Animals are often a child’s first favorite words, from pets at home, farm animals, or a surprising animal at the zoo. In this guide, we help parents and teachers in teaching animals in Arabic.
Kids learn the names of animals in Arabic (الحيوانات) in a fun, friendly way that feels natural and stress-free. We use simple Arabic vocabulary, clear transliteration, and fun activities to help young learners recognize common animals in Arabic and start using the words with confidence.
Designed for Arabic for kids, this blog combines animal vocabulary, playful activities, and short songs. It’s an easy, fun way to talk about animals, expand basic Arabic vocabulary, and help children enjoy a positive first step in Arabic language learning.
Essential Arabic Animal Vocabulary for Kids
Here are some animal names in Arabic to get you started. They are perfect to teach beginners the Arabic Alphabet.
Pets
English
Pronunciation
Arabic Script
Cat
qiṭṭ
قِطّ
Dog
kalb
كلب
Turtle
sulḥufāh
سلحفاة
Parrot
babbaghāʾ
ببغاء
Hamster
hāmistar
هامستر
Bird
ʿuṣfūr
عصفور
Farm Animals
English
Pronunciation
Arabic Script
Cow
baqarah
بَقَرَة
Horse
ḥiṣān
حِصَان
Sheep
kharūf
خَرُوف
Goat
māʿiz
مَاعِز
Chicken
dajājah
دَجَاجَة
Rabbit
arnab
أَرْنَب
Donkey
ḥimār
حمار
Wild Animals
English
Pronunciation
Arabic Script
Lion
asad
أسد
Elephant
fīl
فيل
Monkey
qird
قِرْد
Frog
ḍifdaʿ
ضفدع
Bear
dubb
دُبّ
Tiger
nimr
نِمْر
Giraffe
zarāfah
زرافة
Fox
thaʿlab
ثعلب
Deer
ghazāl
غزال
Sea Animals
English
Pronunciation
Arabic Script
Fish
samak
سمك
Dolphin
dulfīn
دلفين
Whale
ḥūt
حوت
Octopus
akhṭabūṭ
أخطبوط
Shark
qirsh
قرش
Fun and Interactive Ways to Teach Animals in Arabic
Here are a few games to excite kids when learning Arabic, perfect for your Arabic lessons in the classroom or at home.
Riddles: “Who am I?”
Here, we can put on our acting hats! Using expressions, sounds, and clues in Arabic, the little learners can have a go and guess the animal. For example, if you are playing a cow, try this one:
- Make the animal sound dramatically: moo – moo موو موو!
- Pretend to eat grass.
- Use big gestures for كبير (big)
Mini-Games: Match the Animal to the Sound
Ask kids to match animal cards with the right word. You could stick flashcards around the room and have the child run to them for a multi-sensory activity.
Animal Classification
You could also play a categorisation game where kids are asked to classify the animal cards into pets or domestic animals, wild animals, farm animals, sea animals, land animals, etc.
Action & Movement Game: “Act Like the Animal”
Now it’s the students’ turn! Read out an animal name in Arabic, and they have to act it out, for instance, roaring like a lion, great fun for everyone!
Simple Arabic Animal Riddles for Kids
With these riddles, you can add sounds and Arabic words where you feel is appropriate for the child’s level:
I live near water.
I can jump, jump, jump!
I say: ribbit, ribbit!
It is, of course, the humble ضِفْدَع (frog).
Want a challenge? Try this one:
One of us likes to climb trees.
One of us is very strong.
One of us eats fruit.
One of us eats meat.
We live in the jungle.
Double combination – قِرْد (Monkey) and نِمْر (Tiger) 🐒🐯
Short Songs or Chants With Animal Names
Repetitive and straightforward songs or chants are a lovely way to add energy:
Animal Name Chant (Call & Repeat)
Adult: قِطّ، قِطّ، قِطّ (cat, cat, cat)
Kids: قِطّ! (cat!)
Use this for any animal and make sure the kids give a big clap.
Farm Animals Rhythm Song
Cow, Sheep, Chicken
Cow, Sheep, Chicken
بَقَرَة، خَرُوف، دَجَاجَة
Use a steady rhythm, and try different paces and volumes to keep the students’ attention.
Making Arabic Fun Through Animals
Using animals as a tool for Arabic language learning is a very natural and joyful way for a child to absorb new words, as they spark intrigue and wonder. With engaging Arabic vocabulary, games, and riddles, you can turn this into a fun bonding experience for your child.
Have a look at more games for your little ones here.
Stay inspired!
