حسنا
hasanan
The English phrase "okay" can be translated into Arabic as حسنا (hasanan).
حسنا is used as an interjection to express agreement or to say "okay."
Meaning: OK (intj)
Which one should you use?
While حسنا is grammatically correct and understood, it can sound overly formal or even slightly stiff in casual daily conversation compared to dialectal versions. For agreement or approval in an informal way, people might also use يلا, which can also mean "let's go" or "come on."
Is it said differently in some regions?
تمام is widely used in several Arabic-speaking countries, including the Levantine regions and Egypt.
How do you pronounce it?
hasanan
When do people say it?
The word طيب is a widely used alternative for "okay" across many dialects and literally means "good" or "kind."
Did you know?
- In many Arabic dialects, the word طيب is often used to signal that a speaker is conceding a point or ending an argument, even if they do not fully agree.
- While تمام means 'okay' in daily speech, its root refers to something being complete or perfect, like a full moon or a finished task.
- The word طيب is so versatile that it can describe the taste of food, the character of a person, or the act of agreeing to a request.
Examples in context
- Person A: هل يمكنك إرسال هذا الملف؟ | Person B: حسنًا. سأرسله على الفور.Person A: Can you send this file? | Person B: Okay. I'll send it right away.
- Person A: نلتقي في المقهى بعد الظهر، حسنًا؟ | Person B: طيب، رائع!Person A: Shall we meet at the café this afternoon, okay? | Person B: Okay, great!
- Person A: هل ترغب في مشاهدة فيلم الليلة؟ | Person B: يلا، لنفعل ذلك!Person A: Do you feel like watching a movie tonight? | Person B: Okay, let's do it!
- Person A: هل يمكنني استخدام هذا الكمبيوتر؟ | Person B: بالتأكيد، لا بأس.Person A: Can I use this computer? | Person B: Of course, it's okay.
- Person A: هل يمكن أن نتحدث في وقت لاحق؟ | Person B: بالتأكيد، تمام.Person A: Can we talk later? | Person B: Sure, okay.
- حسنا، سأفعل ذلك الآن.hasanan, sa-af'alu dhalika al-aan.Okay, I will do that now.
- حسنا، فهمت ما تقصده.hasanan, fahimtu ma taqsudu.Okay, I understand what you mean.
- حسنا، نلتقي في المساء.hasanan, naltaqi fi al-masaa'.Okay, let's meet in the evening.
Example conversation
Ahmed and Maryam are discussing their plans for the day.
- أحمد Ahmedهل يمكنكِ مساعدتي في هذا؟hal yumkinuki musaadati fi hadha?Can you help me with this?
- مريم Maryamحسنا، سأساعدك يا أحمد.hasanan, sa-usa'iduka ya Ahmad.Okay, I will help you, Ahmed.
- أحمد Ahmedشكراً جزيلاً لكِ يا مريم.shukran jazeelan laki ya Maryam.Thank you very much, Maryam.
- مريم Maryamلا شكر على واجب.la shukra 'ala wajib.You're welcome.
