the use of the word "congratulations"
hilz
In my native language, Arabic, we use the word "congratulations" (
"mabrook" in Arabic) to congratulate someone in occasions such as when
he/she gets married, or graduates from college, but we also use
"mabrook" in another context that is different than what is probably
meant by the English word "congratulations".
For example, if someone buys a new house, car or shoes, we say "Mabrook"
as well.
It would sound odd to me to say "Congratulations" in English to someone
who bought new shoes.
My questions is:
Is there a word in English that has the same meaning as "Mabrook" as
used in the second context to "congratulate!" someone who bought new
house, car or shoes?
Thanks for any answers.
bara...@googlemail.com
No, there isn't, I'm afraid. We might pretend to admire the new
purchase and perhaps say "That's really nice". But, at least in the
United Kingdom, we might also be saying to ourselves things like "How
can they afford that?", "Well, she never did have any taste" or "I
don't know what they need another one for".
Incidentally, isn't there a word in Arabic - na'imi - used to
congratulate someone who has had a haircut?
pattyn...@gmail.com
marhaba 7mar
kifak?
(DA)
7mara :)
joetaxpayer
And, yet, you might hear "congratulations on your new car".
Maybe it's the size of the purchase that will make the distinction.
JOE
Pat Durkin
"hilz" <n...@y.com> wrote in message
news:7Enng.16794$FR1.5124@dukeread05...
I think that in the US we would just make some comment--something like
"Great!" "Good luck!", "Nice going!"
If we know the person really well (a brother or best friend, for
example), we might show envy or sarcasm or admiration in expressions
like "Wow, wish I was that rich (or lucky) or "What'd you do? Rob a
bank?" "Where are you going--to a funeral?" "You need a new car like
you need another hole in your head."
hilz
> Incidentally, isn't there a word in Arabic - na'imi - used to
> congratulate someone who has had a haircut?
>
It is na'iman. It is also used more frequently (hopefully!) when
someone gets out of the shower.
ray o'hara
I've never been congradulated on a new purchase of any thing nor done so to
anybody.Why wou;d you think we do so?
hilz
Thanks to all your answers.
It is clearer to me now.
hilz
I was just trying to see if there is an equivalent to "mabrook" in English.
In my culture/language, it is a very common thing to say. This is how we
show that we care about other people. Actually it is a little rude if
you don't say anything! It is a culture thing that is hard to get out of
my system! I think it is the same way in the Spanish language and
culture. They say "felicidades" I guess. And now since I live in the
U.S., I always feel the urge to say something but can't find the right
word. As I said before, saying "Congratulations" sounds odd in some
situations, and that is why I was asking.
Thanks.
hilz
> marhaba 7mar
> kifak?
> (DA)
> 7mara :)
>
;)
ray o'hara
"hilz" <n...@y.com> wrote in message news:Iiyng.19975$FR1.5151@dukeread05...
There are lots of things one can say. English does not consist of stock
phrases. Hey nice car!. I love your new home..
Say what you feel in sincere.
Iain
hilz wrote:
> ray o'hara wrote:
> > "hilz" <n...@y.com> wrote in message news:7Enng.16794$FR1.5124@dukeread05...
> >> Hi group.
> >> In my native language, Arabic, we use the word "congratulations" (
> >> "mabrook" in Arabic) to congratulate someone in occasions such as when
> >> he/she gets married, or graduates from college, but we also use
> >> "mabrook" in another context that is different than what is probably
> >> meant by the English word "congratulations".
> >> For example, if someone buys a new house, car or shoes, we say "Mabrook"
> >> as well.
> >> It would sound odd to me to say "Congratulations" in English to someone
> >> who bought new shoes.
> >>
> >> My questions is:
> >> Is there a word in English that has the same meaning as "Mabrook" as
> >> used in the second context to "congratulate!" someone who bought new
> >> house, car or shoes?
> >>
> >> Thanks for any answers.
> >
> > I've never been congradulated on a new purchase of any thing nor done so to
> > anybody.Why wou;d you think we do so?
> >
> >
>
> I was just trying to see if there is an equivalent to "mabrook" in English.
Maybe "well done". That could be said to someone who found a bargain
pair of shoes.
~Iain
