بالهناء والشفاء
bi-l-hanā' wa-sh-shifā'
The Arabic phrase for "have a good meal" is بالهناء والشفاء (bi-l-hanā' wa-sh-shifā').
This phrase is used to wish someone enjoyment of their food and as a way to wish them health/recovery from illness through the food they consume.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of two parts: bi-l-hanā' (with happiness/pleasure) and wa-sh-shifā' (and healing/recovery).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While the words themselves are standard, this specific construction is very common in spoken Levantine and Egyptian dialects as a way to say "bon appétit". In colloquial Arabic, the phrase صحتين وهنا is used to wish others "bon appétit" or "enjoy your meal". The phrase بالعافية translates to "with good health" and is used to wish someone a satisfying meal. The expression على قلوبكم means "to your hearts" and is a warm, affectionate way to wish someone an enjoyable meal.
How do you pronounce it?
bi-l-hanā' wa-sh-shifā'
Did you know?
- The root of الهناء refers to something that 'goes down easily', describing how pleasant it is for the food to pass through the throat.
- While بالهناء والشفاء is grammatically perfect, many people in the Levant prefer the shorter, more rhythmic صحتين which literally means 'two healths'.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, if someone says بالعافية to you while you eat, it is polite to respond with a specific phrase of thanks rather than just 'thank you'.
Examples in context
- بالهنا والشفاWith pleasure and good health!
- شهية طيبةEnjoy your meal!
- جرب هذا الطبق، على قلوبكمTry this dish, to your hearts!
- بالهناء والشفاء يا صديقي.bil-hana' wa ash-shifa' ya sadiqi.Have a good meal, my friend.
- بالهناء والشفاء على قلبك.bil-hana' wa ash-shifa' 'ala qalbika.Enjoy your meal.
Example conversation
Yusuf serves dinner to Sarah.
- يوسف Youssefتفضلي يا سارة، بالهناء والشفاء.Tafaddali ya Sarah, bil-hana' wal-shifa'.Here you go, Sarah, enjoy your meal.
- سارة Saraشكراً جزيلاً يا يوسف.Shukran jazilan ya Yusuf.Thank you very much, Yusuf.
- يوسف Youssefهل الطعام لذيذ؟Hal al-ta'am ladhidh?Is the food delicious?
- سارة Saraنعم، إنه رائع جداً.Na'am, innahu ra'i' jiddan.Yes, it is very wonderful.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries بالهناء والشفاء, CC BY-SA 4.0.
