MuslimSpeak

Phrases for Muslim Travellers – Spanish

June 17, 2009

Spanish Pronunciation Guide

Most letters are similar or same as they are in English, the main exceptions are explained below.
Z is pronounced as ‘th’ – like thin in English, and as ‘s’ in the southern areas of Spain.
C is pronounced like a ‘k’ when it is followed by an a, o or u. So ‘carro’ is pronounced like ‘karro.
C is pronounced like a ‘th’ when followed by an i or an e, and like an ‘s’ in the southern areas of Spain. So ‘cinco’ is pronounced as ‘thinko’ in the north and ‘sinko’ in the south.
CH is pronounced like ‘ch’ in English (as in chicken)
H before a vowel (unless as ch) is never pronounced, it is silent. So ‘hasta’ is pronounced ‘asta’.
J is pronounced like ‘kh’ in Arabic however it may also be pronounced as a ‘h’ and it will be understood.
G is pronounced like ‘kh’ in Arabic when an i or e follow it. So ‘people’ is pronounced as ‘khente / hente’. However ‘handsome’ is pronounced as ‘gwapo’ with a hard g sound like in English.
LL is pronounced as ‘ly’. So ‘paella’ is pronounced as ‘paelya’.

PRAYER
(The Prayer)

May I pray here?
Can you pray here?

In which direction is the Qiblah?
In what sense is the Qiblah?

What time is Fajr?
What is the time of Fajr?

AT THE MOSQUE
(The mosque)

Where is the nearest Masjid?
Where is the nearest mosque?

Where can I make wudhu ‘?
Where can I do wudhu ‘(ablution)?

Where is the toilet?
Where is the bathroom?

Is there a section for women?
Is there a section for women?

What is the name of this Masjid?
What is the name of this mosque?

Who is the Imam of this Masjid?
Who is the imam of the mosque?

May I take photos of the Masjid?
Can I take photos of the mosque?

MARRIAGE
(Marriage)

Are you married?
You’re married? (said to a man)
Are you married? (said to a woman)

I am (not) married
I am not married (for a man)
I am not married (for a woman)

How many wives do you have?
How many wifes do you have?

I have 1/2/3/4 wives
I have one / two / three / four wife / s

I am looking to get married
I’m trying to marry

I am (not) interested in getting married right now
(No)

FOOD
(Kitchen)

Do you serve Halaal food here?
Do you serve jalál food here?

Where can I find a place which serves Halaal food?
Where can I find a place that serves jalál food?

Where may I buy Halaal meat?
Where can I buy jalál meat?

Is this Halaal?
Is this jalál?

No thanks, I’m fasting
No thanks, I’m fasting

Where may I buy dates from?
Where can I buy the dates?

SHOPPING / CLOTHING
(Shopping / Dress)

Where can I buy Islamic clothing?
Where can I buy Islamic clothing?

How much is this?
How much?

Where can I find an Abayah / Thawb
Where can I find an Abaya / a Zaub (Yalabía)?

If I buy two can you give me a discount?
If I buy two can you give me a discount?

Is there an Islamic Bookstore here?
Is there an Islamic book store here?

Do you have a copy of the Qur’an (in Arabic / English / Spanish)?
Is there a copy of the Quran (in Arabic / English / Spanish)?

CONVERSATION
(conversation)

Yes
yes

No
no

Excuse me
with permission

I’m sorry
sorry

Do you speak English / Arabic?
Do you speak English / Arabic?

I understand
I understand

I do not understand
do not understand

I’m sorry, this is against my religion
Sorry, this is against my religion

I’m sorry, I am not accustomed to this
Sorry, I’m not used to this

I prefer not to mingle with the opposite sex
I prefer not to mix with the opposite sex

I do not make any physical contact with the opposite sex
I can not make any physical contact with the opposite sex

What is your religion?
What is your religion?

I am Muslim
I am Muslim

This is forbidden in Islam
This is forbidden in Islam

There is a difference of opinion about this
There is a difference of opinion about this

I do not follow that opinion I do not follow
this opinion

This is kufr!
This is blasphemy!

This is Shirk!
This is polytheism!

This is (not) Haraam
This (not) is Jarám

ISLAMIC PHRASES
(Islamic Phrases)

Jazakum ‘Allahu Khayran
May God reward you with good

Wa Iyyakum
And also you

Barak ‘Allahu Fikum
May God bless you

Sallallahu `Alayhi wa Sallam
May the peace and blessings of God be upon him

Insha ‘Allah
God willing