بالهنا والشفا
bil-hana w esh-shifaeveryday, Lebanon
To wish someone an enjoyable meal in Lebanese Arabic, say بالهنا والشفا (bil-hana w esh-shifa). A warmer version is صحتين وعافية (ṣaḥtēn w ʿāfye), "two healths and wellness".
Meaning: a wish for someone who is eating (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Lebanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| بالهنا والشفا | bil-hana w esh-shifa | everyday, Lebanon |
| صحتين وعافية | ṣaḥtēn w ʿāfye | warm |
You say it when food is served or when you see people eating. It works at a family table and in a restaurant.
Which one should you use?
The short form صحتين (ṣaḥtēn) is more casual, and the longer wishes sound polite and warm.
Did you know?
- The word هنا (hana) in this wish means happiness and ease, and it is not the same as هون (hōn), "here".
Examples in context
- بالهنا والشفاbil-hana w esh-shifaEnjoy your meal.
- صحتين وعافيةṣaḥtēn w ʿāfyeEnjoy your meal and be well.
- تفضلوا عالغداtfaḍḍalo ʿal-ghadaPlease come to lunch.
Example conversation
Waiter Elias brings the main course to Sara and Maher at a restaurant in Byblos.
- Eliasتفضلوا، بالهنا والشفاtfaḍḍalo, bil-hana w esh-shifaHere you are, enjoy your meal.
- SaraيسلموyislamoThank you.
- Maherشكلو كتير طيبshaklo ktīr ṭayyebIt looks very good.
