شكراً وأهلاً وسهلاً
shukran wa-ahlan wa-sahlan
The English phrase "thank you and welcome" is translated into Arabic as شكراً وأهلاً وسهلاً (shukran wa-ahlan wa-sahlan).
This phrase is used to express gratitude to a guest and to greet them upon their arrival.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of shukran (thank you), wa (and) and the idiomatic greeting ahlan wa sahlan (welcome).
How do you pronounce it?
shukran wa-ahlan wa-sahlan
Did you know?
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, the hospitality implied by ahlan wa sahlan is so strong that a host may insist on paying for a guest's meal or taxi, even if the guest offers to pay several times.
- The word sahlan comes from the word for 'plain' or 'easy ground'. By saying ahlan wa sahlan, you are telling your guest they have arrived on easy ground and are not a stranger in a harsh land.
- The greeting ahlan wa sahlan is often paired with a physical gesture, such as placing the right hand over the heart after a handshake, to show that the welcome is sincere and heartfelt.
Examples in context
- شكراً وأهلاً وسهلاً بك في بيتنا.shukran wa ahlan wa sahlan bika fi baytina.Thank you and welcome to our home.
- شكراً وأهلاً وسهلاً بكم جميعاً.shukran wa ahlan wa sahlan bikum jami'an.Thank you and welcome to you all.
Example conversation
Sarah arrives at Ahmed's house for a visit.
- أحمد Ahmedشكراً وأهلاً وسهلاً بك يا سارة.Shukran wa ahlan wa sahlan biki ya Sarah.Thank you and welcome, Sarah.
- سارة Saraشكراً لك يا أحمد على الاستضافة.Shukran laka ya Ahmed ala al-istidafa.Thank you, Ahmed, for hosting me.
- أحمد Ahmedهذا من دواعي سروري، تفضلي بالدخول.Hadha min dawa'i sururi, tafaddali bi-dukhul.It is my pleasure, please come in.
- سارة Saraأنا سعيدة جداً بزيارتك اليوم.Ana sa'ida jiddan bi-ziyaratika al-yawm.I am very happy to visit you today.
