والله
wallah
The English phrase "I swear to God" is translated into Arabic as والله (wallah).
The expression والله is used in informal conversations to emphasize that a statement is true or to express strong conviction.
What does it mean word for word?
The word wallah is a contraction of wa (meaning "by") and Allah (meaning "God").
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While the components are religious, the phrase is used extremely frequently in everyday, informal spoken Arabic across many social contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
wallah
Did you know?
- The phrase is so ubiquitous that it has entered the slang of non-Arabic speakers in cities like Berlin and London, where it is used by youth regardless of their religion.
- Depending on the tone, والله؟ can be used as a question meaning 'Really?' or 'Are you serious?' rather than a statement of truth.
- In some Arabic cultures, using والله too frequently in a single conversation is seen as a sign that the speaker is actually lying or trying too hard to be believed.
Examples in context
- والله، أنا لم أفعل ذلك.Wallahi, ana lam af'al dhalik.I swear to God, I didn't do that.
- والله، الطعام لذيذ جداً.Wallahi, al-ta'am ladhidh jiddan.I swear to God, the food is very delicious.
- والله، سأنهي العمل غداً.Wallahi, sa-unhi al-'amal ghadan.I swear to God, I will finish the work tomorrow.
Example conversation
Laila asks Ziad if he actually finished the book.
- ليلى Laylaهل قرأت الكتاب فعلاً؟Hal qara'ta al-kitab fi'lan?Did you actually read the book?
- زياد Ziadوالله، قرأته بالكامل.Wallahi, qara'tuhu bil-kamil.I swear to God, I read it completely.
- ليلى Laylaأنت سريع جداً يا زياد.Anta sari' jiddan ya Ziad.You are very fast, Ziad.
- زياد Ziadشكراً لكِ يا ليلى.Shukran laki ya Laila.Thank you, Laila.
