Welcome to this guide where we will explore various ways to say “please” in Lebanese. Politeness is an essential aspect of communication, and knowing how to use “please” correctly can help you navigate conversations with ease. Lebanese Arabic, known as “Levantine Arabic,” has its unique ways of expressing politeness, and we will cover both formal and informal variations.
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Formal Ways to Say “Please” in Lebanese
Formal expressions are typically used when speaking to older people, strangers, or in more official contexts. Here are a few phrases you can use to say “please” formally in Lebanese:
1. Inne/zinni
The term “inne” or “zinni” translates to “please” in English. It is commonly used in polite requests or when seeking someone’s permission. Here are a few examples:
Example 1: Can I please have a glass of water?
Lebanese: Baddi zinni ejjazar ma’.
2. Laww samaht
“Laww samaht” can be translated as “if you please” in English. It is used similarly to “please” and can be used in formal situations. Let’s see an example:
Example 2: Could you please pass me the salt?
Lebanese: Laww samaht bitjawiznayl-meel.
Informal Ways to Say “Please” in Lebanese
Informal expressions are used among friends, family, or in casual settings. They reflect a more relaxed and friendly tone. Here are some common Lebanese phrases to say “please” informally:
1. Min fadlek/min fadlik
“Min fadlek” (to a man) and “min fadlik” (to a woman) both mean “please” in Lebanese, and they are widely used in informal situations. Check out an example:
Example 3: Can you please lend me your pen?
Lebanese: Min fadlek/Min fadlik ma bet’uribne/ma bet’uribni shara.
2. Rja’/rji’
The words “rja'” (to a man) and “rji'” (to a woman) can be translated to “please” in English. They are used in a more laid-back setting among friends. Here’s an example:
Example 4: Please, call me later!
Lebanese: Rja’/rji’ til phone attul/fi’l-et3’ar/re7(t)al-telefon.
Regional Variations
Lebanese Arabic exhibits some regional variations in terms of vocabulary and pronunciation. However, when it comes to expressing “please,” the variations are minimal. The phrases mentioned above can generally be understood and used throughout Lebanon.
Additional Tips:
1. Non-verbal politeness: In Lebanese culture, showing respect and using appropriate body language is also crucial. Maintain good eye contact and use a gentle tone alongside these “please” expressions to enhance your politeness.
2. Adding “sorry” for emphasis: In certain situations, combining “please” with “sorry” can emphasize politeness. For instance:
Example 5: Could you please, sorry for bothering you, pass me the sugar?
Lebanese: Laww samaht, m’assif, bitjawizne/bitiwijezne elli-sakker.
3. Practice pronunciation: To ensure effective communication, practice saying these phrases out loud. Focus on correct pronunciation to sound more confident and natural when using them.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have learned some valuable ways to say “please” in Lebanese Arabic. Remember to match the level of formality with the appropriate setting and audience. Politeness goes a long way in fostering relationships and creating positive interactions. Embrace what you’ve learned and enjoy incorporating these phrases into your conversations. Best of luck, or as we say in Lebanese, “Bi tawfiqi!”
