حفظك الله
Hafidhaka Allah
The English phrase "may allah protect you" is translated into Arabic as حفظك الله (Hafidhaka Allah).
حفظك الله is used as a polite parting expression or as a way to show appreciation and well-wishes toward another person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb hafidha (to protect or preserve), the suffix -ka (you, masculine singular) and Allah (God).
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix changes depending on who you are addressing: use حفظكِ الله (Hafidhaki Allah) to address a female, and use حفظكم الله (Hafidhakum Allah) to address a group of people.
How do you pronounce it?
Hafidhaka Allah
Did you know?
- The verb root ح-ف-ظ (h-f-dh) used in this phrase does not just mean to protect, but also carries the meaning of 'to memorize' or 'to preserve' something in one's mind.
- The word الله appears in pre-Islamic inscriptions and Nabataean texts, showing it was used to refer to a deity before the rise of Islam.
- While translated as 'may Allah protect you', this phrase is often used as a social lubricant in formal correspondence to soften a request or a rejection.
Examples in context
- حفظك الله في سفرك.hafazaka Allahu fi safarika.May Allah protect you on your journey.
- حفظك الله من كل سوء.hafazaka Allahu min kulli su'May Allah protect you from all evil.
- حفظك الله يا صديقي.hafazaka Allahu ya sadiqi.May Allah protect you, my friend.
Example conversation
Ziad is leaving for a long trip and says goodbye to Laila.
- زياد Ziadأنا مسافر الآن، وداعاً يا ليلى.Ana musafir al-an, wada'an ya Laila.I am traveling now, goodbye Laila.
- ليلى Laylaحفظك الله في طريقك.Hafizaka Allahu fi tariqika.May Allah protect you on your way.
- زياد Ziadشكراً لكِ، أتمنى لكِ يوماً سعيداً.Shukran laki, atamanna laki yawman sa'idan.Thank you, I wish you a happy day.
- ليلى Laylaوأنت أيضاً، مع السلامة.Wa anta aidan, ma'a al-salama.And you too, goodbye.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries الله, CC BY-SA 4.0.
