تفضل أولا.

When to use

This standard Arabic (MSA) phrase literally means 'go ahead first'. It is used to politely offer precedence to someone else, typically when entering a place or in a queue.

How it works

'Tafaddal' is a versatile word meaning 'please', 'go ahead', or 'welcome'. 'Awwalan' means 'first'.

• تفضل (tafaddal): please, go ahead (to a male)
• أولا (awwalan): first

Gender and Address

'Tafaddal' is the masculine singular imperative form. For a female, you would say 'tafaddali' (تفضلي). For a group, 'tafaddalu' (تفضلوا).

Dialectal Variation

While this is a literal MSA translation, native speakers often use more natural phrases like 'min ba'dak' (من بعدك - after you) or simply 'tafaddal' (تفضل). In Egyptian Arabic, 'itfaddal' (اتفضل) is commonly used.

Notes

Polite gesture at doors or lines. Neutral polite wording.