If you want to know how to say ‘thank you’ in Arabic, it’s simple.
The most common word you need is:
shukran (شكراً) 
Listen to how it's pronounced
Sounds like: shook-ran. (Make sure to roll the ‘r’ slightly if you can)
This is the standard way to say “thank you”. It’s understood by Arabic speakers everywhere.
You can use shukran in pretty much any situation, whether you’re speaking formally (using Modern Standard Arabic - MSA) or just chatting casually with friends using a local dialect (like Egyptian, Lebanese, Saudi, Moroccan, etc.).
It’s polite, simple, and safe to say in any situation.
Quick note on formality: While shukran works everywhere, if you want to be very formal, especially in writing, you might use the verb form “I thank you”, which is ashkuruka (أشكركَ) to a male, or ashkuruki (أشكركِ) to a female.
But just saying shukran is perfectly adequate.
Need to add a little more feeling?
Like saying “thanks a lot!” or “thank you very much”?
It sounds a bit more formal than just shukran. (jazīlan sounds like: ja-zee-lan)
People often add a word meaning “a lot” or “very” after shukran in different dialects:
Using just shukran is always safe, but adding these dialect words makes you sound more natural when speaking with people from those regions.
Besides adding words like jazīlan or ktīr, here are a couple of other common ways you might hear people express thanks:
mutashakkir (متشكر) / mutashakkirah (متشكرة)
Meaning: This word comes from the same root as shukran (Sh-K-R) but means “thankful” or “grateful”. It’s like directly saying “I am thankful.”
Usage: It’s often used as a way of saying “thank you,” particularly in some dialects like Egyptian Arabic. It can sometimes feel a bit more personal than just saying shukran.
Gender: You need to match the ending to the person speaking:
Example: Instead of just shukran, someone might say ana mutashakkir ʾawi (أنا متشكر أوي - “I am very thankful”). Or they might simply use mutashakkir on its own where you might usually say “thanks”.
alf shukr (ألف شكر)
Meaning: This literally means “a thousand thanks”. It’s just like alf mabrūk means “a thousand congratulations”.
Usage: This is another popular way to say “thank you very much!” or “thanks a million!”. It’s used when you want to show strong appreciation for something someone has done.
Comparison: It gives a very similar feeling to shukran jazīlan or the dialect phrases using words for “a lot” (like shukran ktīr / shukran awi / shukran bizzāf).
Example: If someone helps you out in a big way, you could tell them alf shukr ya akhi! (ألف شكر يا أخي!) - “A thousand thanks, my brother!”
So, while shukran is your main, go-to “thank you,” you might hear or use mutashakkir/ah (especially in Egypt) to express a personal feeling of gratefulness, and alf shukr when you want to really emphasize your thanks, like saying “thanks a million!” They’re both great options to recognize.
What if someone says shukran to you? How do you say “you’re welcome”?
Here are the most common replies:
ʿafwan (عَفواً) - This is the standard, all-purpose reply. It means “You’re welcome,” but can also mean “pardon me” or “excuse me” in other situations. It’s the most common response you’ll hear. (Sounds like: af-wan)
lā shukr ʿalā wājib (لا شكر على واجب) - This is a very polite phrase meaning something like “No thanks are needed for doing one’s duty” or simply “Don’t mention it / It was my duty.” It’s a nice way to show humility. (Sounds like: La shook-r ‘a-la waa-jib)
Usually, just saying ʿafwan is the perfect reply!
So, the main thing to remember is shukran (شكراً).
It’s the easiest and most useful way to say “thank you” in Arabic, understood in every Arabic-speaking country.
Use it often, and maybe try one of the dialect versions mentioned above if you want to say “thanks a lot”. People will appreciate your effort.
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