الله يحفظك
Allah yahfazak
The phrase "allah protect you" in Arabic is الله يحفظك (Allah yahfazak).
This phrase is a way to wish someone safety and divine protection. While it functions as a wish for protection, it is often used in social contexts similarly to how an English speaker might say "Take care". It is commonly used as a way to say goodbye or to express gratitude and well-wishes to someone.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Allah (God), yahfaz (protects/preserves) and the suffix -ak (you, masculine).
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix of the phrase changes depending on who you are addressing. To direct the phrase toward a female, the suffix changes from -ak to -uki as in الله يحفظكِ. To direct the phrase toward a group of people, the suffix changes to -akum as in الله يحفظكم.
How do you pronounce it?
Allah yahfazak
Did you know?
- The use of Allah in this phrase is common among both Muslims and Arab Christians, as the word is the standard Arabic term for 'God' regardless of religion.
- While it translates to 'Allah protect you', the verb يحفظ can also mean 'to preserve' or 'to save'. In a different context, it is the same root used for the word 'museum' or 'archive' in Arabic.
- The word الله is a linguistic relative of the Hebrew word אֱלוֹהַּ (Eloah). They both stem from the same ancient Proto-Semitic root for 'deity'.
Examples in context
- الله يحفظك في سفرك.Allah yaḥfaẓuk fī safarik.May Allah protect you on your journey.
- شكراً لك، الله يحفظك.Shukran lak, Allah yaḥfaẓuk.Thank you, may Allah protect you.
- الله يحفظك ويحمي عائلتك.Allah yaḥfaẓuk wa yaḥmī 'a'ilatak.May Allah protect you and your family.
Example conversation
Ziad is leaving Maryam's house after a visit.
- مريم Maryamفي أمان الله يا زياد.Fi aman Allah ya Ziyad.In the safety of Allah, Ziad.
- زياد Ziadشكراً يا مريم، أراكِ قريباً.Shukran ya Maryam, araki qariban.Thank you Maryam, see you soon.
- مريم Maryamالله يحفظك في طريقك.Allah yahfazak fi tariqak.Allah protect you on your way.
- زياد Ziadوإياكِ أيضاً.Wa iyyaki aydan.And you too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries الله, CC BY-SA 4.0.
