What does it mean word for word?
The phrase أتمنى لك الخير is composed of atamanna (I wish), laka (to you) and al-khayr (the good/well-being).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
أتمنى لك الخير is a standard and polite phrase suitable for both formal and semi-formal written or spoken contexts. For a more formal way to express concern for someone's health and well-being, you may use تمنياتي بالصحة والعافية. In informal settings, such as in Egyptian Arabic, you might say بالتوفيق يا حبيبي (Good luck, my dear) or in Gulf Arabic, you might say ربي يوفّقك (May God grant you success).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egyptian Arabic, بالتوفيق يا حبيبي is an informal way to express well-wishes. In Gulf Arabic, ربي يوفّقك is an informal expression used to mean "May God grant you success".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes depending on whom you are addressing. To address a female, use أتمنى لكِ الخير (atamanna laki al-khayr). To address a group of people, use أتمنى لكم الخير (atamanna lakum al-khayr).
How do you pronounce it?
atamanna laka al-khayr
Did you know?
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, a wish for 'goodness' is often accompanied by the phrase إن شاء الله (if God wills), as it is traditionally considered unlucky to wish for the future without acknowledging divine will.
- The word عافية (afiya) in the formal phrase for health comes from a root meaning 'to forgive' or 'to spare', suggesting that health is a state of being spared from illness.
- When wishing someone success with بالتوفيق, the root word relates to 'steering' or 'guidance', implying that you wish for their path to be aligned correctly.
Examples in context
- أتمنى لك الخير في حياتك.Atamanna laka al-khayra fi hayatik.I wish you well in your life.
- أتمنى لك الخير في عملك الجديد.Atamanna laka al-khayra fi 'amalika al-jadid.I wish you well in your new job.
- أتمنى لك الخير دائماً.Atamanna laka al-khayra da'iman.I wish you well always.
Example conversation
Ahmed and Sarah are saying goodbye after a long friendship ended.
- أحمد Ahmedسارة، يجب أن نودع بعضنا الآن.Sāra, yajibu an nuwaddi' ba'dana al-ān.Sarah, we must say goodbye to each other now.
- سارة Saraأنا موافقة، أتمنى لك التوفيق.Ana muwāfiqah, atamannā laka at-tawfīq.I agree, I wish you success.
- أحمد Ahmedشكراً لكِ، وأنا أيضاً أتمنى لك الخير.Shukran laki, wa ana ayḍan atamannā laki al-khayr.Thank you, and I also wish you well.
- سارة Saraشكراً يا أحمد، وداعاً.Shukran yā Ahmad, wadā'an.Thank you Ahmed, goodbye.
