في حمام سباحة؟
Fi hamam sibaha?
Is there a swimming pool?
Literally: In (a) bathroom (of) swimming?
In 15 Seconds
- Used to ask if a swimming pool is available.
- Works perfectly in hotels, gyms, and private homes.
- The word 'hammam' here refers to a pool, not a toilet.
Meaning
This is the most common way to ask if a place has a swimming pool. It is simple, direct, and works in almost any Arabic-speaking country.
Key Examples
3 of 6Checking into a hotel
Afwan, fi hammam sibaha huna?
Excuse me, is there a swimming pool here?
Texting a friend about their new house
Mabrouk! Fi hammam sibaha fil beit?
Congrats! Is there a swimming pool in the house?
At the gym
Fi hammam sibaha lil nisa'?
Is there a swimming pool for women?
Cultural Background
The 'Istiraha' culture is huge. Families rent private farms or villas with pools for the weekend. Asking 'Fi masbah?' is the first thing kids do. In Egypt, 'Hammam Sibaha' is the standard term. Social clubs (like Gezira or Heliopolis) are the primary places for swimming, and membership is a status symbol. Due to French influence, you'll often hear 'Piscine'. Beach clubs along the coast are very popular, and the vibe is very Mediterranean. The word 'Hammam' almost always refers to the traditional steam bath. For swimming, people usually say 'La piscine' or 'Mسبح'.
The 'Fih' variation
In Egypt and the Levant, you'll often hear a tiny 'h' at the end of 'Fi' (Fih). It means the same thing.
Toilet Trouble
If you ask for a 'Hammam' in a restaurant, they will point you to the bathroom. Always say 'Sibaha' if you want to swim!
In 15 Seconds
- Used to ask if a swimming pool is available.
- Works perfectly in hotels, gyms, and private homes.
- The word 'hammam' here refers to a pool, not a toilet.
What It Means
This phrase is your golden ticket to finding a pool. In Arabic, fi means 'there is' or 'is there.' Hammam sibaha literally means 'swimming bathroom.' Don't worry, you aren't asking for a toilet. It is the standard term for a pool. It is punchy and gets the point done.
How To Use It
You use it as a question by raising your voice at the end. Arabic doesn't always need a 'do' or 'is' at the start. Just say fi hammam sibaha? with a questioning tone. It is like saying 'There's a pool?' in English. It is very versatile for travelers.
When To Use It
Use it when checking into a hotel. Use it when asking a friend about their new apartment complex. It is perfect for those hot summer days in Cairo or Dubai. You can also use it when browsing rental listings. It is a practical, everyday survival phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if you are looking for the ocean. Use bahr for the sea. Avoid using it in very high-level academic settings. It is a bit too casual for a government contract. Also, don't use it if you are actually looking for a bathtub. That is just banyo or hammam.
Cultural Background
In the Arab world, pools are social hubs. Because of the heat, water is a symbol of luxury and relief. Many modern apartment buildings in the Gulf include a 'sibaha' as a standard. In older cities, public pools are places for community gathering. Asking this shows you are ready to relax and socialize.
Common Variations
In some regions, you might hear fi masbah? instead. Masbah is the more formal, Modern Standard Arabic word. In Egypt, people might just say fi piscine? using the French word. However, hammam sibaha is understood everywhere. It is the safest bet for any traveler.
Usage Notes
This phrase is essentially universal in spoken Arabic. While 'masbah' is the formal term, 'hammam sibaha' is the standard conversational choice across the Middle East.
The 'Fih' variation
In Egypt and the Levant, you'll often hear a tiny 'h' at the end of 'Fi' (Fih). It means the same thing.
Toilet Trouble
If you ask for a 'Hammam' in a restaurant, they will point you to the bathroom. Always say 'Sibaha' if you want to swim!
Ladies Only
Many pools have 'Ladies Days'. It's polite to ask 'Fi waqt lil-sayyidat?' (Is there a time for ladies?).
Negation
Just put 'Ma' before 'Fi' to say there isn't one. 'Ma fi hammam sibaha'.
Examples
6Afwan, fi hammam sibaha huna?
Excuse me, is there a swimming pool here?
A polite way to ask staff about amenities.
Mabrouk! Fi hammam sibaha fil beit?
Congrats! Is there a swimming pool in the house?
Casual inquiry between friends.
Fi hammam sibaha lil nisa'?
Is there a swimming pool for women?
Common question in regions with gender-segregated facilities.
Ana ta'ban... fi hammam sibaha kareeb?
I'm tired... is there a pool nearby?
Used jokingly when you are desperate to cool down.
Hal fi hammam sibaha khass?
Is there a private swimming pool?
Using 'hal' makes it slightly more formal for writing.
Al jaww harr! Fi hammam sibaha?
The weather is hot! Is there a pool?
Expressing a strong desire for water.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to ask if there is a pool.
[ ] حمام سباحة في هذا النادي؟
'Fi' is the existential marker meaning 'there is'.
Which phrase is the most natural way to ask for a pool in a hotel?
Select the best option:
Option B is the standard functional phrase. Option A might lead you to a toilet.
Complete the dialogue.
Guest: لو سمحت، في حمام سباحة؟ Receptionist: أيوه، في حمام سباحة [ ].
'Kabeer' (big) is a logical adjective to describe a pool.
Match the Arabic phrase to the situation.
You want a pool just for your family.
'Khās' means private.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Regional Variations
Practice Bank
4 exercises[ ] حمام سباحة في هذا النادي؟
'Fi' is the existential marker meaning 'there is'.
Select the best option:
Option B is the standard functional phrase. Option A might lead you to a toilet.
Guest: لو سمحت، في حمام سباحة؟ Receptionist: أيوه، في حمام سباحة [ ].
'Kabeer' (big) is a logical adjective to describe a pool.
You want a pool just for your family.
'Khās' means private.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'Masbah' is very common, especially in the Gulf. 'Fi masbah?' is perfectly natural.
No, 'Fi' is dialectal. In a formal letter, use 'Hal yujad'.
Add 'dafi' (warm). 'Fi hammam sibaha dafi?'.
Say 'Mumkin minshafa?' (Can I have a towel?).
Yes, but context matters. In a hotel, 'Hammam' usually means bathroom unless 'Sibaha' or 'Maghribi' is added.
In spoken Arabic, no. Your tone of voice makes it a question.
In MSA it's 'Sibaha'. In Egyptian dialect, it sounds more like 'Sebaha'. Both are fine.
Say 'Bi-kam al-dukhul?' (How much is entry?).
Yes, but they might prefer 'La piscine'. Still, 'Hammam sibaha' is understood.
It is 'Hammam sibaha khas'.
Related Phrases
مسبح
synonymSwimming pool
مايوه
similarSwimsuit
منشفة
similarTowel
غريق
contrastDrowning
نظارات سباحة
builds onSwimming goggles
