Lost in translation? Not in Lebanon
Lebanese Arabic is a mix of different languages, including French, Latin, and Turkish. This is due to the country's history of being ruled by different empires over the centuries. For example, the French ruled Lebanon from 1920 to 1943, and many French words were incorporated into the Lebanese dialect during this time. Spanish words were also introduced to Lebanon through trade with Spain and Latin America. And Turkish words came to Lebanon through the Ottoman Empire, which ruled the country from the 16th to the early 20th centuries.
Moreover, Lebanese people speak a minimum of 3 languages: Arabic, French, and English. They also mix them in 1 sentence, for example:
- Hi, Kifak? Ca va?
- I’m good Hamdellah, et toi? (English – Arabic – French)
To sum it up, you won’t get lost in Lebanon.
These are some non-Arabic words that Lebanese commonly use and that might have come from your native language.
French:
1. Bonjour – Bonsoir
Ask a Lebanese how to say Hello in Arabic, and the odds are he will tell you to just use the Bonjour for daytime and the Bonsoir for nighttime. Of course, that is French for good day and good evening. The use of the Arabic word “Marhaba” is uncommon in most areas of Lebanon.
2. Kifak? Ca va?
While “Kifak?” is Arabic for How are you doing? In Lebanon, it is often succeeded by “Ca Va? “. The latter is the French equivalent of the first part. Some even ditch the Arabic bit, and just use the French to ask about your well-being.
3. Merci (Beaucoup/Kteer)
While expressing thanks and gratitude, “Shukran” is the Arabic word to use; however, in Lebanon, its French equivalent of “Merci” is the one used most. And to express greater gratitude, the Lebanese say, “Merci Beaucoup”, that is: Thanks a lot. Of course, some also are familiar to joining the languages creatively and saying “Merci Kteer”, where “Kteer” is Arabic for “Many”.
4. Wein El-Toilette?
If you need to ask about the whereabouts of the restroom, then don’t go looking for the Arabic word of “Hammam”, because the Lebanese just call it by its French name of “Toilette”. So, for that, you would just ask “Wein El Toilette?” and you’ll be understood and directed in the right direction.
5. Chauffeur
Drivers are referred to by their French name of “Chauffer” instead of “Sa’ek”. You want to know what they call Taxi Drivers in Lebanon? Chauffer Taxi.
6. Garrab – Grippe
It is very common in the cold winters of Lebanon for people to catch the flu. What do they call the flu in Lebanon though? Again, it is called by its French name “Grippe”. Not only that, the Lebanese have adopted this one in a more creative way that they also conjugate it as a verb. Garrab is the verb they use, which is just a self-made Arabic version of the French noun.
Latin:
1. Pharmacia: Most of Lebanese people say “Pharmacia” which is an Italian word instead of “Saydaliya”.
2. Autostrada: Lebanese people call the highway “Autostrade” which came from the Latin language instead of the Arabic version “Tarik Aam Dawli”
3. Makana: Older people call their car “Makana” which came from “Al machina” in Italian also meaning car.
4. Zaytoun: Means olives in Arabic which came from “Aceituna”: Italian word for olives.
Turkish:
1. Shanta: Lebanese people call a bag “Shanta” which came from its Turkish version “Çanta”. Coming back to French, Lebanese call their purse “sac”, their backpack “sac a dos” and their wallet “Porte monnaie”.
2. Oda: Lebanese say Oda which means room and is originally a Turkish word instead of “ghorfa” which is room in Arabic.
3. Sofra: Originally a Turkish word, Lebanese use it. “Sofra” refers to lots of food on the table.
4. Dekken: Lebanese say “Dekken” which means minimarket. The word was originally a Turkish word “Dükkan”.
Keep in mind that these are just some words and there are many more!
In conclusion, wherever you come from, you won’t get lost in Lebanon! You don’t need to speak Arabic for you to visit our beautiful country. Somehow, you’ll find very similar words to the ones you use.
