جزاك الله خيرا
Jazaka Allahu khayran
The English phrase 'may God reward you' is expressed in Arabic as جزاك الله خيرا (Jazaka Allahu khayran).
جزاك الله خيرا is used to express gratitude and wish a blessing upon someone for their kindness. It translates to 'May God reward you with goodness' and is used by Muslims to express gratitude in a way that invokes a blessing from God. While Shukran is a simple 'thank you', جزاك الله خيرا is a more profound religious expression of gratitude.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally breaks down into 'rewarded you (target) God (subject) goodness (object)'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix of the phrase changes depending on who you are addressing. To address a female, use جزاكِ الله خيرا (Jazaki Allahu khayran). To address a group of people, use جزاكم الله خيرا (Jazakum Allahu khayran).
How do you pronounce it?
Jazaka Allahu khayran
When do people say it?
When someone says جزاك الله خيرا to you, a common response is وإياك (Wa iyyaka), which means 'And to you too'.
Did you know?
- The word الله is a linguistic relative of the Hebrew word 'Eloah' and the Aramaic word allāhā. All these terms descend from the same ancient Proto-Semitic root.
- In some Arab cultures, using جزاك الله خيرا instead of a standard 'thank you' suggests the favor was so significant that no human could possibly repay it.
- In the phrase جزاك الله خيرا, the word 'goodness' (خيرا) is used as an indefinite noun, which in Arabic grammar can imply an unspecified, vast, and limitless amount of reward.
Examples in context
- جزاك الله خيرا على مساعدتك.Jazak Allahu khayran 'ala musa'adatik.May God reward you with goodness for your help.
- لقد أحسنت صنعاً، جزاك الله خيرا.Laqad ahsanta sun'an, jazak Allahu khayran.You have done a great job, may God reward you.
Example conversation
Youssef is thanking Layla for her help with a heavy box.
- يوسف Youssefشكراً جزيلاً يا ليلى.Shukran jazilan ya Layla.Thank you very much, Layla.
- ليلى Laylaلا شكر على واجب.La shukra 'ala wajib.No need to thank me, it was my duty.
- يوسف Youssefجزاك الله خيرا.Jazak Allahu khayran.May God reward you.
- ليلى Laylaوإياك يا يوسف.Wa iyyaka ya Youssef.And you too, Youssef.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries الله, CC BY-SA 4.0.
