الحمد لله
The English phrase "thanks to God" is translated into Arabic as الحمد لله.
الحمد لله is used to express gratitude for a blessing or as a standard response when someone asks you "How are you?"
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of al-hamdu (the praise) and li-llah (to God/for God).
When do people say it?
الحمد لله is a ubiquitous expression in Muslim and Christian Arabic-speaking cultures, used in daily conversation regardless of the specific religious context of the speaker.
Did you know?
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, الحمد لله is often used as a 'verbal shield' when receiving good news to avoid the 'evil eye' or unintentional arrogance.
- Speakers often use الحمد لله to describe a situation that is actually bad or mediocre as a way of showing patience and acceptance of fate.
- In many Arabic dialects, people use الحمد لله as a linguistic 'punctuation mark' to end a sentence or a thought, even when they are not specifically expressing gratitude.
Examples in context
- الحمد لله، أنا بخير.al-ḥamdu lillāh, ana bikhayr.Thanks to God, I am fine.
- الحمد لله على كل شيء.al-ḥamdu lillāh ʿalā kulli shayʾ.Thanks to God for everything.
- هل انتهيت من العمل؟ الحمد لله.hal intahayta min al-ʿamal? al-ḥamdu lillāh.Are you finished with work? Thanks to God.
Example conversation
Ziad and Maryam are meeting after a long time.
- زياد Ziadكيف حالك يا مريم؟kayfa ḥāluki yā Maryam?How are you, Maryam?
- مريم Maryamالحمد لله، أنا سعيدة جدًا.al-ḥamdu lillāh, ana saʿīda jiddan.Thanks to God, I am very happy.
- زياد Ziadهذا خبر رائع!hādhā khabar rāʾiʿ!That is wonderful news!
- مريم Maryamشكرًا لك يا زياد.shukran laka yā Ziyād.Thank you, Ziad.
