Ways to say it
| Tunisian Arabic | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| الله يشفيك | allah yeshfik | |
| شفاء عاجل | shifa 3ajel | more formal, written |
الله يشفيك is the natural spoken blessing said to someone who is sick, used by family, friends and even acquaintances. شفاء عاجل (shifa 3ajel), 'a speedy recovery', is the more formal version seen on cards and in written messages.
What does it mean word for word?
الله يشفيك literally means 'may God heal you', joining الله, 'God', with the verb 'to heal' and the ending for 'you'. شفاء عاجل means 'swift healing'.
Which one should you use?
الله يشفيك sounds personal and is what you would actually say at someone's bedside. شفاء عاجل is more set-phrase and formal, closer to a card you might write.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Both fit every level of formality, the choice is mainly between a spoken blessing and a more formal written wish.
Is it said differently in some regions?
الله يشفيك as a blessing is shared across the Arabic-speaking world, including the rest of the Maghreb.
How does it change in a sentence?
يشفيك changes ending depending on who is being spoken to, يشفيك to one person and يشفيكم to several people.
How do you pronounce it?
The h in يشفيك is a light, breathy sound.
When do people say it?
Visiting a sick relative or friend in person is important in Tunisian culture, and الله يشفيك is almost always said in person rather than only in a message.
Did you know?
- الله يشفيك treats getting well as something to be wished for from God directly, the same pattern found in many Tunisian blessings for everyday situations.
- Visiting a sick person face to face, rather than only sending a message, remains an expected gesture in Tunisian family life.
Examples in context
- الله يشفيك، خذ راحتك.allah yeshfik, khu rahtek.Get well soon, take your rest.
- شفاء عاجل، نتمنى لك الصحة.shifa 3ajel, netmanna lek es-saha.A speedy recovery, I wish you health.
- الله يشفيك، نزوروك الجمعة.allah yeshfik, nzuruk el-jom3a.Get well soon, we'll visit you on Friday.
Example conversation
Ines calls her grandfather Jiddu Taher, who is recovering from a cold, to check on him.
- Inesجدو، كيفاش حالك اليوم؟jiddu, kifash halek el-youm?Grandpa, how are you feeling today?
- Jiddu Taherشوية أحسن، الحمدلله.shwaya ahsen, el-hamdulillah.A little better, thank God.
- Inesالله يشفيك، لا تتعب روحك.allah yeshfik, la tet3eb ruhek.Get well soon, don't tire yourself.
- Jiddu Taherربي يخليك يا بنتي.rabbi ykhallik ya benti.Bless you, my daughter.
