5 Must-Learn Arabic Phrases for the New Year

The start of a new year is all about fresh beginnings, optimism, and setting goals. For those learning Arabic, it’s the perfect time to expand your vocabulary with phrases that make your conversations more natural and meaningful. As we welcome 2025, setting intentions and embracing new learning opportunities is a fantastic way to connect with Arabic speakers and deepen your cultural understanding.

If learning Arabic is on your list of goals this year, you’re in the right place! Whether you're looking to improve conversational skills, explore Arabic grammar, or take an online Arabic language course, mastering essential phrases is the best way to start. In this blog, we’ll introduce 5 must-learn Arabic phrases for the New Year, along with practical tips to help you use them effectively in real-life conversations.

1. “Happy New Year!”

Kul 3aam wa antum bikhayr
كل عام وأنتم بخير

This phrase is the most commonly used New Year’s greeting across the Arab world. It’s warm, heartfelt, and easy to use, making it perfect for wishing family, friends, and colleagues a wonderful year ahead.

• A: كل عام وأنتم بخير يا جماعة
  (Kul 3aam wa antum bikhayr ya jamaa3a!)

  • "Happy New Year, everyone!"

• B: وأنت بخير وصحة وسعادة
  (W enta bikhayr w se7a w sa3aada!)

• "And to you, with health and happiness!"

2. “Let’s start fresh!”

Yalla nibda’ min jadeed
يلا نبدأ من جديد

The New Year is all about wiping the slate clean and starting over. Use this phrase to motivate yourself or others to embrace new opportunities and leave the past behind.

• A: كان عام صعب، صح؟
  (Kan 3aam sa3b, sa7?)

• "It was a tough year, right?"

• B: !صح، بس يلا نبدأ من جديد
  (Sa7, bas yalla nibda’ min jadeed!)

• "True, but let’s start fresh!"

Cultural Note: “Yalla” is a widely recognized Arabic expression meaning “let’s go” or “come on.” Pairing it with “nibda’ min jadeed” makes this phrase both inspiring and conversational.

3. “I wish you the best!”

Atamanna laka kull el-tawfeeq
أتمنى لك كل التوفيق

A thoughtful phrase to use when expressing your hopes for someone’s success in the New Year. It’s ideal for personal or professional conversations, as it conveys genuine care and encouragement.

• A: .أنا متحمس للسنة الجديدة
  (Ana met7ammes lel-sana el jadeeda.)

• "I’m excited about the new year."

• B: !وأنا أتمنى لك كل التوفيق
  (W ana atamanna lak kull el tawfeeq!)

• "And I wish you all the best!"

Cultural Insight: Arabs often use variations of this phrase when congratulating someone or wishing them success before a major event, like a job interview or an exam.

4. “God willing”

In-shaa’-Allah / Inshallah
إن شاء الله

This iconic phrase is deeply rooted in Arabic culture and religion, symbolizing hope and faith in the future. It expresses optimism about plans or wishes while acknowledging that the outcome is ultimately in God’s hands.

• A: .أتمنى لك تحقيق قراراتك للسنة الجديدة
  (Atamanna lak ta7qeeq qararatak lel sana el jadeeda)

• "I wish for you to achieve your New Year's resolutions."

• B: !إن شاء الله
  (In-shaa’-Allah!)

• "God willing!"

Tip for Learners: This phrase is not limited to religious contexts. It’s used frequently in casual conversations, making it a must-know expression for anyone learning Arabic.

5. “What are you planning to do?”

Shu mkhaTaT ta3mal?
شو مخطط تعمل؟

The New Year is a time for goal-setting and exciting plans. Use this phrase to ask someone about their resolutions or plans, making it a great conversation starter.

• A: شو مخطط تعمل في السنة الجديدة؟
  (Shu mkhaTaT ta3mal fi el sana el jadeeda?)

• "What are you planning to do in the New Year?"

• B: .بدي أتعلم عربي وأزور بلد عربي
  (Baddi at3allam 3arabi w azoor balad 3arabi.)

• "I want to learn Arabic and visit an Arab country."

Cultural Note: Asking about someone’s plans is a polite and engaging way to show interest in their life, especially during the New Year.

Why These Phrases Matter

Learning Arabic through practical, conversational phrases is one of the most effective ways to build fluency. These expressions are perfect for everyday conversations and help you easily navigate cultural nuances.

If you’re taking online Arabic classes, incorporate these phrases into your lessons or practice them with your tutor. They are versatile and give insight into how Arabs express optimism, care, and faith in the future.

Numerous studies have shown that learning a second language enhances cognitive skills, memory retention, and cultural awareness. According to a report by Frontiers in Psychology (2019), engaging in conversational practice, such as using the phrases in this blog, significantly boosts fluency!

Set the Tone for 2025 with Arabic

The New Year is the perfect opportunity to expand your language skills and embrace new challenges. Start using these phrases in your daily routine, and watch your confidence grow. Whether you’re learning Arabic for personal growth, professional reasons, or travel, our One-to-One and Corporate courses at 3arabian will equip you with the skills to connect with others and start the year on a high note.

References

1. Verga, L., & Kotz, S. A. (2019). How relevant is social interaction in second language learning? Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 871.

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2013.00550/full