Learning to say goodbye is just as important as saying hello. In Arabic, there are many ways to say „bye in arabic,” and each one has a special meaning. From formal farewells to casual goodbyes, these phrases offer a glimpse into the culture of hospitality and respect. This article will teach you how to say bye in arabic and give you the confidence to end any conversation politely and correctly.
Hello And Goodbye In Arabic
Before we dive into saying goodbye, let’s quickly review the basics of greeting someone. This is a crucial part of social interaction.
How To Say Hello In Arabic
The most common ways to say „hello in arabic” are:
- Marhaba (مرحباً – marhaba): This is a very common and friendly way to say hello in many parts of the Arab world. The response is usually marhaban bik (مرحباً بك – marhaban bik) or simply marhaba back.
- As-salamu alaykum (السلام عليكم – As-salamu alaykum): This is a more formal and traditional greeting, meaning „peace be upon you.” It is used by Muslims and non-Muslims alike and is appropriate in all situations. The correct response is wa alaykumu s-salam (وعليكم السلام – wa alaykumu s-salam), meaning „and upon you be peace.”
Time-Specific Arabic Greetings
Arabic also has greetings for different times of the day.
- Good morning: Sabah al-khayr (صباح الخير – Sabah al-khayr). The response is Sabah an-nur (صباح النور – Sabah an-nur), which means „morning of light.”
- Good evening: Masa’ al-khayr (مساء الخير – Masa’ al-khayr). The response is Masa’ an-nur (مساء النور – Masa’ an-nur), which means „evening of light.”
- Good night: Tusbih ‘ala khayr (تصبح على خير – Tusbih ‘ala khayr). This phrase is for a male. For a woman, you say Tusbihi ‘ala khayr (تصبحي على خير – Tusbihi ‘ala khayr). The response is wa anta min ahlihi (وأنت من أهله – wa anta min ahlihi).
Phrases to Say Goodbye in Arabic
Now that you know how to say hello, here are the most important phrases to say goodbye in arabic.
The All-Purpose Goodbye
- Ma’a as-salama (مع السلامة – Ma’a as-salama): This is the most common and standard way to say goodbye in most of the Arab world. The phrase literally means „with peace” or „go with peace.” You can use masalama in arabic in almost any situation, whether you are leaving a friend’s house, a café, or a meeting.
- How to respond: The best way to respond is by saying Ma’a as-salama back. You can also use Allah yusallimak (الله يسلمك – Allah yusallimak), which means „May God keep you safe.” For a woman, you would say Allah yusallimek (الله يسلمك – Allah yusallimek).
More Formal and Specific Goodbyes
- Ila al-liqa’ (إلى اللقاء – Ila al-liqa’): This phrase means „see you later in arabic.” It is a bit more formal than Ma’a as-salama but is perfect for when you know you will see the person again soon. You will often hear this on news broadcasts or in formal settings.
- Wada’an (وداعاً – Wada’an): This word means „farewell in arabic.” It is a very formal and final way to say goodbye, often used for a long or permanent separation. For a daily goodbye, it might sound a little too dramatic.
Spiritual and Casual Goodbyes
- Fi aman Allah (في أمان الله – Fi aman Allah): This means „In God’s protection.” It is a kind and warm way to say goodbye, especially for a long journey or when you want to show a deeper sense of care. The response is usually Ma’a as-salama.
- Allah ma’ak (الله معك – Allah ma’ak): This means „God be with you.” It is a sincere and popular way to say goodbye, often used when someone is leaving on a trip.
- Yalla, bye: This is a very common and casual way to say goodbye, especially among younger people. It combines the Arabic word yalla (which means „let’s go”) with the English word „bye.”
- B-khatrak (بخاطرك – b-khatrak): This phrase, popular in the Levant, literally means „by your leave.” The person leaving says this, and the other person responds with Ma’a as-salama or Allah ma’ak.
- Tusbih ‘ala khayr (تصبح على خير – Tusbih ‘ala khayr): This is a great way to say „good night” or „goodbye for the night.” The response is wa anta min ahlihi (وأنت من أهله – wa anta min ahlihi), which means „and you are from his people.”
A Note on Dialects: Levantine and Egyptian
While many of these phrases are universal, some are more common in certain dialects.
- Levantine Arabic: You will often hear b-khatrak (بخاطرك) in the Levant.
- Egyptian Arabic: The most common farewell is simply Ma’a as-salama. You will also hear the English word „bye” used very often in casual situations.
Conclusion
Learning the different phrases to say goodbye in arabic is a key part of speaking the language with confidence and cultural understanding. Whether you use the common masalama in arabic or a more formal phrase, you are participating in a tradition that values hospitality and respect. So, next time you are with a friend, try one of these phrases and end your conversation with a warm and genuine farewell.
To continue your journey into the richness of the Arabic language and its cultures, consider using the Kaleela app. It provides comprehensive lessons on Modern Standard Arabic and various dialects, helping you master not just the words but also the traditions behind them.