Ways to say it
| Palestinian Arabic | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| شكرا | shukran | |
| يعطيك العافية | yatik al-afye | for help or work |
For someone who has worked hard for you, such as a cook or a repairman, Palestinians add the warmer blessing يعطيك العافية (yatik al-afye), 'may He give you strength'.
What does it mean word for word?
شكرا is the general Arabic root for gratitude. يعطيك العافية joins يعطي, 'gives', and العافية, 'health and strength'.
Which one should you use?
شكرا fits any small favour. يعطيك العافية is specifically for effort and work, expected after a meal someone cooked or a job someone finished.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Both are polite in any setting. يعطيك العافية feels warmer and more personal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase is shared across the Levant, and is especially common as a reply to home-cooked food.
How does it change in a sentence?
The ending in يعطيك means 'you' to a man. To a woman it becomes يعطيكي (yatiki).
How do you pronounce it?
العافية stresses the second syllable, with a soft, breathy sound on the ع.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Standard Arabic شكرا جزيلا (shukran jazilan) is understood but sounds bookish. Say شكرا كتير (shukran ktir), 'thanks a lot', in daily speech.
When do people say it?
The usual reply to يعطيك العافية is الله يعافيك (allah yafik), sending the same blessing back to the giver.
Did you know?
- يعطيك العافية is said after almost any physical effort, from cooking a meal to fixing a car, and is one of the most common blessings heard in Palestinian homes.
- The reply الله يعافيك passes the same blessing straight back to the person who said it first.
Examples in context
- شكرا كتير على المساعدة.shukran ktir 3ala l-musaada.Thank you very much for the help.
- يعطيك العافية، الأكل طيب.yatik al-afye, el-akl tayyeb.Thank you, the food is delicious.
- الله يعافيك.allah yafik.May God give you health too.
Example conversation
Rami thanks his aunt Suad for cooking a big family lunch.
- Ramiيعطيك العافية خالتي، الأكل كان زاكي.yatik al-afye khalti, el-akl kan zaki.Thank you aunt, the food was delicious.
- Suadالله يعافيك يا رامي.allah yafik ya Rami.God give you health too, Rami.
- Ramiشكرا كتير على التعب.shukran ktir 3ala t-ta3ab.Thank you so much for the effort.
- Suadولا يهمك، بتسلم.wala yhimmak, btsallam.Don't worry about it, you're welcome.
