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Goodbye
#6
مع السّلامة (ma'a as-salāma) is a formal Arabic farewell phrase meaning 'goodbye' or literally 'with peace/safety.' It is one of the most common and respectful ways to say goodbye in Arabic-speaking cultures and is used across all dialects. This phrase is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts and carries a warm, peaceful sentiment.
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11
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شكراً على وقتك، مع السّلامة!
Shukran 'ala waqtika, ma'a as-salāma!
Thank you for your time, goodbye!
أراك غداً، مع السّلامة يا صديقي.
Arāka ghadan, ma'a as-salāma yā sadīqī.
See you tomorrow, goodbye my friend.
كان لطيفاً اللقاء بك، مع السّلامة.
Kāna laTīfan al-liqā'u bika, ma'a as-salāma.
It was nice meeting you, goodbye.
مع السّلامة وحفظك الله.
Ma'a as-salāma wa ḥafaDhaka al-lāh.
Goodbye and may God protect you.
حسناً، مع السّلامة والسلام عليكم.
Hasanan, ma'a as-salāma wa as-salāmu 'alaykum.
Alright, goodbye and peace be upon you.
مع السّلامة is deeply embedded in Arabic culture and reflects the Islamic value of wishing peace and safety upon others. It is used universally across Arabic-speaking countries, from the Gulf to North Africa, making it one of the most recognizable Arabic phrases. In Arab societies, this phrase is considered respectful and warm, and using it demonstrates cultural awareness and courtesy.
Use مع السّلامة when saying goodbye to anyone in a respectful manner—it works in both formal and casual contexts. You can use it alone or combine it with other greetings like 'wa alaikum assalam' (and upon you be peace). Remember that it's acceptable to use this phrase multiple times in a conversation as you're wrapping up, and it often accompanies handshakes or placing a hand over the heart in formal settings.
مع السّلامة (ma'a as-salāma) is one of the most essential Arabic phrases you'll encounter in everyday conversation. Literally translated, it means "with peace" or "with safety," but it is universally understood as the Arabic equivalent of "goodbye." The word مع (ma'a) means "with," and السّلامة (as-salāma) means "peace" or "safety." Together, the phrase carries a deep meaning of wishing someone safety and peace as they depart.
مع السّلامة functions as a prepositional phrase and is considered an idiomatic expression in Arabic. Unlike English, where "goodbye" is a single word, this Arabic phrase maintains its literal meaning while serving as a goodbye expression. The phrase doesn't require conjugation or modification based on gender or number, making it universally applicable to anyone, regardless of who you're speaking to. It can stand alone as a complete farewell or be incorporated into longer sentences.
You will hear مع السّلامة in virtually every Arabic-speaking country, from Saudi Arabia to Morocco, Egypt to Lebanon, and everywhere in between. It's used in formal business settings, casual conversations, phone calls, and even in written communication. Teachers use it with students, parents with children, friends with friends, and customers with shopkeepers. The phrase's universality and acceptability make it perhaps the single most important goodbye phrase to master when learning Arabic.
In Arab culture, the concept of safety (السّلامة) and peace (السّلام) holds profound religious and social importance, particularly influenced by Islamic values. When someone says مع السّلامة, they are genuinely wishing the departing person safety and peace on their journey or in their endeavors. This reflects the Arabic cultural emphasis on community care and well-being. Using this phrase correctly demonstrates respect for the culture and consideration for the other person.
مع السّلامة is appropriate in almost any farewell situation. Use it:
While مع السّلامة is the standard phrase, there are related expressions you should know:
When using مع السّلامة, remember these practical considerations:
Mastering مع السّلامة is crucial for any Arabic learner because it's one of the most frequently used phrases in the language. It appears in virtually every conversation's conclusion and learning it early in your Arabic journey will significantly improve your ability to engage in natural, respectful interactions with Arabic speakers. Moreover, understanding the phrase's literal meaning enriches your appreciation of Arab culture and values.
مع السّلامة is far more than just a goodbye phrase—it's a reflection of Arabic language and culture's emphasis on peace, safety, and respect. By learning and using this phrase correctly, you'll not only communicate effectively but also demonstrate cultural sensitivity and genuine respect for Arabic-speaking communities.