أي خدمة
Any service
Literally: Any service
Use it whenever you want to offer help or show you are ready to assist someone.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard Arabic way to ask 'How can I help?'
- Used in shops, offices, and between friends or neighbors.
- Short, polite, and reflects a culture of hospitality and kindness.
Meaning
A versatile way to ask 'How can I help you?' or 'Is there anything you need?' It is the ultimate helpful phrase.
Key Examples
3 of 7A shopkeeper welcoming a customer
أهلاً بك يا سيدي، أي خدمة؟
Welcome sir, any service?
Seeing a friend looking for something
تبدو تائهاً، أي خدمة؟
You look lost, any service?
Answering the office phone
شركة السلام، أي خدمة؟
Al-Salam Company, any service?
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the deep-rooted value of 'Karam' (generosity) in Arab societies. It is a linguistic remnant of the traditional duty to assist travelers and guests. While used modernly in shops, it still carries the weight of genuine hospitality.
Tone is Everything
Make sure your voice goes up at the end like a question. If you say it flatly, it can sound like you are annoyed by the person's presence.
The 'Yes' Trap
Arabs are very helpful. If you say this, be prepared for the person to actually ask for something! It's considered a genuine offer, not just a greeting.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard Arabic way to ask 'How can I help?'
- Used in shops, offices, and between friends or neighbors.
- Short, polite, and reflects a culture of hospitality and kindness.
What It Means
أي خدمة is your Swiss Army knife for being helpful in Arabic. It literally translates to 'Any service?' but it carries much more warmth than the English literal. You are essentially saying, 'I am here for you.' It is the standard way to open a helpful conversation. It is polite, proactive, and very common across the Arab world.
How To Use It
You usually say it as a question. Your voice should go up at the end. It is short, sweet, and very effective. You can use it alone or after a greeting. For example, صباح الخير، أي خدمة؟ (Good morning, any service?). It works both in person and over the phone. You do not need complex grammar to make it work. Just two words and a smile.
When To Use It
Use it when you see someone struggling with bags. Use it if you work in customer service or a shop. It is perfect for when a guest enters your home or office. Even in a professional email, it works wonders. It shows you are proactive and kind. If a friend looks lost, this is your go-to line. It is great for breaking the ice with strangers too.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it if you are in a huge rush. People might actually take you up on the offer! Also, do not use it with a flat or bored tone. If you sound annoyed, it might come across as 'What do you want now?'. That is definitely not the vibe we want. It is also a bit too brief for very formal diplomatic settings. In those cases, use longer, more flowery versions.
Cultural Background
Arab culture is built on the pillar of hospitality and generosity. Offering help is not just polite; it is a social duty. When you say أي خدمة, you are tapping into centuries of tradition. It makes people feel welcome and seen. It is a small phrase that builds big bridges. In many Arab countries, refusing to help is seen as quite rude. This phrase signals that you are a 'good' and 'generous' person.
Common Variations
In Egypt, you might hear تؤمر بخدمة؟ which means 'Do you command a service?'. In more formal settings, people say تحت أمرك (At your command). If you want to be extra sweet, try من عيوني (From my eyes). This means you will do the favor with total joy. In the Gulf, you might hear أبشر (Consider it done) as a response to a request for service.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral-to-formal but very safe for beginners. It bridges the gap between professional service and friendly assistance perfectly. Just watch your intonation to keep it sounding helpful.
Tone is Everything
Make sure your voice goes up at the end like a question. If you say it flatly, it can sound like you are annoyed by the person's presence.
The 'Yes' Trap
Arabs are very helpful. If you say this, be prepared for the person to actually ask for something! It's considered a genuine offer, not just a greeting.
The 'Ya Fandem' Add-on
In Egypt, adding 'Ya Fandem' (Sir/Ma'am) after 'Ay Khidmah' makes you sound incredibly polite and professional. It's a secret weapon for great service.
Examples
7أهلاً بك يا سيدي، أي خدمة؟
Welcome sir, any service?
A very standard professional opening in retail.
تبدو تائهاً، أي خدمة؟
You look lost, any service?
Shows concern and offers immediate help.
شركة السلام، أي خدمة؟
Al-Salam Company, any service?
The standard way to answer a business call.
أنا قادم غداً، أي خدمة؟
I'm coming tomorrow, any service?
Informal way to offer a hand with chores.
هل انتهيت؟ أي خدمة ثانية؟
Are you finished? Any other service?
Checking if the customer needs anything else.
تريد الشاي أيضاً؟ أي خدمة؟
You want tea too? Any service?
Used jokingly when someone asks for too many favors.
يا خالة، أنا هنا، أي خدمة؟
Auntie, I am here, any service?
Warm and respectful offer of assistance.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to complete the helpful offer.
تفضل بالجلوس، ___؟
The context of 'Please sit down' implies you are about to offer assistance or service.
How would a receptionist answer the phone?
صباح الخير، ___؟
'Any service' is the professional way to ask how to help a caller.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'Ay Khidmah'
Helping a friend with their bags.
أي خدمة يا صاحبي؟
A shopkeeper greeting a walk-in customer.
تفضل، أي خدمة؟
Answering a business inquiry.
أي خدمة يا فندم؟
Where to use 'Ay Khidmah'
Retail Store
Greeting customers
At Home
Welcoming guests
The Street
Helping a stranger
Office
Answering the phone
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot exactly. While it asks the same thing, it is much more polite. It literally means 'Any service?' and implies a willingness to help.
Yes, it is perfectly appropriate. It shows you are ready to take on tasks. You might say أي خدمة يا مدير؟ (Any service, manager?).
Yes, it is understood everywhere. While some regions have local favorites, أي خدمة is the universal standard.
If you need help, say نعم، لو سمحت... (Yes, please...). If not, say شكراً، تسلم (Thank you, may you be safe).
They are different. تفضل means 'Please/Go ahead,' while أي خدمة is a specific offer of help. They are often used together.
Absolutely. It's a great way to check in on a friend who mentioned they are busy or stressed.
No, not at all. It is used by everyone from CEOs to friends. It is about helpfulness, not social status.
You could use هل يمكنني مساعدتك؟ (Can I help you?), but أي خدمة is usually sufficient and sounds more natural.
Yes. If someone is being very demanding, saying أي خدمة ثانية؟ with a sigh means 'Anything ELSE you want?'
Usually, the phrase stays the same even when talking to a group, as 'service' is the object being offered.
Related Phrases
تحت أمرك
At your command (Very formal/polite)
تؤمر بشيء؟
Do you order anything? (Common in Egypt)
من عيوني
From my eyes (I'd be happy to help)
حاضر
Certainly / I'm on it
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