ܫܠܡܐ ܟܡܐ ܐܝܬܝܟ
shlama, kma aytik
The English phrase "hello, how are you?" is translated into Aramaic as ܫܠܡܐ ܟܡܐ ܐܝܬܝܟ (shlama, kma aytik).
This phrase is a common greeting used to say hello and to inquire about another person's well-being.
How do you pronounce it?
shlama, kma aytik
Did you know?
- The word ܫܠܡܐ (shlama) is a linguistic ancestor to the Hebrew word shalom, meaning that the way you say hello in Aramaic is an ancient cognate to one of the most famous words in the Middle East.
- While ܫܠܡܐ is used as 'hello', it can also function as a farewell. The word captures a state of being that is desired both when arriving at a destination and when departing from one.
- The question 'how are you' in this form can be understood as asking 'how much is there with you', emphasizing the presence of peace in your life.
Example conversation
Two friends meet on the street.
- ܪܘܙܝ Rosyܫܠܡܐ ܟܡܐ ܐܝܬܝܟ ܡܝܟܐܝܠ?Shlama, kama itayk Mikha'il?Hello, how are you, Michael?
- ܡܝܟܐܝܠ Michaelܫܠܡܐ ܪܘܙܝ, ܐܢܐ ܛܒܐ.Shlama Rozy, ana taba.Hello Rozy, I am well.
- ܪܘܙܝ Rosyܛܒܐ ܕܐܢܬ ܛܒܐ.Taba d'ant taba.It is good that you are well.
- ܡܝܟܐܝܠ Michaelܬܘܕܝ ܪܘܙܝ.Toodi Rozy.Thank you, Rozy.
