مع السلامة
ma'a as-salama
The English phrase "good bye" can be translated into Arabic as مع السلامة (ma'a as-salama).
مع السلامة is a common and universal formal way of saying goodbye, while وداعًا signifies farewell in a formal manner. You can also use إلى اللقاء to mean "until we meet again". In more relaxed settings, the informal word سلام can be used to mean "peace" as a way of saying goodbye.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase مع السلامة is composed of the preposition 'ma'a' (with) and 'as-salama' (the safety/peace).
How do you pronounce it?
ma'a as-salama
Did you know?
- In certain Levantine dialects, you might hear people simply say 'yalla, bye' when leaving friends, blending the Arabic 'yalla' (let's go/come on) with the English word.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, saying goodbye is often a prolonged process involving multiple people, where it is customary to repeat phrases of safety and well-wishes several times before actually departing.
- The preposition 'ma'a' is a linguistic relative of the Hebrew word 'im', showing how ancient Semitic roots connect these very different-sounding modern languages.
Examples in context
- مع السلامة ياسمينGoodbye, Yasmin
- مع السلامة.ma'a as-salāma.Goodbye.
- شكراً جزيلاً، مع السلامة.shukran jazīlan, ma'a as-salāma.Thank you very much, goodbye.
- إلى اللقاء، مع السلامة.ila al-liqā', ma'a as-salāma.See you later, goodbye.
Example conversation
Yousef is leaving Sarah's house after a visit.
- يوسف Youssefشكراً على الضيافة.shukran 'ala al-ḍiyāfa.Thank you for the hospitality.
- سارة Saraعفواً، مع السلامة.afwan, ma'a as-salāma.You're welcome, goodbye.
- يوسف Youssefمع السلامة يا سارة.ma'a as-salāma yā Sāra.Goodbye, Sarah.
- سارة Saraفي أمان الله.fī amān illāh.May God protect you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries مع, مع السلامة, CC BY-SA 4.0.
