What does it mean word for word?
The phrase أتمنى لك كل خير literally translates to "I wish to you all good".
Which one should you use?
You might use أتمنى لك كل التوفيق to specifically wish someone all the success. For a more personal or religious sentiment, أسأل الله أن يحقق لك أمنياتك can be used to mean "I pray for your wishes to come true."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form أتمنى لك كل خير is suitable for formal writing or polite spoken interactions. For a more formal tone, you can use تمنياتي الطيبة لك (My best wishes to you) or أتمنى لك كل التوفيق (I wish you all the success). In informal settings, you can use the contracted form أتمنالك كل التوفيق to mean "I wish you all the success."
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Gulf Arabic, the formal way to say "I wish you all the success" is أتمنى لك كل التوفيق.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a person, the pronoun used after the verb changes based on gender and number: use أتمنى لكِ كل خير (atamannā laki kulla khayr) to address a female and use أتمنى لكم كل خير (atamannā lakum kulla khayr) to address a group of people.
How do you pronounce it?
atamannā laka kulla khayr
Did you know?
- The word لك can be used to address a group of people as لكم, which is often used in formal settings to show respect even when speaking to only one person.
- In many Arabic cultures, wishing someone 'the best' is often paired with the phrase إن شاء الله meaning 'if God wills'. This acknowledges that the future is ultimately out of human control.
- The word كل in the phrase shares a common ancestor with the Akkadian word kalûm, showing how deeply the concept of 'all' or 'every' is rooted in ancient Semitic history.
Examples in context
- أتمنى لك كل خير في عملك الجديد.atamanna laka kull khayr fi 'amalika al-jadid.I wish you the best in your new job.
- أتمنى لك كل خير دائماً.atamanna laka kull khayr da'iman.I wish you the best always.
- أتمنى لك كل خير في حياتك.atamanna laka kull khayr fi hayatik.I wish you the best in your life.
Example conversation
A man is leaving for a new city to start a new chapter.
- ليلى Laylaوداعاً يا أحمد، أتمنى لك كل خير.wad'an ya Ahmad, atamanna laka kull khayr.Goodbye Ahmad, I wish you the best.
- أحمد Ahmedشكراً جزيلاً لكِ يا ليلى.shukran jazilan laki ya Layla.Thank you very much, Layla.
- ليلى Laylaسأفتقدك كثيراً.sa-aftaqiduka kathiran.I will miss you a lot.
- أحمد Ahmedوأنا أيضاً، أراكِ قريباً.wa ana aidan, araki qariban.Me too, I will see you soon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries كل, لك, CC BY-SA 4.0.
