3 Common Ways to Say Thank You in Arabic

Saying thank you in Arabic is quite a recurring word in our daily lives. Whether someone provides you a service or does you a little favour, there are numerous occasions where we thank others. In fact, it can even be considered rude if you miss to say thank you when someone does you a favor.

How to Say Thank You in Arabic?

Thanking someone when they provide you with a service or do you a favor is nothing less important in the Arabic language and culture. There are numerous ways to thank somebody. Here are 3 common ways to say thank you in Arabic and how to react to it.

#1 Shukran

The simplest and most common way to say thank you is by using shukran (شكراً), just like thanks or thank you among English speakers. The word shukran comes from the verb shakara (شكر), which means to thank in Arabic.

Shukran is used and understood across the entire Arabic world, from Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco to UAE.

Shukran can be used in formal and informal situations. Be it among friends, family, business conversations as well as to strangers. You can say shukran when a colleague opens the door for you, a friendly barista hands over your coffee, or when the cashier hands over the change. Shukran is used for both genders, regardless of your gender and the gender of the person you’re talking to. It can be used for individuals as well as for groups (regardless of the gender and age).

By the way, there is no difference between thanking a Muslim or Christian. You can use shukran for people belonging to any religion.

If you feel you have to express bigger thanks and appreciation to the person you’re talking to, you can say shukran kteer (شكراً كتير). This expression is used in spoken Arabic and translates as thank you very much or thanks a lot.

You can use it when you’re very happy about something, for example when someone does you a big favor, makes you a nice compliment or when receiving a gift.

Please note that shukran jazeelan (شكرا جزيلا) is literal Arabic (MSA). While it’s widely understood, it’s not commonly used in the spoken language in most Middle Eastern countries.

#2 Barak Allah Feek

If you’re looking for some variations in your way of thanking others, you’ll find numerous alternatives in the Arabic language! In fact, there are many expressions to thank someone in Arabic which aren’t really used in other languages.

One common alternative to shukran is barak allah feek (بارك الله فيك). It translates as may god bless you. Though it’s stronger than a simple shukran, it can be used to express gratitude in daily life situations without coming over as exaggerated.

Barak allah feek is used when addressing a man. When talking to a woman, you’ll use barak allah feeki (بارك الله فيكي).

When addressing a group of people, you’d use barak allah feeku (بارك الله فيكو). This form is used for any sort of group, regardless of the gender or age.

#3 Yikhlif Alek

A third way of saying thank you in Arabic is by using yikhlif alek (يخلف عليك). This expression can be literally translated as may god compensate you (repay you for what you have done for me).

This expression is a great way of thanking someone for doing you a favor for which you are grateful. It can be used among family, friends or even colleagues.

Yikhlif alek is used when addressing a man. You’d say yikhlif aleki (يخلف عليكي) when talking to a woman, and yikhlif aleku (يخلف عليكو) when talking to a group of people. Again, the gender and age of the people in the group is irrelevant.

Response to Thank You in Arabic

Just like in other languages, in most situations we’d expect a reaction when thanking someone.

The most common Arabic equivalent of the English you’re welcome is afwaan (عفواً). Afwaan can be used in any situation, regardless of the gender or age of a person. It’s a suitable way of saying you’re welcome in both informal and formal situations, for small and big favors.

Another way of replying to thank you is ta’al kull youm (تعال كل يوم). This expression is used in daily life situations, for example among family, friends or colleagues. It literally translates as “come every day”, and would be the closest equivalent to the English “whenever you want” or “anything for you”. When talking to a female, you’ll use ta’ali kull youm (تعالي كل يوم).

Another (more complex) way of saying you’re welcome is by saying la shukr ‘ala wajeb (لا شكر على واجب ). It translates as there’s no need to thank me (literally: no thanks for the duty). It’s quite a formal way of saying you’re welcome and can be used regardless of gender and age.

Expressions at a Glance

Below is a summary of the expressions used in this article and their English equivalent. The Latin script can help you with the correct pronunciation of you can’t read Arabic. Learning the Arabic alphabet will greatly help you with the correct pronunciation of Arabic words.

Further Variations with Thank You

There are many ways to incorporate thank you in your everyday conversations. Besides, there are also countless expressions including thanks to god (such as alhamdulillah).