What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of arāka (I see you) and lāḥiqan (later/subsequently).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal farewell, such as 'Until we meet again', you can use إلى اللقاء. To convey 'I'll see you again' in a formal and polite manner, use أراك مجددًا. In contrast, نشوفك is an informal way to say 'See you later'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Different dialects have their own ways to express this: in Levantine Arabic, you can say يلّا نشوفك مرة تانية for 'See you again'. In Egyptian Arabic, أنا هشوفك تاني means 'I'll see you again'. And in Gulf Arabic, أشوفك بعدين is used for 'See you later' or 'See you again'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb changes based on who you are addressing. Use أراكِ لاحقاً (arāki lāḥiqan) when speaking to a female, and use أراكم لاحقاً (arākum lāḥiqan) when speaking to a group.
How do you pronounce it?
arāka lāḥiqan
Did you know?
- In many Middle Eastern cultures, a goodbye like 'see you again' is often accompanied by a hand over the heart, a gesture that adds sincerity to the spoken words.
- While أراك لاحقاً is grammatically perfect, many Arabs prefer using religious-rooted greetings like إلى اللقاء في حفظ الله which means 'See you in God's protection'.
- In many Arabic dialects, instead of saying 'I see you', people say 'We see you' using the plural form نشوفك even when speaking to a single person, as a sign of politeness or communal warmth.
Examples in context
- أراك لاحقاً في المكتب.Araka lahiqan fil maktab.See you again later at the office.
- شكراً لك، أراك لاحقاً.Shukran lak, araka lahiqan.Thank you, see you again later.
Example conversation
Nour and Ahmed are leaving a coffee shop.
- نور Nourالوقت متأخر الآن.al-waqt muta'akhkhir al-an.It is late now.
- أحمد Ahmedيجب أن أذهب.yajib an adhab.I must go.
- نور Nourأراك لاحقاً يا أحمد.Araka lahiqan ya Ahmed.See you again later, Ahmed.
- أحمد Ahmedمع السلامة.Ma'a al-salama.Goodbye.
