In 15 Seconds
- Ask this to check for hidden shipping or delivery fees.
- Works perfectly for food, furniture, and online shopping orders.
- Use a rising intonation at the end to make it a question.
Meaning
This is how you ask if you have to pay extra for someone to bring your order to your door. It's the ultimate question for anyone ordering food or shopping online.
Key Examples
3 of 6Ordering a late-night pizza
أريد بيتزا كبيرة، هل التوصيل مجاني؟
I want a large pizza, is delivery free?
Buying a new washing machine
الغسالة ممتازة، لكن هل التوصيل مجاني؟
The washing machine is excellent, but is delivery free?
Texting a local shop on WhatsApp
لو سمحت، التوصيل مجاني اليوم؟
Excuse me, is delivery free today?
Cultural Background
In many Arab urban centers, 'delivery' is a lifestyle, not just a service. Small grocery stores (baqalas) often deliver a single soda for free just to keep loyal customers. This phrase became even more essential with the explosion of regional e-commerce and food apps.
The Intonation Trick
Since there is no 'is' in the Arabic version, your voice must go up at the end of 'majjaani' to show it's a question!
Minimum Orders
Often, delivery is only free if you spend a certain amount. Ask `Ma huwa al-had al-adna?` (What is the minimum?) if they say no.
In 15 Seconds
- Ask this to check for hidden shipping or delivery fees.
- Works perfectly for food, furniture, and online shopping orders.
- Use a rising intonation at the end to make it a question.
What It Means
This phrase is a direct way to ask about shipping costs. In Arabic, you don't need the word 'is' to make this a question. Just say the words with a rising tone at the end. It's simple, effective, and saves you money.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase exactly as it is. It works for a single pizza or a giant sofa. If you are talking to a shopkeeper, just point and ask. If you are on the phone, say it after they give the total price.
When To Use It
Use it whenever you are buying something that isn't in your hands yet. It's perfect for food delivery apps or Instagram businesses. Use it at the pharmacy when they offer to send your meds. It is great for checking if a promotion is actually a good deal.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this if you are physically picking up the item yourself. It won't make sense if you are buying a digital product like an e-book. Also, avoid using it in high-end luxury boutiques where delivery is usually assumed. It might sound a bit too budget-conscious there.
Cultural Background
Delivery culture is massive in the Middle East and North Africa. In many cities, you can get almost anything delivered to your door. From a single loaf of bread to a full living room set. Because competition is high, many places offer free delivery to win customers.
Common Variations
You might hear at-tawseel bi-balash? in places like Egypt or the Levant. Bi-balash is a very common slang word for free. Another variation is fee tawseel majjaani? which means 'is there free delivery?' Both get the job done perfectly.
Usage Notes
This phrase is perfectly neutral and can be used with anyone from a delivery driver to a corporate sales agent. It is grammatically simple because it follows the 'Subject + Adjective' pattern of Arabic nominal sentences.
The Intonation Trick
Since there is no 'is' in the Arabic version, your voice must go up at the end of 'majjaani' to show it's a question!
Minimum Orders
Often, delivery is only free if you spend a certain amount. Ask `Ma huwa al-had al-adna?` (What is the minimum?) if they say no.
The Tipping Secret
Even if the delivery is 'free', it is culturally polite to give the driver a small tip (5-10 dirhams/riyals) for their effort.
Examples
6أريد بيتزا كبيرة، هل التوصيل مجاني؟
I want a large pizza, is delivery free?
A very common way to check the total cost before ordering.
الغسالة ممتازة، لكن هل التوصيل مجاني؟
The washing machine is excellent, but is delivery free?
Using 'but' (lakin) helps transition into the price negotiation.
لو سمحت، التوصيل مجاني اليوم؟
Excuse me, is delivery free today?
Adding 'today' (al-yawm) is common for limited-time offers.
سوف تحضر لي القهوة؟ التوصيل مجاني؟
You're bringing me coffee? Is delivery free?
A playful way to tease a friend who is acting like a waiter.
أحتاج هذا الطعام الآن... التوصيل مجاني؟
I need this food now... is delivery free?
The focus is on getting the food quickly and cheaply.
هل التوصيل مجاني لهذا العنوان؟
Is delivery free to this address?
Adding 'to this address' makes the inquiry more specific and formal.
Test Yourself
Complete the question to ask if delivery is free.
أريد هذا الكرسي، هل ___ مجاني؟
`At-tawseel` means delivery, which fits the context of buying a chair.
Choose the correct word for 'free'.
التوصيل ___؟
`Majjaani` is the standard Arabic word for free of charge.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'التوصيل مجاني؟'
Used with local grocers or friends.
التوصيل ببلاش؟
The phrase itself; works everywhere.
التوصيل مجاني؟
Used in official business inquiries.
هل خدمة التوصيل مجانية؟
Where to ask about delivery
Pizza Shop
Ordering dinner
Online Shopping
Buying clothes
Pharmacy
Getting medicine
Furniture Store
Buying a bed
Practice Bank
2 exercisesأريد هذا الكرسي، هل ___ مجاني؟
`At-tawseel` means delivery, which fits the context of buying a chair.
التوصيل ___؟
`Majjaani` is the standard Arabic word for free of charge.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means 'free' or 'at no cost'. It comes from the root word for 'free of charge' in Modern Standard Arabic.
Yes, majjaani is understood everywhere. In some places, they might say bi-balash, but majjaani is the safe, universal choice.
Not at all! It is a very practical question that every local asks to avoid surprise fees.
You can say bi-kam at-tawseel? which literally means 'By how much is the delivery?'
You can say Hal at-tawseel majjaani? to be more formal, but in daily life, most people drop the Hal.
The phrase still works! For heavy items, it's even more important to confirm if delivery includes carrying it inside.
For international shipping, it's better to use the word ash-shahn. So you would ask ash-shahn majjaani?
Yes, in Egypt you would say el-tawseel bi-balash?. It's very common in street markets.
If you are describing a feminine noun like khidma (service), it becomes majjaaniyya. But for 'delivery', majjaani is correct.
They might say Na'am, majjaani (Yes, free) or La, bi-khamsa riyal (No, for five riyals).
Related Phrases
بكم التوصيل؟
How much is delivery?
خدمة التوصيل
Delivery service
الدفع عند الاستلام
Cash on delivery
بدون مقابل
Without charge / For free
