كنت سعيداً جداً
I was very happy
Literally: I was spread out very
Use this to warmly describe past happiness in any casual or semi-formal social situation.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'I was very happy' in dialect.
- Uses the word 'mabsoot' which literally means 'spread out' or relaxed.
- Perfect for social follow-ups, reviews, and sharing personal memories.
Meaning
This phrase is the most natural way to tell someone you were really happy or had a great time in the past. It is the bread and butter of daily conversation in most Arabic dialects when reflecting on a positive experience.
Key Examples
3 of 6Reviewing a restaurant visit
كنت مبسوط جدا بالأكل والخدمة
I was very happy with the food and service.
Texting a friend after hanging out
كنت مبسوط جدا بشوفتك اليوم
I was very happy to see you today.
A professional but friendly follow-up
كنت مبسوط جدا بالاجتماع معنا
I was very happy with our meeting.
Cultural Background
The term 'mabsoot' is deeply rooted in the concept of 'basata' (simplicity/openness). It suggests a state where one is relaxed and unburdened, reflecting a cultural preference for emotional ease and social harmony. While 'sa'eed' is the textbook word for happy, 'mabsoot' is what you'll actually hear in the streets of Cairo, Amman, or Beirut.
The Levantine Swap
If you are in Lebanon or Jordan, swap 'jiddan' for 'kteer'. It makes you sound 10x more like a local instantly.
Gender Matters
Don't forget the 'ah' at the end of 'mabsoota' if you are a woman. Arabic speakers are very sensitive to gender agreement!
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'I was very happy' in dialect.
- Uses the word 'mabsoot' which literally means 'spread out' or relaxed.
- Perfect for social follow-ups, reviews, and sharing personal memories.
What It Means
This phrase is your go-to for sharing past joy. It literally translates to 'I was very happy.' In most Arabic dialects, especially Levantine and Egyptian, mabsoot is the most common word for happy. It feels warm, genuine, and very human. Think of it as the 'standard' happy for daily life. It is not just about a fleeting smile. It is about a general state of contentment and well-being.
How To Use It
You start with kunt, which means 'I was.' This is the past tense of the verb 'to be' for the first person. Then you add mabsoot if you are male. If you are female, you must say mabsoota. Finally, jiddan adds that 'very' punch at the end. You can also swap jiddan for kteer if you want to sound more Levantine. It is like building a Lego tower of emotions. Just stack the words and you are ready to share your story.
When To Use It
Use it after a great night out with friends. Tell your host you were happy with the dinner. It works perfectly when describing a vacation or a movie you just saw. Text it to someone after a first date to show you enjoyed yourself. It fits well in professional but friendly emails after a successful meeting. Basically, use it whenever life felt good and you want to look back on it. It is a very safe and positive phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in a formal PhD thesis or a strict legal contract. In those high-formality cases, you should use the formal word sa'eed. Also, do not use it if you are currently happy. For the present moment, just say ana mabsoot. The word kunt strictly looks back at the past. If you are at a funeral, definitely keep this phrase in your pocket. It is too cheerful for somber occasions unless you are specifically sharing a happy memory of the deceased.
Cultural Background
The word mabsoot has a fascinating history. It comes from the root 'b-s-t', which means 'to spread out.' Imagine a beautiful, soft rug spread out on the floor. When you are happy in the Arab world, your heart is said to 'spread out.' It is the opposite of feeling 'tight' or 'pressed' by stress. This reflects the Arabic value of emotional openness and hospitality. Being mabsoot means you have room in your heart for others.
Common Variations
In Lebanon, Syria, or Jordan, you will often hear kteer instead of jiddan. Kunt mabsoot kteer sounds very local and authentic there. For a group of people, you would say kunna mabsooteen. If you are talking to a female friend, you would ask her kunti mabsoota? You can also say mabsoot 'al-akhir which means 'happy to the end' or 'extremely happy.' It is a flexible phrase that travels across borders easily.
Usage Notes
This phrase is safe for 90% of social interactions. Just remember to match the gender of the speaker to the adjective 'mabsoot/mabsoota'.
The Levantine Swap
If you are in Lebanon or Jordan, swap 'jiddan' for 'kteer'. It makes you sound 10x more like a local instantly.
Gender Matters
Don't forget the 'ah' at the end of 'mabsoota' if you are a woman. Arabic speakers are very sensitive to gender agreement!
The Rug Secret
Remember the rug metaphor! When you say you are 'mabsoot', you are literally telling people your heart is unrolled and relaxed.
Examples
6كنت مبسوط جدا بالأكل والخدمة
I was very happy with the food and service.
A common way to give a positive review.
كنت مبسوط جدا بشوفتك اليوم
I was very happy to see you today.
A warm social follow-up.
كنت مبسوط جدا بالاجتماع معنا
I was very happy with our meeting.
Shows enthusiasm without being overly stiff.
كنت مبسوط جدا في السفر
I was very happy during the trip.
General expression of travel enjoyment.
كنت مبسوط جدا قبل ما أشوف الفاتورة
I was very happy before I saw the bill.
A classic joke about expensive outings.
كنت مبسوط جدا لما كنت صغير
I was very happy when I was young.
Reflecting on nostalgia.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form for a female speaker saying she was happy.
أنا ___ جداً بالهدية.
Female speakers must add the 'ta-marbuta' (a) sound to the end of 'mabsoot'.
Complete the sentence to say 'I was very happy with the party'.
كنت مبسوط جداً ___ الحفلة.
The preposition 'bi-' (بـ) is often used with 'mabsoot' to mean 'happy with' something.
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Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'Happy'
Very local/street
طاير من الفرحة
Friends and family
مبسوط كتير
Daily life/Work
كنت مبسوط جدا
Literature/Speeches
كنت سعيداً جداً
Where to use 'Kunt Mabsoot Jiddan'
After a Date
Texting 'I had a great time'
Restaurant
Complimenting the chef
Job Interview
Post-interview email
Vacation
Telling stories to family
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means 'happy' or 'content' in spoken Arabic. It comes from the root meaning 'to spread out,' implying a relaxed state.
Not really. In MSA, you would use sa'eed (سعيد). Mabsoot is strictly for dialects like Egyptian or Levantine.
You simply add a 'ta-marbuta' to the adjective: kunt mabsoota jiddan (كنت مبسوطة جدا).
No, kunt is past tense. For the present, say ana mabsoot (أنا مبسوط).
Both mean 'very.' Jiddan is slightly more formal/universal, while kteer is very common in Levantine dialects.
Yes, it's a neutral and polite phrase. It shows warmth without being inappropriately casual.
You change the verb and the adjective to plural: kunna mabsooteen (كنا مبسوطين).
You can say kunt mabsoot 'al-akhir (كنت مبسوط على الآخر) which means 'happy to the max'.
In most places, yes. However, in some Gulf dialects, people might use farhan (فرحان) more often.
Add ma before the verb: ma kunt mabsoot (ما كنت مبسوط), meaning 'I wasn't happy'.
Related Phrases
أنا سعيد جدا
كان يوم بجنن
الحمد لله على كل شيء
كيف كان يومك؟
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