What does it mean word for word?
The phrase مع أطيب التحيات literally translates to 'with the best of greetings'.
Which one should you use?
While مع أطيب التحيات uses the word for 'best' (atyab), you may also see مع خالص التحيات, which means 'with sincere regards'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form مع أطيب التحيات is formal and suitable for professional contexts. Other formal options include أطيب التحيات (best regards), أنا أتقدم بأطيب التحيات (I offer you my best regards), أصدق التحايا (sincerest or warmest regards) and the more elaborate يشرفني أن أرفع لكم أخلص تحياتي (It is my pleasure to extend my sincerest regards to you). For informal settings, you can use أحلى تحياتي (sweetest or warmest regards) or مودتي (my affection or my regards).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egyptian Arabic, you can use أحلى وأعطر تحية to express best regards, while in Gulf Arabic, the phrase أعذب التحايا is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
Within the phrase, atyab (أطيب) is the superlative form of the adjective tayyib (طيب), which means 'good' or 'pleasant'.
How do you pronounce it?
ma'a atyab al-tahiyyat
Did you know?
- In very formal Arabic correspondence, it is common to use a plural form for 'you' (lakum) even when writing to a single person to show respect.
- The preposition مع (ma'a), meaning 'with', shares an ancient linguistic connection to the Hebrew word עם (im), which means 'people' or 'nation'.
- While atyab translates to 'best' in this context, its root relates to the concept of scent and fragrance in classical Arabic.
Examples in context
- كتب "مع أطيب التحيات" في آخر الرسالة ثم وقع اسمه.He wrote "Best regards" at the end of the letter and then went on to sign his name.This sentence demonstrates how to use مع أطيب التحيات at the end of a letter before a signature.Tatoeba #632086 by saeb, translation #633703 by saeb
- أجمل الأماني، أحمدBest regards, Ahmed
- ختمتُ رسالتي بعبارة مع أطيب التحيات.khatamtu risālati bi-'ibārati ma'a atyabi al-taḥiyyāt.I ended my letter with the phrase best regards.
- يجب أن نكتب مع أطيب التحيات في نهاية الإيميل.yajibu an naktuba ma'a atyabi al-taḥiyyāt fī nihāyati al-īmīl.We must write best regards at the end of the email.
Example conversation
Ziad and Nour are discussing how to write a formal email.
- زياد Ziadكيف أنهي هذا البريد الإلكتروني يا نور؟Kayfa unhi hadha al-barid al-iliktruni ya Nour?How do I end this email, Nour?
- نور Nourاستخدم عبارة مع أطيب التحيات.Istakhdim ibarat ma' atyab al-tahiyyat.Use the phrase best regards.
- زياد Ziadهل هذه الصيغة مناسبة للمدير؟Hal hadhihi al-sigha munasiba lil-mudir?Is this form appropriate for the manager?
- نور Nourنعم، هي رسمية ومهذبة جدًا.Na'am, hiya rasmiya wa muhadhaba jiddan.Yes, it is very formal and polite.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries أطيب, مع, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
