ila an naltaqi
Until we meet again
#15
إلى أن نلتقي (ila an naltaqi) is a common Arabic farewell phrase meaning 'Until we meet again.' This expression combines the preposition إلى (ila, meaning 'until'), the conjunction أن (an, meaning 'that'), and the verb نلتقي (naltaqi, meaning 'we meet'). It's used when parting from someone with the expectation of seeing them again in the future.
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11 — completely free
Get a new Arabic word delivered to your inbox every day — with pronunciation, meaning, and cultural context.
إلى أن نلتقي يا صديقي، احرص على صحتك.
Ila an naltaqi ya sadeeqi, ihras ala sihatik.
Until we meet again my friend, take care of yourself.
شكراً على هذا اليوم الرائع، إلى أن نلتقي قريباً.
Shukran ala hadha alyawm alraai, ila an naltaqi qareeba.
Thank you for this wonderful day, until we meet again soon.
إلى أن نلتقي في المدرسة غداً.
Ila an naltaqi fi almadrasa ghadan.
Until we meet again at school tomorrow.
وداعاً، إلى أن نلتقي في الحفلة.
Wadaan, ila an naltaqi fi alhafla.
Goodbye, until we meet again at the party.
إلى أن نلتقي، أتمنى لك يوماً جميلاً.
Ila an naltaqi, atamanna lak yawman jamilan.
Until we meet again, I wish you a beautiful day.
This phrase is deeply embedded in Arabic-speaking cultures as a warm, hopeful way to say goodbye. Unlike some English farewells that can be final, إلى أن نلتقي emphasizes the expectation and desire to see someone again, reflecting the importance of relationships and connections in Arab culture. The phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal settings, making it versatile for various social contexts.
This phrase works well for planned or casual farewells when you expect to see the person again soon. It's more formal and warm than simply saying وداعاً (goodbye), so use it when you want to express genuine affection or respect. You can also modify it by adding time references like 'إلى أن نلتقي غداً' (until we meet tomorrow) to specify when you expect to see the person again.
The Arabic phrase إلى أن نلتقي is one of the most heartfelt farewell expressions used in Arabic-speaking countries. Literally translated, it means 'Until we meet again,' and it carries deep cultural significance in Arab society.
The phrase consists of three main components:
Together, these elements create a phrase that expresses the speaker's hope and expectation of future reunion.
In Arabic culture, relationships and connections hold paramount importance. The use of إلى أن نلتقي reflects this value by emphasizing that a goodbye is not permanent but merely a temporary parting. Unlike some English goodbyes that can feel final, this phrase creates a sense of continuity and warmth.
The phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts:
The verb نلتقي is in the present tense and indicates a habitual or future action. When used with إلى أن, it creates a temporal clause indicating 'until that action happens.' This structure is typical in Arabic for expressing future expectations or goals.
You can modify this phrase by adding time references:
You can also personalize it:
While إلى أن نلتقي is the most common and warm farewell, Arabic speakers also use:
When using this phrase, remember that it carries emotional weight and sincerity. It's not suitable for situations where you genuinely don't expect to see the person again. Use it genuinely and warmly to create positive impressions.
The phrase is flexible enough for various contexts but maintains its formal, respectful tone. Even in casual conversations with friends, using إلى أن نلتقي shows genuine affection and regard for the relationship.
إلى أن نلتقي represents more than just a farewell; it's an expression of hope, continuity, and valued relationships. Mastering this phrase and understanding its cultural significance will greatly enhance your ability to communicate meaningfully in Arabic.