va avec Dieu
In French, 'go with God' is translated as va avec Dieu.
While va avec Dieu provides a direct translation, other formal variations are often used to specify different blessings, such as wishing that God accompanies, protects or guides the person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase va avec Dieu is composed of the imperative form of aller (to go), the preposition avec (with) and the noun Dieu (God).
Which one should you use?
More specific formal expressions include Que Dieu vous accompagne to mean 'May God accompany you', Que Dieu vous garde to express 'May God keep you [safe]' and Que Dieu vous guide to wish someone 'May God guide you'.
Did you know?
- While va avec Dieu is a direct translation, the phrase Adieu is a contraction of à Dieu and was historically used as a way to say 'to God' when parting.
- While you might expect 'avec' to be a simple word for 'with', it actually grew from a combination of the Latin words 'apud' meaning 'near' and 'hoc' meaning 'this'.
- The word Dieu shares a very ancient ancestor with the English word 'deity'.
Example conversation
Emma is saying goodbye to Nathan at the door.
- EmmaC'est l'heure de partir, Nathan.It is time to leave, Nathan.
- NathanOui, je m'en vais maintenant.Yes, I am going now.
- EmmaVa avec Dieu, mon cher ami.Go with God, my dear friend.
- NathanMerci, Emma. À bientôt.Thank you, Emma. See you soon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Dieu, avec, dieu, va, CC BY-SA 4.0.
