مع السلامة
ma‘a as-salāmah
In Arabic, "may God be with you" can be expressed as مع السلامة (ma‘a as-salāmah).
This phrase is used as a way to say goodbye to someone.
Which one should you use?
معك الله is a formal way to say 'May God be with you.' الله يكون معاك is an informal way to say 'May God be with you.' ربنا يكون معاك means 'May our Lord be with you' and is used informally.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egyptian Arabic, الله يبارك فيك is used to convey the sentiment "May God bless you".
How do you pronounce it?
ma‘a as-salāmah
When do people say it?
A common response to مع السلامة is الله يسلمك, which means "May God protect/keep you safe".
Did you know?
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, saying goodbye with phrases like مع السلامة is rarely a brief exchange. It can involve several minutes of repeating various well-wishes and prayers for the other person's well-being.
- The word مع in مع السلامة is an ancient linguistic relative of the Hebrew word עם, both meaning 'with'.
- The word سلامة in the phrase مع السلامة refers specifically to 'safety' or 'salvation' rather than the spiritual presence of a deity.
Examples in context
- مع السلامة يا أمي.ma'a as-salāma yā ummī.Goodbye, mother.
- أنا ذاهب الآن، مع السلامة.anā dhāhib al-ān, ma'a as-salāma.I am leaving now, goodbye.
- مع السلامة جميعاً.ma'a as-salāma jamī'an.Goodbye everyone.
Example conversation
Youssef is leaving Layla's house after visiting her.
- يوسف Youssefشكراً على الاستضافة يا ليلى.shukran 'alā al-istidāfa yā Laylā.Thank you for the hospitality, Layla.
- ليلى Laylaعفواً، أراك قريباً.'afwan, arāka qarīban.You're welcome, see you soon.
- يوسف Youssefمع السلامة.ma'a as-salāma.Goodbye.
- ليلى Laylaمع السلامة يا يوسف.ma'a as-salāma yā Yūsuf.Goodbye, Youssef.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries مع, مع السلامة, CC BY-SA 4.0.
