How do you say hello and thank you in Tunisia?
In Tunisia, "Sbah el khir" means hello and "choukrane" means thank you in Tunisian Arabic. French is widely spoken, but knowing these basic Arabic words is always appreciated by locals.
Basic greetings in Tunisian Arabic
- Hello: "Sbah el khir" (literally "good morning")
- Thank you: "Choukrane"
- Good evening: "Msa el khir"
- Goodbye: "Besslema"
Tunisian linguistic context
Tunisia is an English-speaking country where you can communicate easily in English with most Tunisians, particularly in tourist and urban areas. Tunisian Arabic (derja) remains however the language of everyday life.
Advice from our local agency
Even though English works perfectly, using a few words of Tunisian Arabic immediately creates a warm connection with your interlocutors. A simple "choukrane" after a service will often earn you a big smile.