أهلاً وسهلاً
ahlam wa-sahlan
The English phrase 'welcome' is translated into Arabic as أهلاً وسهلاً (ahlam wa-sahlan).
This phrase is used as a greeting to make someone feel glad and accepted when they arrive at a place. You can use it to say 'welcome to our home' with أهلاً بك في منزلنا or 'welcome to our party' with مرحباً بك في حفلتنا.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Levantine Arabic, both أهلاً وسهلاً and مرحباً are used as standard 'welcome' greetings in both formal and informal situations. In Gulf Arabic, the phrase أهلاً ومرحباً is common in both formal and informal settings, while مرحبتين is used as a casual way to say welcome.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word أهلاً can be used on its own as a shorter, more casual way to say 'welcome'.
How do you pronounce it?
ahlam wa-sahlan
When do people say it?
When someone welcomes you, a common way to respond and return the sentiment is to say أهلاً بك.
Did you know?
- The phrase أهلاً وسهلاً literally translates to 'you have come to your people and a level plain'.
- The word أهلاً is derived from the word for 'family' أهل. By saying this, you are figuratively telling the guest that they are not a stranger but are being welcomed as a member of your own family.
- In many Arabic cultures, saying أهلاً وسهلاً is often accompanied by a hand placed over the heart. This gesture signifies that the welcome is sincere and comes from the heart.
Examples in context
- أهلاً وسهلاً بك في بيتنا.Ahlan wa sahlan bika fi baytina.Welcome to our home.
- أهلاً وسهلاً بكم في دبي.Ahlan wa sahlan bikum fi Dubai.Welcome to Dubai.
- أهلاً وسهلاً، تفضل بالدخول.Ahlan wa sahlan, tafaddal bi-dukhul.Welcome, please come in.
Example conversation
Nour welcomes Ziad to her apartment.
- نور Nourأهلاً وسهلاً يا زياد!Ahlan wa sahlan ya Ziyad!Welcome, Ziad!
- زياد Ziadشكراً لكِ يا نور.Shukran laki ya Nour.Thank you, Nour.
- نور Nourكيف كانت رحلتك؟Kayfa kanat rihlatuka?How was your trip?
- زياد Ziadكانت رحلة جيدة جداً.Kanat rihla jayyida jiddan.It was a very good trip.
