Shopping and Bargaining in Arabic: Prices, Phrases and Souk Etiquette
Useful Arabic phrases for markets and shops: asking prices, negotiating politely, and understanding numbers when a seller quotes them quickly.
Whether you are in a modern mall or a traditional souk (سوق), a few key phrases will help you shop with confidence.
Asking about price
- بكم هذا؟ (bikam hadha?) — How much is this?
- كم السعر؟ (kam as-si'r?) — What is the price?
- هل هذا كل شيء؟ (hal hadha kull shay'?) — Is this everything?
Note that كم (kam) is the general word for "how much" and بكم (bikam) is "for how much?"
Describing prices
- غالي (ghali) — expensive
- رخيص (rakhis) — cheap
- سعر جيد (si'r jayyid) — a good price
- خصم (khasm) — discount
- عرض ('ard) — offer
Bargaining phrases
In many markets, bargaining is expected, especially for souvenirs, textiles and spices. Fixed-price shops, supermarkets and malls do not bargain.
- هذا غالي جداً (hadha ghali jiddan) — That is very expensive.
- هل يمكن خصم؟ (hal yumkin khasm?) — Is a discount possible?
- آخر سعر؟ (akhir si'r?) — Final price?
- سأفكر (sa-ufakkir) — I'll think about it.
- لا شكراً (la shukran) — No, thank you.
Numbers matter
Sellers may quote quickly, sometimes in dialect. Practise numbers from one to a hundred, and be ready for numbers said in the local pattern. Many people ask sellers to write down the number if they are unsure.
Politeness
Bargaining is generally friendly and conducted with humour. Start at a fraction of the first price, and be ready to walk away politely. If you agree on a price, it's considered rude to back out. If you're not interested, say لا شكراً and smile.
Useful shop words
- محل (mahall) — shop
- سوق (suq) — market
- حقيبة (haqiba) — bag
- ملابس (malabis) — clothes
- هدايا (hadaya) — gifts
- إيصال (isal) — receipt
- نقداً / بطاقة (naqdan / bitaqa) — cash / card
Currency words
Currencies vary: the dinar (دينار), dirham (درهم), riyal (ريال), and pound (جنيه) each have local names and different pronunciations, so learn the one used where you're going.
Practice
- Role-play a bargaining scene with a friend.
- Learn the dialect numbers for your destination.
- Write down five phrases to keep in your phone.
- Use a dictionary to look up items you plan to buy.
Look up shopping words in script with English Arabic Dictionary →
English Arabic Dictionary
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