الله معك
Allāh ma'ak
The Arabic phrase for "allah be with you" is الله معك (Allāh ma'ak).
This phrase is used as a parting wish to wish someone protection and guidance from God when saying goodbye. It is similar in sentiment to saying "God be with you" or "Go with God".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase الله معك literally translates to "God with you".
Which one should you use?
The default form الله معك is used as a parting wish for an individual, while the form Allah ma'akum is used when addressing a group of people.
How do you pronounce it?
Allāh ma'ak
Did you know?
- The name الله is linguistically linked to the Hebrew word אֱלוֹהַּ (Eloah), sharing a common ancestor in the Proto-Semitic root *ʔil-.
- The phrase الله معك can be used not only when someone is leaving a room but also as a gentle way to end a disagreement or a tense conversation.
- In some dialects, if someone says الله معك to you, a common polite way to reply is to repeat the exact same phrase back to them.
Examples in context
- الله معك في هذه الرحلة.Allah ma'ak fi hadhihi al-rihla.Allah be with you on this journey.
- وداعاً، الله معك.Wada'an, Allah ma'ak.Goodbye, Allah be with you.
- اذهب بسلام، الله معك.Idhhab bi-salam, Allah ma'ak.Go in peace, Allah be with you.
Example conversation
Ziad is leaving for a long trip and saying goodbye to Sara.
- سارة Saraهل أنت مستعد للسفر؟Hal anta musta'id lil-safar?Are you ready to travel?
- زياد Ziadنعم، سأغادر الآن.Na'am, sa-ughadir al-an.Yes, I am leaving now.
- سارة Saraوداعاً يا زياد، الله معك.Wada'an ya Ziad, Allah ma'ak.Goodbye Ziad, Allah be with you.
- زياد Ziadشكراً لكِ يا سارة.Shukran laki ya Sara.Thank you, Sara.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries الله, CC BY-SA 4.0.
