Signification
A standard positive response to 'How are you?'.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is used by people of all faiths. Arab Christians use 'Al-hamdulillah' just as much as Muslims, as it is a linguistic expression of the shared culture. Egyptians often add 'Kwayyes' (good) or 'Tamam' (perfect). They might also say 'Al-hamdu lillah' multiple times for emphasis if they are very happy. In the Levant, 'Mabsut' is very common. Using 'Bikhayr' can sound a bit more formal or like Modern Standard Arabic. The response is often followed by 'Yisallimak' (May God protect you) as a way of returning the kindness of the question.
The 'And You?' Rule
Always follow up with 'Wa ant?' (And you?) to keep the conversation polite.
Non-Religious Usage
Don't be afraid to use this if you aren't religious. It's a cultural marker of politeness, not a confession of faith.
Signification
A standard positive response to 'How are you?'.
The 'And You?' Rule
Always follow up with 'Wa ant?' (And you?) to keep the conversation polite.
Non-Religious Usage
Don't be afraid to use this if you aren't religious. It's a cultural marker of politeness, not a confession of faith.
Don't just say 'Bikhayr'
Saying only 'Bikhayr' can sound short or even slightly annoyed in some contexts. Adding 'Al-hamdulillah' softens the tone.
Teste-toi
Complete the response to the greeting.
كيف حالك؟ — _______، الحمد لله.
'Bikhayr' is the standard word used with 'Al-hamdulillah' to mean 'fine'.
Which is the most culturally natural response?
كيف الصحة؟
While others are understandable, 'Bikhayr, al-hamdulillah' is the most natural and expected response.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
أحمد: كيف حال والدك؟ خالد: هو _______، _______.
When asking about family, the same gratitude formula is used.
Match the response to the situation.
Someone asks 'How are you?' after you were sick.
This phrase is used to indicate recovery and current well-being.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Regional Variations of 'Fine'
Standard
- • بخير (Bikhayr)
Egyptian
- • كويس (Kwayyes)
Levantine
- • مبسوط (Mabsut)
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesكيف حالك؟ — _______، الحمد لله.
'Bikhayr' is the standard word used with 'Al-hamdulillah' to mean 'fine'.
كيف الصحة؟
While others are understandable, 'Bikhayr, al-hamdulillah' is the most natural and expected response.
أحمد: كيف حال والدك؟ خالد: هو _______، _______.
When asking about family, the same gratitude formula is used.
Someone asks 'How are you?' after you were sick.
This phrase is used to indicate recovery and current well-being.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsAbsolutely not. It is a universal Arabic phrase used by Christians, Jews, and atheists in the Arab world.
You can, and people will understand you, but it sounds like a translation from English. 'Al-hamdulillah' is much more natural.
You can say 'Al-hamdulillah' (to show patience) and then explain your problem, or say 'Mashi al-hal' (It's going).
It's just a difference in pronunciation/transliteration. The 'A' is more formal (MSA), while 'E' is common in dialects.
Expressions liées
الحمد لله على كل حال
specialized formPraise be to God in every condition.
تمام
synonymPerfect / Fine.
ماشي الحال
similarThe situation is walking (It's going okay).
بأحسن حال
builds onIn the best state.
