Arabic Spoken Course – Lesson 8: Shopping in Gulf Arabic

Marṣa al-khayr ya ḥabāyib! Welcome to Lesson 8 of our Arabic Spoken Course. Today, we’re heading to the grocery store — one of the most common places you’ll need Arabic, whether you’re living in the Gulf or visiting. In this lesson, we will learn Shopping in Gulf Arabic through practical dialogues, essential vocabulary, grammar, and cultural tips.

Why Learn Shopping in Gulf Arabic?

Shopping is a daily necessity. Whether you’re buying fruit, bargaining at a local market, or asking for a receipt, mastering the language of shopping is key to confidence and connection in any Arab Gulf country.

“When I first moved to Dubai, I could barely name fruits in Arabic. After learning some shopping-related words and phrases, my experience transformed. I started chatting with store clerks, asking for discounts, and even got special offers just for speaking a few phrases in Gulf Arabic!”

Key Goals for Lesson 8

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Identify and pronounce shopping vocabulary in Gulf Arabic
• Ask for prices and quantities
• Use cultural etiquette when shopping
• Understand basic grammar related to quantities and payments
• Hold a short conversation at a store

Essential Shopping Vocabulary (with Gulf Arabic)

Real-Life Dialogue: At the Grocery Store

Conversation 1

Arabic Script:

الزبون: السلام عليكم، عندكم فواكه طازجة؟

البائع: وعليكم السلام، نعم، في فواكه طازجة اليوم.

الزبون: كم سعر الكيلو من التفاح؟

البائع: بعشرة ريالات للكيلو.

الزبون: أبغى اثنين كيلو، لو سمحت.

البائع: تمام، شي ثاني؟

الزبون: لا، هذا كل شي. كم الحساب؟

البائع: عشرين ريال.

Roman Arabic:

Az-zabūn: As-salāmu ʿalaykum, ʿindakum fawākih ṭāzjah?

Al-bāʾiʿ: Wa ʿalaykum as-salām, naʿam, fī fawākih ṭāzjah il-yawm.

Az-zabūn: Kam siʿr il-kīlō min it-tuffāḥ?

Al-bāʾiʿ: Bi-ʿashrah riyālāt lil-kīlō.

Az-zabūn: Abghā ithnayn kīlō, law samaḥt.

Al-bāʾiʿ: Tamām, shay thānī?

Az-zabūn: Lā, hādhā kil shay. Kam il-ḥisāb?

Al-bāʾiʿ: ʿIshrīn riyāl.

English Translation:

Customer: Peace be upon you. Do you have fresh fruits?

Seller: Peace be upon you too. Yes, we have fresh fruits today.

Customer: How much is a kilo of apples?

Seller: 10 riyals per kilo.

Customer: I want two kilos, please.

Seller: Alright, anything else?

Customer: No, that’s all. How much is the total?

Seller: 20 riyals.

Word-by-Word Analysis:

Grammar Focus: Quantities in Arabic

Countable Nouns:

• Use the singular after numbers 3 and above:
  • Example: ثلاث تفاحات (thalāth tuffāḥāt) = three apples

Weights:

• Kilo is used often: كيلو (kīlō)
  • 2 kilos of oranges = كيلوين برتقال (kīlowayn burtuqāl)

Payment verbs:

• أدفع (adfaʿ) = I pay
• أشتري (ashtarī) = I buy

Cultural Tips: Shopping in the Gulf

1. Greeting is essential: Always start with “As-salāmu ʿalaykum.”
2. Politeness counts: Use “law samaḥt” (please) and “shukran” (thank you).
3. Cash or Card?: Most stores accept both, but small shops prefer cash (naqad).
4. Negotiating is normal: Especially in markets or with fresh produce vendors.
5. Respect the queue: Use “ṭābūr” to describe a line; wait your turn respectfully.

5 FAQs About Shopping in Gulf Arabic

Review & Practice Worksheet

Translate into Arabic:

1. I want a kilo of bananas.
2. How much is the meat?
3. I’ll pay with a credit card.
4. I want two pieces of chocolate.
5. Do you have discounts today?

(Answers below in your workbook)

Conclusion: Let’s Go Shopping (in Arabic!)

Shopping in Gulf Arabic is not just about buying food—it’s about culture, connection, and communication. The more you practice, the easier it becomes. Start small, repeat key words daily, and soon you’ll be shopping like a local.

Ready to Go Further?

• 📖 Buy our Arabic Spoken eBook for lifetime access to lessons, worksheets, and vocabulary lists.
• 💼 Join our Live Classes to practice real-life conversations with native speakers.
• 💬 Have a question? Drop it in the comments!

Yalla, ilā al-baqqālah! (Let’s go to the grocery store!)