Arabic Greetings for American Muslims

“How do I say how are you in Arabic?” This is one of the most common Arabic greetings asked by  American Muslims non-Arabic speakers who are just beginning their language journey. Whether you’re planning to travel to an Arab country, connect with Arabic-speaking colleagues, or simply explore a new culture, learning basic greeting phrases is an essential first step. These expressions don’t just break the ice; they show respect, openness, and a willingness to connect.

Benefits of learning basic Arabic phrases 

Learning even a few basic Arabic phrases can open the door to a more enriching experience. It allows you to move beyond surface-level communication and connect with people on a more human level.

• Cultural Appreciation: Greeting someone in their native language shows respect and curiosity. It creates space for more meaningful interactions and gives you insight into traditions, values, and everyday life in the Arab world.
• Enhanced Travel Experiences: When you visit places where Arabic is spoken, learning a few basic phrases can make your journey more enjoyable and rewarding. From navigating markets to asking for directions, these small efforts help you explore with confidence.
• Building Connections: Language is a bridge; and basic Arabic is often all it takes to break the ice and begin building real relationships with locals, colleagues, or friends from different backgrounds.

How do I say how are you in Arabic

When learning Arabic, one of the most universally useful phrases is the formal version of “how are you?” expressed in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). 

The most common MSA phrase is:

• كيف حالك؟ (kayfa haluka?) when talking to a man
• كيف حالك؟ (kayfa haluki?) when talking  to a woman

The phrase literally means “How is your condition?” and is considered polite, neutral, and appropriate in nearly all contexts.

You might also hear these alternative formal expressions:

• كيف صحتك؟ (kayfa sihatuka?) “How is your health?”
• ما أخبارك؟ (ma akhbarak?) “What’s your news?” (also polite/formal)

Common polite responses  

In formal Arabic conversations, the response often carries a tone of gratitude, positivity, and grace even if the person isn’t feeling their best. These expressions reflect a cultural mindset rooted in thankfulness and emotional composure.

Some commonly used polite responses in MSA:

• أنا بخير، شكرا (ana bikhair, shukran) I’m fine, thank you.
• أنا في نعمة والحمد لله (ana fī nemah, wa al-hamduallah) I am blessed, thank God.
• كل شيء على ما يرام (kullu shay’in ‘alā mā yurām)  Everything is going well.
• أنا في أحسن حال (ana fi ahsan hal)  I’m in excellent condition.

To help you learn more useful phrases and build real fluency, E-Hoopoe offers a carefully designed set of the best Arabic classes online, tailored to support your learning at every level.

Saying how are you in Arabic in different cultures 

While Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) provides a formal and universally understood way to say “how are you,” everyday conversations across the Arab world sound quite different. Each region has its own dialect, tone, and cultural expressions.

1- Egyptian Arabic

Spoken widely across the Arab world through music, movies, and TV, Egyptian Arabic is one of the most familiar dialects.

• • إزيك؟ (Izzayyak / Izzayyik): A casual and friendly “how are you?”
  • عامل إيه؟ (Amil eh or Amla eh?): Literally “what are you doing?” but commonly means “how are you?”
  • أخبارك إيه؟ (akhbarak eh?) “What’s your news?
    

2- Gulf Arabic (Khaliji Dialect)

This dialect is spoken in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and neighboring countries, and it features very specific greetings with a distinctive local flavor.

• • شلونك؟ (shlonak / shlonich): A warm idiomatic way to ask “how are you?”
  • كيفك؟ (keefak / keefek): Used similarly to Levantine, with a Gulf accent
  • شخبارك؟ (shakhbarak “male” / shakhbarek”female”): What’s your news?
    

3- Levantine Arabic

Levantine Arabic, the dialect of Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine, flows with a soft, melodic rhythm and carries a uniquely rich expressiveness.

• كيفك؟ (keefak “male” / keefek”female”): A classic way to say “how are you?”
• شلونك؟ (shlonak / shlounek): Also used regionally in a similar way to the Gulf
• إش أخبارك؟ (esh akhbarak / akhbarek):“What’s your news?”

Arabic greetings by context: formal vs casual settings

Beyond learning the phrases themselves, it’s important to understand when to use formal greetings and when casual ones are more suitable.

Use Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) greetings in:

• Professional or academic settings.
• First-time meetings.
• Emails or written communication.
• Addressing older people or people of higher status. 

Use dialect greetings in:

• Informal conversations.
• Chats with friends or family.
• Everyday interactions in local communities.

Phrases to keep the conversation going

Once you’ve asked “How are you?”, these simple follow-up phrases can help you keep the conversation flowing naturally and show deeper interest in the person you’re speaking with.

Helpful Follow-Ups:

• وأَنت؟ (wa anta?) And you? (to a male)
• وأنت؟ (wa anti?) And you? (to a female)
• كيف أمورك؟ (kayfa umorak?) How are things going?
  

Asking about someone’s family or well-being is also common and highly appreciated in Arabic-speaking cultures:

• كيف العائلة؟ (kayfa al-a’ilah?) How is the family?
• كيف الأولاد؟ (kayfa al-awlad?) How are the children?
• كيف صحتك؟ (kayfa sehatak?) How’s your health?

🕌 For American Muslims Learning Arabic

For American Muslims who do not speak Arabic, learning simple Arabic greetings can strengthen your bond with the Muslim community across the United States. Whether you live in Dearborn, Michigan, home of the Islamic Center of America, or in New York City with the Islamic culture center of New York there are welcoming places to practise Arabic phrases and connect with fellow Muslims.

Muslims in Washington, D.C. often visit the Islamic Center of Washington D.C., while those in Chicago, Illinois can learn and worship at the Downtown Islamic Center. In Houston, Texas, the Islamic Society of Greater Houston provides classes, community programs, and Arabic workshops.

If you are in Los Angeles, California, the Islamic Center of Southern California offers programs for non-Arabic speakers. Muslims in Dallas, Texas, can connect at the Dallas Central Mosque, while Atlanta, Georgia, is home to the Al-Farooq Masjid. In Boston, Massachusetts, visit the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center, and in Orlando, Florida, the Islamic Society of Central Florida welcomes learners of all backgrounds.

To make your Arabic learning easier, you can also study online through E-Hoopoe, a trusted platform that helps non-Arabic speaking Muslims learn Arabic, Qur’an, and Islamic studies from qualified teachers.

Wherever you are in the USA, these centers and online platforms make it easier for non-Arabic-speaking Muslims to learn, greet, and grow in faith

together.

Master Arabic step by step with E-Hoopoe

With E-Hoopoe’s online Arabic classes, you can build real-world communication skills through a step-by-step approach that’s designed for learners of all levels.

Start with our Arabic Conversation Course, an ideal entry point for anyone looking to speak confidently, understand essential phrases, and connect more meaningfully with Arabic speakers. From your first greeting to full conversations, each lesson is designed to support steady progress and genuine cultural understanding, all from the comfort of your own space.

Ready to explore the language and speak with confidence? Book your free trial now