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mā akhbārak
What's up?
#1
ما أخبارك؟ (mā akhbārak) is an informal greeting used primarily in spoken Arabic to ask someone "What's up?" or "How are you?" This phrase is a casual, friendly way to inquire about someone's well-being and is commonly used among friends, family, and acquaintances in everyday conversation.
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السلام عليكم ورحمة الله، ما أخبارك؟
Assalāmu ʿalaykum wa raḥmatu -llāhi, mā akhbārak?
Peace be upon you and God's mercy, what's up?
رأيتك بعد فترة طويلة! ما أخبارك؟ كيف حالك؟
Raʾaytu-k baʿda fatrah ṭawīlah! Mā akhbārak? Kayfa ḥālu-k?
I haven't seen you in a long time! What's up? How are you?
ما أخبارك أنت وعائلتك؟
Mā akhbāru-k anta wa ʿāʾilatu-k?
What's up with you and your family?
يا محمد، ما أخبارك في الجامعة؟
Yā Muḥammad, mā akhbāru-k fī al-jāmiʿah?
Hey Muhammad, what's up with you at university?
ما أخبارك؟ لم نتحدث منذ شهر!
Mā akhbārak? Lam nataḥaddath mundhu shahr!
What's up? We haven't talked in a month!
This phrase is deeply rooted in Arab culture where greetings are essential social rituals. It's considered polite and warm to inquire about someone's well-being and is often the opening of any conversation. In Gulf and Levantine dialects especially, this casual greeting is preferred among friends over more formal expressions, reflecting the close-knit nature of Arab social interactions. The response to this question can range from a simple "بخير" (be-khair, I'm fine) to a more detailed account of one's recent activities and life events.
This phrase is most appropriate in informal settings with people you know—friends, family, and colleagues. The word أخبارك (akhbārak) is masculine singular; use أخبارك (akhbārik) for feminine singular, أخبارك (akhbārakum) for masculine plural, and أخبارك (akhbārakunna) for feminine plural. While it translates to "What's up?," it's more literal meaning is "What are your news/updates?" Remember that this casual greeting works best in spoken Arabic rather than formal written communication.
ما أخبارك (mā akhbārak) is a colloquial Arabic greeting that translates to "What's up?" or "What's new with you?" in English. It's one of the most common informal greetings used in everyday Arabic conversation, particularly among friends, family members, and acquaintances. The literal translation is "What are your news?" or "What are your updates?" which reflects how Arabic speakers conceptualize casual inquiries about well-being.
The phrase consists of three components:
When combined, "ما أخبارك" literally asks "What [are] your news?" This construction is typical of how Arabic speakers naturally inquire about someone's current situation and well-being.
This greeting is primarily used in spoken Arabic and informal written communication like text messages and social media. It's perfect for casual encounters with people you have a friendly relationship with. Unlike more formal greetings such as "كيف حالك؟" (Kayf ḥālu-k?), which can be used in both formal and informal settings, "ما أخبارك" is distinctly informal and warm in tone.
The phrase works particularly well when:
It's important to note that this phrase changes depending on the gender and number of the person you're addressing:
This grammatical flexibility shows the precision required in Arabic when addressing different people in different contexts.
While "ما أخبارك" is widely understood across the Arab world, different regions have their own variations and preferences. In Gulf Arabic, you might hear "شنو الأخبار؟" (Shnu al-akhbār?), while in Egyptian Arabic, "الأخبار إيه؟" (al-akhbār īh?) is common. However, the standard version covered here is universally recognized and understood.
When someone asks you "ما أخبارك؟" you have several response options:
The response often depends on the closeness of your relationship with the person and the context of your conversation.
In Arab culture, greetings are far more than mere pleasantries—they're important social rituals that establish connection and respect. Asking "ما أخبارك؟" demonstrates genuine interest in someone's well-being and life. It's customary to reciprocate the question, as ignoring it or giving a very brief response without asking back can seem cold or dismissive.
This greeting reflects the communal values of Arab societies where maintaining relationships and showing interest in others' lives is paramount. The time spent exchanging greetings and updates is considered valuable and important.
English speakers learning Arabic should practice this phrase extensively because it appears frequently in daily conversation. Pay attention to the pronunciation of the guttural sounds, particularly the ق (q) in أخبار. Don't rush through the phrase—Arabs often elongate vowels slightly when greeting, giving it a warm, welcoming tone.
Also, remember that while this phrase is casual, it's not rude or disrespectful. It's appropriate for use with people of any age or social status when the relationship is informal. Using it with strangers or in very formal business settings might seem overly casual, so context is key.
Other common greetings in Arabic include:
Mastering "ما أخبارك؟" is essential for any Arabic learner looking to engage naturally with native speakers. This simple yet warm greeting opens doors to meaningful conversations and demonstrates cultural awareness and respect. The key to using it effectively is understanding the informal nature of the phrase and responding appropriately by reciprocating the greeting and showing genuine interest in the person's well-being. With practice, this greeting will become second nature, helping you build stronger connections with Arabic speakers around the world.