Essential Tunisian Phrases for Travelers
Welcome to your guide to essential phrases for visiting Tunisia! This resource will help you communicate with locals during your stay in Tunisia
Basics/Greetings
| English |
Tunisian Arabic |
Pronunciation |
| Hello |
Aslema/ Ahla |
As-lä-ma / ah-la |
| Good morning |
Sbah el khir |
sbah el skir |
| Good evening |
salem/Tisbah ala khir (when leaving) |
Sa-le-m/tis-bah ala keer |
| How are you? |
Labess? |
la-bess |
| I'm fine, thank you |
Labess, aychik |
la-bess, Ay-chik |
| Goodbye |
Beslema |
bis-le-ma |
| Yes |
Ey |
e-j |
| No |
Le |
La / lä-lä |
| This |
Hathi |
Ha-th-y |
| one |
wehed |
wä-hed |
Polite Expressions
| English |
Tunisian Arabic |
Pronunciation |
| Please |
aman |
a-maa-nn |
| Thank you |
aychik |
ayy-ch-ik |
| You're welcome |
marhbe/Afwan |
mar-h-bä/af-wan |
| Excuse me |
Samahni |
sa-mah-ni |
| I'm sorry |
Samahni |
sa-mah-ni |
Practical Phrases
- Restaurant & Food
- Transportation
- Shopping
Emergency Phrases
<aside>
| English |
Tunisian Arabic |
Pronunciation |
| Help! |
Aawenni! |
aa-wen-ni |
| I need a doctor |
hajti b tbib |
haj-ti eb te-bib |
| Call the police |
Aayetou lel bolisiya |
aa-ye-too lel bo-li-si-ya |
| I'm lost |
Dhayaa |
dha-yaa |
| </aside> |
|
|
Cultural Tips
- Greetings are important: Tunisians value greetings and small talk before getting to business
- Tea culture: If offered tea (shay), accepting is a sign of friendship
- Bargaining: Negotiating prices is common in markets (souks)
- Ramadan awareness: During Ramadan, be respectful of those fasting by not eating in public during daylight hours
- Hand gestures: Using the left hand for eating or passing items is considered impolite
Popular Tunisian Expressions
| Tunisian Expression |
Literal Translation |
Actual Meaning |
| Marhba bik |
Welcome to you |
A warm welcome greeting |
| Sahha |
Health |
Cheers/bless you but i would accurately say “to your health” |
| Yezzi |
Enough |
Stop it |
| Barcha barcha |
A lot a lot |
Very much |
| Yalla |
Let's go |
Hurry up/come on |