An Arabic riddle, known as a lughz (لُغْز) or uhjiyya (أُحْجِيَّة), is one of the friendliest ways to practice the language. Here are 100 funny riddles in Arabic, with tashkeel (short vowel marks), a simple transliteration, an English translation and the answer tucked inside a tap-to-reveal box. They run from easy picture-style clues to proper brain teasers.
Contents
Why Arabic riddles work so well for learners
A riddle packs a lot of language into one or two sentences, and the child has a reason to listen to every word. That is why teachers keep coming back to them.
- Vocabulary in context. Every riddle introduces a noun, and the clue sentence shows how it is used.
- Grammar by ear. Patterns such as ma alladhi lahu… (“what is it that has”) repeat again and again until children produce them without thinking.
- Listening and speaking. A riddle is meant to be said aloud, then answered aloud.
- Culture. Riddles are part of Arab storytelling, family evenings and the fawazir (فَوَازِير) quiz shows many families watch in Ramadan.
Riddle words you will need
| Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning | Say it like this |
|---|---|---|---|
| لُغْز | lughz | riddle, puzzle | عِنْدِي لُغْزٌ لَكُمْ |
| أُحْجِيَّة | uhjiyya | riddle, brain teaser | مَنْ يَحُلُّ الأُحْجِيَّةَ؟ |
| فَوَازِير | fawazir | a set of riddles, quiz game | هَيَّا نَلْعَبْ فَوَازِير |
| جَوَاب | jawab | answer | مَا هُوَ الجَوَابُ؟ |
| اسْتَسْلَمْتُ | istaslamtu | I give up | اسْتَسْلَمْتُ، قُلْ لِي! |
Transliteration here is deliberately simple: the apostrophe stands for the glottal stop or the letter ayn, kh is a throaty h, and dh is like the “th” in “this”. Long vowels are not marked, so listen to a native speaker for the exact sound.
How to play
- Read the Arabic riddle aloud slowly, then the transliteration if you are still learning to read.
- Give a clue in English only after children have tried: how many words, what letter does the answer start with?
- Count to ten, then tap Show the answer together.
- Have the child repeat the answer in Arabic, then use it in a full sentence.
- Let them make up a riddle of their own. The best ones are often the silliest.
Younger children will enjoy the easy Arabic riddles for ages 4 to 8, while older learners can try the classic Arabic riddles for teens and adults.
Animals
Animal riddles are the fastest way to get a young child guessing. Most of these rely on one famous trait, so read the clue slowly and let kids shout out the first animal they think of.
مَا الحَيَوَانُ الَّذِي يَحُكُّ أُذُنَهُ بِأَنْفِهِ؟
Ma al-hayawan alladhi yahukku udhunahu bi-anfihi?
Which animal scratches its ear with its nose?Show the answer
الفِيلُ
al-fil — The elephant. Its trunk is its nose.
لِمَاذَا لَا تَسْتَطِيعُ الزَّرَافَةُ أَنْ تَخْتَبِئَ؟
Limadha la tastati’u az-zarafa an takhtabi’?
Why can’t a giraffe hide?Show the answer
لِأَنَّهَا طَوِيلَةٌ جِدًّا
Li’annaha tawila jiddan — Because it is far too tall.
أَيُّ طَائِرٍ يَلِدُ وَلَا يَبِيضُ؟
Ayyu ta’irin yalidu wa-la yabidu?
Which “bird” gives birth and never lays eggs?Show the answer
الخُفَّاشُ
al-khuffash — The bat. It is really a flying mammal.
أَيُّ حَيَوَانٍ يَنَامُ وَاقِفًا؟
Ayyu hayawanin yanamu waqifan?
Which animal sleeps standing up?Show the answer
الحِصَانُ
al-hisan — The horse.
أَيُّ حَيَوَانٍ يَنَامُ وَعَيْنَاهُ مَفْتُوحَتَانِ؟
Ayyu hayawanin yanamu wa-aynahu maftuhatan?
Which animal sleeps with its eyes open?Show the answer
السَّمَكُ
as-samak — A fish. Fish have no eyelids.
مَا الَّذِي يَزْحَفُ وَيَنْتَصِبُ وَلَيْسَ لَهُ أَرْجُلٌ؟
Ma alladhi yazhafu wa-yantasibu wa-laysa lahu arjul?
What crawls and rises up but has no legs?Show the answer
الثُّعْبَانُ
ath-thu’ban — The snake.
لِمَاذَا لَا يَشْتَرِكُ الحِمَارُ فِي سِبَاقِ الجَرْيِ؟
Limadha la yashtariku al-himar fi sibaq al-jary?
Why doesn’t the donkey enter the race?Show the answer
لِأَنَّهُ حِمَارٌ وَلَيْسَ حِصَانَ سِبَاقٍ
Li’annahu himar wa-laysa hisan sibaq — Because he is a donkey, not a racehorse.
لِمَاذَا لَا يَرْكَبُ الفِيلُ الدَّرَّاجَةَ؟
Limadha la yarkabu al-fil ad-darrajah?
Why doesn’t the elephant ride a bicycle?Show the answer
لِأَنَّ أَصَابِعَهُ لَا تُمْسِكُ المِقْوَدَ
Li’anna asabi’ahu la tumsiku al-miqwad — Because he cannot grip the handlebars.
أَحْمِلُ بَيْتِي عَلَى ظَهْرِي وَأَمْشِي بِبُطْءٍ، فَمَنْ أَنَا؟
Ahmilu bayti ‘ala zahri wa-amshi bi-but’, faman ana?
I carry my house on my back and walk slowly. Who am I?Show the answer
الحَلَزُونُ
al-halazun — The snail.
طَائِرٌ يُحِبُّ الثَّلْجَ وَلَا يَطِيرُ، وَيَلْبَسُ بَدْلَةً سَوْدَاءَ وَبَيْضَاءَ.
Ta’irun yuhibbu ath-thalj wa-la yatir, wa-yalbasu badlatan sawda’ wa-bayda’.
A bird that loves snow, cannot fly and wears a black-and-white suit.Show the answer
البِطْرِيقُ
al-bitriq — The penguin.
لَهُ لِبْدَةٌ وَزَئِيرٌ، وَيُسَمُّونَهُ مَلِكَ الغَابَةِ.
Lahu libdatun wa-za’ir, wa-yusammunahu malik al-ghaba.
He has a mane and a roar, and people call him king of the jungle.Show the answer
الأَسَدُ
al-asad — The lion.
أَطِيرُ مِنْ زَهْرَةٍ إِلَى زَهْرَةٍ، وَلِي لَسْعَةٌ صَغِيرَةٌ.
Atiru min zahratin ila zahra, wa-li las’atun saghira.
I fly from flower to flower, and I have a small sting.Show the answer
النَّحْلَةُ
an-nahla — The bee.
لِي ثَمَانِي أَرْجُلٍ، وَأَنْسِجُ بَيْتِي مِنْ خُيُوطٍ رَفِيعَةٍ.
Li thamani arjul, wa-ansiju bayti min khuyutin rafi’a.
I have eight legs and weave my house from fine threads.Show the answer
العَنْكَبُوتُ
al-ankabut — The spider.
أُغَيِّرُ لَوْنِي كَمَا أُرِيدُ، فَمَنْ أَنَا؟
Ughayyiru lawni kama urid, faman ana?
I change my color whenever I like. Who am I?Show the answer
الحِرْبَاءُ
al-hirba’ — The chameleon.
Food
Food riddles are perfect for the kitchen table. Pair them with real objects and let children touch, smell and name the answer in Arabic.
مَا الَّذِي لَا يَبْرُدُ وَلَوْ وَضَعْتَهُ فِي الثَّلَّاجَةِ؟
Ma alladhi la yabrudu wa-law wada’tahu fi ath-thallaja?
What stays hot even in the fridge?Show the answer
الفُلْفُلُ الحَارُّ
al-filfil al-harr — Hot pepper. The Arabic word harr means both “hot” and “spicy”.
مَا الَّذِي نَأْكُلُ مِنْهُ وَلَا يُؤْكَلُ؟
Ma alladhi na’kulu minhu wa-la yu’kal?
What do we eat from, but never eat?Show the answer
الطَّبَقُ
at-tabaq — The plate.
مَا الَّذِي لَهُ آذَانٌ وَلَا يَسْمَعُ؟
Ma alladhi lahu adhanun wa-la yasma’?
What has ears but cannot hear?Show the answer
الذُّرَةُ
adh-dhura — Corn.
سَائِلٌ ذَهَبِيٌّ حُلْوٌ نَضَعُهُ عَلَى الخُبْزِ.
Sa’ilun dhahabiyyun hulw nada’uhu ‘ala al-khubz.
A sweet golden liquid we spread on bread.Show the answer
العَسَلُ
al-asal — Honey.
نَضَعُهُ فِي الفُرْنِ عَجِينًا، وَيَخْرُجُ ذَهَبِيًّا شَهِيًّا.
Nada’uhu fi al-furn ajinan, wa-yakhruju dhahabiyyan shahiyyan.
It goes into the oven as dough and comes out golden and tasty.Show the answer
الخُبْزُ
al-khubz — Bread.
مَا الَّذِي كُلَّمَا قَشَّرْتَهُ بَكَيْتَ؟
Ma alladhi kullama qashshartahu bakayt?
What makes you cry every time you peel it?Show the answer
البَصَلُ
al-basal — The onion.
أُحَسِّنُ الطَّعَامَ، وَأَذُوبُ فِي المَاءِ.
Uhassinu at-ta’am, wa-adhubu fi al-ma’.
I make food taste better and I melt away in water.Show the answer
المِلْحُ
al-milh — Salt.
بَيْضَاءُ وَحُلْوَةٌ، وَأَذُوبُ فِي كُوبِ الشَّايِ.
Bayda’ wa-hulwa, wa-adhubu fi kub ash-shay.
White and sweet, I dissolve in a cup of tea.Show the answer
السُّكَّرُ
as-sukkar — Sugar.
مَا الَّذِي لَهُ عُيُونٌ كَثِيرَةٌ وَلَا يَرَى؟
Ma alladhi lahu uyunun kathira wa-la yara?
What has many eyes but cannot see?Show the answer
البَطَاطَا
al-batata — The potato.
يَذُوبُ تَحْتَ الشَّمْسِ، وَيُحِبُّهُ الأَطْفَالُ فِي الصَّيْفِ.
Yadhubu tahta ash-shams, wa-yuhibbuhu al-atfal fi as-sayf.
It melts in the sun, and children love it in summer.Show the answer
الآيْسْ كْرِيم
al-ays krim — Ice cream.
فِيهِ ثُقُوبٌ فِي بَعْضِ الأَنْوَاعِ، وَيُحِبُّهُ الفَأْرُ فِي الرُّسُومِ المُتَحَرِّكَةِ.
Fihi thuqubun fi ba’d al-anwa’, wa-yuhibbuhu al-fa’r fi ar-rusum al-mutaharrika.
Some kinds have holes, and cartoon mice adore it.Show the answer
الجُبْنُ
al-jubn — Cheese.
حُبُوبٌ بَيْضَاءُ صَغِيرَةٌ نَطْبُخُهَا مَعَ الدَّجَاجِ.
Hububun bayda’ saghira natbukhuha ma’a ad-dajaj.
Tiny white grains we cook with chicken.Show the answer
الأَرُزُّ
al-aruzz — Rice.
Nature
These riddles use rain, light, sand and stars. Several play with one Arabic word that has two meanings, which is exactly the kind of thinking riddles are good at teaching.
مَا الَّذِي يَنْزِلُ وَلَا يَصْعَدُ؟
Ma alladhi yanzilu wa-la yas’ad?
What comes down but never goes up?Show the answer
المَطَرُ
al-matar — Rain.
مَا الَّذِي لَهُ فَمٌ وَلَا يَتَكَلَّمُ؟
Ma alladhi lahu famun wa-la yatakallam?
What has a mouth but cannot speak?Show the answer
النَّهْرُ
an-nahr — The river. The Arabic word fam also means “river mouth”.
مَا الَّذِي يَجْرِي وَلَا يَمْشِي؟
Ma alladhi yajri wa-la yamshi?
What runs but never walks?Show the answer
المَاءُ
al-ma’ — Water.
مَا الَّذِي يَمْلَأُ الغُرْفَةَ وَلَا يَشْغَلُ مَكَانًا؟
Ma alladhi yamla’u al-ghurfa wa-la yashghalu makanan?
What fills a room but takes up no space?Show the answer
الضَّوْءُ
ad-daw’ — Light.
مَا الَّذِي يَحْمِلُ سَفِينَةً كَبِيرَةً وَلَا يَحْمِلُ مِسْمَارًا؟
Ma alladhi yahmilu safinatan kabira wa-la yahmilu mismaran?
What can carry a huge ship but not a single nail?Show the answer
البَحْرُ
al-bahr — The sea. The ship floats; the heavy little nail sinks.
مَا الَّذِي تَجِدُهُ فِي السَّمَاءِ، وَإِنْ أَضَفْتَ إِلَيْهِ حَرْفًا وَجَدْتَهُ تَحْتَ الأَرْضِ؟
Ma alladhi tajiduhu fi as-sama’, wa-in adafta ilayhi harfan wajadtahu tahta al-ard?
What do you find in the sky, and with one extra letter under the ground?Show the answer
نَجْمٌ، وَمَعَ المِيمِ يَصِيرُ مَنْجَمًا
najm, wa-ma’a al-mim yasir manjaman — A star (najm). Add the letter mim and it becomes a mine (manjam).
مَنْ يَتَكَلَّمُ كُلَّ اللُّغَاتِ دُونَ أَنْ يَتَعَلَّمَهَا؟
Man yatakallamu kull al-lughat duna an yata’allamaha?
Who speaks every language without ever learning one?Show the answer
الصَّدَى
as-sada — The echo.
أَسْمَعُ صَوْتَهُ وَلَا أَرَاهُ، وَيُحَرِّكُ الأَشْجَارَ.
Asma’u sawtahu wa-la arahu, wa-yuharriku al-ashjar.
I hear it but never see it, and it moves the trees.Show the answer
الرِّيحُ
ar-rih — The wind.
يَكْبُرُ وَيَصْغُرُ فِي السَّمَاءِ كُلَّ شَهْرٍ.
Yakburu wa-yasghuru fi as-sama’ kulla shahr.
It grows bigger and smaller in the sky every month.Show the answer
القَمَرُ
al-qamar — The moon.
يَتْبَعُكَ فِي الشَّمْسِ وَيَخْتَفِي فِي الظَّلَامِ.
Yatba’uka fi ash-shams wa-yakhtafi fi az-zalam.
It follows you in the sun and vanishes in the dark.Show the answer
الظِّلُّ
az-zill — The shadow.
أَقِفُ شَامِخًا وَقِمَّتِي تَلْبَسُ الثَّلْجَ.
Aqifu shamikhan wa-qimmati talbasu ath-thalj.
I stand tall, and my top wears a cap of snow.Show the answer
الجَبَلُ
al-jabal — The mountain.
حَبَّاتٌ صَغِيرَةٌ كَثِيرَةٌ تَمْلَأُ الصَّحْرَاءَ.
Habbatun saghira kathira tamla’u as-sahra’.
Countless tiny grains that fill the desert.Show the answer
الرَّمْلُ
ar-raml — Sand.
School and everyday objects
Objects around the classroom and the house make easy props. Hold up the answer after the reveal so the Arabic word sticks.
مَا الَّذِي لَهُ أَرْجُلٌ وَلَا يَمْشِي؟
Ma alladhi lahu arjulun wa-la yamshi?
What has legs but doesn’t walk?Show the answer
الطَّاوِلَةُ
at-tawila — The table.
مَا الَّذِي لَهُ رَقَبَةٌ وَلَيْسَ لَهُ رَأْسٌ؟
Ma alladhi lahu raqabatun wa-laysa lahu ra’s?
What has a neck but no head?Show the answer
الزُّجَاجَةُ
az-zujaja — The bottle.
مَا الَّذِي يُسَافِرُ حَوْلَ العَالَمِ وَهُوَ ثَابِتٌ فِي مَكَانِهِ؟
Ma alladhi yusafiru hawla al-alam wa-huwa thabitun fi makanih?
What travels around the world while staying in one corner?Show the answer
الطَّابِعُ البَرِيدِيُّ
at-tabi’ al-baridi — A postage stamp.
مَا الَّذِي يَبْتَلُّ كُلَّمَا جَفَّفْتَ بِهِ؟
Ma alladhi yabtallu kullama jaffafta bih?
What gets wetter the more it dries?Show the answer
المِنْشَفَةُ
al-minshafa — The towel.
مَا الَّذِي مَلِيءٌ بِالثُّقُوبِ وَيَحْمِلُ المَاءَ؟
Ma alladhi mali’un bi-th-thuqub wa-yahmilu al-ma’?
What is full of holes yet holds water?Show the answer
الإِسْفَنْجَةُ
al-isfanja — The sponge.
لَهُ مَفَاتِيحُ كَثِيرَةٌ وَلَا يَفْتَحُ بَابًا.
Lahu mafatihu kathira wa-la yaftahu baban.
It has many keys but opens no door.Show the answer
البِيَانُو
al-biyanu — The piano.
لَهُ أَسْنَانٌ وَلَا يَعَضُّ.
Lahu asnanun wa-la ya’add.
It has teeth but never bites.Show the answer
المُشْطُ
al-musht — The comb.
لَهَا رَأْسٌ وَذَيْلٌ وَلَيْسَ لَهَا جِسْمٌ.
Laha ra’sun wa-dhaylun wa-laysa laha jism.
It has a head and a tail but no body.Show the answer
العُمْلَةُ المَعْدِنِيَّةُ
al-umla al-ma’diniyya — A coin.
لَهَا عَيْنٌ وَلَا تَرَى.
Laha aynun wa-la tara.
It has an eye but cannot see.Show the answer
الإِبْرَةُ
al-ibra — The needle.
لَهُ إِبْهَامٌ وَأَرْبَعُ أَصَابِعَ وَلَيْسَ حَيًّا.
Lahu ibhamun wa-arba’u asabi’ wa-laysa hayyan.
It has a thumb and four fingers but isn’t alive.Show the answer
القُفَّازُ
al-quffaz — The glove.
لَهَا وَجْهٌ وَلَيْسَ لَهَا عَيْنَانِ.
Laha wajhun wa-laysa laha aynan.
It has a face but no eyes.Show the answer
السَّاعَةُ
as-sa’a — The clock.
يَسْمَعُ بِلَا أُذُنَيْنِ وَيَتَكَلَّمُ بِلَا لِسَانٍ.
Yasma’u bila udhunayn wa-yatakallamu bila lisan.
It hears without ears and speaks without a tongue.Show the answer
الهَاتِفُ
al-hatif — The telephone.
يَكْتُبُ وَلَا يَقْرَأُ.
Yaktubu wa-la yaqra’.
It writes but cannot read.Show the answer
القَلَمُ
al-qalam — The pen.
أَسْوَدُ، وَإِذَا اشْتَعَلَ احْمَرَّ.
Aswad, wa-idha ishta’ala ihmarr.
Black at first, red when it burns.Show the answer
الفَحْمُ
al-fahm — Charcoal.
يَطِيرُ فِي السَّمَاءِ وَخَيْطُهُ فِي يَدِكَ.
Yatiru fi as-sama’ wa-khaytuhu fi yadik.
It flies in the sky while its string stays in your hand.Show the answer
الطَّائِرَةُ الوَرَقِيَّةُ
at-ta’ira al-waraqiyya — A kite.
يَصْرُخُ إِذَا لَمَسْتَهُ.
Yasrukhu idha lamastah.
It screams when you touch it.Show the answer
الجَرَسُ
al-jaras — The bell.
لَا يَمْشِي إِلَّا بِالضَّرْبِ.
La yamshi illa bi-d-darb.
It only moves when it is hit.Show the answer
المِسْمَارُ
al-mismar — The nail.
مَا الَّذِي تَرْمِيهِ لِتَسْتَعْمِلَهُ؟
Ma alladhi tarmihi li-tasta’milah?
What do you throw away in order to use it?Show the answer
شَبَكَةُ الصَّيْدِ
shabakat as-sayd — A fishing net.
لِمَاذَا لَا تَمْشِي الثَّلَّاجَةُ؟
Limadha la tamshi ath-thallaja?
Why can’t the fridge go for a walk?Show the answer
لِأَنَّهَا مَلِيئَةٌ بِالطَّعَامِ وَثَقِيلَةٌ
Li’annaha mali’a bi-t-ta’am wa-thaqila — Because it is full of food and heavy.
لَهَا أَرْبَعُ عَجَلَاتٍ وَيَحُومُ حَوْلَهَا الذُّبَابُ.
Laha arba’u ajalat wa-yahumu hawlaha adh-dhubab.
It has four wheels and flies buzz around it.Show the answer
شَاحِنَةُ القُمَامَةِ
shahinat al-qumama — The garbage truck.
مَا الَّذِي يَمْتَلِئُ وَيَبْقَى فَارِغًا؟
Ma alladhi yamtali’u wa-yabqa farighan?
What can be filled and still stay empty?Show the answer
المُنْخُلُ
al-munkhul — The sieve.
لَهُ صَفَحَاتٌ وَظَهْرٌ وَلَيْسَ إِنْسَانًا، وَيَحْكِي بِلَا لِسَانٍ.
Lahu safahatun wa-zahr wa-laysa insanan, wa-yahki bila lisan.
It has pages and a spine, is not a person, and tells stories without a tongue.Show the answer
الكِتَابُ
al-kitab — The book.
كُلَّمَا اسْتَعْمَلْتَهُ صَغُرَ، وَيَمْحُو أَخْطَاءَكَ.
Kullama ista’maltahu saghur, wa-yamhu akhta’ak.
It gets smaller every time you use it, and it rubs out your mistakes.Show the answer
المِمْحَاةُ
al-mimha — The eraser.
لَهَا فَكَّانِ وَتَقُصُّ الوَرَقَ وَلَا تَأْكُلُهُ.
Laha fakkan wa-taqussu al-waraq wa-la ta’kuluh.
It has two jaws and cuts paper, but never eats it.Show the answer
المِقَصُّ
al-miqass — The scissors.
يَحْمِلُ مِئَاتِ المَفَاتِيحِ وَلَا يَفْتَحُ أَيَّ قُفْلٍ.
Yahmilu mi’at al-mafatih wa-la yaftahu ayya qufl.
It carries hundreds of keys but opens no lock.Show the answer
لَوْحَةُ المَفَاتِيحِ
lawhat al-mafatih — The computer keyboard.
Islamic life and culture
Gentle, factual riddles for families who want Arabic practice that also reinforces what children learn about their faith. Answers are short so younger kids can join in.
مَا الشَّهْرُ الَّذِي يَصُومُ فِيهِ المُسْلِمُونَ؟
Ma ash-shahr alladhi yasumu fihi al-muslimun?
Which month do Muslims fast in?Show the answer
رَمَضَانُ
ramadan — Ramadan.
كَمْ صَلَاةً نُصَلِّي فِي اليَوْمِ وَاللَّيْلَةِ؟
Kam salatan nusalli fi al-yawm wa-l-layla?
How many prayers do Muslims pray each day and night?Show the answer
خَمْسَ صَلَوَاتٍ
khams salawat — Five prayers.
مَا الَّذِي يُرْفَعُ خَمْسَ مَرَّاتٍ فِي اليَوْمِ لِيُنَادِيَ النَّاسَ إِلَى الصَّلَاةِ؟
Ma alladhi yurfa’u khams marrat fi al-yawm li-yunadiya an-nas ila as-salah?
What is raised five times a day to call people to prayer?Show the answer
الأَذَانُ
al-adhan — The call to prayer (adhan).
مَا الكِتَابُ الَّذِي يَقْرَؤُهُ المُسْلِمُونَ وَهُوَ كَلَامُ اللهِ؟
Ma al-kitab alladhi yaqra’uhu al-muslimun wa-huwa kalam Allah?
Which book do Muslims read as the word of God?Show the answer
القُرْآنُ الكَرِيمُ
al-qur’an al-karim — The Holy Quran.
مَا اللَّيْلَةُ الَّتِي هِيَ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ؟
Ma al-layla allati hiya khayrun min alfi shahr?
Which night is better than a thousand months?Show the answer
لَيْلَةُ القَدْرِ
laylat al-qadr — The Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr).
مَا العِيدُ الَّذِي يَأْتِي بَعْدَ رَمَضَانَ؟
Ma al-id alladhi ya’ti ba’da ramadan?
Which festival comes right after Ramadan?Show the answer
عِيدُ الفِطْرِ
id al-fitr — Eid al-Fitr.
مَا المَكَانُ الَّذِي نَسْجُدُ فِيهِ لِلهِ وَنَلْتَقِي فِيهِ يَوْمَ الجُمُعَةِ؟
Ma al-makan alladhi nasjudu fihi li-llah wa-naltaqi fihi yawm al-jumu’a?
Where do we pray and meet on Fridays?Show the answer
المَسْجِدُ
al-masjid — The mosque.
مَا الَّذِي نَفْعَلُهُ بِالمَاءِ قَبْلَ الصَّلَاةِ؟
Ma alladhi naf’aluhu bi-l-ma’ qabla as-salah?
What do we do with water before praying?Show the answer
الوُضُوءُ
al-wudu’ — Wudu, the washing before prayer.
Logic, wordplay and silly jokes
The hardest and silliest group. Some riddles depend on a trick of Arabic spelling, and some are just jokes that make children groan, which is also a sign they understood the language.
مَا الَّذِي تُصَابُ بِهِ وَلَا تَسْتَطِيعُ رَمْيَهُ؟
Ma alladhi tusabu bihi wa-la tastati’u ramyah?
What can you catch but never throw?Show the answer
الزُّكَامُ
az-zukam — A cold.
مَا الَّذِي يَكُونُ أَمَامَكَ دَائِمًا وَلَا تَرَاهُ؟
Ma alladhi yakunu amamaka da’iman wa-la tarah?
What is always in front of you but can’t be seen?Show the answer
المُسْتَقْبَلُ
al-mustaqbal — The future.
مَا الَّذِي يَصْعَدُ وَلَا يَنْزِلُ؟
Ma alladhi yas’adu wa-la yanzil?
What goes up but never comes down?Show the answer
العُمْرُ
al-umr — Your age.
مَا الَّذِي تَكْسِرُهُ دُونَ أَنْ تَلْمِسَهُ؟
Ma alladhi taksiruhu duna an talmasah?
What can you break without ever touching it?Show the answer
الوَعْدُ
al-wa’d — A promise.
مَا الَّذِي تَحْتَفِظُ بِهِ بَعْدَ أَنْ تُعْطِيَهُ لِغَيْرِكَ؟
Ma alladhi tahtafizu bihi ba’da an tu’tiyahu li-ghayrik?
What do you keep even after giving it away?Show the answer
كَلِمَتُكَ
kalimatuka — Your word.
مَا الَّذِي يَنْكَسِرُ إِذَا نَطَقْتَ اسْمَهُ؟
Ma alladhi yankasiru idha nataqta ismah?
What breaks the moment you say its name?Show the answer
الصَّمْتُ
as-samt — Silence.
خَفِيفٌ كَالرِّيشَةِ، وَلَا يَسْتَطِيعُ أَقْوَى رَجُلٍ حَمْلَهُ دَقِيقَةً.
Khafifun ka-r-risha, wa-la yastati’u aqwa rajulin hamlahu daqiqa.
Light as a feather, yet the strongest person can’t hold it for a minute.Show the answer
النَّفَسُ
an-nafas — Your breath.
مَا الَّذِي يَقَعُ فِي وَسَطِ «بَارِيسَ»؟
Ma alladhi yaqa’u fi wasat “Baris”?
What sits in the middle of “Paris” (باريس)?Show the answer
حَرْفُ الرَّاءِ
harf ar-ra’ — The letter raa (ر).
مَا الحَرْفُ الَّذِي يَظْهَرُ مَرَّةً فِي «مَاءٍ» وَمَرَّتَيْنِ فِي «مَمَرّ» وَلَا يَظْهَرُ فِي «أَلْفِ سَنَةٍ»؟
Ma al-harf alladhi yazharu marratan fi “ma'” wa-marratayn fi “mamarr” wa-la yazharu fi “alf sana”?
Which letter appears once in “ma'” (water), twice in “mamarr” (path) and never in “alf sana” (a thousand years)?Show the answer
حَرْفُ المِيمِ
harf al-mim — The letter mim (م).
مَا الَّذِي تَحْمِلُهُ بِيَدِكَ اليُسْرَى وَلَا تَحْمِلُهُ بِاليُمْنَى؟
Ma alladhi tahmiluhu bi-yadika al-yusra wa-la tahmiluhu bi-l-yumna?
What can you hold in your left hand but never in your right?Show the answer
مِرْفَقُ يَدِكَ اليُمْنَى
mirfaq yadika al-yumna — Your right elbow.
مَا الَّذِي يَعَضُّكَ وَلَا تَرَاهُ؟
Ma alladhi ya’adduka wa-la tarah?
What bites you without being seen?Show the answer
الجُوعُ
al-ju’ — Hunger.
مَا الَّذِي يَطِيرُ وَلَا يَمْشِي وَلَا يَقِفُ؟
Ma alladhi yatiru wa-la yamshi wa-la yaqif?
What flies, but neither walks nor stands still?Show the answer
الوَقْتُ
al-waqt — Time.
مَا الَّذِي يَأْتِي دَائِمًا وَلَا يَصِلُ أَبَدًا؟
Ma alladhi ya’ti da’iman wa-la yasilu abadan?
What always comes but never arrives?Show the answer
الغَدُ
al-ghad — Tomorrow.
مَا الَّذِي يَمْلِكُهُ غَيْرُكَ وَيَسْتَعْمِلُهُ أَكْثَرَ مِنْكَ؟
Ma alladhi yamlikuhu ghayruka wa-yasta’miluhu akthara minka?
What belongs to you, but other people use it more than you?Show the answer
اسْمُكَ
ismuk — Your name.
مَا الَّذِي يَمُرُّ بِالمُدُنِ وَالحُقُولِ وَلَا يَتَحَرَّكُ؟
Ma alladhi yamurru bi-l-mudun wa-l-huqul wa-la yataharrak?
What passes through cities and fields but never moves?Show the answer
الطَّرِيقُ
at-tariq — The road.
لَهُ قَلْبٌ وَلَيْسَ لَهُ أَعْضَاءُ أُخْرَى.
Lahu qalbun wa-laysa lahu a’da’un ukhra.
It has hearts but no other organs.Show the answer
أَوْرَاقُ اللَّعِبِ
awraq al-la’ib — A deck of playing cards.
لِمَاذَا لَا يَدْخُلُ القُطْنُ النَّارَ؟
Limadha la yadkhulu al-qutn an-nar?
Why does cotton stay away from the fire?Show the answer
لِأَنَّهُ خَفِيفٌ وَيَخَافُ أَنْ يَحْتَرِقَ
Li’annahu khafif wa-yakhafu an yahtariq — Because it is light and afraid of burning up.
مَا البَيْتُ الَّذِي لَيْسَ فِيهِ نَوَافِذُ وَلَا أَبْوَابٌ؟
Ma al-bayt alladhi laysa fihi nawafidhu wa-la abwab?
Which “house” has no windows and no doors?Show the answer
بَيْتُ الشِّعْرِ، أَوْ بَيْتُ الشَّعْرِ (الخَيْمَةُ)
bayt ash-shi’r, aw bayt ash-sha’r (al-khayma) — A verse of poetry (bayt shi’r), or a tent made of goat hair (bayt sha’r).
لَهَا مُدُنٌ بِلَا بُيُوتٍ، وَأَنْهَارٌ بِلَا مَاءٍ، وَغَابَاتٌ بِلَا أَشْجَارٍ.
Laha mudunun bila buyut, wa-anharun bila ma’, wa-ghabatun bila ashjar.
It has cities with no houses, rivers with no water and forests with no trees.Show the answer
الخَرِيطَةُ
al-kharita — A map.
مَاذَا قَالَ الصِّفْرُ لِلرَّقْمِ ثَمَانِيَةٍ؟
Madha qala as-sifr li-r-raqm thamaniya?
What did zero say to the number eight?Show the answer
حِزَامُكَ جَمِيلٌ!
Hizamuka jamil! — “Nice belt!” The number 8 looks like it wears a belt.
لِمَاذَا كَانَ كِتَابُ الحِسَابِ حَزِينًا؟
Limadha kana kitab al-hisab hazinan?
Why was the math book sad?Show the answer
لِأَنَّ عِنْدَهُ مَشَاكِلَ كَثِيرَةً
Li’anna indahu mashakil kathira — Because it had too many problems.
مَاذَا قَالَ الحَائِطُ لِلحَائِطِ الآخَرِ؟
Madha qala al-ha’it li-l-ha’it al-akhar?
What did one wall say to the other wall?Show the answer
نَلْتَقِي فِي الزَّاوِيَةِ
Naltaqi fi az-zawiya — “Meet you at the corner!”
كَيْفَ تَعْرِفُ أَنَّ فِيلًا دَخَلَ الثَّلَّاجَةَ؟
Kayfa ta’rifu anna filan dakhala ath-thallaja?
How can you tell an elephant has been in the fridge?Show the answer
مِنْ آثَارِ أَقْدَامِهِ فِي الزُّبْدَةِ
Min athar aqdamihi fi az-zubda — By the footprints in the butter.
مَا الَّذِي يَفْعَلُهُ الجَمِيعُ فِي الوَقْتِ نَفْسِهِ؟
Ma alladhi yaf’aluhu al-jami’ fi al-waqt nafsih?
What does everyone do at the same time?Show the answer
يَكْبَرُونَ
yakbarun — They all get older.
يُوقِظُكَ بِصَوْتٍ عَالٍ وَلَا تَشْكُرُهُ.
Yuqizuka bi-sawtin ‘al wa-la tashkuruh.
It wakes you up loudly and you never thank it.Show the answer
المُنَبِّهُ
al-munabbih — The alarm clock.
مَا الَّذِي تَضَعُ رَأْسَكَ عَلَيْهِ كُلَّ لَيْلَةٍ؟
Ma alladhi tada’u ra’saka alayhi kulla layla?
What do you rest your head on every night?Show the answer
الوِسَادَةُ
al-wisada — The pillow.
مَا الَّذِي يَدُورُ طَوَالَ اليَوْمِ وَلَا يَدُوخُ؟
Ma alladhi yaduru tawala al-yawm wa-la yadukh?
What spins all day and never gets dizzy?Show the answer
الغَسَّالَةُ
al-ghassala — The washing machine.
مَنْ يَلْبَسُ قُبَّعَةً وَلَيْسَ لَهُ رَأْسٌ؟
Man yalbasu qubba’atan wa-laysa lahu ra’s?
Who wears a hat but has no head?Show the answer
الفُطْرُ
al-futr — The mushroom.
يَقِفُ عَلَى الشَّاطِئِ وَعَيْنُهُ تُضِيءُ لِلسُّفُنِ.
Yaqifu ‘ala ash-shati’ wa-aynuhu tudi’u li-s-sufun.
It stands on the shore and its eye lights the way for ships.Show the answer
المَنَارَةُ
al-manara — The lighthouse.
Printables and stories to go with the riddles
Turn a riddle session into a lesson with these resources from our site. Pages marked (Arabic) are written in Arabic.
- Letter M tracing worksheets for the riddle about the letter mim.
- R sound phonics page and Arabic letter raa worksheets (Arabic) for the Paris riddle.
- Printable planets coloring pages as a quiet-time reward.
- Learning shapes for kids, since the circle makes a great first riddle.
- Arabic Language Day poster ideas if you want to display riddles on the wall.
- More riddles for children (Arabic)
- Short read-aloud stories (Arabic): the blessing of rain, the value of time, the golden fish, my paper kite, animals who cooperate and the story of the letter mim.
FAQ
What is the Arabic word for riddle?
The most common words are lughz (لُغْز) and uhjiyya (أُحْجِيَّة). In Ramadan and on television you will also hear fawazir (فَوَازِير), which means a whole set of riddles or a quiz.
Are these riddles suitable for beginners?
Yes. Start with the animal, food and object groups, where the answer is one picture-friendly word. Move on to logic and wordplay once children can follow a full sentence.
Why do some riddles seem to be translated from English?
Many classic riddles travel between languages: the clock with a face, the key-less piano and the towel that gets wetter as it dries exist in both. The ones about Arabic letters, the word fam (mouth and river mouth), or the middle letter of Paris and the sea only work in Arabic spelling.
