شكراً جزيلاً
shukran jazilan
In Arabic, the phrase for "thank you formally" is شكراً جزيلاً (shukran jazilan).
This phrase is a polite expression used to show gratitude in a professional or respectful manner.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adverb shukran (thanks) and the adjective jazilan (greatly/abundantly).
Which one should you use?
Adding jazilan to shukran increases the intensity and formality of the gratitude compared to just saying shukran.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word shukran is the accusative form of the noun shukr (thanks), used here as an adverbial expression.
How do you pronounce it?
shukran jazilan
When do people say it?
In Arabic culture, it is common to accompany your words with a hand over your heart or a slight bow as a sign of sincerity when expressing thanks. The standard response to shukran is عفواً.
Did you know?
- In some Arab dialects, people avoid shukran and instead use ya'tik al-afiya, which literally asks God to 'give you health' as a way of showing professional gratitude.
- In some Gulf countries, saying shukran too frequently in a casual setting can actually feel overly formal or distant, almost like creating a social barrier between friends.
- In a professional setting, some may respond to شكراً جزيلاً with لا شكر على واجب, which translates to 'No thanks are needed for a duty'.
Examples in context
- شُكْرًا جَزِيلًاThank you very much
- أَشْكُرُكُمْ مِنْ كُلِّ قَلْبِيI thank you from the bottom of my heart
- أَنَا مَمْتُنٌّ لَكُمْI am grateful to you
- لَا أَمْلِكُ كَلِمَاتٍ تَعْبِرُ عَنْ شُكْرِي الْعَمِيقِI don't have words to express my deep gratitude
- شُكْرًاThanks
- جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًاMay God reward you with goodness
- شكراً جزيلاً على مساعدتك.shukran jazilan 'ala musa'adatika.Thank you very much for your help.
- شكراً جزيلاً لك يا أستاذ.shukran jazilan laka ya ustadh.Thank you very much, professor.
- شكراً جزيلاً على هذه الفرصة.shukran jazilan 'ala hadhihi al-fursa.Thank you very much for this opportunity.
Example conversation
A professional meeting in an office.
- مريم Maryamشكراً جزيلاً على وقتك يا يوسف.shukran jazilan 'ala waqtika ya Yusuf.Thank you very much for your time, Yusuf.
- يوسف Youssefلا شكر على واجب يا مريم.la shukra 'ala wajib ya Maryam.You are very welcome, Maryam.
- مريم Maryamأنا أقدر هذا التعاون كثيراً.ana uqadir hadha al-ta'awun kathiran.I appreciate this cooperation very much.
- يوسف Youssefالعفو، أتمنى لكِ يوماً سعيداً.al-'afw, atamanna laki yawman sa'idan.You're welcome, I wish you a happy day.
