَـة ؟ Toy-yeba good |
Usage of Arabic phrase
We use gender form when relating to a male person by placing a suffix: “Ka” at the end of a word.
You | كَيْفَ حَالُكَ ؟ Kayf haaluk? How are you (m)? |
And inserting a suffix “Ke” at the end of the word “Haaluk-e”
You | كَيْفَ حَالُكِ ؟ Kayf haaluke? How are you (f)? |
Here is an example of the difference in replying for male and female.
Hassan | أَنَا طيِّـب Ana toy-yeb |
suhaila | أَنَا طيِّـبَـة Ana toy-yeba |
You will noticed that Suhaila replied by inserting (ـة ) at the end of the word.
However, using the pronoun (I am) “Ana” is not necessary to repeat in a conversation but understood during the speech. Sometimes during a conversation, the word “Ana” is omitted from the phrase.
Question: Can I use “Kayf anta?”
Yes! You may use this phrase. However please take note that “Haal” means situation or condition. You may insert this phrase after the phrase “Kayf”. The complete sentence will be:
“Kayf haal (to male or female)
It is ok to mention:
“Kayf haaluk?” or using the phrase: “Kayf anta?”
“Kayf haaluke?” or the phrase: “Kayf ante?” When speaking to female friends.
Please take note; most Arabs will speak using short phrase such as:
“keyfak (m) or Keyfek (f)”
Kayf haal (m/f)
Some will omit the pronouns “ana” and just say: “Toy-yeb”
To know more about the complete lesson and basic Arabic phrase, click the button below which has a link to my books for lower beginner Arabic students.
