من فضلك وشكرا
min fadlik wa-shukran
The phrase "please and thank you" in Arabic is من فضلك وشكرا (min fadlik wa-shukran).
This phrase is a polite combination used to make a request and express gratitude. Unlike the English idiomatic unit, this Arabic phrase consists of two distinct polite expressions joined together by a conjunction.
Which one should you use?
While English speakers often use "please and thank you" as a single idiomatic unit, in Arabic, these are two distinct polite expressions joined by "and".
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term Mashkor is a colloquial way to say thank you. Additionally, some Arabic speakers use the word Merci, which is borrowed from French, to mean thank you.
How do you pronounce it?
min fadlik wa-shukran
Did you know?
- While 'please' is often expressed through the phrase من فضلك, which literally refers to 'your grace' or 'your virtue', it reflects a cultural way of placing the speaker in a position of humility.
- In many Arabic-speaking regions, instead of just saying 'thank you', one might use a religious-toned phrase like بارك الله فيك ('May God bless you') to express deep gratitude.
- While من فضلك is the standard for 'please', some dialects use لو سمحت (law samaht), which literally translates to 'if you permit'.
Example conversation
Youssef asks Sarah for a glass of water.
- يوسف Youssefأريد كوب ماء، من فضلك وشكرا.Uridu kub ma', min fadlik wa shukran.I want a glass of water, please and thank you.
- سارة Saraتفضل يا يوسف، ها هو الماء.Tafaddal ya Youssef, ha huwa al-ma'.Here you go, Youssef, here is the water.
- يوسف Youssefأنتِ لطيفة جداً يا سارة.Anti latifa jiddan ya Sarah.You are very kind, Sarah.
- سارة Saraلا شكر على واجب.La shukr 'ala wajib.You are welcome.
