أهلاً بك
ahlan bik
The English phrase "hi back" is translated into Arabic as أهلاً بك (ahlan bik).
أهلاً بك is used as a polite and friendly way to return a greeting like 'Ahlan' (Hello/Welcome). It essentially means "welcome to you."
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Morocco, the phrase 'Marhba bik' is used to say 'hi' back informally, translating to 'welcome to you'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When responding to a woman, the suffix changes from 'bik' to أهلاً بكِ.
How do you pronounce it?
ahlan bik
Did you know?
- The word أهلاً in the phrase comes from the word for 'family', making the greeting etymologically equivalent to saying 'you are among family'.
- In some Middle Eastern cultures, responding to a greeting is not just a verbal act but is often accompanied by placing a hand over the heart to show sincerity.
- In Morocco, the alternative Marhba bik uses a word Marhba that shares a root with 'space' or 'wide place', suggesting there is plenty of room for the guest.
Example conversation
Sarah and Ziad meet at a cafe.
- سارة Saraأهلاً يا زياد!Ahlan ya Ziyad!Hi Ziad!
- زياد Ziadأهلاً بكِ يا سارة.Ahlan biki ya Sarah.Hi back, Sarah.
- سارة Saraكيف حالك اليوم؟Kayfa haluka al-yawm?How are you today?
- زياد Ziadأنا بخير، شكراً لكِ.Ana bikhayr, shukran laki.I am fine, thank you.
