حفظك الله
Hafidhaka Allah
The phrase 'may God protect you' in Arabic is حفظك الله (Hafidhaka Allah).
The phrase حفظك الله is used to express a wish for someone's safety and well-being. It is commonly used when saying goodbye to someone or as a way to express gratitude and well-wishes.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase حفظك الله is composed of the verb حفظ (to protect/preserve), the suffix ك (you) and الله (God).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase changes depending on who you are addressing. To address a female, the suffix changes from 'ka' to 'ki' in the form حفظكِ الله.
How do you pronounce it?
Hafidhaka Allah
Did you know?
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, the verb حفظ can also mean 'to memorize'. It is the same root used for a 'Hafiz', someone who has committed the entire Quran to memory.
- The word الله is a linguistic relative of the Hebrew word 'Eloah' and the Aramaic 'Alaha', as all three descend from the ancient Proto-Semitic root *ʔil-.
- While حفظك الله is a prayer for safety, it is frequently used as a polite 'social lubricant' to end a conversation or a phone call without sounding abrupt.
Examples in context
- حفظك الله.May God protect you.This sentence demonstrates the use of حفظك الله.Tatoeba #13724839 by Adelpa, translation #12588282 by anzart
- صباح الخير، أرجو أن يحميك الله دائماًGood morning, may God always protect you.
- الله يسلمك ويحميك دايماًMay God protect and preserve you always.
- حفظك الله في سفرك.hafazaka Allahu fi safarika.May God protect you on your journey.
- حفظك الله من كل سوء.hafazaka Allahu min kulli su'.May God protect you from all evil.
Example conversation
Yousef is saying goodbye to Maryam before she travels.
- يوسف Youssefرحلة سعيدة يا مريم.Rihla sa'ida ya Maryam.Have a happy trip, Maryam.
- مريم Maryamشكراً لك يا يوسف.Shukran laka ya Yousef.Thank you, Yousef.
- يوسف Youssefحفظك الله في طريقك.Hafidhaki Allah fi tariqik.May God protect you on your way.
- مريم Maryamويحفظك الله أيضاً.Wa yahfadhuka Allah ay-dan.And may God protect you too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries الله, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
