خدا حفظت کنه
khoda hefzet kone
The English phrase 'God bless' can be expressed in Persian as خدا حفظت کنه (khoda hefzet kone).
خدا حفظت کنه is a warm way to say goodbye or to express a wish for someone's safety, meaning 'God protect you'.
Which one should you use?
While خدا حفظت کنه is a common way to wish for protection, خدا همراهت باشه is used specifically to say 'May God be with you' and خداوند به شما برکت بدهد is used to say 'May God bestow blessings upon you'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form خدا حفظت کنه is informal and appropriate for use with friends, family or children. For formal settings, you can use خداوند به شما برکت بدهد or the written/very formal version خدا شما را حفظ کند.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Tehran, the expression خدا قوت is used as an expression of goodwill, translating to 'God strengthen you'.
How do you pronounce it?
khoda hefzet kone
Did you know?
- While خدا حفظت کنه is a blessing, the word کنه is a homonym that also means 'tick' in Persian, referring to the blood-sucking arachnid.
- Using the phrase خدا حفظت کنه is an act of 'Taarof', the complex Persian system of etiquette that emphasizes extreme politeness and humility.
Examples in context
- خداوند به شما برکت بدهد، زندگی شادی داشته باشید.May God bestow blessings upon you, may you have a joyful life.
- خدا حفظت کنه و روزها و شب‌هایت رو به نیکی بگذرونی.May God protect you and may you spend your days and nights in goodness.
- خدا همراهت باشه، [Recipient's Name]. برای امتحاناتت موفق باشی.May God be with you, [Recipient's Name]. May you succeed in your exams.
- خدا حفظت کنه.Khoda hefzet kone.God bless you.
- برو، خدا حفظت کنه.Boro, khoda hefzet kone.Go, God bless you.
Example conversation
Maryam and Reza are saying goodbye after a walk.
- مریم Maryamمن دیگر باید بروم، رضا.Man digar bayad beravam, Reza.I have to go now, Reza.
- رضا Rezaباشه، خدا حفظت کنه مریم.Bashe, khoda hefzet kone Maryam.Okay, god bless you, Maryam.
- مریم Maryamتو هم همینطور، فعلاً خداحافظ.To ham hamintor, fe'lan khodahafez.You too, goodbye for now.
- رضا Rezaخداحافظ، به سلامت.Khodahafez, be salamat.Goodbye, go safely.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries خدا, کنه, CC BY-SA 4.0.
