الله معك
Allāh ma'ak
The phrase "God be with you" in Arabic is الله معك (Allāh ma'ak).
This phrase is most commonly used as a way to say goodbye, implying a wish for divine protection during a journey or a task.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of الله (God) and معك (with you).
Which one should you use?
While الله معك is the standard spoken version, معك الله also means "God be with you." For a more formal tone, you can use رافقك الله, which means "May God accompany you."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
الله معك is a colloquial version used in many Arabic dialects. For a more casual or informal tone, you can use معاك الله or ربنا معاك (which translates to "Our Lord is with you").
How does it change in a sentence?
The ending of the phrase changes depending on whom you are addressing: to address a woman, use الله معكِ and to address a group of people, use الله معكم.
How do you pronounce it?
Allāh ma'ak
Did you know?
- The word الله is a cognate of the Hebrew word אֱלוֹהַּ 'elōah' and the Syriac ܐܰܠܳܗܳܐ 'alāhā'.
- In many Arabic-speaking regions, responding to this blessing is as important as the greeting itself. It is customary to reply with a phrase that mirrors the blessing back to the speaker to complete the cycle of goodwill.
Examples in context
- ربنا معاك! ستحقق التوفيق بإذن الله.May God be with you! You will succeed, God willing.
- الله معك في سفرك.Allāhu ma'aka fī safarika.God be with you on your journey.
- اذهب الآن، الله معك.Idhhab al-ān, Allāhu ma'aka.Go now, God be with you.
- الله معك يا صديقي.Allāhu ma'aka yā ṣadīqī.God be with you, my friend.
Example conversation
Nour is saying goodbye to Yusuf at the door.
- نور Nourيوسف، أنا سأذهب الآن.Yusuf, ana sa-adhhab al-aan.Yusuf, I am leaving now.
- يوسف Youssefحسناً، رافقتك السلامة.Hasanan, rafaqatka as-salama.Alright, stay safe.
- نور Nourشكراً لك، الله معك.Shukran lak, Allah ma'ak.Thank you, God be with you.
- يوسف Youssefوإياكِ يا نور.Wa iyyaki ya Nour.And with you too, Nour.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries الله, CC BY-SA 4.0.
