30 Essential Tunisian Arabic Phrases Every Tourist Should Know

Tunisian Arabic (Derja) is different from standard Arabic. Learn the key phrases that will make locals smile and improve your trip.

Tunisian Arabic, known locally as Derja or Tounsi, is significantly different from the Modern Standard Arabic you might learn in a textbook. It blends Arabic with Berber, French, Italian, and Turkish influences, creating a unique dialect that even other Arabic speakers sometimes struggle with. Learning even a few phrases will earn you genuine warmth from Tunisians.

Greetings and basics: "Aslema" (Hello, informal) is the most common greeting. "Bislema" (Goodbye). "Chnahwelek?" or "Chnowa ahwalek?" (How are you?). "Lebes" (I am fine). "Aiychek" (Thank you, informal) or "Yaatik essa7a" (Thank you, literally "may God give you health" - used very commonly). "Samahhni" (Excuse me/Sorry).

Essential interactions: "Bech" (I want/I would like). "Qaddech?" (How much?). "Ghali barsha" (Too expensive). "Najem nna9es?" (Can I negotiate?). "Win?" (Where?). "Win el hammam?" (Where is the bathroom?). "Win el otocar?" (Where is the bus station?).

Numbers are essential for shopping: "Wahad" (1), "Zouz" (2), "Tletha" (3), "Arba" (4), "Khamsa" (5), "Setta" (6), "Seba" (7), "Thmanya" (8), "Tesaa" (9), "Achra" (10). For prices, you will often hear "alf" (thousand) since prices are sometimes quoted in millimes (1 TND = 1000 millimes).

Food and dining: "Bnin" (Delicious). "Zid" (More, please). "Yezzi" (Enough). "Noss" (Half). "Fatra" (Breakfast/snack). "Ma" (Water). "Kahwa" (Coffee). "Tey" (Tea). "7arr" (Spicy/hot). "Bla 7arissa" (Without harissa - useful if you cannot handle spice).

Getting around: "Taxi!" (same word). "Chwaya chwaya" (Slowly, slowly - useful for taxi drivers). "Wa9ef hna" (Stop here). "Yser" (Left). "Ymin" (Right). "Toul" (Straight ahead). "Baaid" (Far). "Qrib" (Close/near).

Social phrases that impress locals: "Inshallah" (God willing - used constantly for future plans). "Hamdoullah" (Thank God - common response to "how are you?"). "Yaaychek" (Well done/Thank you for your effort). "Tfaddal" (Please/Go ahead/Welcome). "Sahha" (Cheers, also said after someone finishes eating).

Important cultural notes: French is widely spoken in cities and tourist areas, so "Bonjour", "Merci", and "Parlez-vous anglais?" will get you far. In rural areas, Derja is more essential. Tunisians deeply appreciate any attempt to speak their language, even if your pronunciation is off. A simple "Aslema" with a smile opens doors that French or English cannot.

Pro tip: Tunisians often switch between Derja and French mid-sentence. Do not be confused if someone says "Ana bech nemchi au centre-ville" (I'm going to go to the city center) - this is perfectly normal Tunisian speech, mixing Arabic grammar with French vocabulary.