الله يحفظك
Allah yahfazak
In Arabic, 'God protect you' is said as الله يحفظك (Allah yahfazak).
The phrase الله يحفظك is used to wish someone safety and divine protection. It can function as a sincere prayer or as a warm way to express gratitude or say goodbye.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Allah (God), yahfaz (protects/preserves) and the suffix -ak (you, masculine singular).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form الله يحفظك is commonly used in everyday spoken Arabic across many dialects and is considered informal. Another informal phrase meaning 'May God keep you' is Allah Ykhaleek.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egyptian Arabic, an informal variation of this sentiment is Rabena ye7fazak.
How does it change in a sentence?
To direct the phrase toward a female, the suffix changes from -ak to -aki, resulting in الله يحفظكِ. To direct the phrase toward a group of people, the suffix changes to -akum, forming الله يحفظكم.
How do you pronounce it?
Allah yahfazak
Did you know?
- Invoking protection through phrases like this is often a cultural defense against the 'evil eye', intended to shield the person from the effects of accidental jealousy.
- The word الله is thought to be a contraction of the phrase al-ilāh, which literally means 'the deity'.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, the sentiment of 'protection' is so common that it is frequently used to express affection towards children or even small animals.
Examples in context
- الله يحفظك في سفرك.Allāhu yaḥfaẓuka fī safarika.May God protect you on your journey.
- شكراً يا صديقي، الله يحفظك.Shukran yā ṣadīqī, Allāhu yaḥfaẓuka.Thank you my friend, may God protect you.
- الله يحفظك من كل سوء.Allāhu yaḥfaẓuka min kulli sū'.May God protect you from all evil.
Example conversation
Omar is saying goodbye to Noor as she leaves.
- عمر Omarمع السلامة يا نور، الله يحفظك.Ma'a al-salama ya Noor, Allah yahfazik.Goodbye Noor, God protect you.
- نور Nourوإياك يا عمر، شكراً لك.Wa iyyaka ya Omar, shukran lak.And you too Omar, thank you.
- عمر Omarأخبريني عندما تصلين.Akhbirini 'indama tasilin.Let me know when you arrive.
- نور Nourسأفعل ذلك بالتأكيد.Sa-af'al dhalika bi-ta'keed.I will definitely do that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries الله, CC BY-SA 4.0.
