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
- You are very handsome.
- Pronunciation: Anta wasīmun jiddan
- Meaning: أنت وسيم جدّاً.
- You are very beautiful.
- Pronunciation: Anti jamīlatun jiddan
- Meaning: أنتِ جميلة جدّاً.
- Your smile is wonderful.
- Pronunciation: Ibtisāmatuka rā’iʿah
- Meaning: ابتسامتك رائعة.
- Your clothes are very stylish.
- Pronunciation: Malābisuka anīqah jiddan
- Meaning: ملابسك أنيقة جدّاً.
- You look fantastic.
- Pronunciation: Tabdū rā’iʿan
- Meaning: تبدو رائعاً.
Compliments about Personality
- You are a kind person.
- Pronunciation: Anta shakhṣun laṭīf
- Meaning: أنت شخص لطيف.
- You are an amazing friend.
- Pronunciation: Anta ṣadīqun rāʾiʿ
- Meaning: أنت صديق رائع.
- Your soul is beautiful.
- Pronunciation: Rūḥuk jamīlah
- Meaning: روحك جميلة.
- You are a positive person.
- Pronunciation: Anta shakhṣun īdjābī
- Meaning: أنت شخص إيجابي.
- You have a great sense of humor.
- Pronunciation: Ladayka ḥissun fukāhī ʿālī
- Meaning: لديك حس فكاهي عالي.
- You are very smart.
- Pronunciation: Anta dhakīy jiddan
- Meaning: أنت ذكي جداً.
Compliments about Achievements
- Great job!
- Pronunciation: ʿAmalun ʿaẓīm
- Meaning: عمل عظيم!
- You did a wonderful job.
- Pronunciation: Laqad qumta biʿamalin rāʾiʿ
- Meaning: لقد قمت بعمل رائع.
- I am proud of you.
- Pronunciation: Anā fakhūrun bik
- Meaning: أنا فخور بك.
- I am impressed with your work.
- Pronunciation: Anā muʿjabun biʿamalika
- Meaning: أنا معجب بعملك.
- You are creative.
- Pronunciation: Anta mubdiʿ
- Meaning: أنت مبدع.
Compliments about Skills and Talents
- You are a skilled cook.
- Pronunciation: Anta ṭabbākhun māhir / Anti ṭabbākhah māhirah
- Meaning: أنت طباخ/طباخة ماهر/ماهرة.
- Your handwriting is beautiful.
- Pronunciation: Khaṭṭuka jamīl
- Meaning: خطك جميل.
- Your voice is sweet/nice.
- Pronunciation: Ṣawtuka ḥilw
- Meaning: صوتك حلو.
Compliments for Hospitality and Food
- May your hands be safe! (A common phrase to praise a cook’s skills).
- Pronunciation: Taslam al-ayādī!
- Meaning: تسلم الأيادي!
- May your house always be full of life! (A compliment for a good host).
- Pronunciation: Baytak ʿāmir!
- Meaning: بيتك عامر!
- The food is very delicious.
- Pronunciation: Al-akl ladhīdh jiddan
- Meaning: الأكل لذيذ جدّاً.
Compliments for Children and Family
- God has willed it! (A must-know phrase for complimenting children or a family without fear of the evil eye).
- Pronunciation: Mā Shāʾ Allāh!
- Meaning: ما شاء الله!
- May God protect them. (This is a common reply, for instance, when someone shows you a picture of their children.)
- Pronunciation: Allāh yaḥfaẓhum.
- Meaning: الله يحفظهم.
- May God keep him/her. (A common wish for a child).
- Pronunciation: Rabbunā ykhallīh / ykhallīhā
- Meaning: ربنا يخليه/يخليها.
Compliments for Possessions
- Your car is beautiful.
- Pronunciation: Sayyāratuk jamīlah
- Meaning: سيارتك جميلة.
- Your new outfit is wonderful.
- Pronunciation: Libāsuk al-jadīd rāʾiʿ
- Meaning: لباسك الجديد رائع.
- Is your phone new? A thousand congratulations.
- Pronunciation: Jawwālak jadīd? Alf mabrook
- Meaning: جوالك جديد؟ ألف مبروك.
How to Respond to Compliments
Just as giving a compliment is important, knowing how to respond is crucial. Here are some common replies:
- Thank you very much!
- Pronunciation: Shukran jazīlan!
- Meaning: شكراً جزيلاً!
- That’s your kindness/good taste.
- Pronunciation: Hādhā min dhawqik.
- Meaning: هذا من ذوقك.
- May God keep you safe.
- Pronunciation: Allāh ykhallīk
- Meaning: الله يخليك.
- Your eyes are what’s beautiful.
- Pronunciation: ʿUyūnak al-ḥilwah.
- Meaning: عيونك الحلوة.
- May you be safe and well!
- Pronunciation: Taslam!
- Meaning: تسلم!
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.