When someone you know achieves a milestone, sharing in their happiness is a wonderful way to build a connection. Learning how to say congratulations in Arabic is a crucial step in this process, as it shows respect and genuine care. From weddings to graduations, the Arabic language offers a variety of heartfelt phrases to celebrate life’s special moments. Let’s explore the most common ways to say congratulations in Arabic and learn how to congratulate someone in Arabic with confidence.
The Universal “Congratulations in Arabic”
The simplest and most widely used way to say congrats in Arabic is مَبْرُوك (mabrūk). It is a single, powerful word that is understood across the entire Arab world.
- Mabrūk (مَبْرُوك) – Congratulations!
- Usage: This is the go-to phrase for almost any positive occasion, from a new car to a new job.
- Example: You see a friend has a new phone. You can simply say, “مَبْرُوك!”
- Alf Mabrūk (أَلْف مَبْرُوك) – A thousand congratulations!
- Usage: A more enthusiastic and warm version of Mabrūk, literally meaning “a thousand blessings.” It’s perfect for big occasions like a wedding or the birth of a child.
How to Congratulate Someone in Arabic for Every Occasion
While mabrūk is versatile, using specific phrases for different events adds a layer of personalization and cultural nuance.
- For a New Baby:
- Instead of just saying mabrūk, you can say: يَتْرَبَّى بِعِزَّكُم (Yatrabba bi ʿizzakum) – “May he be raised with your honor and glory.” This is a beautiful, traditional blessing.
- For a Wedding:
- A common phrase is: بِالرَّفَاهِ وَالْبَنِين (Bil-rafāh wa al-banīn) – “With prosperity and sons.” A more modern and inclusive version is: بِالسَّعَادَة وَالْهَنَاء (Bil-sa’ādah wa al-hanāʾ) – “With happiness and bliss.”
- For a New Job or Graduation:
- You can say: بِالتَّوْفِيق (Bil-tawfīq) – “With success!”
- Or: مُبَارَك عَلَى الْعَمَل الْجَدِيد (Mubārak ʿalā al-ʿamal al-jadīd) – “Congratulations on the new job.”
- For a New Home:
- A common blessing is: دَار الْهَنَا (Dār al-hanā) – “A home of bliss.” This is a beautiful way to wish them happiness in their new house.
The Art of the Response
Knowing how to congratulate in Arabic is only half the story. The response is equally important. The most common and polite reply to any form of congratulation is:
- الله يُبَارِك فِيك (Allah yubārik fīk) – “May God bless you.”
- Usage: The phrase is often shortened to “الله يبارك فيك (Allah ybārik fīk)” in colloquial speech. Use the masculine form “فِيك (fīk)” for a male and the feminine form “فِيكِ (fīki)” for a female.
- This response shows gratitude and returns the blessing to the person who congratulated you, reinforcing the culture of mutual respect and good wishes.
The Cultural Context of Congratulations in Arabic
In Arab culture, congratulations are more than just a polite phrase; they are a public and sincere expression of shared happiness. Celebrating someone’s success, big or small, strengthens community bonds and reflects the deep-seated value of supporting one another. The exchange of greetings and blessings is a key part of this social ritual.
Ready to confidently say congratulations in Arabic and participate in these joyous moments? Download the Kaleela Arabic learning app today! Our comprehensive lessons will teach you how to express your feelings and connect with Arab culture, from basic greetings to celebratory blessings.
