Arabic is going to be a tough go.

The language situation here is similar to the place we were in a year ago: In a country where we can’t read the native tongue, where English is commonly understood  and where I work in something rather like an English-language bubble. The local language is difficult, and the need to master it (in our current jobs) is just about nil.

A year ago, it was Hong Kong and Cantonese. Now, it’s Abu Dhabi and Arabic.

But I am ahead, a bit, from last November,  in that I have one local word I know, and recognize, and have found to be quite useful.

Inshallah. Usually pronounced in-SHA-lah.

Translated, it means, “If God wills.”

Inshallah. That is a very handy word to have on the tip of your tongue.

For monotheists who aren’t Muslims (such as Christians and Jews), “inshallah” is an easily borrowed and constant reminder of an all-powerful, all-knowing God … and an admission that all of our plans and intentions are nothing more than plans and intentions.

We won’t do anything, not even the simplest task, unless God wills it.

Some Arabic speakers say “inshallah” so often it seems almost a verbal tic. But it’s not a bad one to have. It’s a constant reminder/admission that we humans are very small in a very great universe. A good idea, in an age when so many of us fully expect (and don’t just hope) to be healthy 99 percent of the time, live well and live a very long time.

“I will jog for 40 minutes. Inshallah.”

“We will fly to Beirut. Inshallah.”

“Our newspaper someday will be the biggest in the Gulf. Inshallah.”

It has more subtle uses, too. If someone makes a declaration of intention that seems a bit bold or cocky, I have heard Arabic speakers quietly add, “inshallah.” A sort of “don’t get ahead of yourself, mortal man” reminder.

And, oddly, it reminds me of an interview with Vin Scully, the Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster.

I was talking to him a couple of years ago, and we got around to his plans. And Vinny paused and said, “If you want to make God smile … tell Him your plans.”

Inshallah is in the same vein. You may have modest plans or make grand schemes, but they are all “inshallah.”

I will do X, Y and Z. I will walk on the moon. I will win a Pulitzer.

I will cross the street. I will get up in the morning.

Inshallah.

Great word.