What it means
الهی شکر (elâhi shokr) is a fixed phrase made of two Arabic words: الهی (elâhi), from Arabic ilâhi meaning “O God” or “divine,” and شکر (shokr), from Arabic shukr meaning “thanks” or “gratitude.” The phrase functions as a compressed prayer of gratitude, equivalent to “thank God” or “praise God” in English. Iranians use it as a spontaneous reflex: after receiving good news, after finishing a meal, or at the end of a difficult journey. A close synonym is خدا رو شکر (khodâ ro shokr), which mixes the pure Persian khodâ (God) with the Arabic shokr and is equally common in colloquial speech.
How to use it
- الهی شکر، همه سالم برگشتن. (Elâhi shokr, hame sâlem bargashtan.) “Thank God, everyone returned safely.”
- حالت چطوره؟ الهی شکر، خوبم. (Hâlat chetore? Elâhi shokr, khubam.) “How are you? Thank God, I’m well.”
- الهی شکر، قبول شدم تو آزمون. (Elâhi shokr, ghobul shodam tu âzmun.) “Thank God, I passed the exam.”
- غذا خوردیم و الهی شکر گفتیم. (Ghazâ khordim va elâhi shokr goftim.) “We ate and said thank God.”
Cultural note
الهی شکر is among the most automatic phrases in Persian, used far beyond formally religious contexts. Many secular Iranians say it as a cultural reflex inherited from family and community, without treating it as a prayer. It also functions as the socially expected response to حالتون چطوره (how are you), where replying with الهی شکر signals contentment and stability. Complaining when asked how you are is considered impolite in many Iranian social circles, making this phrase a socially important signal of composure as much as genuine gratitude.