Ways to say it
| Egyptian Arabic | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| مبروك | mabrouk | |
| ألف مبروك | alf mabrouk | warmer, emphatic |
For something bigger, a wedding, a new baby or a graduation, Egyptians add ألف, 'a thousand', saying ألف مبروك (alf mabrouk) for extra warmth.
What does it mean word for word?
مبروك comes from the root for blessing, so it literally means 'blessed'. ألف مبروك intensifies it to 'a thousand congratulations'.
Which one should you use?
مبروك works for almost any good news, a new job, a new phone or passing an exam. ألف مبروك is kept for major life events.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Both are warm and informal enough for any relationship, from a close friend to a respected elder.
How does it change in a sentence?
مبروك does not change with gender or number, it stays the same for one person or a whole family.
How do you pronounce it?
The stress falls on the second syllable, mab-ROUK, with a clear final k.
What mistakes should you avoid?
مبروك on its own, without naming the occasion, can sound vague. Egyptians usually add what the congratulations are for, such as مبروك الترقية, 'congratulations on the promotion'.
When do people say it?
The typical reply to مبروك is الله يبارك فيك (allah yebarek feek), 'may God bless you', keeping the exchange in the same spirit of blessing.
Did you know?
- The reply to مبروك is almost always الله يبارك فيك, 'may God bless you', keeping the blessing going back and forth.
- ألف مبروك, 'a thousand congratulations', follows a common Egyptian pattern of using ألف to intensify good wishes, as in ألف سلامة for someone recovering from illness.
Examples in context
- مبروك الشقة الجديدة!mabrouk esh-shaa el-gedeeda!Congratulations on the new apartment!
- ألف مبروك على الجواز!alf mabrouk ala el-gawaz!A thousand congratulations on the marriage!
- مبروك، سمعت إنك نجحت.mabrouk, sema't ennak nagaht.Congratulations, I heard you passed.
Example conversation
Heba congratulates her friend Ziad on his new job.
- Hebaألف مبروك على الوظيفة الجديدة!alf mabrouk ala el-wazeefa el-gedeeda!Congratulations on the new job!
- Ziadالله يبارك فيكي، متشكر.allah yebarek feeki, mitshakkir.May God bless you, thank you.
- Hebaكنت متأكدة إنك هتاخدها.konte mutaakkeda ennak hatakhodha.I was sure you'd get it.
- Ziadبفضل دعمك يا هبة.be-fadl da'mek ya Heba.Thanks to your support, Heba.
