Arabic · Greetings & Phrases
عفوا
'Afwan
You're welcome
Beginnerinterjection
Definition
The standard reply to thank you, also used for excuse me.
Example
شكرا! — عفوا.
Thanks! — You're welcome.
Etymology
'عفوا' (Afwan) means 'you are welcome' and is derived from the root 'عف' (ʿf), which relates to 'forgiveness' or 'pardon'.
How & Where It’s Used
Predominantly used in informal contexts in response to 'shukran'. It is common in conversation across various Arabic-speaking countries.