كله تمام
Kullu tamam
The English phrase "all is good" can be expressed in Arabic as كله تمام (Kullu tamam).
كله تمام is used to answer the question "How are things?" or to confirm that a situation is under control. Additionally, the phrase Kulluhu tayyeb (everything is good) is used specifically at a restaurant to indicate satisfaction with food.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase كله تمام is composed of kull (all/everything) and tamam (complete/perfect/fine).
Which one should you use?
You can use Kullu shayin Jayyidun or Kullu shayin Mumtāzun for a formal sense of "all is good". For a more informal tone, you might use Kullu tammam.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
كله تمام is a common colloquial expression used in many Arabic dialects rather than Modern Standard Arabic. For formal situations, use Kullu shayin Jayyidun or Kullu shayin Mumtāzun. For informal situations, you can use Kullu tammam.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Levant, Kol shi mniĥ is a regional variation.
How do you pronounce it?
Kullu tamam
Did you know?
- The word تمام in كله تمام shares a common linguistic root with the Hebrew word tamím, which also means 'complete' or 'perfect'.
- In a dining context, the word tayyeb in Kulluhu tayyeb can refer to both the taste of the food and its moral or spiritual purity.
- While تمام is part of the phrase for 'all is good', it is frequently used alone as a one-word answer to mean 'done' or 'OK' after a task is finished.
Examples in context
- كله تمام في الشغل.kullu tamam fi al-shughl.Everything is good at work.
- هل أنت بخير؟ نعم، كله تمام.hal anta bikhayr? na'am, kullu tamam.Are you okay? Yes, everything is good.
- شكراً، كله تمام هنا.shukran, kullu tamam huna.Thanks, everything is good here.
Example conversation
Omar and Layla are checking in on a project.
- عمر Omarكيف تسير الأمور يا ليلى؟kayfa tasir al-umur ya Layla?How are things going, Layla?
- ليلى Laylaكله تمام، شكراً لسؤالك يا عمر.kullo tamam, shukran li-su'alik ya Omar.All is good, thank you for asking, Omar.
- عمر Omarهل تحتاجين إلى أي مساعدة؟hal tahtajina ila ayy musa'ada?Do you need any help?
- ليلى Laylaلا، كل شيء تحت السيطرة.la, kull shay' taht al-saytara.No, everything is under control.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries تمام, CC BY-SA 4.0.
