أتمنى أن تكون بخير
'atamannā 'an takūna bikhayr
The English phrase "I hope you are doing well" is translated into Arabic as أتمنى أن تكون بخير ('atamannā 'an takūna bikhayr).
This phrase is a polite expression used to wish someone good health and happiness, often at the start of a letter or message.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase أتمنى أن تكون بخير literally translates to "I hope that you be in good/well".
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form أتمنى أن تكون بخير uses the masculine singular verb form takūna. To address a female, change the verb to أتمنى أن تكوني بخير. To address a group of people, change the verb to أتمنى أن تكونوا بخير.
How do you pronounce it?
'atamannā 'an takūna bikhayr
Did you know?
- The root of the particle أن might be related to هَنَاة, a word referring to 'misfortune' or an 'accident', showing how Arabic words for desire and distress can share origins.
- In many Arabic cultures, a wish for well-being is often followed by الحمد لله, which means 'praise be to God', regardless of whether the person is actually doing well.
- The phrase can be expanded into a much longer sequence of blessings, as Arabic culture often favors elaborate, multi-layered well-wishes over the brevity found in English.
Examples in context
- أتمنى أن تكون بخير، بارك الله فيكI hope you are well, may Allah bless you.
- أتمنى أن تكون بخير يا صديقي.atamannā an takūna bikhayrin yā ṣadīqī.I hope you are doing well, my friend.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries أن, بخير, CC BY-SA 4.0.
