كل سنة وأنت طيب

You say it directly to the person celebrating. If you are talking to a man, say Kull sana wa anta tayyib. For a woman, change it to Kull sana wa anti tayyiba. For a group, use Kull sana wa antum tayyibeen. It is very easy to remember. You just drop it into conversation like a confetti bomb of kindness.

Use it on birthdays before you cut the cake. Use it during the first day of Eid while visiting family. Use it on New Year's Eve as the clock strikes midnight. You can even use it at the start of Ramadan. It is perfect for texting friends or emailing colleagues. If you see someone after a long time during a holiday season, this is your go-to opener.

Do not use this for one-time events like weddings or graduations. For those, you would use Mabrouk. This phrase specifically implies a yearly cycle. Also, do not use it at funerals or sad occasions. That would be a major social 'whoops' moment. It is strictly for happy, recurring milestones.

In Arab culture, well-wishing is a social glue. This phrase reflects a worldview that values longevity and health. The word tayyib means 'good,' but also 'pure' or 'kind-hearted.' By saying this, you are wishing the person stays a good person every year. It has been the standard greeting for centuries across the Middle East. It is a linguistic bridge that connects everyone from Morocco to Iraq.

In Egypt, people often say Kull sana wa enta tayyeb. In the Levant, you might hear Kull 'am wa antum bikhair. That one is a bit more formal but means the same thing. Some people add Wa anta bi-siha wa salama as a response. This means 'And you be in health and peace.' It is like a polite tennis match of good vibes.