بخير، شكرا
bikhayr, shukran
The English phrase "good thank you" is translated into Arabic as بخير، شكرا (bikhayr, shukran).
This phrase is a standard, polite response used when someone asks you how you are, such as after the question Kayfa haluk?
What does it mean word for word?
The word بخير is composed of the preposition bi- (meaning "in" or "with") and khayr (meaning "goodness" or "well-being").
How do you pronounce it?
bikhayr, shukran
Did you know?
- If you want to be even more religious or traditional in your response, you might replace بخير with الحمد لله (Al-hamdu lillah), which means 'Praise be to God'. This is the most common way to express that one is doing well.
- When saying شكرا, some speakers may place their right hand over their heart. This gesture conveys sincerity and deep gratitude beyond the spoken words.
- The root of بخير is shared with the word for 'charity' and 'blessing'. In Arabic, 'goodness' is not just a state of being but is closely linked to the act of doing good for others.
Examples in context
- شكرًا على المساعدة القيمة يا عزيزيThank you for your valuable help, my dear
- بخير، شكرا.bi-khayr, shukran.Good, thank you.
- أنا بخير، شكرا لك.ana bi-khayr, shukran lak.I am good, thank you.
- الحمد لله، بخير، شكرا.al-hamdu lillah, bi-khayr, shukran.Praise God, good, thank you.
Example conversation
Two friends meet at a cafe.
- نور Nourكيف حالك يا عمر؟kayfa haluka ya Omar?How are you, Omar?
- عمر Omarبخير، شكرا. وأنتِ يا نور؟bi-khayr, shukran. wa anti ya Nour?Good, thank you. And you, Nour?
- نور Nourأنا بخير أيضاً.ana bi-khayr aydan.I am good too.
- عمر Omarهذا رائع.hadha ra'i'.That is great.
