How to say "goodbye" in Levantine Arabic
مَع السَّلامَة
ma3 as-salameh
- Without tashkeel
- مع السلامة
- Franco / chat alphabet
- ma3 el salama
- Literally
- with the safety
When to use it
This is the most common and versatile way to say goodbye across the Levant, suitable for both formal and casual situations. Traditionally, it is said by the person staying to the person leaving, but today it is frequently used interchangeably by both parties. In casual settings, younger people often mix Arabic and English, simply saying 'yalla bye'.
Other ways to say it
by your leave (to a man)
بِخاطْرَك
bkhatrak
goodbye / by your leave
Said by the person leaving to a male host or friend.
by your leave (to a woman)
بِخاطْرِك
bkhatrek
goodbye / by your leave
Said by the person leaving to a female host or friend.
God be with you (to a man)
اللّٰه مَعَك
allah ma3ak
goodbye / God be with you
Said by the person staying to a man who is leaving.
casual / modern
يَلّا باي
yalla bye
alright, bye
Extremely common among younger people and in casual settings.
How people reply
اللّٰه يُسَلّْمَك
allah ysallmak
may God keep you safe (said to a man)
اللّٰه مَعَك
allah ma3ak
God be with you (said to a man)
مَع السَّلامَة
ma3 as-salameh
goodbye (echoing the phrase)
In a sentence
يَلّا يا جَماعَة، أَنا رايِح، مَع السَّلامَة.
yalla ya jama3a, ana raye7, ma3 as-salameh.
Alright guys, I'm leaving, goodbye.
مَع السَّلامَة، دير بالَك عَلى حالَك.
ma3 as-salameh, dir balak 3ala 7alak.
Goodbye, take care of yourself.
بْشوفَك بُكْرَة، مَع السَّلامَة.
bshoufak bukra, ma3 as-salameh.
I'll see you tomorrow, goodbye.