الله معك
Allah ma'ak
The English phrase 'God is with you' is translated into Arabic as الله معك (Allah ma'ak).
The phrase is commonly used as a way to say goodbye, functioning similarly to 'may God protect you' or 'goodbye' in a religious-toned context. It is used to wish someone safety and success when they are leaving.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Allah (God) and ma'ak (with you).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes depending on who you are addressing. To address a female, the ending of the second word in الله معك changes to الله معكِ. To address a group of people, the second word becomes الله معكم.
How do you pronounce it?
Allah ma'ak
Did you know?
- In some Arabic dialects, the phrase الله معك is used not just for departures, but as a gentle way to end a disagreement or stop an argument without being rude.
- The word الله is a linguistic relative of the Hebrew word אֱלוֹהַּ (Eloah). They both stem from the same ancient Proto-Semitic root used to describe a deity.
- While the phrase sounds purely religious, it is frequently used in secular, everyday settings by people of various backgrounds to simply mean 'take care' or 'goodbye'.
Examples in context
- الله معك في طريقك.Allah ma'ak fi tariqak.God is with you on your way.
- اذهب الآن، الله معك.Idhhab al'an, Allah ma'ak.Go now, God is with you.
- بالتوفيق في الامتحان، الله معك.Bil-tawfiq fil-imtihaan, Allah ma'ak.Good luck on the exam, God is with you.
Example conversation
Ziad is leaving for a long trip.
- مريم Maryamهل أنت مستعد للسفر؟Hal anta musta'id lil-safar?Are you ready to travel?
- زياد Ziadنعم، أنا جاهز الآن.Na'am, ana jahiz al-an.Yes, I am ready now.
- مريم Maryamرافقتك السلامة، الله معك يا زياد.Rafaqatkal-salama, Allah ma'ak ya Ziad.Go with safety, God is with you, Ziad.
- زياد Ziadشكراً لك يا مريم.Shukran laki ya Maryam.Thank you, Maryam.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries الله, CC BY-SA 4.0.
