Meaning
To bring joyful tidings, glad news, or a positive announcement.
Cultural Background
In the Gulf, the word 'Bishara' is often followed by a request for a 'Halawa' or 'Bishara' (a monetary gift) given to the person who brought the good news first. People often use the Form II verb 'Bashar' more frequently in daily life to mean 'to give hope' or 'to predict good things.' In Egypt, 'Bishara' is used in the context of 'Tabasheer,' often referring to the very first signs of success or the start of a season. The phrase is heavily used in traditional storytelling and 'Malhun' poetry to describe the arrival of a hero or a savior.
Use for Impact
Save this phrase for the climax of a story to emphasize the relief of the characters.
Gender Agreement
If a woman brings the news, say 'جاءت بالبشرى' (Ja'at).
Meaning
To bring joyful tidings, glad news, or a positive announcement.
Use for Impact
Save this phrase for the climax of a story to emphasize the relief of the characters.
Gender Agreement
If a woman brings the news, say 'جاءت بالبشرى' (Ja'at).
The Reward
In many Arab countries, if you say 'I have a Bishara,' people will say 'What is my reward?' before you tell them.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition to complete the idiom.
جاء الموظف _____ البشرى لزملائه بزيادة الرواتب.
The idiom 'جاء بالبشرى' always requires the preposition 'bi' to mean 'to bring.'
Which of the following is the most appropriate context for 'جاء بالبشرى'?
متى نستخدم 'جاء بالبشرى'؟
The phrase is reserved for significant, joyful, and often long-awaited news.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the idiom.
الأب: هل هناك أخبار عن نتيجة أخيك؟ الابن: نعم يا أبي، لقد ________ بنجاحه بتفوق!
The speaker is the one delivering the news, so 'جئت' (I came/brought) is correct.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesجاء الموظف _____ البشرى لزملائه بزيادة الرواتب.
The idiom 'جاء بالبشرى' always requires the preposition 'bi' to mean 'to bring.'
متى نستخدم 'جاء بالبشرى'؟
The phrase is reserved for significant, joyful, and often long-awaited news.
الأب: هل هناك أخبار عن نتيجة أخيك؟ الابن: نعم يا أبي، لقد ________ بنجاحه بتفوق!
The speaker is the one delivering the news, so 'جئت' (I came/brought) is correct.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsTechnically yes, but it sounds sarcastic. It's like saying 'I bear glad tidings' because you found a penny.
It has religious roots but is used widely in secular, formal contexts today.
The plural of 'Bishara' is 'Basha'ir' (بشائر). You can say 'جاء بالبشائر'.
Related Phrases
زفّ الخبر
similarTo announce news ceremoniously
نذير شؤم
contrastA harbinger of doom
أبشر بالخير
builds onExpect good things
بشائر النصر
specialized formSigns of victory
