Meaning
A polite way to ask for permission before doing something or interjecting.
Cultural Background
In the Levant, this phrase is often accompanied by a hand on the chest, which signifies sincerity and deep respect. In the Gulf, 'Min ba'd idnak' is frequently used when leaving a 'Majlis'. It is considered very rude to stand up and leave without saying it to the host. Egyptians use 'Ba'd iznak' constantly in crowded places like Cairo. It is often said quickly and repeatedly to navigate through crowds. While 'Min ba'd idnak' is understood, Moroccans are more likely to use 'Smahli' (Excuse me/Forgive me) in the same social contexts.
The 'Nod' Combo
Always pair this phrase with a slight head nod. It doubles the perceived politeness.
Gender Matters
If you say 'idnak' to a woman, it's not a disaster, but 'idnik' shows you really know your grammar.
Meaning
A polite way to ask for permission before doing something or interjecting.
The 'Nod' Combo
Always pair this phrase with a slight head nod. It doubles the perceived politeness.
Gender Matters
If you say 'idnak' to a woman, it's not a disaster, but 'idnik' shows you really know your grammar.
The Response
If someone says this to you, the standard response is 'Tafaddal' (Please/Go ahead) or 'Idhnak ma'ak' (Your permission is with you).
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct suffix for a woman.
من بعد إذن...، هل يمكنني استعارة كتابك؟
The suffix '-ki' (كِ) is used when addressing a female.
Which phrase is best for leaving a meeting early?
أنا ذاهب الآن، _______.
'Min ba'd idnikum' is the polite way to excuse yourself from a group.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to reach for the salt across a stranger at a restaurant.
Use 'Min ba'd idnak' to politely interrupt someone's space.
Complete the dialogue.
A: سأقوم لإجراء مكالمة سريعة. B: تفضل، ________.
Actually, in this context, the speaker (A) should say 'Min ba'd idnak'. If B says it, it's a bit odd. Let's rephrase: A: _______، سأقوم لإجراء مكالمة. B: تفضل.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن بعد إذن...، هل يمكنني استعارة كتابك؟
The suffix '-ki' (كِ) is used when addressing a female.
أنا ذاهب الآن، _______.
'Min ba'd idnikum' is the polite way to excuse yourself from a group.
You want to reach for the salt across a stranger at a restaurant.
Use 'Min ba'd idnak' to politely interrupt someone's space.
A: سأقوم لإجراء مكالمة سريعة. B: تفضل، ________.
Actually, in this context, the speaker (A) should say 'Min ba'd idnak'. If B says it, it's a bit odd. Let's rephrase: A: _______، سأقوم لإجراء مكالمة. B: تفضل.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, but specifically the 'Excuse me' used when asking for permission or leaving, not for getting attention from a distance (for that, use 'Law samaht').
Absolutely. It is the perfect level of formality for a professional relationship.
Use the plural form: 'Min ba'd idnikum'.
In casual speech, you can just say 'Ba'd idnak'. It's slightly less formal but very common.
Yes, it is universally understood, though the pronunciation of 'idhn' varies by region.
Related Phrases
لو سمحت
similarIf you permit / Please
عن إذنك
synonymWith your permission (lit. away from your permission)
تفضل
contrastPlease go ahead / Here you go
أستأذن
builds onI ask for permission
