سلام، څنګه یاست؟
salam, sanga yast?
In Pashto, "hello how are you" is سلام، څنګه یاست؟ (salam, sanga yast?).
This phrase is a common greeting used to say hello and ask about someone's well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of سلام (salam), meaning 'peace/hello' and څنګه یاست؟ (sanga yast?), meaning 'how are you?'
Which one should you use?
The form څنګه یاست؟ is used for groups or when being polite, whereas څنګه یې؟ (sanga ye?) is the informal version used with friends or children.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase څنګه یاست؟, the word یاست (yast) is the second-person plural or formal singular conjugation of the verb 'to be'.
How do you pronounce it?
salam, sanga yast?
When do people say it?
In Pashtun culture, greetings are often accompanied by a handshake, especially when meeting someone for the first time or in formal settings. Men should greet other men with a handshake, while a simple nod or smile is appropriate when greeting a Pashtun woman.
Did you know?
- In some Pashtun traditions, greetings can be an elaborate social ritual where you are expected to ask specifically about the health of the other person's house and livestock.
- The greeting سلام is often accompanied by placing the right hand over the heart after a handshake to signal sincerity and warmth.
- In very traditional settings, a greeting may involve a 'cheek-to-cheek' kiss or a hug between men, which is a sign of deep brotherhood and trust.
Examples in context
- سلام، څنګه یاست؟ ښه یاست؟Salām, sanga yāst? Kha yāst?Hello, how are you? Are you well?
- سلام، څنګه یاست؟ زه ښه یم.Salām, sanga yāst? Ze kha yam.Hello, how are you? I am well.
Example conversation
Zarkula meets Omar on the street.
- زركولہ Zarkolaسلام، څنګه یاست؟Salām, sanga yāst?Hello, how are you?
- عمر Omarسلام، زه ښه یم، مننه.Salām, ze kha yam, manana.Hello, I am well, thank you.
- زركولہ Zarkolaډیره ښه ده.Dera kha da.That is very good.
- عمر Omarتاسو څنګه یاست؟Tāso sanga yāst?How are you?
