صباح الخير
ṣabāḥ el-khēreveryday, greeting
The standard Lebanese morning greeting is صباح الخير (ṣabāḥ el-khēr), "morning of goodness". The reply is صباح النور (ṣabāḥ en-nūr), "morning of light". It is also called بونجور (bonjūr).
Meaning: morning greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Lebanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| صباح الخير | ṣabāḥ el-khēr | everyday, greeting |
| صباح النور | ṣabāḥ en-nūr | reply |
| بونجور | bonjūr | casual, French loan |
Say it to neighbors, shopkeepers and colleagues. It is used until around midday.
Which one should you use?
A warmer reply is صباح الورد (ṣabāḥ el-ward), "morning of roses". In Lebanon you will also hear the French بونجور (bonjūr), especially in shops and among younger people.
How do you pronounce it?
The long ē in خير (khēr) is typical of Lebanese speech, where standard Arabic has "khayr".
Did you know?
- The pairing of خير (khēr) "good" with نور (nūr) "light" is a classic Arabic greeting exchange, and Lebanese speakers answer a greeting with a slightly richer one.
Examples in context
- صباح الخير، كيفك؟ṣabāḥ el-khēr, kīfak?Good morning, how are you?
- صباح النور، منيح الحمدللهṣabāḥ en-nūr, mnīḥ el-ḥamdellaGood morning, I am well, thank God.
- بونجور، بدّي قهوةbonjūr, baddi ʾahweGood morning, I want a coffee.
Example conversation
Tony walks into a bakery in Tripoli and greets the seller, Abu Samir.
- Tonyصباح الخير أبو سميرṣabāḥ el-khēr abu SamīrGood morning Abu Samir.
- Abu Samirصباح النور، شو بدّك اليوم؟ṣabāḥ en-nūr, shū baddak el-yōm?Good morning, what do you want today?
- Tonyبدّي كعكة وقهوةbaddi kaʿke w ʾahweI want a ka'ak bread and a coffee.
