شكرا
shukraneveryday
In Saudi Arabia you say شكرا (shukran) for "thank you". To thank someone for their effort, Saudis often say يعطيك العافية (yʿaṭīk al-ʿāfiya), "may God give you health". It is also called جزاك الله خير (jazāk Allāh khayr).
Meaning: expression of thanks (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| شكرا | shukran | everyday |
| يعطيك العافية | yʿaṭīk al-ʿāfiya | warm, Saudi |
| جزاك الله خير | jazāk Allāh khayr | religious |
The reply to شكرا is عفوا (ʿafwan), "you are welcome", and the reply to يعطيك العافية is الله يعافيك (Allāh yʿāfīk).
Which one should you use?
جزاك الله خير (jazāk Allāh khayr), "may God reward you with good", is more religious and shows deep gratitude.
Did you know?
- يعطيك العافية (yʿaṭīk al-ʿāfiya) is said in Saudi Arabia to anyone who has just worked or helped, such as a shop assistant or a driver.
Examples in context
- شكرا جزيلاshukran jazīlanThank you very much.
- يعطيك العافية على الضيافةyʿaṭīk al-ʿāfiya ʿala ḍ-ḍiyāfaThank you for the hospitality.
- جزاك الله خيرjazāk Allāh khayrMay God reward you.
Example conversation
Waleed thanks a taxi driver named Ibrahim at the airport in Jeddah.
- Waleedشكرا يا أخshukran yā akhThank you, brother.
- Ibrahimعفوا، الله يعافيكʿafwan, Allāh yʿāfīkYou are welcome, God give you health.
- Waleedيعطيك العافيةyʿaṭīk al-ʿāfiyaThank you for your effort.
