Question 1

Why does the speaker use the plural pronoun إليكم (to you all) when writing to one manager?

Accepted Answer

In formal Arabic correspondence, it is a standard polite practice to use the plural suffix ـكم (-kum) when addressing a single person of higher rank or someone you don't know well. This plural of respect is similar to the formal "vous" in French. If this were an informal letter, you would just say إليك (ilayka).

Question 2

What does حضرة literally mean, and how does the grammar work here?

Accepted Answer

Literally, حضرة (hadrat) translates to "presence." In formal contexts, it is used as a respectful title like "Esteemed" or "His/Her Honor." Grammatically, it forms an Idafa (a possessive construction) with the job title, so حضرة المدير literally means "the presence of the manager." Notice that حضرة doesn't take the definite article الـ (al-), because the first word in an Idafa never does.

Question 3

Could I start this letter with عزيزي المدير (Dear Manager) instead?

Accepted Answer

You could, but it changes the tone. عزيزي (azeezee) is closer to "my dear" and implies a level of personal familiarity. In Arabic business and official letters, حضرة (hadrat) or السيد (al-sayyid, meaning "Mr.") are preferred because they maintain a respectful, professional distance.

Question 4

Is بخصوص a single word or a combination of words?

Accepted Answer

It is a combination. It attaches the preposition بـ (bi-, meaning "with" or "in") to the noun خصوص (khusoos, meaning "particularity"). As a set phrase, بخصوص (bikhusoos) translates to "regarding" or "concerning." It is an essential phrase for writing formal emails and letters at the B1 level.

حضرة المدير، أكتب إليكم بخصوص الإعلان.

Breakdown of حضرة المدير، أكتب إليكم بخصوص الإعلان.

Questions & Answers about حضرة المدير، أكتب إليكم بخصوص الإعلان.

Learn حضرة المدير، أكتب إليكم بخصوص الإعلان and more in Arabic