Three main languages are spoken in this multicultural nation in North Africa, with modern standard Arabic designated as the official language. You’ll also hear a lot of French and Darija, the particular dialect of Tunisia, but even Arabic-speaking tourists will have trouble understanding the words and phrases of this distinctive language. All of the cultures that have affected the nation’s language are represented in its vocabulary, including French, Italian, Turkish, Spanish, and Berber.
Most Tunisians are able to talk in the official language, which is written frequently in airports, stores, magazines, and on road signs. More than 60% of the population is fluent in the European language, French, which is taught in schools starting at the age of 8. Consequently, there are several French-language newspapers available throughout the nation. Here are some words you might want to practice if you’re traveling to Tunisia on vacation.
Common Arabic words and phrases of Tunisia
- Hello – Assalam Alaikom.
- Goodbye – Ila Lika or Maa Salama
- Good Morning – Sabah Alkhir or Sabah Nour.
- Please – Arjouk or Min Fadlek.
- Thank you – Shoukran
- Sorry – Asef or Ismahli.
- How are you? – Kifek or Kif Halk.
- I don’t understand – Lam Afham or Mafhimtch.
- Do you speak English? – Tahki Inglesi? or Hal Tatakalam Linglesia?
- Yes – Naam or Ah.
- No – La.
Numbers
- One – Wahed.
- Two – Itnan.
- Three – Talata.
- Four – Arbaa.
- Five – Khamsa
- Six – Setta.
- Seven – Sabaa.
- Eight – Tamaniya
- Nine – Tissaa.
- Ten – Aashraa.
Useful words and phrases when going outside
- What time is it? – Kam Issaa?
- Where is the nearest cash machine? – Ayna Akrab Sarraf Aliy?
- Where is…? – Aynahoua…?
- Where can I buy…? – Ayna yomkinoni Shiraa…?
- How do I get to…? – Kaeefa Yomkinoni alwosol ila…?
- How far is it to…? – Kam Yabood…?
- How much does it cost? Kam Tamanoha(o)?
- Too expensive – Ghali Katiran.
- Petrol – Banzen
- Diesel – Disel.
- Car – Sayara
- Taxi – Taxi
- Market – Al Souk.
- Post office – Makteb Albarid.
- Bank – Banka
- Hospital – Mostashfa.
- Chemist – Saydalya.
- Police – Al Shorta.
- Open – Maftouh
- Closed – Moughlak.
Food
Waiter! – Ayoha Nadil!
Can I get the menu please? – Kaimat Attaam Min Fadlik.
Where is the toilet? – Aynahowa Al Hammam.
The check, please – Alhissab Min Fadlik.
Can I pay using the credit card? – Hal Yomkin An Adfaa Bil Lbitaka?
One Cocacola please – Wahed Cocacola, Min Fadlik.
I don’t eat bread – Ana La Akul Alkhobz.
Restaurant – Mataam.
Breakfast – Alfotour.
Lunch – Alghada.
Dinner – Al Isha.
Coffee – Alkahwa.
Tea – Al Shay.
Beer – Berra.
Fish – Samak.
Meat – Lahem.
Related posts and tours
- Tunisia flag, meaning, and history.
- The great mosque of Kairouan, Tunisia.
- 5 days desert tour in Tunisia.
- Private tour to Kairouan, El Djem, and Monastir cities.
