Signification
A polite invitation to a group to proceed or accept something.
Contexte culturel
In the Levant, hospitality is very expressive. You might hear 'Tafaddalu' followed by 'Ahlan wa Sahlan' (Welcome) and 'Ya Meet Ahla' (A hundred welcomes). It's common to physically guide guests by the shoulder while saying it. In the Gulf, 'Tafaddalu' is central to the coffee ritual. When the 'Dallah' (coffee pot) is brought out, the host will say 'Tafaddalu' to the most senior person first. It is a sign of deep respect. Egyptians often use 'Itfaddalu' with a very warm, melodic tone. In Cairo, if you are eating in public and someone passes by, it is customary to say 'Itfaddal' to invite them to share your food, even if you don't know them. In Morocco, 'Tafaddalu' is often used when inviting guests to the 'Siniya' (tea tray). The hospitality is elaborate, and the word is used to mark each stage of the tea ceremony.
The Hand Gesture
Always pair 'Tafaddalu' with a gesture. Use an open palm facing upward, pointing in the direction you want the people to go. Never point with one finger.
Gender Matters
Even if you are speaking to a group of 100 women, if there is even one man in the group, you must use the masculine plural 'Tafaddalu.'
Signification
A polite invitation to a group to proceed or accept something.
The Hand Gesture
Always pair 'Tafaddalu' with a gesture. Use an open palm facing upward, pointing in the direction you want the people to go. Never point with one finger.
Gender Matters
Even if you are speaking to a group of 100 women, if there is even one man in the group, you must use the masculine plural 'Tafaddalu.'
The Response
If someone says 'Tafaddalu' to you, the most 'native' sounding response is 'Zad fadlak' (to a man) or 'Zad fadlik' (to a woman). It makes you sound very sophisticated!
Teste-toi
You are at the door with three friends. Which word do you use to let them enter first?
____، ادخلوا البيت.
Since you are speaking to a group (plural), 'Tafaddalu' is the correct form.
Complete the dialogue with the correct response.
Host: تفضلوا القهوة. Guest: ____.
'Zad fadlak' is the traditional polite response to 'Tafaddal/u.'
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Match 'تفضلوا بأسئلتكم' with its context.
'As'ila' means questions, so this is used at the end of a presentation.
What would the manager say to invite the team to start the meeting?
Manager: يا شباب، ____، نبدأ الاجتماع الآن.
'Tafaddalu' is used to signal the start of an action or to give the floor to the group.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to say 'Tafaddalu'
At the Door
- • Letting guests in
- • Letting people exit
- • Elevator etiquette
At the Table
- • Starting a meal
- • Offering a drink
- • Passing the salt
In Conversation
- • Inviting a speaker
- • Asking for questions
- • Yielding the floor
Banque d exercices
4 exercices____، ادخلوا البيت.
Since you are speaking to a group (plural), 'Tafaddalu' is the correct form.
Host: تفضلوا القهوة. Guest: ____.
'Zad fadlak' is the traditional polite response to 'Tafaddal/u.'
Match 'تفضلوا بأسئلتكم' with its context.
'As'ila' means questions, so this is used at the end of a presentation.
Manager: يا شباب، ____، نبدأ الاجتماع الآن.
'Tafaddalu' is used to signal the start of an action or to give the floor to the group.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
6 questionsNo. For 'You're welcome,' use 'Afwan' (عفواً). 'Tafaddalu' is only for invitations.
Yes, if you are sending a group invite or sharing a link/file, you can write 'تفضلوا الرابط' (Please, here is the link).
'Tafaddalu' is formal (MSA), while 'Itfaddalu' is the dialect version used in daily life in Egypt and the Levant.
In a hospitality context, saying it 2-3 times is normal to show you are being sincere.
Grammatically, you should use 'Tafaddalna,' but in modern speech, 'Tafaddalu' is widely accepted for any group.
Yes, handing something over in silence can feel abrupt or cold in Arab culture. Always say 'Tafaddalu.'
Expressions liées
تفضل
specialized formPlease (to a male)
من فضلك
similarPlease (requesting)
أهلاً وسهلاً
builds onWelcome
زاد فضلك
contrastMay your grace increase
على راسي
specialized formOn my head (with pleasure)
