si Dios quiere
/si ˌdjos ˈkjeɾe/
The English phrase 'inshallah' can be expressed in Spanish as si Dios quiere. Wiktionary also lists inshalá and ojalá.
Meaning: Islam: if God has willed it (intj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| si Dios quiere | /si ˌdjos ˈkjeɾe/ |
| inshalá | /inʃaˈla/ |
| ojalá | /oxaˈla/ |
Spanish speakers use si Dios quiere as an idiomatic way to express that a future event depends on divine will.
Which one should you use?
inshalá is a loanword used in specific religious contexts, whereas ojalá is the standard Spanish word used to express a strong wish or hope (equivalent to 'I hope' or 'if only').
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, si Dios quiere may be more commonly employed in all contexts, including informal ones.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word ojalá can be followed by the conjunction que to introduce a subordinate clause, which typically requires the use of the subjunctive mood.
How do you pronounce it?
/si ˌdjos ˈkjeɾe/
Did you know?
- The word ojalá comes from the Arabic phrase wašāʔa llāh or law šāʔa llāh, which translate to 'and may God will it' or 'if God wills it'.
Examples in context
- Iré a la reunión, si Dios quiere.I will attend the meeting, if God wills it.
- Terminaré mi proyecto a tiempo, si Dios quiere.I will finish my project on time, if God wills it.
- Llegaré a tiempo al aeropuerto, si Dios quiere.I will arrive at the airport on time, if God wills it.
- Mañana tendremos buen clima, ojalá.Tomorrow we will have good weather, God willing.
- Espero que ganes el partido, ojalá.I hope you win the game, God willing.
- Que llegues a tiempo al aeropuerto, ojalá.May you arrive at the airport on time, God willing.
- Si Dios quiere, nos veremos mañana.If God wills it, we will see each other tomorrow.
- Todo saldrá bien, si Dios quiere.Everything will turn out well, if God wills it.
- Si Dios quiere, el viaje será seguro.If God wills it, the trip will be safe.
Example conversation
Javier and María are discussing their future plans.
- JavierPronto compraremos una casa nueva, si Dios quiere.Soon we will buy a new house, if God wills it.
- MaríaAsí sea, Javier. Tenemos que ahorrar más.Let it be so, Javier. We have to save more.
- JavierLo sé, María. Todo llegará en su momento.I know, María. Everything will come in its time.
- MaríaTienes razón. Esperemos que así sea.You are right. Let's hope it happens.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “inshallah” translations and entries si Dios quiere, inshalá, ojalá, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Dios, dios, inshalá, ojalá, si, si Dios quiere, CC BY-SA 4.0.
