شخبارك
shakhbarak
The English phrase "sup" can be translated into Arabic as شخبارك (shakhbarak).
شخبارك is an informal greeting used to ask someone how they are doing, making it a colloquial equivalent to the English "sup".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a contraction of shu akhbarak, which literally means "what is your news?"
Which one should you use?
The form changes depending on who you are addressing: use شخبارك for a male, شخبارج for a female and شخباركم for a group.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This is a colloquial and informal way to greet someone.
Is it said differently in some regions?
شخبارك is most commonly used in the Gulf region, such as Kuwait, the UAE and Qatar, as well as in parts of the Levant.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address a female, the final consonant changes from k to j to form شخبارج. For a plural audience, add the suffix -kum to the end to form شخباركم.
How do you pronounce it?
shakhbarak
When do people say it?
A common and natural response to this greeting is تمام, which means "fine" or "everything is good".
Did you know?
- In some Gulf cultures, the greeting شخبارك is often accompanied by a light touch on the shoulder or a handshake that lasts longer than a typical Western greeting.
- The root word خبر inside شخبارك is also used in Arabic to mean 'experience' or 'expertise', linking the idea of 'news' with 'knowledge'.
- While شخبارك asks for 'news', a traditional response in the Gulf often involves a series of repetitive phrases like الحمد لله to deflect praise or avoid sounding boastful about one's current state.
Examples in context
- شخبارك اليوم؟shakhbarak al-yom?How are you doing today?
- يا هلا، شخبارك؟ya hala, shakhbarak?Hey, what's up?
- شخبارك؟ كل شيء تمام؟shakhbarak? kull shay tamam?How are you? Is everything okay?
Example conversation
Ziad and Noor meet at a cafe.
- زياد Ziadأهلين نور، شخبارك؟Ahlan Noor, shakhbarak?Hi Noor, what's up?
- نور Nourتمام، وأنت شخبارك؟Tamam, wa anta shakhbarak?I'm good, and what's up with you?
- زياد Ziadكل شيء بخير، شكراً.Kull shay bikhair, shukran.Everything is fine, thanks.
- نور Nourالحمد لله.Al-hamdulillah.Thank God.
