كان كأنه حلم

You start with the past tense verb كان (was). Then you add the phrase كأنه حلم (as if it were a dream). If you are talking about a feminine noun, like a trip رحلة, you must change it. You would say كانت كأنها حلم. It is very flexible. You can place it at the end of a long story. It acts like a perfect emotional punctuation mark.

Use it after a stunning wedding ceremony. It is perfect for describing a long-awaited vacation. It works wonders when you talk about a delicious, fancy meal. You can even use it when meeting an old friend after years. It shows you are deeply moved by the experience. It adds a touch of class to your storytelling.

Do not use this for bad experiences. A car accident is not a 'dream' in this context. For scary or bad things, use the word كابوس (nightmare). Also, avoid it for very boring, everyday tasks. Buying a loaf of bread is rarely like a dream. Unless that bread is truly life-changing, keep this phrase for special moments.

Arabic culture deeply values poetic imagery and emotional depth. Dreams are often seen as a bridge to a more beautiful world. In classical poetry, lovers often described their brief meetings this way. It implies the moment was fleeting and very precious. Using it shows you have a romantic or appreciative soul. It is a very common way to show gratitude for a good time.

You might hear people say كأني في حلم (As if I am in a dream). Some might say مثل الحلم (Like the dream) for a simpler version. In various dialects, you might hear خيال (Fantasy). However, كان كأنه حلم remains the most elegant and widely understood version. It works perfectly in both formal writing and casual coffee chats.