Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| مِن فَضْلِك | min faḍlik |
| رَجَاءً | rajāʔan |
| لَو سَمَحْت | law samaḥt |
| لُطْفًا | luṭfan |
| أَرْجُوك | ʔarjūk |
These words are used as interjections to make a polite request.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase مِن فَضْلِك literally translates to "from your favor" or "from your grace".
Which one should you use?
مِن فَضْلِك is a standard polite request. In contrast, أَرْجُوك is much more intense and is used when someone is pleading or begging. لُطْفًا functions like the English word "kindly" and is often used in formal written instructions or announcements. رَجَاءً is an adverbial form used to express a request, frequently seen in official notices or formal correspondence. Finally, لَو سَمَحْت is a conversational way to say "please" or "if you'll excuse me".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
لُطْفًا and رَجَاءً are formal options. لَو سَمَحْت is more colloquial and conversational.
Is it said differently in some regions?
مِن فَضْلِك is used formally in Saudi Arabia.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form مِن فَضْلِك changes its ending based on who you are addressing: use min faḍlika for a male, min faḍliki for a female and min faḍlikum for a group.
How do you pronounce it?
min faḍlik
When do people say it?
In a formal setting, you can place your right hand over your heart while saying مِن فَضْلِك. In an informal situation, you can use a hand gesture with your palm facing upwards while saying مِن فَضْلِك.
Did you know?
- While English uses 'please' for almost every request, Arabic speakers often use phrases of religious merit or blessings instead, such as asking for something 'for the sake of God'.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, using 'please' too frequently in a family setting can actually seem distant or overly formal, as close bonds are assumed to imply mutual help.
- The word فَضْل in مِن فَضْلِك shares a root with the concept of 'surplus' or 'extra', suggesting that a request is asking for a surplus of one's kindness.
Examples in context
- مِن فَضْلِك، أَعْطِنِي القَلَمَ.min fadlik, a'tini al-qalam.Please, give me the pen.
- أُرِيدُ كُوبًا مِنَ الشَّايِ، مِن فَضْلِك.uridu kuban min ash-shay, min fadlik.I want a cup of tea, please.
- هَلْ يُمْكِنُكَ المُسَاعَدَةُ، مِن فَضْلِك؟hal yumkinuka al-musa'ada, min fadlik?Can you help, please?
Example conversation
Ahmed and Nour are at a restaurant.
- أحمد Ahmedمِن فَضْلِكِ، هل يمكنكِ تمرير الملح؟min fadliki, hal yumkinuki tamreer al-milh?Please, can you pass the salt?
- نور Nourبكل سرور، تفضل يا أحمد.bikulli suroor, tafaddal ya Ahmed.With pleasure, here you go, Ahmed.
- أحمد Ahmedشكراً جزيلاً لكِ يا نور.shukran jazeelan laki ya Nour.Thank you very much, Nour.
- نور Nourعفواً، لا شكر على واجب.afwan, la shukra ala waajib.You're welcome, no need to thank me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “please” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
