مساء الخير
masāʾ al-khayreveryday, afternoon and evening
Arabic has no separate phrase for the afternoon, so Saudis say مساء الخير (masāʾ al-khayr), "evening of goodness", from about midday onward. A warmer version is مساك الله بالخير (masāk Allāh bi-l-khayr). It is also called السلام عليكم (as-salāmu ʿalaykum).
Meaning: greeting used in the afternoon (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| مساء الخير | masāʾ al-khayr | everyday, afternoon and evening |
| مساك الله بالخير | masāk Allāh bi-l-khayr | warm, Gulf |
| السلام عليكم | as-salāmu ʿalaykum | any time |
The reply to مساء الخير is مساء النور (masāʾ an-nūr), "evening of light".
Which one should you use?
Many Saudis simply open with السلام عليكم (as-salāmu ʿalaykum), which fits any hour and is often preferred to a time-of-day greeting.
Did you know?
- مساء (masāʾ) covers the whole time from the afternoon prayer to night, which is why it also works as "good afternoon".
Examples in context
- مساء الخير يا أبا محمدmasāʾ al-khayr yā Abā MuḥammadGood afternoon, Abu Mohammed.
- مساك الله بالخيرmasāk Allāh bi-l-khayrMay God bless your afternoon.
Example conversation
Sara greets the shopkeeper Abdullah in a Jeddah market after lunch.
- Saraالسلام عليكم، مساء الخيرas-salāmu ʿalaykum, masāʾ al-khayrPeace be upon you, good afternoon.
- Abdullahوعليكم السلام، مساء النورwa-ʿalaykum as-salām, masāʾ an-nūrAnd peace upon you, good afternoon.
- Saraكيف حالك؟kayf ḥālak?How are you?
