In Arab culture, being courteous and respectful is vital for establishing and maintaining connections. Therefore, saying “thank you” and “please” in response to someone’s acts or words is a significant method to express gratitude.
Appreciation is expressed in a variety of ways, similar to how it is expressed in English. For any situation, learn how to say thank you and please in Arabic.
Shukran ( شكراً )
Shukran, meaning “Thank You” is the most popular way of saying thank you in Arab culture across all dialects. It is the most widely used word, and it can be used in both official and casual contexts. It is derived from the root verb shakara (شكر), which means “to thank.”
Tislam/Tislami (تسلم/تسلمي)
This term stems from the root verb salama (سلم), which means “to come out safe/healthy.” It is predominantly heard in the Levant and areas of the Gulf. When a friend or family member gives you something or does something good for you, you can use it.
Mamnoun(t)ak/ek (ممنونك/ممنونتك)
Mamnountak/ek (female speaker) or mamnounak/ek (male speaker) is a word that means “thank you” or “I’m grateful to you” in the Levantine region. Mamnoun (ممنون), an Arabic loanword that is gender-neutral in Persian, is also often used to mean “thank you” among Persian speakers.
Min Fadhlika (مِنْ فَضْلِكَ)
This is one of the most common phrases you’ll hear in Arabic. The precise translation of this phrase is “of/from your favour.” However, it is most commonly used as “please” or “pardon me.”
Rajaa’an (رَجَاءً)
Another approach to ask for anything is to say Rajaa’an (رَجَاءً), which literally means “I beg…”; however, this is only used in extreme instances where immediate assistance is required.
Learn more about the subtleties of the Arabic language and culture with Nasma Of NY’s Levantine Arabic Classes! Sign up for sessions here.