رحلة سعيدة
Rihla sa'ida
The English phrase "have a safe journey" is expressed in Arabic as رحلة سعيدة (Rihla sa'ida).
رحلة سعيدة is a standard well-wish used for someone who is departing on a trip, covering both the concepts of a 'pleasant' and 'safe' journey.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "happy journey".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word سعيدة (happy) is the feminine form of the adjective to agree with the feminine noun رحلة (journey/trip).
How do you pronounce it?
Rihla sa'ida
When do people say it?
Amin (آمين) is used as an affirmation or agreement with a prayer and can be said after expressions for a safe journey.
Did you know?
- The word رحلة shares a root with the Arabic word for 'camel caravan', reflecting the historical importance of long-distance desert travel in the region's history.
- The word رحلة also refers to a specific genre of historical literature, the 'Rihla', which were detailed travelogues written by scholars and explorers in the medieval Islamic world.
- If you are seeing a friend off at an airport, it is common to see people use the word تروح وترجع بالسلامة, which literally translates to 'may you go and return in safety'.
Examples in context
- رحلة سعيدة يا صديقي.riḥla saʿīda yā ṣadīqī.Have a safe journey, my friend.
- أتمنى لك رحلة سعيدة.atamannā laka riḥla saʿīda.I wish you a safe journey.
- رحلة سعيدة إلى لندن.riḥla saʿīda ilā Landan.Have a safe journey to London.
Example conversation
Mariam is saying goodbye to Ahmed at the airport.
- مريم Maryamوداعاً يا أحمد، رحلة سعيدة!wadāʿan yā Aḥmad, riḥla saʿīda!Goodbye Ahmed, have a safe journey!
- أحمد Ahmedشكراً لكِ يا مريم.shukran laki yā Maryam.Thank you, Mariam.
- مريم Maryamاتصل بي عندما تصل.ittasil bī ʿindamā taṣil.Call me when you arrive.
- أحمد Ahmedسأفعل ذلك بالتأكيد.sa-afʿalu dālika bi-taʾkīd.I will certainly do that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries رحلة, CC BY-SA 4.0.
