Bill
الفاتورة (al-fātura) is a feminine noun meaning 'bill' or 'invoice' in Arabic. It refers to a detailed statement of charges for goods or services provided, commonly used in commercial and everyday transactions. This word is essential for business communication and daily shopping interactions in Arab-speaking countries.
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11 — completely free
Get a new Arabic word delivered to your inbox every day — with pronunciation, meaning, and cultural context.
أعطاني الكاشير الفاتورة بعد الدفع.
A'ṭānī al-kāshīr al-fātura ba'da al-dafʿ.
The cashier gave me the bill after I paid.
هذه الفاتورة تحتوي على أخطاء في الحساب.
Hādhihi al-fātura taḥtawī 'alá akhṭāʾ fī al-ḥisāb.
This invoice contains errors in the calculation.
يجب عليك حفظ الفاتورة للضرائب.
Yajib 'alayka ḥifẓ al-fātura lil-ḍarāʾib.
You should keep the receipt for tax purposes.
الفاتورة الشهرية للكهرباء وصلت هذا الأسبوع.
Al-fātura al-shahryya lil-kahrubāʾ waṣalat hādhā al-usbūʿ.
The monthly electricity bill arrived this week.
هل يمكنك أن تصدر لي فاتورة رسمية؟
Hal yumkin lak an tuṣdir lī fātura rasmyya?
Can you issue me an official invoice?
In Arab countries, requesting and keeping invoices (فاتورة) is an important practice for both consumers and businesses, especially for warranty claims and tax purposes. The formal presentation of invoices reflects business professionalism and trust in commercial transactions. Many businesses in the Middle East and North Africa are increasingly digitizing their invoicing processes to comply with modern financial regulations.
Remember that الفاتورة is feminine, so it takes feminine adjectives and verbs (e.g., الفاتورة الجديدة 'the new bill'). Use this word in formal and informal contexts—from restaurants to utility companies. Always pair it with relevant verbs like دفع (to pay), أصدر (to issue), or حفظ (to keep/save).
الفاتورة (al-fātura) is a feminine noun in Arabic that translates to 'bill,' 'invoice,' or 'statement of charges' in English. This word is derived from foreign language influences (particularly Italian 'fattura'), yet it has become firmly established in modern Arabic, especially in business and commercial contexts. The word is universally understood across all Arabic-speaking regions, from the Gulf countries to the Maghreb, making it essential vocabulary for anyone conducting business or daily transactions in Arabic.
As a feminine noun, الفاتورة follows standard feminine grammatical patterns in Arabic. When used with adjectives or past participles, they must agree in gender:
The plural form is فاتورات (fātūrāt), which follows the feminine plural pattern for non-human nouns.
The word الفاتورة is commonly encountered in various contexts:
Retail and Shopping: When you make purchases at stores, restaurants, or markets, you'll receive a فاتورة. The cashier or server will present it after you've finished shopping or dining.
Utilities and Services: Monthly bills for electricity (فاتورة الكهرباء), water, gas, internet, and phone services are typically referred to using this word. Families receive these bills regularly and must pay by designated deadlines.
Professional Services: Medical clinics, legal services, and consulting firms issue فاتورات to their clients for services rendered.
Business Transactions: Companies use invoices (فاتورات) for B2B transactions, tax documentation, and financial record-keeping.
While الفاتورة is the most common and formal term for 'bill,' related words include:
In Arab business culture, the presentation of a proper invoice reflects professionalism and trustworthiness. Customers are expected to request and keep invoices for warranty claims, tax purposes, and dispute resolution. Modern Arab businesses increasingly use digital invoicing systems to streamline operations and comply with government regulations regarding financial transparency and tax compliance.
Governments in Arab countries have been implementing electronic invoicing systems to reduce fraud and improve tax collection. This has made understanding and working with الفاتورة even more important in contemporary Arab societies.
When learning to use this word, remember:
With the digital transformation in Arab countries, new compound terms have emerged:
These modern variations reflect how the Arabic language adapts to contemporary business practices while maintaining the core vocabulary.
الفاتورة is an indispensable word in modern Arabic for anyone engaging in commerce, paying bills, or conducting business. Understanding not only its basic meaning but also its grammatical properties, common collocations, and cultural significance will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Arabic-speaking environments. Whether you're ordering food at a restaurant, paying utilities, or conducting professional business, knowing how to use and understand الفاتورة correctly is essential for successful interactions.