كل عام وأنتم بخير
kull 'am wa antum bikhayr
Happy holidays
Literally: Every year and you (plural) are well
In 15 Seconds
- The universal 'Happy Holidays' for Eids, New Years, and birthdays.
- Safe for everyone: friends, bosses, strangers, and family members.
- Reply with 'Wa antum bi-khair' to return the kind wish.
Meaning
This is the ultimate 'all-purpose' holiday greeting in Arabic. It literally wishes that every year finds you in good health and happiness.
Key Examples
3 of 6Greeting a neighbor on Eid morning
عيد مبارك، كل عام وأنتم بخير!
Blessed Eid, may you be well every year!
Sending a professional holiday email
بمناسبة السنة الجديدة، كل عام وأنتم بخير.
On the occasion of the New Year, happy holidays.
Wishing a friend a happy birthday
عيد ميلاد سعيد! كل عام وأنت بخير يا صديقي.
Happy birthday! May you be well every year, my friend.
Cultural Background
Egyptians almost exclusively use 'Kull sana wa anta tayyib' in daily life. It feels warmer and more 'Egyptian' than the standard 'Am'. While 'Kull 'am...' is used, it is often followed by 'Min al-Aideen', a specific prayer for the holiday's return. In Lebanon, you might hear a mix of Arabic and French: 'Kull 'am wa anta bikhair, Joyeux Noël!' during the winter season. The phrase is used, but 'Aid Mabrouk' or 'Saha Aidkum' is often the primary greeting for religious holidays.
The Plural of Respect
Always use 'Antum' (plural) when writing to someone you don't know well or a superior. It sounds much more sophisticated.
Timing Matters
In some cultures, saying it too early (weeks before) is odd. Stick to 1-2 days before the holiday.
In 15 Seconds
- The universal 'Happy Holidays' for Eids, New Years, and birthdays.
- Safe for everyone: friends, bosses, strangers, and family members.
- Reply with 'Wa antum bi-khair' to return the kind wish.
What It Means
Think of this as the Swiss Army knife of Arabic greetings. It translates to 'Happy New Year,' 'Merry Christmas,' and 'Happy Eid' all at once. You are essentially wishing someone a continuous cycle of goodness. It is warm, selfless, and incredibly common. Even though it uses the plural أنتم, you use it for one person too. It shows respect and includes their whole family in your wish.
How To Use It
You can say it as a standalone sentence. When someone says it to you, the standard reply is وأنت بخير (and you are well). If you want to sound like a pro, say وأنت بصحة وسلامة. This means 'and you are in health and peace.' It works in person, over the phone, or in a quick text. It is the safest way to be polite during any festive season.
When To Use It
Use it during the two Eids (Fitr and Adha). Use it on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. It is also perfect for birthdays! If you see decorations or people dressed up, say it. In a restaurant during Ramadan, tell the waiter this as you leave. In a business meeting, start your email with it during holiday weeks. It instantly builds a bridge of kindness.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for weddings or new babies. For those, use مبروك (Congratulations). Avoid using it during sad occasions or funerals. It is strictly for recurring celebrations. Also, do not say it on a random Tuesday when nothing is happening. People will think you are very confused about the calendar! It needs a festive reason to exist.
Cultural Background
This phrase is deeply rooted in the concept of 'Barakah' or blessing. It assumes life is a circle of returning joys. It is used by Muslims and Christians alike across the Arab world. It is one of the few phrases that sounds identical from Morocco to Iraq. It represents the high value placed on community and shared happiness. It is more than a greeting; it is a social glue.
Common Variations
In Egypt, you might hear كل سنة وأنت طيب (Every year and you are good). In the Gulf, people might add عساكم من عواده (May you live to see it again). If you are writing a formal card, keep it exactly as كل عام وأنتم بخير. For a close friend, you can shorten it to just كل عام وأنت بخير using the singular 'you'. No matter the version, the heart of the message remains the same.
Usage Notes
The phrase is grammatically plural but used for individuals as a form of respect. It transitions perfectly between formal writing and casual speech.
The Plural of Respect
Always use 'Antum' (plural) when writing to someone you don't know well or a superior. It sounds much more sophisticated.
Timing Matters
In some cultures, saying it too early (weeks before) is odd. Stick to 1-2 days before the holiday.
The Response
If someone says it to you, the most polite response is 'Wa antum bikhair' or 'Wa anta/anti bikhair'.
Examples
6عيد مبارك، كل عام وأنتم بخير!
Blessed Eid, may you be well every year!
Combining the specific holiday name with this phrase is very common.
بمناسبة السنة الجديدة، كل عام وأنتم بخير.
On the occasion of the New Year, happy holidays.
Perfect for maintaining professional yet warm relationships.
عيد ميلاد سعيد! كل عام وأنت بخير يا صديقي.
Happy birthday! May you be well every year, my friend.
Used here specifically for a birthday context.
كل عام وأنتم بخير جميعاً!
Happy New Year everyone!
The plural 'antum' is perfect for a group chat.
اليوم عيد! كل عام وأنت بخير يا نائم!
Today is Eid! Happy holidays, oh sleepy one!
Used to jokingly wake someone up to the festivities.
أمي العزيزة، كل عام وأنتِ بخير وصحة.
My dear mother, may you be well and healthy every year.
Adding 'health' makes it more emotional and sincere.
Test Yourself
Match the occasion to the most appropriate use of the phrase.
1. Eid al-Fitr, 2. A Friend's Wedding, 3. New Year's Eve, 4. A Funeral
The phrase is for recurring holidays (Eid, New Year) but not for one-time events (weddings) or sad ones (funerals).
Complete the greeting for a female friend's birthday.
عيد ميلاد سعيد، كل عام و____ بخير.
When addressing a female in a less formal/personal context, use the feminine singular 'Anti'.
What is the most common response to 'Kull 'am wa antum bikhair'?
الرد الصحيح هو:
The standard response mirrors the greeting: 'And you (plural) are in goodness.'
Complete the office email greeting.
المدير: بمناسبة عيد الأضحى، أتمنى للجميع عطلة سعيدة، و____.
This is the standard formal way to conclude a holiday message in a professional setting.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'Kull 'am wa antum bikhair'
Occasions
- • Eid al-Fitr
- • Eid al-Adha
- • New Year
- • Birthdays
Practice Bank
4 exercises1. Eid al-Fitr, 2. A Friend's Wedding, 3. New Year's Eve, 4. A Funeral
The phrase is for recurring holidays (Eid, New Year) but not for one-time events (weddings) or sad ones (funerals).
عيد ميلاد سعيد، كل عام و____ بخير.
When addressing a female in a less formal/personal context, use the feminine singular 'Anti'.
الرد الصحيح هو:
The standard response mirrors the greeting: 'And you (plural) are in goodness.'
المدير: بمناسبة عيد الأضحى، أتمنى للجميع عطلة سعيدة، و____.
This is the standard formal way to conclude a holiday message in a professional setting.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but 'Ramadan Kareem' or 'Ramadan Mubarak' is more common at the start. 'Kull 'am...' is often used at the very end of Ramadan as Eid approaches.
Both mean year. 'Am' is more formal and positive. 'Sana' is more common in dialects (especially Egyptian).
In formal writing, 'Antum' stays. In speaking to a friend, change it to 'Anti': 'Kull 'am wa anti bikhair'.
It means 'goodness', 'wealth', and 'well-being' all in one word.
It is used by both Muslims and Christians in the Arab world. It is a cultural greeting, not strictly a religious one.
No. For a wedding, use 'Mabrouk' or 'Barak Allahu Lakuma'.
Put it right after the initial greeting (e.g., 'Dear [Name], Kull 'am wa antum bikhair...').
Not really. It's already quite short for a formal greeting. In texts, people sometimes just write 'كل عام وأنتم بخير' with a heart emoji.
It's the 'plural of respect'. It makes the greeting sound more grand and polite.
No, they have their own languages, but they have similar concepts. In Persian, they say 'Eidetoon Mobarak'.
Related Phrases
عيد مبارك
similarBlessed Eid
مبروك
contrastCongratulations
ينعاد عليكم
builds onMay it return to you
سنة سعيدة
synonymHappy Year
