مع السلامة
The English phrase "bye to someone" is translated into Arabic as مع السلامة.
مع السلامة is a standard, widely understood way to say goodbye in both formal and informal settings across the Arabic-speaking world. It means "bye".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition مع (with) and the noun السلامة (safety/peace).
When do people say it?
A common response to مع السلامة is الله يسلمك, which literally means "May God grant you safety".
Did you know?
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, it is common to repeat the goodbye phrase several times during a long, drawn-out departure rather than saying it just once.
- Depending on the region, a goodbye might be accompanied by a light touch on the shoulder or a hand on the heart to signal sincerity and warmth.
- The word مع is a cognate with the Hebrew word עם, which also means 'with'.
Examples in context
- مع السلامة يا أمي.ma'a as-salāma yā ummī.Goodbye, mother.
- إلى اللقاء، مع السلامة.ila al-liqā', ma'a as-salāma.See you later, goodbye.
- مع السلامة يا صديقي.ma'a as-salāma yā ṣadīqī.Goodbye, my friend.
Example conversation
Layla and Yusuf are finishing their meeting at a cafe.
- ليلى Laylaشكراً على القهوة يا يوسف.Shukran 'ala al-qahwa ya Yusuf.Thank you for the coffee, Yusuf.
- يوسف Youssefلا شكر على واجب يا ليلى.La shukr 'ala wajib ya Layla.You're welcome, Layla.
- ليلى Laylaسأذهب الآن، مع السلامة.Sa-adhab al-an, ma'a as-salama.I'm going now, goodbye.
- يوسف Youssefمع السلامة، في أمان الله.Ma'a as-salama, fi aman Allah.Goodbye, go with God's safety.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries مع, مع السلامة, CC BY-SA 4.0.
