In 15 Seconds
- The essential Arabic phrase for welcoming someone into a physical space.
- Must be conjugated based on who you are talking to.
- Combines 'please/go ahead' with the command 'enter' for maximum politeness.
Meaning
A warm and polite way to invite someone to enter a room, home, or office. It combines 'please' or 'be my guest' with the command to 'enter.'
Key Examples
3 of 6A friend arrives at your house
يا أهلاً يا خالد، اتفضل ادخل!
Welcome Khalid, please come in!
A colleague knocks on your office door
اتفضل ادخل، المكتب مكتبك.
Please come in, the office is yours.
Inviting a female neighbor inside
يا جارتي العزيزة، اتفضلي ادخلي.
My dear neighbor, please come in.
Cultural Background
Egyptians are known for 'Azuma' (insistent invitation). They might say 'Etfaddal' five times before you actually enter, and it's polite to decline slightly the first time before accepting. In Lebanon and Syria, the word 'Fūt' is used instead of 'Edkhol'. It sounds very cozy and welcoming. Hospitality is often accompanied by the smell of Bukhoor (incense). Saying 'Hayaak' or 'Tfaddal' is the signal to enter the Majlis. In Morocco or Algeria, you might hear 'Tfaddal' followed by 'Zid l-daakhel' (Come further inside).
The Hand Gesture
Always accompany the phrase with a sweeping hand gesture toward the entrance. It shows sincerity.
Gender Matters
Always check if you are speaking to a man or a woman. 'Etfaddali' is essential for women.
In 15 Seconds
- The essential Arabic phrase for welcoming someone into a physical space.
- Must be conjugated based on who you are talking to.
- Combines 'please/go ahead' with the command 'enter' for maximum politeness.
What It Means
Think of اتفضل ادخل as the verbal version of opening your arms wide. It is the gold standard of Arabic hospitality. It literally means "be so kind as to enter," but it feels much warmer. It is like saying "my home is your home." It removes the awkwardness of someone standing at the threshold. You are giving them permission and a warm welcome simultaneously. It is one of the first phrases you should learn. It shows you have zoq, which means good manners and taste.
How To Use It
You will use this phrase almost every time you host someone. If you are talking to a man, say itfaddal udkhul. For a woman, you change it to itfaddali udkhuli. If you are welcoming a group, use itfaddalu udkhulu. It is often accompanied by a sweeping hand gesture toward the door. This gesture is just as important as the words. It guides the guest physically and emotionally into your space. Don't be shy with it! A little smile goes a long way here.
When To Use It
Use it at your front door when a friend arrives. Use it at your office when a colleague knocks. You can even use it at a restaurant if you are hosting a dinner. It is perfect for when the delivery driver brings your food. It is also great for formal meetings to show respect. Basically, any time a door is a barrier, this phrase breaks it down. It makes the guest feel expected and wanted.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you are in a rush and want someone to leave! It is strictly for inviting people *in*. Also, avoid using it for "entering" a digital space like a Zoom call. It is mostly for physical rooms and buildings. Don't use the masculine version itfaddal for a woman; it sounds a bit blunt. Avoid saying it with a flat, bored voice. That makes it feel like a chore rather than a welcome. Arabic is a language of emotion, so put some heart into it!
Cultural Background
In Arab culture, a guest is considered a blessing from God. Hospitality is not just a polite habit; it is a core identity. The word itfaddal comes from the root for "grace" or "favor." By saying this, you are essentially offering your grace to the guest. Historically, welcoming travelers was a survival necessity in the desert. Today, that ancient tradition lives on in these simple words. Even if your apartment is tiny, saying اتفضل ادخل makes it feel like a palace.
Common Variations
In Egypt, you might hear itfaddal khush instead of udkhul. In the Levant (Lebanon or Syria), people often say tfaddal foot. In very formal Modern Standard Arabic, it becomes tafaddal bil-dukhul. Some people just say itfaddal and point, which is perfectly fine too. If you want to be extra fancy, you can say ya ahlan, itfaddal. This adds a "welcome" to the start. No matter the dialect, the itfaddal part is the universal key to being a great host.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral to friendly. It is perfectly safe for A1 learners to use in any social or professional setting. Just remember to match the ending to the gender of the person you are welcoming.
The Hand Gesture
Always accompany the phrase with a sweeping hand gesture toward the entrance. It shows sincerity.
Gender Matters
Always check if you are speaking to a man or a woman. 'Etfaddali' is essential for women.
The Response
If someone says this to you, reply with 'Zid Fadlak' to sound like a native speaker.
Repetition
Don't be afraid to say it twice. It makes you sound more welcoming.
Examples
6يا أهلاً يا خالد، اتفضل ادخل!
Welcome Khalid, please come in!
Adding 'Ya ahlan' makes it even more welcoming.
اتفضل ادخل، المكتب مكتبك.
Please come in, the office is yours.
The phrase 'the office is yours' is a common polite exaggeration.
يا جارتي العزيزة، اتفضلي ادخلي.
My dear neighbor, please come in.
Note the feminine endings '-i' on both words.
الباب مفتوح، اتفضل ادخل.
The door is open, go ahead and come in.
Used to tell someone they don't need to knock.
يا مشمش، اتفضل ادخل بسرعة!
Mishmish (cat name), please come in quickly!
Using polite language with pets is a common source of humor.
يا جماعة، اتفضلوا ادخلوا، البيت نوّر!
Everyone, please come in, the house is lit up by you!
Uses the plural form and a common compliment for guests.
Test Yourself
You are welcoming a female friend to your house. Which phrase do you use?
Welcoming Sarah:
You must use the feminine singular forms: 'Etfaddali' and 'Edkhuli'.
Complete the dialogue with the correct plural form.
Host: يا شباب، تفضلوا _______.
The plural 'Tafaddalu' must be followed by the plural imperative 'Edkhulu'.
Match the phrase to the correct level of formality.
1. تفضل بالدخول | 2. تفضل ادخل | 3. خش يا معلم
'Tafaddal bi-al-dukhul' is formal, 'Etfaddal edkhol' is neutral, and 'Khosh' is slang.
What is the most polite response to 'Etfaddal edkhol'?
Host: تفضل ادخل. | Guest: _______.
'Zid Fadlak' (May your grace increase) is the traditional and most polite response.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use 'Etfaddal edkhol'
Home
- • Guests
- • Neighbors
- • Family
Work
- • Clients
- • Colleagues
- • Interviews
Public
- • Taxis
- • Shops
- • Clinics
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWelcoming Sarah:
You must use the feminine singular forms: 'Etfaddali' and 'Edkhuli'.
Host: يا شباب، تفضلوا _______.
The plural 'Tafaddalu' must be followed by the plural imperative 'Edkhulu'.
1. تفضل بالدخول | 2. تفضل ادخل | 3. خش يا معلم
'Tafaddal bi-al-dukhul' is formal, 'Etfaddal edkhol' is neutral, and 'Khosh' is slang.
Host: تفضل ادخل. | Guest: _______.
'Zid Fadlak' (May your grace increase) is the traditional and most polite response.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, if you are gesturing toward the door, 'Etfaddal' alone is perfectly fine and very common.
On its own, yes. It sounds like a command. Always pair it with 'Etfaddal'.
Use the plural: 'Etfaddalu edkhulu'.
Yes, though the pronunciation of 'Etfaddal' might change slightly (e.g., 'Tfaddal' in Levantine).
It comes from 'Fadl' (grace), so it means 'Be so graceful as to...'
Yes! If you are giving someone a ride, you can say 'Etfaddal edkhol' as you open the car door.
Use the same phrase, but perhaps add 'Ya basha' or 'Ya Sayyidi' for extra respect.
Yes, 'Tafaddal bi-al-dukhul' is used in very formal or written contexts.
Usually just 'Etfaddal' (here you go) for the money/food, but 'Etfaddal edkhol' if you want them to step inside.
It is 'Edkhuli'.
Related Phrases
أهلاً وسهلاً
similarWelcome
زيد فضلك
builds onMay your grace increase
البيت بيتك
similarThe house is your house
تفضل استريح
builds onPlease sit/rest
نورت البيت
similarYou lit up the house
