עליכם שלום
aleikhem shalomreply, traditional
עליכם שלום (aleikhem shalom) means "upon you, peace". It is the traditional answer to the greeting שלום עליכם (shalom aleikhem), "peace upon you".
Meaning: reply to a peace greeting, "peace upon you" (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Hebrew | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| עליכם שלום | aleikhem shalom | reply, traditional |
| שלום עליכם | shalom aleikhem | greeting, traditional |
What does it mean word for word?
שלום (shalom) is "peace" and עליכם (aleikhem) is "upon you" in the plural. The answer simply turns the greeting around.
How do you pronounce it?
In Israeli Hebrew it is aleikhem shalom with the kh like the end of Scottish "loch". Many Ashkenazi speakers say aleichem sholom.
When do people say it?
The pair is mostly heard in religious circles and in song. Everyday Israeli Hebrew uses plain שלום (shalom) or היי (hai).
Did you know?
- The Arabic greeting as-salamu alaykum and its reply wa alaykum as-salam follow the same pattern of turning the words around.
Examples in context
- שלום עליכםshalom aleikhemPeace upon you
- עליכם שלוםaleikhem shalomUpon you peace
- עליכם שלום, מה שלומךaleikhem shalom, ma shlomkhaUpon you peace, how are you
Example conversation
Moshe greets his friend David at the entrance of a synagogue.
- Mosheשלום עליכם, דוד.shalom aleikhem, David.Peace upon you, David.
- Davidעליכם שלום, משה. מה שלומך?aleikhem shalom, Moshe. ma shlomkha?Upon you peace, Moshe. How are you?
- Mosheבסדר, תודה.beseder, toda.Fine, thank you.
