Ways to say it
| Saudi Arabic | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| نعم | na'am | |
| ابشر | abshir | informal, sure, with pleasure |
Among friends and in casual favours, Saudis often answer with ابشر (abshir), which means something closer to 'sure, with pleasure' than a plain 'yes'.
What does it mean word for word?
نعم is the Standard Arabic word for 'yes', used across every Arabic dialect. ابشر comes from a root meaning 'good news' or 'to be cheerful', so it turns 'yes' into an eager, willing answer.
Which one should you use?
نعم is a plain, neutral yes. ابشر adds warmth and willingness, often used when agreeing to help with something.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
نعم is correct in any setting, formal or casual. ابشر is informal and distinctly Gulf.
Is it said differently in some regions?
ابشر is especially associated with Saudi Arabia and is recognized across the Gulf as a mark of Saudi speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
Neither word changes with gender or number.
How do you pronounce it?
ابشر stresses the first syllable: 'AB-shir'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Using ابشر in a formal document or a serious official context would sound out of place. نعم is the safer formal choice.
When do people say it?
ابشر has become something of a cultural symbol of Saudi hospitality and willingness to help, often cited as a classic Saudi expression.
Did you know?
- ابشر is one of the most recognizably Saudi words in the Gulf, often used by Saudis abroad as a quick, cheerful way to say yes.
- The root behind ابشر is related to بشرى, 'good news', which is why the word carries a sense of eagerness beyond a plain yes.
Examples in context
- نعم، هذا صحيح.na'am, hadha sahih.Yes, that is correct.
- تقدر تساعدني؟ ابشر!tigdar tsa3idni? abshir!Can you help me? Sure, with pleasure!
- نعم، تمام كذا.na'am, tamam kadha.Yes, that is fine like this.
Example conversation
Majed asks his colleague Turki for a favour at the office.
- Majedتقدر تبعث لي الملف؟tigdar tib3ath li l-malaff?Can you send me the file?
- Turkiابشر، على طول.abshir, 3ala tul.Sure, right away.
- Majedنعم، شكرا لك.na'am, shukran lak.Yes, thank you.
- Turkiالعفو، أي وقت.al-'afw, ayy waqt.You are welcome, anytime.
