السلام علیکم
assalamu alaikumhello, also on leaving
In Pakistan, hello is السلام علیکم (assalamu alaikum), "peace be upon you", and goodbye is اللہ حافظ (Allah hafiz) or خدا حافظ (Khuda hafiz). It is also called ہیلو (hello).
Meaning: greeting and farewell (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Pakistan | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| السلام علیکم | assalamu alaikum | hello, also on leaving |
| اللہ حافظ | Allah hafiz | goodbye |
| خدا حافظ | Khuda hafiz | goodbye |
| ہیلو | hello | casual, English loan |
The reply to the greeting is وعلیکم السلام (walaikum assalam). Many people also say السلام علیکم (assalamu alaikum) when they leave, so it covers both.
Which one should you use?
The English ہیلو (hello) is common on the phone. اللہ حافظ (Allah hafiz) is now the more usual farewell, though خدا حافظ (Khuda hafiz) is still widely understood.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
With elders, the salaam is often said first by the younger person, and it can be accompanied by a hand to the chest or a handshake between men.
Did you know?
- Saying السلام علیکم (assalamu alaikum) to a stranger is common in Pakistan, even among people who do not know each other well.
Examples in context
- السلام علیکم، کیا حال ہے؟assalamu alaikum, kya haal hai?Hello, how are you?
- ہیلو، میں احمد بول رہا ہوں۔hello, main Ahmed bol raha hoon.Hello, this is Ahmed speaking.
Example conversation
Two colleagues, Asad and Mehwish, meet and then part at an office door in Karachi.
- Asadالسلام علیکم، مہوش۔assalamu alaikum, Mehwish.Hello, Mehwish.
- Mehwishوعلیکم السلام، میں جا رہی ہوں۔walaikum assalam, main ja rahi hoon.Hello, I am leaving.
- Asadاچھا، اللہ حافظ۔achha, Allah hafiz.Okay, goodbye.
