In the Arabic language, saying “please in Arabic” goes beyond a single word. In fact, it’s an art of politeness that changes depending on who you’re talking to and where you are. Therefore, this article is your guide to mastering this essential phrase, from formal expressions in Modern Standard Arabic to friendly phrases in different dialects.
The Origin of “Please” in Arabic and in the Qur’an
Many ways of saying “please in Arabic” come from a root with a deep meaning. The root letters فَ ضَ لَ (f-ḍ-l) mean “to be more than enough,” “unmerited favor,” or “generosity.” This root is also found in the Qur’an and is the foundation for the most formal and respectful way of asking for something.
- Min Faḍlik (مِنْ فَضْلِكَ): This phrase literally means “from your favor” and is the most common way to say “please” in formal Arabic.
- Example: أَعْطِنِي الْقَلَمَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ. (Aʿṭinī al-qalam min faḍlika.) – Please give me the pen.
- Example: أَعْطِنِي الْقَلَمَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ. (Aʿṭinī al-qalam min faḍlika.) – Please give me the pen.
- Tafadhal (تَفَضَّل): This word means “do a favor.” It is, however, used more as an invitation, such as when you say “please come in” or “please, have a seat.”
- Example: تَفَضَّلْ بِالدُّخُولِ. (Tafaḍḍal bi-l-dukhūl.) – Please, come in.
“Please” in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)
Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is the formal version of the language used in books, news, and official settings. Accordingly, the main ways to say “please in Arabic language” in MSA change depending on the person you are addressing.
Primary Expressions of “Please” in MSA
Here is how the main phrases are used for different persons:
| Phrase (Arabic) | Transliteration | Meaning | Singular Masculine | Singular Feminine | Dual | Plural |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| مِنْ فَضْلِـك | min faḍlik | From your favor | مِن فَضْلِكَ | مِن فَضْلِكِ | مِن فَضْلِكُمَا | مِن فَضْلِكُم / مِن فَضْلِكُنَّ |
| تَفَضَّـل | tafaḍḍal | Please (as an invitation) | تَفَضَّلْ | تَفَضَّلِي | تَفَضَّلَا | تَفَضَّلُوا / تَفَضَّلْنَ |
| لَوْ سَمَحْـت | law samaḥt | If you would allow | لَوْ سَمَحْتَ | لَوْ سَمَحْتِ | لَوْ سَمَحْتُمَا | لَوْ سَمَحْتُمْ / سَمَحْتُنَّ |
| أَرْجُـوك | arjook | I beg you | أَرْجُوكَ | أَرْجُوكِ | أَرْجُوكُمَا | أَرْجُوكُمْ / أَرْجُوكُنَّ |
Examples in MSA
- Min Faḍlika (مِنْ فَضْلِكَ): أَعْطِنِي الْقَلَمَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ – Aʿṭinī al-qalam min faḍlika – Please give me the pen.
- Rajāʾan (رَجَاءً): رَجَاءً، انْتَظِرْنِي هُنَا. – Rajāʾan, intaẓirnī hunā – Please, wait for me here.
- Arjūka (أَرْجُوكَ): !أَرْجُوكَ لا تَقُلْ شَيْئًا – Arjūka lā taqul shayʾan! – Please, don’t say anything!
- Law Samaḥta (لَوْ سَمَحْتَ): لَوْ سَمَحْتَ، أَيْنَ الْمَطْعَم؟ – Law samaḥta, ayn al-maṭʿam? – Excuse me, where is the restaurant?
Please in Levantine Arabic
Levantine Arabic is spoken in countries like Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. In this region, there are many different ways to say “please in Levantine Arabic,” which makes it a rich and expressive dialect.
- Law Samaḥt (لَوْ سَمَحْت): The most common way to say “please.” It means “if you allow.” It’s used in requests and also to get someone’s attention.
- Singular Masculine: لَوْ سَمَحْت (Law samaḥt)
- Singular Feminine: لَوْ سَمَحْتِي (Law samaḥtī)
- Plural: لَوْ سَمَحْتُوا (Law samaḥtū)
- Example: لَوْ سَمَحْت، أعْطِينِي مي (Law samaḥt, aʿṭīnī māʾ.) – Please give me water.
- Iza Bitriid (إذا بِتْريد): Means “if you please,” and is a very common alternative.
- Singular Masculine: إِذَا بِتْريد (Iza bitriid)
- Singular Feminine: إِذَا بِتْرِيدِي (Iza bitrīdī)
- Plural: إِذَا بِتْرِيدُوا (Iza bitrīdū)
- Example: إِذَا بِتْريد، طَفّي الضَّو. (Iza bitriid, ṭaffī aḍ-ḍaww.) – If you please, turn off the light.
- Mumkin (مُمْكِن): Literally means “possible?” This is used to politely ask for something, like “Can you please…?” The form does not change.
- Example: مُمْكِن تْفَتِّح الشِّبَّاك؟ (Mumkin t-fattiḥ ash-shibbāk?) – Could you please open the window?
“Please” in Egyptian Arabic
Egyptian Arabic is one of the most widely understood dialects in the Arab world. Here’s how to say “please” there:
- Law Samaḥt (لَوْ سَمَحْت): This is the most popular phrase and is used in almost every situation.
- Singular Masculine: لَوْ سَمَحْت – Law samaḥt
- Singular Feminine: لَوْ سَمَحْتِي – Law samaḥtī
- Plural: لَوْ سَمَحْتُوا – Law samaḥtū
- Example: لَوْ سَمَحْت، كُوبَايَة قَهْوَة – Law samaḥt, kōbāyah qahwah. – A cup of coffee, please.
- Min Faḍlak (مِنْ فَضْلَك):A very polite way to ask for something. It is often used in more formal requests.
- Singular Masculine: مِنْ فَضْلَك – Min faḍlak
- Singular Feminine: مِنْ فَضْلِك – Min faḍlik
- Plural: مِنْ فَضْلِكُوا – Min faḍliku
- Example: مِنْ فَضْلَك، هَلْ يُمْكِنُكَ مُسَاعَدَتِي؟ – Min faḍlak, hal yumkinuka musāʿadatī? – Please, can you help me?
- Baʿd Iznak (بَعْد إِذْنَك): This phrase literally means “after your permission.” In addition, it’s a formal way to ask for something, especially from an elder or in a professional environment.
- Example: بَعْد إِذْنَك، مُمْكِن أَخْرُج؟ (Baʿd Iznak, mumkin akhruj?) – Excuse me, may I please leave?
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning how to say please in Arabic is a key step to sounding natural and polite. By understanding the formal and dialectical differences, you can, therefore, communicate more effectively and show respect to the people you are speaking with. Now you can confidently ask for things and navigate social situations with grace.
Remember, every new word you learn is a step closer to fluency. If you want to continue your journey and learn more essential phrases, Kaleela is here to help you.
