How to say "goodbye" in Modern Standard Arabic
إِلَى اللِّقَاءِ
ila al-liqa'
- Without tashkeel
- إلى اللقاء
- Franco / chat alphabet
- ila el liqa2
- Literally
- to the meeting
When to use it
This is the standard formal way to say goodbye in Modern Standard Arabic, used in news broadcasts, formal speeches, and literature. It is universally understood across the Arab world but rarely used in casual street conversation where local dialects prevail. It carries a polite tone suitable for addressing anyone regardless of age, gender, or status.
Other ways to say it
with safety
مَعَ السَّلَامَةِ
ma3a as-salama
goodbye (go with safety)
A very common alternative that is widely used in both MSA and regional dialects.
in God's protection
فِي أَمَانِ اللَّهِ
fi aman allah
goodbye (in God's protection)
Used to wish someone safety upon their departure, often carrying a sincere or slightly religious tone.
farewell
وَدَاعاً
wada3an
farewell
A highly formal and dramatic way to say goodbye, often implying a long or permanent separation.
How people reply
مَعَ السَّلَامَةِ
ma3a as-salama
goodbye (with safety)
إِلَى اللِّقَاءِ
ila al-liqa'
until we meet again
فِي رِعَايَةِ اللَّهِ
fi ri3ayat allah
in God's care
In a sentence
شُكْراً عَلَى حُضُورِكُمْ، وَإِلَى اللِّقَاءِ.
shukran 3ala 7udurikum, wa ila al-liqa'.
Thank you for your attendance, and goodbye.
إِلَى اللِّقَاءِ غَداً فِي المَدْرَسَةِ.
ila al-liqa' ghadan fi al-madrasa.
Goodbye, see you tomorrow at school.
سَأُغَادِرُ الآنَ، إِلَى اللِّقَاءِ يَا أَصْدِقَائِي.
sa'ughadiru al-'an, ila al-liqa' ya asdiqa'i.
I will leave now, goodbye my friends.