تفضل
tafaddal
The Arabic phrase for "here you go" is تفضل (tafaddal).
تفضل is a phrase used when handing an object to someone. Beyond this, it is also used to politely invite someone to enter a room or to take a seat.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the root meaning "favor" or "grace", literally inviting the person to accept the item with grace.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Levantine Arabic, you can say بتفضل (Bitfaddal) to mean "here you go".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes depending on who you are addressing: use تفضل (tafaddal) when addressing a man, تفضلي (tafaddali) when addressing a woman and تفضلوا (tafaddalu) when addressing a group of people.
How do you pronounce it?
tafaddal
Did you know?
- The word تفضل shares a root with the word for 'superb' or 'extra' in Arabic, reflecting the idea that the act of giving is a 'surplus' of kindness.
- In a formal setting, the plural form تفضلوا is often used to address even a single person of high status as a sign of extreme respect.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, saying تفضل while offering food or a seat is often accompanied by a gesture of the right hand open and facing upward.
Examples in context
- خذ يا صديقيTake it, my friend
- خذها، إنها لكTake it, it's for you
- تفضل، القهوة ساخنة.Tafaddal, al-qahwa sakhina.Here you go, the coffee is hot.
- تفضل، هذا هو الكتاب.Tafaddal, hadha huwa al-kitab.Here you go, this is the book.
- تفضل، مفاتيح السيارة.Tafaddal, mafatih al-sayyara.Here you go, the car keys.
Example conversation
Sara hands Ahmed a glass of water.
- سارة Saraتفضل يا أحمد، اشرب الماء.Tafaddal ya Ahmed, ishrab al-ma'.Here you go Ahmed, drink the water.
- أحمد Ahmedشكراً جزيلاً يا سارة.Shukran jazilan ya Sarah.Thank you very much, Sarah.
- سارة Saraعفواً، هل تريد شيئاً آخر؟Afwan, hal turid shay'an akhar?You're welcome, do you want anything else?
- أحمد Ahmedلا، شكراً لكِ.La, shukran laki.No, thank you.
