مرحبًا بكِ
Marhaban biki
The English phrase 'hello to a woman' is translated into Arabic as مرحبًا بكِ (Marhaban biki).
مرحبًا بكِ is a greeting used to welcome or say hello to a female person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'Welcome to you' where the suffix 'ki' specifically targets a female listener.
How do you pronounce it?
Marhaban biki
Did you know?
- The word مرحبًا is derived from the root word for 'spacious' or 'wide'. By saying this, you are symbolically telling the woman that your heart or home is wide enough to accommodate her.
- Arabic grammar requires a different suffix for greetings depending on whether you speak to one woman, two women or a group of women. The 'ki' sound in بكِ changes completely if the number of female listeners increases.
- In some conservative social contexts, a man greeting a woman may avoid a handshake and instead nod or place his hand on his chest to maintain a respectful distance.
Examples in context
- مرحبًا بكِ في بيتنا.marḥaban biki fī baytinā.Welcome to our home.
- مرحبًا بكِ يا صديقتي.marḥaban biki yā ṣadīqatī.Hello, my friend.
- مرحبًا بكِ في الفريق.marḥaban biki fī al-farīq.Welcome to the team.
Example conversation
Yousef is welcoming Maryam to his office for the first time.
- يوسف Youssefمرحبًا بكِ يا مريم.marḥaban biki yā Maryam.Hello, Maryam.
- مريم Maryamشكرًا لك، يا يوسف.shukran laka, yā Yūsuf.Thank you, Yousef.
- يوسف Youssefهل تريدين القهوة؟hal turīdīna al-qahwa?Do you want coffee?
- مريم Maryamنعم، من فضلك.na'am, min faḍlik.Yes, please.
