يرحمك الله
yerḥamak allāhafter a sneeze, to a man
When someone sneezes, Lebanese speakers say يرحمك الله (yerḥamak allāh), "may God have mercy on you". To a woman it is يرحمك الله (yerḥamik allāh) and to a group يرحمكم الله (yerḥamkon allāh). It is also called الحمد لله (el-ḥamdu lillāh).
Meaning: what you say after someone sneezes (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Lebanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| يرحمك الله | yerḥamak allāh | after a sneeze, to a man |
| يرحمكم الله | yerḥamkon allāh | after a sneeze, to a group |
| الحمد لله | el-ḥamdu lillāh | reply by the sneezer |
The sneezer often says الحمد لله (el-ḥamdu lillāh), "thank God", first, and the people nearby answer with the blessing.
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, the phrase is a short prayer, so it keeps its religious wording even in casual talk.
Did you know?
- الله يخليك (allāh ykhallīk), "may God keep you", is a common way to say thank you in Lebanon.
Examples in context
- يرحمكم اللهyerḥamkon allāhBless you (to several people).
Example conversation
Ali sneezes while studying with his cousin Tala.
- Aliالحمد للهel-ḥamdu lillāhThank God.
- Talaيرحمك اللهyerḥamak allāhBless you.
- Aliالله يخليكيallāh ykhallīkiMay God keep you well.
- Talaعندك برد؟ʿindak bard?Do you have a cold?
