الله يغفر لنا
Allah yaghfir lana
The English phrase "God forgive us" is translated into Arabic as الله يغفر لنا (Allah yaghfir lana).
This phrase is used as a supplication (du'a) when expressing regret for a mistake or when acknowledging human fallibility.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Allah (God), yaghfir (forgives/pardons) and lana (us/for us).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egypt, you may hear the variation استغفر الله العظيم which translates to "God, the Almighty, forgive us". In the Levant region, you might use the phrase ربنا يا كريم اغفر لنا which means "Our Lord, oh Generous, forgive us".
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb yaghfir is in the present tense, which in this context functions as a prayer or a wish for a continuous or future state of forgiveness.
How do you pronounce it?
Allah yaghfir lana
Did you know?
- While Allah yaghfir lana is a plea, the related Astaghfirullah is often used as a 'verbal eye-roll' to signal that someone has said something so absurd or offensive it requires divine intervention.
- Even though many people associate the term Allah strictly with Islam, Arab Christians use this exact same word when addressing God in their own prayers and daily speech.
- The phrase uses the verb yaghfir, which is linked to the idea of 'covering'. In Arabic thought, forgiveness is not just about erasing a mistake but about God veiling the sin from the sight of others.
Example conversation
Yusuf and Nour are reflecting on a past argument.
- يوسف Youssefلقد تسببنا في مشكلة كبيرة.Laqad tasabbabna fi mushkila kabira.We have caused a big problem.
- نور Nourنعم، الله يغفر لنا يا يوسف.Na'am, Allah yaghfir lana ya Yusuf.Yes, may God forgive us, Yusuf.
- يوسف Youssefسأحاول إصلاح الأمر غداً.Sa'uhawil islah al-amr ghadan.I will try to fix the matter tomorrow.
- نور Nourهذا هو التصرف الصحيح.Hadha huwa at-tasarruf as-sahih.That is the right thing to do.
