ÿþ<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <head> <meta http-equiv="Content-type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> <title>Egyptian Arabic greetings and polite expressions ('D*-J'* H'DE,'ED'*)</title> <link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" href="style.css" /> <meta name="description" content="A comprehensive list of greetings and polite expressions in Egyptian Arabic. Saying hello, how are you, congratulations, happy birthday, and more." /> </head> <body> <div id="content"> <div id="head"> <span class="title">Arabic learning resources</span> <ul id="menu"> <li><a href="index.html">home</a></li> <li><a href="vocab.html">vocabulary</a></li> <li><a href="grammar.html">grammar</a></li> <li><a href="faq.html">faq</a></li> <li><a href="about.html">about</a></li> <li><a href="links.html">links</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="body"> <h1>Greetings and polite expressions in Egyptian Arabic</h1><br /> <p>I tried to include as many useful greetings and courteous expressions as I could on this page, focusing on the expressions used in Egypt (so when I say "Colloquially people say such-and-such," I'm referring to Egypt). In some cases, I gave a standard variant and then detailed the colloquial usage below. Also, I gave everything in the masculine form, just because it's easier than including the feminine and plural forms for everything.</p> <p>Do make sure to memorize the proper responses to each expression; it can be quite awkward if someone tells you something nice and you don't know what to say back! If you don't know the right response, no one will get angry at you, but if you do know what to say, it can make a really nice impression. Conveniently, usually the main verb in the response comes from the same root as the main word used in the first expression &mdash; for example, "ma3a s-salma," "salmtak," "Hamdillh 3as-salma" and "sallimli 3a...," which all have words from the s-l-m root. They all have the same response, "allh ysallimak," with another s-l-m root word. So if you keep that in mind, it helps in remembering the right response.</p> <span class="bold">Welcome; hello</span>: <span class="arabic">#GD' H3GD'</span> (ahlan wa sahlan) <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">#GD' (JC</span> (ahlan b+k) <br />You can say <span class="arabic">#GD' H3GD'</span> when welcoming someone (ex. to your country or home). And you can also say <span class="arabic">'GD'</span> to mean just "hello." <br /><br /><span class="bold">Welcome; hello</span>: <span class="arabic">E1-('</span> (marHaban) <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">E1-(' (JC</span> (marHaban b+k) <br /><span class="arabic">E1-('</span> can be used in much the same way as <span class="arabic">#GD' H3GD'</span>, and it has a more colloquial pronunciation of "marHaba." One colloquial response is <span class="arabic">E1-(*JF</span> (marHabtein - lit. two welcomes). <span class="arabic">E1-('</span> is not really used in Egypt outside of tourist signs and so forth, but in other places like the Gulf and Levant, it's used frequently to say hello. <br /><br /><span class="bold">Hello</span>: <span class="arabic">'D3D'E 9DJCE</span> (as-salmu 3aleikum) - lit. Peace be upon you <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">H9DJCE 'D3D'E</span> (w3aleikum as-salm) <br />A common greeting used by Muslims. You can also add <span class="arabic">H1-E) 'DDG H(1C'*G</span> (waraHmatu llhi wabaraktu - and God's mercy and blessings) to the end. <br /><br /><span class="bold">Good morning</span>: <span class="arabic">5('- 'D.J1</span> (SabH al-xeir) <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">5('- 'DFH1</span> (SabH an-nkr) <br />There are more colloquial variants on <span class="arabic">5('- 'D.J1/'DFH1</span> that you can use, like <span class="arabic">5('- 'DB47)</span> (SabH il-'iaTa - lit. morning of cream), <span class="arabic">5('- 'DAD</span> (SabH il-full - lit. morning of jasmine), and <span class="arabic">5('- 'DH1/</span> (SabH il-ward - lit. morning of rose). They're a little "baladi" (i.e. used more by the rural and lower classes), but you can still use them to add some color to your speech. <br /><br /><span class="bold">Good evening</span>: <span class="arabic">E3'! 'D.J1</span> (mas' al-xeir) <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">E3'! 'DFH1</span> (mas' an-nkr) <br />You can also say <span class="arabic">E3'! 'DB47)</span>, <span class="arabic">E3'! 'DAD</span>, and <span class="arabic">E3'! 'DH1/</span> here too. <br /><br /><span class="bold">How are you?</span>: <span class="arabic">CJA -'DC</span> (keif Hlak) <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">(.J1 'D-E/ DDG</span> (bexeir al-Hamdulillh) - Fine, thank God <br /><span class="arabic">CJA -'DC</span> can be said in a colloquial context, especially in the Levant. In Egypt, however, the commonly used expression for "How are you?" is <span class="arabic">'2JC</span> (izzayyak). You can also say, <span class="arabic">'2J 'D'-H'D</span> (izzayy il-aHwaal?), "How are things?" or <span class="arabic">'2J 'D5-)</span> (izzayy iS-SiHHa), "How's [your] health?" A common colloquial response would be <span class="arabic">CHJ3 'D-E/ DDG</span> (kwayyis al-Hamdulillh), "Good, thank God," or just "al-Hamdulillh" on its own. <br /><br /><span class="bold">How are things going?</span>: <span class="arabic">'JG #.('1</span> (eih axbr); <span class="arabic">#.('1C 'JG</span> (axbrak eih); <span class="arabic">9'ED/) 'JG</span> <span dir="ltr">(3amil/3amla eih)</span> <br />These expressions are kind of like "What's up?" as it's used in the U.S.; you don't really proceed to explain what's going on in your life &mdash; and don't say <span class="arabic">E'AJ4 #.('1</span>, maf+a axbr, "No news," like I did once; people will laugh at you! If you want to say "Nothing new," you can say <span class="arabic">D' ,/J/</span> la ged+d. People usually just say something like "al-Hamdulillh" or <span class="arabic">CHJ3</span> (kwayyis, "Good") or <span class="arabic">CDH *E'E</span> (kullu tamm, "Everything's fine"). <br /><br /><span class="bold">Nice to meet you</span>: <span class="arabic">A15) 39J/)</span> (furSa sa3+da) - lit. Happy chance <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">#F' 'D#39/</span> (ana l-as3ad) - lit. I am happier <br /><br /><span class="bold">Good night</span>: <span class="arabic">*5(- 9DI .J1</span> (tiSbaH 3ala xeir) - lit. Wake up healthy <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">H'F* EF #GDG</span> (winta min ahlo) <br /><br /><span class="bold">Goodbye</span>: <span class="arabic">E9 'D3D'E)</span> (ma3a s-salma) - said to the person leaving; lit. Go in peace <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">'DDG J3DEC</span> (allh ysallimak) - said by the person leaving; lit. May God protect you <br />Often when people are leaving they just say "salm" or "as-salmu 3aleikum" and those remaining say "ma3a s-salma." <br /><br /><span class="bold">Used when s.o. leaves on a trip:</span> <br /><span class="bold">Bon voyage</span>: <span class="arabic">1-D) 39J/)</span> (reHla sa3+da) <br /><span class="arabic">1(F' J,J(C ('D3D'E)</span> (rabbina yg+bak bis-salma) - lit. May God bring you safely <br /><span class="arabic">1(F' JH5DC ('D3D'E)</span> (rabbina yiwaSSalak bis-salma) - lit. May God deliver you safely <br /><span class="arabic">*1H- H*J,J ('D3D'E)</span> (tirkH wit+g+ bis-salma) - lit. Go and come safely <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">'DDG J3DEC</span> (allh ysallimak) <br /><br /><span class="bold">Used to welcome s.o. arriving from a trip or greet s.o. who has just recovered from an illness:</span> <br /><span class="arabic">-E/ DDG 9'D3D'E)</span> (Hamdilla 3as-salma) - lit. Thank God for (your) safety <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">'DDG J3DEC</span> (allh ysallimak) <br /><br /><span class="bold">Welcome to Egypt</span>: <span class="arabic">FHQ1* E51</span> (nawwart maSr) - lit. You have lit up Egypt <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">/G FH1C CA'J)</span> (da nkrak kifya), lit. Your light is enough - or <span class="arabic">E51 EFHQ1) (JC</span> (maSr menawwara b+k), lit. Egypt is lit up by you - or <span class="arabic">EFHQ1) (#GDG'</span> (menawwara bi-ahlaha), lit. It is lit up by its people <br />You can also say "Menawwara" on its own to welcome someone anywhere. <br /><br /><span class="bold">You honor us with your visit</span>: <span class="arabic">.7H) 92J2)</span> (xaTwa 3az+za) - lit. dear step <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">4C1'</span> (aukran) or <span class="arabic">'DDG J.DJC</span> (allh yxall+k) <br /><br /><span class="bold">Get well soon</span>: <span class="arabic">3D'E*C</span> (salmtak) or <span class="arabic">'DDG J4AJC</span> (allh yiaf+k) - lit. "May God heal you" <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">'DDG J3DEC</span> (allh ysallimak) - this is the response to <span class="arabic">3D'E*C</span>. However, <span class="arabic">'DDG J4AJC</span> has no set response; you can just say <span class="arabic">4C1'</span> (aukran) <br /><br /><span class="bold">Please</span>: <span class="arabic">EF A6DC</span> (min faDlak) <br /><span class="bold">Please</span>: <span class="arabic">DH 3E-*</span> (law samaHt) - can also be used to get a waiter's attention, for example <br /><span class="bold">Please, go ahead</span>: <span class="arabic">'*A6D</span> (itfaDDal) - an invitation to sit, enter a room, take something, etc. <br /><br /><span class="bold">Thank you</span>: <span class="arabic">4C1'</span> (aukran) or a stronger variant, <br /><span class="bold">A thousand thanks</span>: <span class="arabic">#DA 4C1</span> (alf aukr) <br />Another way to say "Thank you" is <span class="arabic">E*4C1</span> (mutaaakkir), which also has a feminine variant <span class="arabic">E*4C1)</span> (mutaaakkira) and plural variant <span class="arabic">E*4C1JF</span> (mutaaakkr+n). <span class="arabic">E13J</span> (mersi) is another colloquial alternative. To say "Thank you very much," you can say <span class="arabic">4C1' ,2JD'</span> (aukran gaz+lan) or <span class="arabic">E*4C1 BHJ</span> (mutaaakkir 'awi). <br /><br />Also, when someone compliments you or something you did, you can tell them, <span class="arabic">4C1'\E13J \ 'DDG J.DJC</span> (aukran/mersi/allh yxall+k), followed by <span class="arabic">/G EF 0HBC</span> (da min zoo'ak), lit. "That's from your taste." This is used much like the English "Thank you, you're too kind." <br /><br /><span class="bold">Thank you</span>: <span class="arabic">C*1 .J1C</span> (kattar xeirak) - lit. May God increase your good fortune <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">.J1C 3'(B</span> (xeirak saabi') - lit. Your goodness preceded mine <br /><br /><span class="bold">Thank you</span>: <span class="arabic">*3DE 'J/C</span> (teslam iidak) - lit. (May God) bless your hand <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">H'J/C</span> (wa-iidak) - lit. And your hand <br />Used to thank a cook for a great meal, or more generally to thank someone for a present. <br /><br /><span class="bold">You're welcome</span>: <span class="arabic">9AH'</span> <span dir="ltr">(3afwan)</span> <br />Other ways to say "You're welcome": <span class="arabic">'D9AH</span> (il-3afw) or <span class="arabic">'D9AH 9DI 'JG</span> (il-3afw 3ala eih, "It was nothing"). <br /><br /><span class="bold">Sorry</span>: <span class="arabic">"3A</span> (sif) <br />Another way to say "Sorry" is <span class="arabic">E*"3A</span> (mut'asif), which follows the same pattern of variants as <span class="arabic">E*4C1</span>. <br /><br /><span class="bold">Pardon me</span>: <span class="arabic">D' E$".0)</span> (la mo'axza) <br /><span class="bold">Excuse me</span>: <span class="arabic">(9/ '0FC</span> or <span class="arabic">9F '0FC</span> (ba3d iznak or 3an iznak) <br /><br /><span class="bold">Used to express admiration or praise</span>: <span class="arabic">E' 4'! 'DDG</span> (ma aa' allh) - lit. God has willed it. <br />This might be used when someone shows you a picture of their kids or grandkids; when someone introduces you to their kids; if someone shows you something great they just bought; when you enter someone's home for the first time and admire its decor; or if you want to compliment someone's beautiful appearance. It's like saying, "Wow, how beautiful!" <br /><br /><span class="bold">Used to refer to events taking place in the future</span>: <span class="arabic">%F 4'! 'DDG</span> (in aa' allh) - lit. if God wills <br />This is used a lot, anytime you talk about something taking place in the future. "See you tonight in aa' allh." "I'll do it tomorrow in aa' allh." "Can you finish the report by Thursday?" "In aa' allh." And so on. <br /><br /><span class="bold">Used when you see s.o. with a new haircut, or if s.o. has just taken a bath or shower</span>:<br /><span class="arabic">F9JE'</span> (na3+man) <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">'DDG JF9E 9DJC</span> (allh yin3am 3aleik) <br /><br /><span class="bold">Greeting to a Muslim who has just finished praying</span>: <span class="arabic">-1E'</span> (Haraman) <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">,E9'</span> (gama3an) <br /><br /><span class="bold">Bon appetit</span>: <span class="arabic">('DGF' H'D4A'</span> (bil-hana wia-aifa) - lit. with pleasure and health <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">'DDG JGFQJC</span> (allh yihann+k) <br /><br /><span class="bold">Said by a guest to the host at the end of a meal</span>: <span class="arabic">/'JE'</span> or <span class="arabic">/'JE' 9'E1</span> (dayman or dayman 3mir) - lit. May you always prosper <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">/'E* -J'*C</span> (dmit Haytak) - lit. May your life last long <br /><br /><span class="bold">When someone sneezes</span>: <br /><span class="bold">The sneezer says</span>: <span class="arabic">'D-E/ DDG</span> (il-Hamdu lillh) - lit. Praise to God <br /><span class="bold">Someone else</span>: <span class="arabic" dir="rtl">J1-ECE 'DDG</span> (yarHamkum llh) - lit. May God have mercy on you (pl.) <br /><span class="bold">The sneezer</span>: <span dir="rtl"><span class="arabic">J1-EF' HJ1-ECE (HJ:A1 DF' HDCE)</span></span> (yarHamna wa-yarHamkum [wa-ya!fir lana wa-lakum]) - lit. May He have mercy on us and you (and forgive us and you) <br />This is what Muslims in Egypt say when someone sneeezes. The <span class="arabic">HJ:A1 DF' HDCE</span> part is an optional addition that some people say. <br /><br /><span class="bold">"Very gladly" responses to requests</span>: <br /><span class="arabic">(CD 31H1</span> (bikull sirkr) - lit. with all pleasure <br /><span class="arabic">:'DJ H'D7D( 1.J5</span> (ghli wiT-Talab rix+S) - lit. [You are] precious, and the request is cheap. That is, you're so dear that anything you ask for seems cheap. <br /><span class="arabic">9DI 'D9JF H'D1'3</span> <span dir="ltr">(3al-3ein wir-rs)</span> - lit. on the eye and head <br /><span class="arabic">EF 9JFJ /J H9JFJ /J</span> (min 3eini di w3eini di) - lit. from this eye and this eye <br />The last two are pretty "baladi," but still good to know. <br /><br /><span class="bold">Say hello to (s.o.) for me; give them my regards</span>: <span class="arabic">3DQE DJ 9@</span> (sallimli 3a...) <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">'DDG J3DEC</span> (allh ysallimak) <br /><br /><span class="bold">Good luck</span>: <span class="arabic">1(F' JHABC</span> (rabbena ywaffa'ak) - lit. May God make you succeed <br /><span class="arabic">('D*HAJB %F 4'! 'DDG</span> (bit-tawf+' in aa' allh) <br />The standard way to say "Good luck" is <span class="arabic">-8 39J/</span> (HaZZ sa3+d). <br /><br /><span class="bold">Happy birthday</span>: <span class="arabic">9J/ EJD'/ 39J/</span> <span dir="ltr">(3+d m+ld sa3+d)</span> <br />This is how you would say "Happy birthday" literally, but people actually just use their local variant of <span class="arabic">CD 9'E H#F*E (.J1</span> (see below). <br /><br /><span class="bold">Used for birthdays and all kinds of holidays</span>: <span class="arabic">CD 3F) H'F* 7J(</span> (kulle sana winta Tayyib) - lit. May you (and your family) be well every year. <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">H'F* 7J(</span> (winta Tayyib) <br />This is the Egyptian variant of the standard <span class="arabic">CD 9'E H#F*E (.J1</span> (kull 3m wa-antum bexeir). For someone's birthday, you might say <span class="arabic">CD 3F) H'F* 7J( H9B('D a`` 3F) 'F 4'! 'DDG</span> (kulle sana winta Tayyib wa-3o'bl m+t sana in aa' allh) &mdash; "Happy birthday, and many more." <br /><br /><span class="bold">Happy Ramadan</span>: <span class="arabic">1E6'F C1JE</span> (ramaDn kar+m) <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">'DDG #C1E</span> (allhu akram) <br />This is the greeting used for Ramadan in Egypt, but <span class="arabic">1E6'F E('1C</span> (ramaDn mubrak) is often used in other areas. <br /><br /><span class="bold">Happy Eid</span>: <span class="arabic">9J/ E('1C</span> <span dir="ltr">(3+d mubrak)</span> <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">'DDG J('1C AJC</span> (allh yibrik f+k) <br />This is the greeting used for the Muslim Eids (holidays/festivals): Eid al-Fitr, at the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha. <br /><br /><span class="bold">Congratulations</span>: <span class="arabic">E(1HC</span> (mabrkk) or a stronger variant, <br /><span class="bold">A thousand congratulations</span>: <span class="arabic">#DA E(1HC</span> (alf mabrkk) <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">'DDG J('1C AJC</span> (allh yibrik f+k) <br /><br /><span class="bold">I wish the same for you</span>: <span class="arabic">9B('DC</span> <span dir="ltr">(3o'blak)</span> <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: no set response, but you could say <span class="arabic">'DDG J.DJC</span> (allh yxall+k) - God keep you. <br />Can be used when someone congratulates you on any happy occassion (a wedding, new baby, promotion, etc.) to wish them the same good fortune. However, you would want to be tactful when using it; for example, if you'd just had a baby and a friend who couldn't have children congratulated you, it would be better not to say "3o'blik" to her. <br /><br /><span class="emphasis">Congratulations on an engagement</span> <br />In addition to simply saying <span class="arabic">E(1HC</span> or <span class="arabic">#DA E(1HC</span>, you can say the following to congratulate someone on an engagement. Note that people often will say <span class="arabic">E(1HC</span> and pair it with one of the following:<br /><br /> <ul><li><span class="arabic">1(F' J*EE (.J1\J*EE DC 9DI .J1</span> (rabbina ytammim bi-xeir/ytammimlak 3ala xeir) <br />"May God grant a successful conclusion (to the engagement)."</li><br /> <li><span class="arabic">9B('D 'DA1-\'DDJD) 'DC(J1)</span> <span dir="ltr">(3o'bl il-faraH/il-leila k-kib+ra)</span> <br />"May the wedding/the big night be soon." A Christian might say <span class="arabic">9B('D 'D'CDJD</span> <span dir="ltr">(3o'bl il-ikl+l)</span>.</li></ul> <span class="emphasis">Congratulations on a wedding</span> <br />Again, in addition to <span class="arabic">E(1HC</span> and <span class="arabic">'DA E(1HC</span>, you can say: <br /><br /><ul> <li><span class="arabic" dir="rtl">1(F' J39/CH (HJGFJCH)</span> (rabbina yis3idku [wa-yhann+ku]) <br />"May God make you (both) happy."</li><br /> <li><span class="arabic">9B('D 'D(C'1J</span> <span dir="ltr">(3o'bl il-bakri) <br />"May you have your first-born soon."</span></li><br /> <li><span class="arabic" dir="rtl">('D1A') H'D(FJF 'F 4'! 'DDG</span> (bir-raf' wal-ban+n in aa' allh) <br />"May you live in comfort and have children." <span class="arabic">1A'!</span> is sometimes written as <span class="arabic">1A')</span>. This is more of a written expression than a spoken one.</li><br /> <li><span class="arabic">1(F' J('1C DCE</span> (rabbina ybrik lakum) <br />"May God bless you."</li><br /> <li><span class="arabic">('1C 'DDG DCE' H('1C 9DJCE' H,E9 (JFCE' AJ .J1</span> (braka allhu lakuma wa-braka 3aleikuma wa-jama3a beinakuma fi xeir) <br />"May God bless you, surround you with blessings, and bring you both together in virtue and prosperity." As it was first said by the prophet Muhammad, this expression is used by Muslims. </ul> <span class="emphasis">Congatulations and encouragement to a pregnant woman</span> <br />In addition to <span class="arabic">E(1HC</span> and <span class="arabic">'DA E(1HC</span>, you can say:<br /><br /> <ul> <li><span class="arabic" dir="rtl">1(F' J*EE DC\JCED DC 9DI .J1 (HJC1EC (HD'/) 3GD))</span> (rabbina ytammimlik/ykammillik 3ala xeir [wa-ykrimik bi-wilda sahla]) <br />"May God grant a successful conclusion (to the pregnancy) (and favor you with an easy delivery)."</li><br /> <li><span class="arabic">1(F' J12BC (7AD 3DJE E9'AJ\((J(J 2J 'DBE1</span> (rabbina yirzu'ik bi-Tifl sal+m mu3fi/bi-beibi zayy il-'amar) <br />"May God provide you with a strong, healthy child/a beautiful baby." The first option is more standard, the second is more colloquial.</li><br /> <li><span class="arabic">J' 1( J,9DG 01J) 5'D-)</span> (ya rabb yig3alu zurriyya SliHa) <br />"May God make it a good/worthy progeny." This is standard Arabic.</li><br /> <li><span class="arabic">1(F' JBHEC ('F*I H'D(J(I) (#DA 3D'E)</span> (rabbina y'awwamik [inti wel-beibi] bi'alf salma) <br />"May God deliver you (and the baby) in safety."</li><br /> <li><span class="arabic">*BHEJ ('D3D'E) 'F 4'! 'DDG</span> (ti'kmi bis-salma in sha' allh) <br />"May you recover safely, God willing."</li><br /> <li><span class="arabic">1(F' JF*9C ('D3D'E)</span> (rabbina yinta3ik bis-salma) <br />"May God deliver you (through your delivery) safely."</li><br /> <li><span class="arabic">1(F' E9'CJ</span> (rabbina ma3ki) <br />"May God be with you."</li> </ul> <span class="emphasis">Congratulations on a new baby</span> <br />In addition to <span class="arabic">E(1HC</span> and <span class="arabic">'DA E(1HC</span>, you can say:<br /><br /> <ul> <li><span class="arabic">J*1(I AJ 92CH</span> (yitrabba fi 3ezzoko) <br />"May [the baby] be brought up in your wealth." If the baby is a girl, then it would be <span class="arabic">**1(I</span> (titrabba).</li><br /> <li><span class="arabic">J' 1( J.DJCH D(96</span> (ya rabb yixall+ku li-ba3D) <br />"May God keep you (safe) for each other."</li><br /> <li><span class="arabic">1(F' J.DJG DC HJ('1C DC AJG</span> (rabbina yxall+lak wa-ybriklak f+h) <br />"God keep him (the baby) safe for you and bless you." If the baby is a girl, then you'd say <span class="arabic">1(F' J.DJG' DC HJ('1C DC AJG'</span> (rabbina yxallihlak wa-ybriklak f+ha). Note that you can also say <span class="arabic">1(F' J('1C DC AJG\AJG'</span> on its own.</li><br /> <li><span class="arabic">1(F' J-A8G HJA1Q-C (JG</span> (rabbina yHfaZu wa-yfarraHak b+h) <br />"God protect him (the baby) and make you rejoice in him." If the baby is a girl, then you'd say <span class="arabic">1(F' J-A8G' HJA1Q-C (JG'</span> (rabbina yHfaZha wa-yfarraHak b+ha).</li><br /> <li><span dir="rtl"><span class="arabic">1(F' J-A8G EF CD 3H! (HJ,9DG B1) 9JF H'D/JG)</span></span> (rabbina yiHfaZu min kull sk' [wa-yig3alu qurrit 3ein wlideih]) <br />"May God protect him from all evil (and make him his parents' delight)." This is more standard than colloquial. If the baby is a girl, then it'd be <span dir="rtl"><span class="arabic">1(F' J-A8G' EF CD 3H! (HJ,9DG' B1) 9JF H'D/JG')</span></span> (rabbina yiHfaZha min kull sk' [wa-yig3alha qurrit 3ein wlideiha]).</li><br /> <li><span class="arabic">-E/ DDG 9DI 3D'E*C</span> (Hamdilla 3a-salamtik) <br />"Thank God for your safety." Said to the mother after a successful delivery.</li><br /> </ul> <span class="emphasis">Condolences</span> <br />The following expressions can be used by both Muslims and Christians in Egypt. They are followed by condolences used specifically by Muslims and Christians. <br /><br /><span class="bold">Be strong; keep your chin up</span>: <span class="arabic">4/Q -JDC</span> (aidd Heilak) - lit. Pull your strength <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">'D4/) 9DI 'DDG</span> (ia-aidda 3ala-llah) <br />This expression can be used as a condolence, or anytime someone is about to face a challenging event, like a test or job interview. <br /><br /><span class="bold">May his/her spirit/memory remain in your life</span>: <span class="arabic">'D(BJ) AJ -J'*C</span> (il-ba'iyya fi Haytak) <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">-J'*C 'D(BJ)</span> (Haytak il-ba'iya) <br />Another condolence. Some say it's a reference to the rest of the deceased's lifespan, which was cut short, being added to yours. On that basis, it could be viewed as sacriligeous; some would say that everyone only lives their alloted lifespan, and God doesn't cut anyone's life shorter than it's meant to be. See <a href="http://www.islam-qa.com/index.php?ref=9845&amp;ln=ara">here</a>, for example. So you may want to stick with other condolences such as <span class="arabic">4/ -JDC</span> if you want to be really safe. <br /><br /><span class="bold">May God have mercy on him:</span> <span class="arabic">'DDG J1-EG</span> (allh yirHamu) <br />This is usually paired with an additional condolence. For instance, one could say <span class="arabic">'DDG J1-EG HJ3CFG A3J- ,F'*G</span> (allh yirHamu wa-yuskinu fasiiH janntu), "May God have mercy on him and make him live in His vastest paradise." This is standard rather than colloquial, and would be a Muslim condolence. <br /><br /><span class="arabic">J1(F' J,9DG' ".1 'D'-2'F\J' 1( *CHF ".1 'D'-2'F</span> (rabbina yig3alha khir il-aHzn/ya rabb tikkn khir il-aHzn) <br />"May God make it the last of [your] sorrows/May it be the last of [your] sorrows." The first option is more standard, the second is more colloquial. <br /><br /><span class="arabic" dir="rtl">1(F' J5(1C (9DI 'DA1'B)</span> (rabbina ySabbarak [3ala l-fur']) <br />"May God give you patience (to withstand the loss)." <br /> <br /><span class="emphasis">Condolences used by Muslims:</span> <br /><br /><span class="bold">Only God is eternal</span>: <span class="arabic">'D(B'! DDG</span> (al-baq' lillh) <br /><span class="bold">Response</span>: <span class="arabic">HF9E ('DDG</span> (wa-ne3ma billh) <br />A condolence that's standard Arabic but also sometimes used in Egypt by Muslims. <br /><br /><span class="arabic">%F' DDG H%F' %DJG 1',9HF</span> (inna lillh wa'inna ileihi rgi3kn) <br />"We belong to God, and to Him we shall return." This is from the Qur'an (verse 156 of Al-Baqara). <br /><br /><span class="emphasis">Condolences used by Copts:</span> <br /><br /><span class="arabic">1(F' JFJ- FA3G\1H-G</span> (rabbina ynayyaH nafsu/rkHu) <br />"May God give his soul rest." There are some variations on this expression; you can add: <ul> <li><span class="arabic" dir="rtl">AI A1/H3 ('DF9JE)</span> (fi firdks [in-na3+m]), "in paradise"</li> <li><span class="arabic">AJ '-6'F 'DB/J3JF</span> (fi aHDn il-'addis+n), "in the arms of the saints"</li> <li><span class="arabic">AJ EDCH* 'D3EH'*</span> (fi malakkt is-samawt), "in the kingdom of heaven"</li> </ul> <span class="arabic">(1(F' JB/3 1H-G (H J/JF' (1CG 5DH'*G</span> (rabbina y'addas rkHu [wa-yidd+na barakit Salawtu]) <br />"May God sanctify his soul (and give us the blessing of his prayers)." <br /><br /><span class="arabic" dir="rtl">1(F' J92JC (HJ92J '31*C)</span> (rabbina yi3z+k [wa yi3zi usritak]) <br />"May God give you [and your family] consolation." <br /><br /><br /><span class="emphasis">Note:</span> "In advance" (as in "thanks in advance," "congratulations in advance," or "happy birthday in advance") is <span class="arabic">EB/E'</span> (standard pronunciation "muqaddaman," colloquial pronunciation "mu'addaman"). So you could say <span class="arabic">4C1' EB/E'</span>, <span class="arabic">E(1HC EB/E'</span>, <span class="arabic">CD 3F) H'F* 7J( EB/E'</span>, etc. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><span class="back">&larr; <a href="vocab.html">All vocabulary lists</a></span> <span class="forward"><a href="coll_insult.html">Insults &amp; crude language</a> &rarr;</span> <br /> </div> <div id="footer"> <p><a href="mailto:webmaster%20(at)%20desert-sky%20(dot)%20net">Contact</a></p> </div> </div> </body> </html>