Ways to say it
| Egyptian Arabic | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| سنة جديدة سعيدة | sana gedida sa'ida | |
| كل سنة وانت طيب | kol sana w enta tayeb | general yearly wish, to a male |
| كل سنة وانتي طيبة | kol sana w enti tayba | general yearly wish, to a female |
Just as often, Egyptians use the all-purpose yearly wish كل سنة وانت طيب (kol sana w enta tayeb) to a man or كل سنة وانتي طيبة (kol sana w enti tayba) to a woman, the same phrase said at birthdays and Eid.
What does it mean word for word?
سنة means 'year', جديدة means 'new' and سعيدة means 'happy'. كل سنة means 'every year' and طيب/طيبة means 'well' or 'good'.
Which one should you use?
سنة جديدة سعيدة names the new year directly, closer to a direct translation. كل سنة وانت طيب is the phrase Egyptians actually reach for most often, for the new year and other yearly occasions alike.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Both are warm and informal enough for family, friends, neighbours and coworkers.
How does it change in a sentence?
طيب changes with the person addressed: طيب to a man, طيبة to a woman and طيبين to a group.
How do you pronounce it?
سعيدة is stressed on the second syllable, sa-EE-da, with a long middle vowel.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Using only سنة جديدة سعيدة is not wrong, but adding كل سنة وانت طيب afterward sounds more natural and complete to Egyptian ears.
When do people say it?
Many Egyptians mark the new year with fireworks and gatherings, and phone calls or messages with كل سنة وانتم طيبين to a whole family are common right after midnight.
Did you know?
- كل سنة وانت طيب is one of the most flexible phrases in Egyptian Arabic, used for New Year, birthdays, Eid and any yearly occasion with the same words.
- Cairo's New Year's Eve fireworks over the Nile have become a major public event, drawing crowds to the riverside corniche each year.
Examples in context
- سنة جديدة سعيدة يا جميع!sana gedida sa'ida ya game'!Happy new year, everyone!
- كل سنة وانت طيب يا كريم.kol sana w enta tayeb ya Karim.Happy new year, Karim.
- ربنا يخليكم ويسعد سنتكم.rabbena yekhalleekom w yes'ed sanetkom.May God keep you and make your year a happy one.
Example conversation
Farida calls her friend Nabil right after midnight on New Year's Eve.
- Faridaكل سنة وانت طيب يا نبيل!kol sana w enta tayeb ya Nabil!Happy new year, Nabil!
- Nabilسنة جديدة سعيدة يا فريدة!sana gedida sa'ida ya Farida!Happy new year, Farida!
- Faridaعايزة هالسنة تكون أحلى من اللي فاتت.ayza has-sana tekoon ahla men elli fatet.I want this year to be better than the last.
- Nabilإن شاء الله، ربنا يسمع منك.inshallah, rabbena yisma' mennek.God willing, may He hear you.
