Question Words in Arabic
Whether you're getting to know someone or figuring out what time the bus leaves, question words are your best friends. In this lesson, you'll learn the essential "who, what, where, when, why, and how" in Levantine Arabic. These small words open up big conversations. Let’s explore them together so you can start asking—and understanding—real questions!
Why – ليه / ليش
Both ليه and ليش mean the same thing, and both are commonly used. Usage depends on region or speaker preference.
ليش ما إجيت عالصف اليوم؟
(Why didn’t you come to class today?)
كنت مَريض وما قدرت إطلع.
Kēnt marīḍ w ma ʾdirt ʾiṭlaʿ.
(I was sick and couldn’t go out.)
How much / How many – قَدّيش / قَدّيه
Use قديش for prices, quantities, and time.
قديش الساعة؟
(What time is it?)
الساعة تلاتة ونص.
(It’s three thirty.)
Which / Any – أَيَّ
Used to choose between options.
أيّ لون بِتحب أكتر؟
(Which color do you like more?)
بحب الأزرق.
(I like blue.)
Who – مين
مين هاد الولد؟
(Who is this boy?)
هيدا ابني.
(This is my son.)
How many / Several – كَمّ
Use كمّ before a singular noun, even if you're asking about a plural.
كم كتاب عندك؟
(How many books do you have?)
عندي تلات كتب.
(I have three books.)
When – إِمتى / مَتىBoth إمتى and متى are used for time; إمتى is more colloquial.
إيمتى راح تسافر؟
(When will you travel?)
الإسبوع الجاي.
El-usbūʿ el-jāy.
(Next week.)
What – شو
شو عم تعمل؟
(What are you doing?)
عم بدرس عربي.
(I’m studying Arabic.)
How – كيف
كيفك اليوم؟
(How are you today?)
منيح، الحمد لله.
(Good, thank God.)