Introduction: Expressing Thanks in Arabic Culture
What distinguishes Arabic culture from other world cultures and makes it unique is that it gives great importance to communicating heartfelt emotions and expressing positive feelings verbally. Arabic language, therefore, has a wide array of phrases that communicate different emotions. A good number of these phrases show gratitude to others and acknowledge their good actions towards us.
For example, the core meaning of the English phrase “Thank you” can be seen reflected in many words and expressions in Arabic. These expressions range from direct and practical words of thanks to expressions that convey compliments and good wishes.
In today’s blog, we will offer you an in-depth look into eight popular ways that are equivalent in Arabic for the phrase “Thank you” in English, each presenting a different shade of showing gratitude or thanks in Arabic and bearing a unique tone and implication.
These phrases are essential for people who are learning Arabic to socialize with Arab people, use Arabic at work, or intend to visit an Arab-speaking country.
Are you ready? Let’s start.
Thank You Phrases in Arabic
1. شُكْرًا لَكَ (Shukran laka)
This “Thank you” phrase is universally used in Arabic and is suitable for both formal and informal settings. You can also use “Shukran” on its own as an equivalent to simply saying “Thanks”. The second word in this phrase لكَ (laka – you) has to change depending on the object of gratitude and thanks. If you are addressing a woman, for instance, you say شكرًا لكِ (Shukran Laki).
2. شُكْرًا جَزِيلاً (Shukran Jazeelan)
Translating into “Thank you very much”, this Arabic phrase indicates a deeper level of gratitude or thanks. The word جزيل in Arabic means “a lot”. Using the same word, you can also say: أشْكُرُكِ جَزيلَ الشُّكْرِ (Ashkuruka jazeela al-shukri – I thank you with many thanks).
3. جَزَاكَ اللهُ خَيْرًا (Jazakallahu Khairan)
This phrase, rich in its religious connotation, translates as “May Allah reward you with goodness”. It is widely used in Muslim cultures as a show of gratitude. Even though it does not have words of thanks in it, it is seen as a form of returning favors by asking God to reward the good deed someone has done for you. And this is one of the highest forms of giving thanks and showing gratitude.
4. بَارَكَ اللهُ فِيكَ (Barakallahu Feeka)
This phrase, while not a direct translation of “Thank you”, is also a meaningful way of showing thanks in Arabic by saying “May Allah bless you”. You might also want to change the last word in the phrase as you change the person you are addressing. So, talking to a woman, you would say بارك الله فيكِ (Barakallahu feeki).
5. لكَ خَالِصُ الشُّكْرِ (Laka Khaalis Ash-shukr)
The English equivalent of “You have my sincere thanks”, this Arabic phrase is formal and respectful, emphasizing a more personal show of gratitude.
6. أَشْكُرُكَ مِنْ أَعْمَاقِ قَلْبِي (Ashkuruka min A’maq Qalbi)
This phrase can be translated to “I thank you from the bottom of my heart”, and it is ideal for expressing deep and heartfelt thanks in Arabic.
7. هَذَا لُطْفٌ مِنْكَ (Haza Lutfun Minnak)
Ideal for times when someone has done you a favor, this phrase translates as “This is kindness from you” or “That’s nice of you” – an elegant way of saying “Thank you”.
8. أَنَا مُمْتَــنٌّ لَكَ للغَايَةِ (Ana Mumtanan Laka lilghayah)
Perfect for instances when you want to express profound gratitude, this phrase means “I am extremely grateful to you”. The adjective ممتنّ comes from the noun امتنان “gratefulness”. A female speaker would use the feminine version of the adjectives which is ممتنّة.
How to Respond to Thanks
Now, suppose someone extends their thanks in Arabic. How do you respond? Here are a few Arabic phrases that work great for saying “You’re welcome”:
1. عَـفْـوًا (Afwun)
This word means “You’re welcome,” and it is a common way to respond to thanks. The word عفوًا literally means (pardon me). It is like you are asking the person who is thanking you to pardon you of any thanks as they are unnecessary; you were only doing your job.
2. الشُّكْرُ للهِ (Ash-shukru Lillah)
All thanks to God. Again, Arabic phrases tend to show great reference to the religious deep Islamic belief. This phrase signals the humility of the speaker and implies the meaning: “Thanks are only given to Allah”
3. علَى الرَّحْبِ والسّعَةِ (Ala Al-rahbi Was-sa’ah)
This expression can be similar to saying “My pleasure” or “You are welcome”.
4. هَذَا وَاجِبِي (Haza Wajibi)
This phrase means “It’s my duty”.
5. لا عَـلَيْكَ (La Alaik)
This expression is close to the English phrase “Never mind” or “Don’t mention it”.
6. إنه من دواعي سروري (Innahu min dawa’e sorori)
This phrase means “It is my pleasure”
7. ليس هناك أي مشكلة (lais hunaka ay mushkila)
This phrase means “There is no problem,” which is the literal translation of the Arabic phrase.
8. أهلاً بك في أيّ وقت (Ahlan bika fi ay wakt)
This phrase offers a nice response to words of gratitude and it means “You are welcome anytime.”
Conclusion
Remember, expressing “Thanks” or showing gratitude isn’t merely about using the right Arabic phrases—it’s the sincerity and the sentiment behind your “Thank you” that truly matters. The beauty of the Arabic language helps the speaker find the words they need to show gratitude for whatever favor or good deed, which has been done for them. You can choose the expression that is suitable for the occasion and for the person you are talking to. Make sure to put these phrases in practice so that using them in your conversations becomes second nature to you!
We hope you liked our blog for today. Now it is our turn to thank you for taking the time to read our it نشكُرُكُمْ مِنْ أَعْماقِ قُلُوبِنا – Nashkurukum min A’maki Kolubina (We thank you from the bottom of our hearts) and we hope you keep checking our useful blogs.
We would also like to encourage you to take our specially designed Quiz to help you practice and foster these phrases for the future. After taking this quiz, you will be able to use them more easily in your everyday encounters with people who speak Arabic.
You can also check out our Planner, which offers a 30-page worksheet along with more than 200 exercises and activities. This comprehensive planner will help you consolidate what you’ve learned and boost your learning journey with the necessary practice.
