Meaning
A polite way to thank someone or wish them well and success.
Cultural Background
In Egypt, this phrase is the bread and butter of social life. It's often said with a specific intonation where the 'na' in 'Rabena' is slightly elongated. While common, Levantine speakers might favor 'Allah yikhallik' more frequently, but 'Allah yekremak' is still widely understood and used in formal gratitude. In the Gulf, you might hear 'Allah yijzak kheir' more often in religious contexts, but 'Rabena yekremak' is used by the large Egyptian expat community and understood by all. In Morocco or Algeria, 'Allah ihafdek' (May God protect you) is more common, but 'Rabena yekremak' is recognized through Egyptian media influence.
The Hand Gesture
Place your right hand over your heart when saying this to a stranger to show maximum sincerity.
Gender Matters
Always check if you are talking to a male (-ak) or female (-ik). Using the wrong one sounds very 'foreign'.
Meaning
A polite way to thank someone or wish them well and success.
The Hand Gesture
Place your right hand over your heart when saying this to a stranger to show maximum sincerity.
Gender Matters
Always check if you are talking to a male (-ak) or female (-ik). Using the wrong one sounds very 'foreign'.
The Beggar Rule
If you don't want to give money, saying 'Rabena yekremak' is the most respectful way to end the interaction.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form to say to a female colleague who helped you.
شكراً يا منى، _______.
The suffix '-ik' is used for feminine singular.
Match the situation to the best use of 'Rabena Yekremak'.
A beggar asks for money but you have none.
It's the standard polite way to decline in this context.
Complete the dialogue.
A: أنا عندي إنترفيو بكرة. B: _________.
The phrase is used to wish someone success in future events.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Rabena Yekremak'
Gratitude
- • Big favors
- • Small tips
- • Helpful strangers
Wishes
- • Exams
- • New jobs
- • Travel
Politeness
- • Compliments
- • Declining
- • Ending calls
Practice Bank
3 exercisesشكراً يا منى، _______.
The suffix '-ik' is used for feminine singular.
A beggar asks for money but you have none.
It's the standard polite way to decline in this context.
A: أنا عندي إنترفيو بكرة. B: _________.
The phrase is used to wish someone success in future events.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, Arab Christians use it just as much. It's a cultural phrase, not just a religious one.
Yes, it's very polite and shows good character.
Usually 'Wiyyak' (And you too) or 'Allah yekremak' back.
Related Phrases
الله يخليك
similarMay God keep/protect you
تسلم إيدك
specialized formBless your hands
جزاك الله خيراً
synonymMay God reward you with good
كتر خيرك
similarMay your good increase
