Moving to Saudi Arabia for work is a huge step, and the early weeks can feel like a blur of paperwork, new faces, and unfamiliar routines. You can absolutely get by in English, especially in the big cities. But the expats who feel at home fastest are the ones who pick up a little spoken Saudi Arabic. A few phrases at the office, the bank, and the supermarket turn awkward moments into easy ones, and they earn genuine goodwill. Here is the practical, no-fluff vocabulary that actually helps in daily life.
Greetings That Open Every Door
In Saudi work and social culture, greetings are not optional small talk, they are the foundation of every relationship. Lead with these and the rest of the conversation flows.
السلام عليكم
As-salamu alaykum
Peace be upon you (hello)
The respectful default greeting in any setting.
كيفك؟
Kayfak?
How are you?
The natural, everyday Saudi version. Stiff textbooks say 'kayfa haluk'.
الحمد لله
Al-hamdu lillah
Praise God / I'm well
The standard reply when someone asks how you are.
تشرفنا
Tsharrafna
Nice to meet you
Perfect when meeting a colleague for the first time.
Settling into the Kingdom? Our For Expats page gathers the core topics, work, banking, groceries, and small talk, into one learning path made for newcomers.
At the Office
Saudi workplaces blend professionalism with warmth. Knowing how to greet the team, agree to something, or ask for a moment makes you feel like part of the group quickly.
صباح الخير
Sabah al-khayr
Good morning
The standard morning greeting as you arrive.
إن شاء الله
In sha Allah
God willing
Used constantly for anything planned or future. You will hear it daily.
ممكن لحظة؟
Mumkin lahza?
Can I have a moment?
Polite way to ask for someone's time.
تمام
Tamam
Okay / all good
A quick, friendly way to confirm something.
Want to navigate meetings, introductions, and office etiquette with confidence? These lessons are built around real Saudi workplace situations.
At the Bank and Handling Paperwork
Opening an account, sorting out your Iqama, transferring money home, expat life involves a lot of admin. These phrases keep things moving smoothly.
أبغى أفتح حساب
Abgha aftah hisaab
I want to open an account
'Abgha' (I want) is the everyday Saudi word.
وين أوقع؟
Wayn awaqqi'?
Where do I sign?
Cuts straight to the point with paperwork.
كم الرسوم؟
Kam ar-rusoom?
How much are the fees?
Essential for any bank or service transaction.
ممكن تساعدني؟
Mumkin tisa'idni?
Can you help me?
Polite and useful in any official setting.
Banking and official errands have their own vocabulary. Practice it before you go with focused, real-world lessons.
Groceries and Everyday Errands
From the corner baqala to the big supermarket, these phrases handle the daily shopping that keeps life running.
بكم الكيلو؟
Bikam al-kilo?
How much per kilo?
Perfect for fruit, vegetables, and meat.
عندك...؟
Indak...?
Do you have...?
Add the item: 'Indak khubz?' (Do you have bread?).
هذا بس
Hatha bas
That's all
Tell the cashier you are done.
فيه توصيل؟
Feeh tawseel?
Is there delivery?
Useful for shops and restaurants alike.
Small Talk That Builds Friendships
Real connection in Saudi Arabia happens through small, warm exchanges. These lines help you move from polite stranger to friendly acquaintance.
من وين أنت؟
Min wayn enta?
Where are you from?
A common, friendly question, and a great one to ask back.
أنا من...
Ana min...
I'm from...
Add your country to share where you are from.
وش أخبارك؟
Wesh akhbarak?
What's up? / How's it going?
Relaxed and friendly, very Saudi.
تشرفت فيك
Tsharraft feek
I'm honored to meet you
A warm note to end a first conversation.
Hospitality is at the heart of Saudi culture. If a colleague or neighbor invites you for coffee or a meal, accepting (even briefly) goes a long way. A simple 'shukran, tsharraft feek' shows real respect.
Want the full roadmap for life in the Kingdom? The For Expats page sequences these exact situations, work, banking, errands, and small talk, so you can learn in the order you will actually need them.
Make Saudi Arabia feel like home, one practical lesson at a time. Build real, usable dialect for work and daily life.