أدعو لك
ad'ū lak
The English phrase "praying for you" is translated into Arabic as أدعو لك (ad'ū lak).
This phrase is used to tell someone that you are asking God to help or bless them. It is very common to append بالخير (with goodness/well-being) to the phrase to make the sentiment more complete, resulting in أدعو لك بالخير.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb أدعو (I pray/call upon) and the prepositional phrase لك (for you/to you).
Which one should you use?
The noun-based form دعواتي لك (da'awati lak) is a common alternative meaning "my prayers are with you".
How does it change in a sentence?
To direct the phrase to a female, the suffix changes from lak to laki in أدعو لكِ. To direct the phrase to a group of people, the suffix changes from lak to lakum in أدعو لكم.
How do you pronounce it?
ad'ū lak
Did you know?
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, it is common to say أدعو لك not just in times of hardship, but as a way of thanking someone for a small favor.
- The root of the verb أدعو (to pray) is the same root used for the word 'invitation' دعوة, which frames a prayer as a formal invitation for God to intervene.
- When saying أدعو لك, it is common to accompany the phrase with the gesture of raising both hands with palms facing upward toward the sky.
Examples in context
- أنا أدعو لك بالشفاء.ana ad'u laka bi-shifa'.I am praying for your healing.
- دائماً أدعو لك بالتوفيق.da'iman ad'u laka bi-tawfiq.I am always praying for your success.
Example conversation
Youssef is comforting Maryam who is going through a difficult time.
- يوسف Youssefلا تقلقي يا مريم، أنا أدعو لكِ.la taqlaqi ya Maryam, ana ad'u laki.Do not worry Maryam, I am praying for you.
- مريم Maryamشكراً لك يا يوسف، هذا لطيف جداً.shukran laka ya Youssef, hadha latif jiddan.Thank you Youssef, that is very kind.
- يوسف Youssefأنتِ تستحقين كل الخير.anti tastahiqqina kulla al-khayr.You deserve all the best.
- مريم Maryamجزاك الله خيراً.jazaka Allahu khayran.May God reward you with goodness.
