وعلیکم السلام
walaikum assalam
The Urdu phrase for "hello back" is وعلیکم السلام (walaikum assalam).
وعلیکم السلام is used specifically as a response to the traditional Islamic greeting Assalamu Alaikum. It functions as a way to return the greeting to the speaker.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means "and upon you be peace".
Which one should you use?
While Assalamu Alaikum is the initial greeting meaning "peace be upon you", وعلیکم السلام is the standard response used to return that greeting.
How do you pronounce it?
walaikum assalam
When do people say it?
When someone greets you with the Islamic greeting Assalamu Alaikum, you respond with وعلیکم السلام to return their blessing. In informal settings, you might also follow a greeting by asking کیا حال ہے؟ (How are you?).
Did you know?
- In many parts of South Asia, saying وعلیکم السلام with a slight bow of the head or a hand placed near the heart shows an extra layer of respect and sincerity.
- While وعلیکم السلام is the standard reply, some people add ورحمتہ اللہ وبرکاتہ to the end to further extend the blessing of mercy and grace.
- The phrase وعلیکم السلام is used by millions of people globally across different languages, including Urdu, Arabic, Persian and Bengali.
Examples in context
- وعلیکم السلام، آپ کیسے ہیں؟Wa'alaikum assalam, aap kaise hain?Hello back, how are you?
- وعلیکم السلام، کیا حال ہے؟Wa'alaikum assalam, kya haal hai?Hello back, how are things?
- وعلیکم السلام، خوش آمدید۔Wa'alaikum assalam, khush amdeed.Hello back, welcome.
Example conversation
Zainab and Ahmed meet in a hallway.
- زینب Zainabالسلام علیکم، احمد!Assalam-o-alaikum, Ahmed!Hello, Ahmed!
- احمد Ahmedوعلیکم السلام، زینب!Wa'alaikum assalam, Zainab!Hello back, Zainab!
- زینب Zainabآپ کیسے ہیں؟Aap kaise hain?How are you?
- احمد Ahmedمیں ٹھیک ہوں۔Main theek hoon.I am fine.
