Ways to say it
| Algerian Arabic | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| بسلامة | bslama | |
| الله يحفظك | allah yahfadek | blessing |
| نتلاقاو | ntlaqaw | we will meet again |
A blessing often follows, such as الله يحفظك (allah yahfadek), 'may God protect you'. نتلاقاو (ntlaqaw), 'we will meet again', is added when you expect to see the person soon.
What does it mean word for word?
بسلامة literally wishes a safe departure. يحفظك means 'protects you'. نتلاقاو comes from the verb for 'to meet'.
Which one should you use?
بسلامة is the plain, everyday goodbye. الله يحفظك adds warmth for someone you care about. نتلاقاو points forward to the next meeting.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
بسلامة suits every setting, casual or respectful.
Is it said differently in some regions?
بسلامة is shared across the Maghreb, close to the Gulf and Levantine مع السلامة.
How does it change in a sentence?
نتلاقاو is a 'we' form and does not change for gender, since it already refers to both speakers.
How do you pronounce it?
بسلامة flows as one word with no pause, 'bslama'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Ending a visit without any goodbye phrase can feel abrupt in Algeria, even a quick بسلامة is expected.
When do people say it?
Leaving a family gathering often takes several minutes, since each person says goodbye individually with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek.
Did you know?
- Wishing someone طريق السلامة, 'a road of safety', is a common Algerian addition to goodbye before a trip.
- نتلاقاو pairs two people into one verb form, since Arabic marks 'we' directly in the verb ending rather than with a separate word.
Examples in context
- بسلامة، نتلاقاو قريب.bslama, ntlaqaw qrib.Goodbye, see you soon.
- الله يحفظك، طريق السلامة.allah yahfadek, triq ssalama.Goodbye, safe travels.
- بسلامة لكم جميعا.bslama lekom jami3an.Goodbye to all of you.
Example conversation
Fouad says goodbye to his cousin Lamia after a long family dinner.
- Fouadبسلامة، كان عندنا وقت زين.bslama, kan 3andna waqt zin.Goodbye, we had a nice time.
- Lamiaبسلامة، الله يحفظك في الطريق.bslama, allah yahfadek fi ttriq.Goodbye, God protect you on the road.
- Fouadنتلاقاو عيد الأضحى.ntlaqaw eid lad-ha.We will meet again at Eid al-Adha.
- Lamiaإن شاء الله.inchallah.God willing.
