اذهب بسلام
idhhab bi-salām
The phrase 'go in peace' in Arabic is اذهب بسلام (idhhab bi-salām).
This phrase is used to wish someone a safe and peaceful departure.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb idhhab (go) and the prepositional phrase bi-salām (with/in peace).
Which one should you use?
While اذهب بسلام is the standard way to express this sentiment, you may encounter the informal version روح ورجع بالسلامة, which literally translates to 'go and come back safely' or روّح بالسلامة, which means 'go with safety'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb changes depending on whom you are addressing: use اذهبي بسلام to address a female, and اذهبوا بسلام to address a group of people.
How do you pronounce it?
idhhab bi-salām
Did you know?
- While اذهب بسلام is grammatically correct, using the imperative 'go' can sometimes sound more like a command to leave or an expulsion rather than a warm wish.
- The word سلام, meaning 'peace', is also one of the ninety-nine names of God in Islam, making the concept of 'peace' deeply spiritual rather than just a social pleasantry.
- The root of salām is shared with the word for 'whole' or 'complete'. In Arabic culture, wishing someone 'peace' is not just about the absence of war, but wishing them a state of wholeness and well-being.
Examples in context
- اذهب بسلام يا صديقي.Idhhab bi-salām yā ṣadīqī.Go in peace, my friend.
Example conversation
Ziad is saying goodbye to Maryam as she leaves his house.
- زياد Ziadلقد استمتعت بزيارتك يا مريم.Laqad istamta'tu bi-ziyaratika ya Maryam.I enjoyed your visit, Maryam.
- مريم Maryamشكراً لك يا زياد، سأغادر الآن.Shukran laka ya Ziyad, sa-ughadir al-an.Thank you, Ziad, I will leave now.
- زياد Ziadحسناً، اذهب بسلام.Hasanan, idhhab bi-salam.Alright, go in peace.
- مريم Maryamإلى اللقاء قريباً.Ila al-liqa' qariban.See you soon.
