God forbid Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɡɑd/ /fɝˈbɪd/, /fɔˈbɪd

GAHD fer-BID, faw-BID

UK

ɡˈɒd/ /fəbˈɪd

GOD fuh-BID

Definition

This expression is used to say you hope something bad does not happen. People say it when talking about an unwanted or scary situation.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and often used after mentioning something bad or undesirable. Sometimes used humorously. Do not use in formal writing. Similar phrases: 'let's hope not', 'heaven forbid'.

• Spanish: Dios no lo quiera - Ojalá que no
• Portuguese (BR): Deus me livre - Tomara que não
• Portuguese (PT): Deus me livre - Deus queira que não
• Chinese (Simplified): 但愿不会 - 千万不要
• Chinese (Traditional): 但願不會 - 千萬不要
• Hindi: भगवान न करे
• Arabic: لا قدّر الله - أعوذ بالله
• Bengali: খোদা না করুন - আল্লাহ না করুন - ঈশ্বর না করুন
• Russian: не дай бог
• Japanese: 神様、そんなことがありませんように
• Vietnamese: lạy trời đừng - trời cấm
• Korean: 제발 그런 일이 없기를 - 하느님 제발
• Turkish: Allah korusun - Tanrı korusun
• Urdu: خدا نہ کرے
• Indonesian: jangan sampai - semoga tidak terjadi

Example Sentences

God forbid we ever have a war here.

basic

He might lose his job, God forbid.

basic

If, God forbid, something happens to you, call me.

basic

I forgot my keys at home—God forbid something happens and I can’t get in later.

natural

God forbid I ever have to go through that again!

natural

He eats junk food all day—God forbid he ever thinks about his health.

natural