Getting around
سرويس
وين رايح؟
Where to?
You hear this when the doors close or the next stop is called. It is written down too, so a missed word does not end the ride.
Beirut
Lebanon
Beirut sits on a rocky Mediterranean headland, between a rebuilt centre and older hillside quarters.
How the language is used
Lebanese Arabic is everyday speech. French and English are also common on the same streets.
In this city
- Language
- Arabic
- Also heard
- French and English
- A local word
- سرويس — A shared taxi.
- Writing
- the Arabic script
What people say
Ordinary lines from this city: the ride, the counter, the food, and the greeting.
The counter
مقهى
قهوة، لو سمحت.
One coffee, please.
This line is a whole order. You do not need a longer sentence.
The street
شارع
صباح الخير.
Good morning.
People keep this line short. It is enough for the moment.
Food
دكان
قديش؟
How much is it?
The order is built in short pieces like this one.
The language through the day
Lebanese Arabic is everyday speech. On the same streets you also hear French and English.
Around Hamra, Gemmayzeh, Achrafieh, this is the ordinary sound of the day.
A first day in Beirut can run on four lines: “وين رايح؟”, “قهوة، لو سمحت.”, “صباح الخير.”, and “قديش؟”. Each one is already a complete moment.
If you are new here
- Stops, prices, and shop signs are written in the Arabic script.
- A greeting comes before the order. A polite request adds a word for please.
- If a spoken line goes past you, read the screen or the board. In Beirut, the stop and the price are written down.
One local word: سرويس. It means A shared taxi..
Places you can see
- National Museum — The main archaeology museum, on the old road toward Damascus.
- Corniche — The seafront walk from Ras Beirut toward the port.
- Gemmayzeh — A neighbourhood of stairs and old houses just east of downtown.
Food
Mezze and manakish start many meals, and shawarma is the quick street plate.
Getting around
Shared taxis called servees follow set routes. In the centre, you can walk.
Daily life
One conversation may move between Lebanese Arabic, French, and English.
A few everyday phrases
Arabic
| Phrase | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| مرحبًا | Marḥaban | Hello |
| شكرًا | Shukran | Thank you |
| صباح الخير | Ṣabāḥ al-khayr | Good morning |
| اسمي… | Ismī… | My name is… |
