أهلا وسهلا
ahlan wa sahlan
The English phrase "hello and welcome" is translated into Arabic as أهلا وسهلا (ahlan wa sahlan).
The phrase أهلا وسهلا is used to welcome someone to a physical location, such as a home or a shop, as well as to welcome someone to a formal event or gathering.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is derived from a root meaning family, specifically the first word أهلاً, which implies that the guest is being treated as part of one's own family.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase أهلا وسهلا, both nouns use the accusative case, ending in -an, which is a standard way to express a greeting in Arabic.
How do you pronounce it?
ahlan wa sahlan
Did you know?
- The full original expression is لَقَدْ صَادَفْتُمْ أَهْلًا وَوَطِئْتُمْ سَهْلًا, which tells the guest they have found their own people and stepped onto easy ground.
- The phrase is so deeply ingrained in hospitality that it is often accompanied by a hand placed over the heart to show sincerity.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, a host may repeat أهلا وسهلا multiple times in a row to emphasize the warmth of the welcome.
Examples in context
- أهلا وسهلا في بيتنا.ahlan wa sahlan fi baytina.Hello and welcome to our home.
- أهلا وسهلا بكم في حفلتنا.ahlan wa sahlan bikum fi haflatina.Hello and welcome to our party.
- أهلا وسهلا بك في دبي.ahlan wa sahlan bika fi Dubai.Hello and welcome to Dubai.
Example conversation
Ahmed arrives at Nour's house for a dinner party.
- نور Nourأهلا وسهلا بك يا أحمد.ahlan wa sahlan bika ya Ahmad.Hello and welcome, Ahmed.
- أحمد Ahmedشكراً لكِ، يا نور.shukran laki, ya Nour.Thank you, Nour.
- نور Nourتفضل بالدخول.tufaddal bil-dukhul.Please, come in.
- أحمد Ahmedشكراً جزيلاً على الاستضافة.shukran jazilan 'ala al-istidafa.Thank you very much for the hospitality.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries أهلا, أهلا وسهلا, CC BY-SA 4.0.
