سلام، چطوری؟
salām, chetori?
سلام، چطوری؟ (salām, chetori?) is the Persian way to say "hello how are you".
This phrase is a common informal greeting used to start a conversation and ask about someone's well-being. You might also encounter the colloquial phrase Chekhabar-e to?, which translates to "What's your news?", when greeting friends or close acquaintances in informal settings.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of salām (hello) and chetori (how are you/how are you doing). Note that salām itself means "peace" and is a common way to say hello in Persian.
Which one should you use?
The form chetori? is informal and used with friends. In contrast, the formal or polite version used with strangers, elders or groups is سلام، چطور هستید؟.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
سلام، چطوری? is strictly informal and should be avoided in professional settings or when speaking to superiors.
How do you pronounce it?
salām, chetori?
When do people say it?
When someone asks chetori?, a common informal response is خوبم، مرسی (I'm good, thanks).
Did you know?
- Due to the social code of Taarof, someone might respond to a greeting by claiming they are not well to demonstrate humility.
- Depending on the region, a common gesture accompanying a greeting like salām involves placing the right hand over the heart to show sincerity and warmth.
- A common way to respond to your greeting is to say shokr, which means 'thanks to God', even among people who are not particularly religious.
Examples in context
- سلام، چطوری؟salâm, chetori?Hello, how are you?
- سلام، چطوری؟ خیلی وقت بود ندیده بودمت.salâm, chetori? kheyli vaght bud nadide budamet.Hello, how are you? It has been a long time since I saw you.
Example conversation
Ali meets Maryam on the street.
- علی Aliسلام، چطوری؟ مریم جان؟salâm, chetori? maryam jân?Hello, how are you, dear Maryam?
- مریم Maryamسلام علی، ممنون، خیلی خوبم.salâm ali, mamnun, kheyli khubam.Hello Ali, thanks, I am very well.
- علی Aliخوشحالم که خوب هستی.khoshhâlam ke khub hasti.I am happy that you are well.
- مریم Maryamتو هم چطوری؟to ham chetori?How are you doing too?
