شكرا
shukraneveryday, Egyptian
The everyday word for "thanks" in Egyptian Arabic is شكرا (shukran). Many people also say ميرسي (mērsi), borrowed from French. It is also called متشكر (mutashakkir) and تسلم إيدك (tislam īdak).
Meaning: expression of thanks (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Egyptian | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| شكرا | shukran | everyday, Egyptian |
| متشكر | mutashakkir | to say it about yourself, as a man |
| ميرسي | mērsi | casual, borrowed from French |
| تسلم إيدك | tislam īdak | for something someone did or made, Egyptian |
A man can say متشكر (mutashakkir) and a woman متشكرة (mutashakkira), "I am thankful". To thank someone for food or work, Egyptians say تسلم إيدك (tislam īdak), "bless your hands".
Which one should you use?
شكرا (shukran) is the same as in Standard Arabic, while ميرسي (mērsi) is very casual. تسلم إيدك (tislam īdak) is warmer and more personal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes with the listener: تسلم إيدك (tislam īdak) to a man, تسلم إيدك (tislam īdik) to a woman and تسلم إيديكم (tislam īdēkum) to a group.
When do people say it?
The usual replies are العفو (el-ʿafw) and ولا يهمك (wala yihimmak), "do not worry about it".
Did you know?
- After a meal Egyptians say تسلم إيدك (tislam īdik) to the cook, and the cook usually answers الله يسلمك (Allāh yisallimak).
Examples in context
- شكرا على المساعدة.shukran ʿala l-musāʿda.Thanks for the help.
- ميرسي قوي.mērsi ʾawi.Thanks a lot.
- تسلم إيدك، الأكل جميل.tislam īdik, el-akl gamīl.Bless your hands, the food is lovely.
Example conversation
Ramy finishes lunch at his aunt Hoda's house in Giza.
- Ramyتسلم إيدك يا طنط، الأكل جميل.tislam īdik yā ṭanṭ, el-akl gamīl.Bless your hands, Auntie, the food is lovely.
- Hodaبالهنا والشفا يا حبيبي.bil-hana wish-shifa yā ḥabībi.Enjoy it and be well, dear.
- Ramyشكرا، كله كان رائع.shukran, kullu kān rāʾiʿ.Thanks, everything was great.
