Are you learning Arabic and looking for ways to share kind words with friends and family? A compliment in Arabic (المُجامَلَة باللغة العربية) is a key to opening hearts and building strong relationships. In this article, we’ll show you a collection of the most beautiful and most used compliments you’ll hear in the Arabic language.
Why You Need to Learn Compliment in Arabic
They are more than just words; they are an expression of appreciation and respect. Compliments show the other person that you see and value them. Learning these phrases will help you feel more integrated into Arab communities.
Popular Compliments in Arabic
Here are some compliments you can start using in your daily life:
Compliments about Appearance
- أنت وسيم جدّاً.
- Pronunciation: Anta wasīmun jiddan
- Meaning: You are very handsome.
- أنتِ جميلة جدّاً.
- Pronunciation: Anti jamīlatun jiddan
- Meaning: You are very beautiful.
- ابتسامتك رائعة.
- Pronunciation: Ibtisāmatuka rā’iʿah
- Meaning: Your smile is wonderful.
- ملابسك أنيقة جدّاً.
- Pronunciation: Malābisuka anīqah jiddan
- Meaning: Your clothes are very stylish.
- تبدو رائعاً.
- Pronunciation: Tabdū rā’iʿan
- Meaning: You look fantastic.
Compliments about Personality
- أنت شخص لطيف.
- Pronunciation: Anta shakhṣun laṭīf
- Meaning: You are a kind person.
- أنت صديق رائع.
- Pronunciation: Anta ṣadīqun rāʾiʿ
- Meaning: You are an amazing friend.
- روحك جميلة.
- Pronunciation: Rūḥuk jamīlah
- Meaning: Your soul is beautiful.
- أنت شخص إيجابي.
- Pronunciation: Anta shakhṣun īdjābī
- Meaning: You are a positive person.
- لديك حس فكاهي عالي.
- Pronunciation: Ladayka ḥissun fukāhī ʿālī
- Meaning: You have a great sense of humor.
- أنت ذكي جداً.
- Pronunciation: Anta dhakīy jiddan
- Meaning: You are very smart.
Compliments about Achievements
- عمل عظيم!
- Pronunciation: ʿAmalun ʿaẓīm
- Meaning: Great job!
- لقد قمت بعمل رائع.
- Pronunciation: Laqad qumta biʿamalin rāʾiʿ
- Meaning: You did a wonderful job.
- أنا فخور بك.
- Pronunciation: Anā fakhūrun bik
- Meaning: I am proud of you.
- أنا معجب بعملك.
- Pronunciation: Anā muʿjabun biʿamalika
- Meaning: I am impressed with your work.
- أنت مبدع.
- Pronunciation: Anta mubdiʿ
- Meaning: You are creative.
Compliments about Skills and Talents
- أنت طباخ/طباخة ماهر/ماهرة.
- Pronunciation: Anta ṭabbākhun māhir / Anti ṭabbākhah māhirah
- Meaning: You are a skilled cook.
- خطك جميل.
- Pronunciation: Khaṭṭuka jamīl
- Meaning: Your handwriting is beautiful.
- صوتك حلو.
- Pronunciation: Ṣawtuka ḥilw
- Meaning: Your voice is sweet/nice.
Compliments for Hospitality and Food
- تسلم الأيادي!
- Pronunciation: Taslam al-ayādī!
- Meaning: May your hands be safe! (A common phrase to praise a cook’s skills).
- بيتك عامر!
- Pronunciation: Baytak ʿāmir!
- Meaning: May your house always be full of life! (A compliment for a good host).
- الأكل لذيذ جدّاً.
- Pronunciation: Al-akl ladhīdh jiddan
- Meaning: The food is very delicious.
Compliments for Children and Family
- ما شاء الله!
- Pronunciation: Mā Shāʾ Allāh!
- Meaning: God has willed it! (A must-know phrase for complimenting children or a family without fear of the evil eye).
- الله يحفظهم.
- Pronunciation: Allāh yaḥfaẓhum.
- Meaning: May God protect them. (This is a common reply, for instance, when someone shows you a picture of their children.)
- ربنا يخليه/يخليها.
- Pronunciation: Rabbunā ykhallīh / ykhallīhā
- Meaning: May God keep him/her. (A common wish for a child).
Compliments for Possessions
- سيارتك جميلة.
- Pronunciation: Sayyāratuk jamīlah
- Meaning: Your car is beautiful.
- لباسك الجديد رائع.
- Pronunciation: Libāsuk al-jadīd rāʾiʿ
- Meaning: Your new outfit is wonderful.
- جوالك جديد؟ ألف مبروك.
- Pronunciation: Jawwālak jadīd? Alf mabrook
- Meaning: Is your phone new? A thousand congratulations.
How to Respond to Compliments
Just as giving a compliment is important, knowing how to respond is crucial. Here are some common replies:
- شكراً جزيلاً!
- Pronunciation: Shukran jazīlan!
- Meaning: Thank you very much!
- هذا من ذوقك.
- Pronunciation: Hādhā min dhawqik.
- Meaning: That’s your kindness/good taste.
- الله يخليك.
- Pronunciation: Allāh ykhallīk
- Meaning: May God keep you safe.
- عيونك الحلوة.
- Pronunciation: ʿUyūnak al-ḥilwah.
- Meaning: Your eyes are what’s beautiful.
- تسلم!
- Pronunciation: Taslam!
- Meaning: May you be safe and well!
Additional Cultural Tips for Complimenting
While mastering the words is a great start, a true compliment in Arabic also comes with cultural understanding. Here are a few essential tips to keep in mind to make sure your kind words land perfectly.
- Be Sincere: A sincere compliment is most valuable precisely because it comes from the heart.
- Use it at the Right Time: Because a compliment is most meaningful when it’s sincere, you should only say it when you truly feel it. You can use it in a conversation, or right after someone achieves a goal.
- Gender and Relationship: In some Arab cultures, it might be best to avoid direct compliments about the appearance of someone of the opposite gender you don’t know well.
Conclusion
Learning to give a compliment in Arabic is a huge step in your language journey, opening doors to deeper connections and cultural understanding. It shows people you care and respect their culture. But this guide is just the beginning! To master these phrases and become truly fluent, you need consistent practice. Download the Kaleela app today and start your journey with interactive lessons, fun activities, and daily practice that will have you speaking like a native in no time.
