שָׁלוֹם
shalóm
In Hebrew, hello is שָׁלוֹם (shalóm). Wiktionary also lists שָׁלוֹם עָלֵיכֶם (shalóm 'aleikhém).
Meaning: greeting (intj)
Ways to say it
| Hebrew | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| שָׁלוֹם | shalóm |
| שָׁלוֹם עָלֵיכֶם | shalóm 'aleikhém |
The word שָׁלוֹם is a versatile greeting used both to say hello and goodbye. While it is a standard way to greet others, it is also important to note that it literally means "peace".
What does it mean word for word?
The term שָׁלוֹם literally means "peace".
Which one should you use?
The form שָׁלוֹם is the standard greeting. In contrast, שָׁלוֹם עָלֵיכֶם is a specific version used when addressing a group. In modern, casual Israeli Hebrew, people more frequently use היי (hey) or aló (when answering the phone).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase can change based on who you are addressing. The form שָׁלוֹם עָלֵיכֶם is the plural version used when addressing two or more people. If you are addressing a single male, the masculine singular form is שָׁלוֹם עָלֶיךָ.
How do you pronounce it?
shalóm
Did you know?
- The word שָׁלוֹם is a cognate of the Arabic greeting salām. This reflects the shared Semitic linguistic heritage of the two neighboring languages.
- The phrase שָׁלוֹם עָלֵיכֶם is the central theme of a traditional hymn sung at the Shabbat dinner table. In this context, it is used to greet the divine presence and the guests.
- The word שָׁלוֹם shares a deep linguistic root with the concept of 'completeness' or 'wholeness', rather than just the absence of conflict.
Examples in context
- שָׁלוֹם, מה קורה?shalom, ma kore?Hello, what's happening?
- הוא אמר לי שָׁלוֹם.hu amar li shalom.He said hello to me.
- שָׁלוֹם לכולם כאן.shalom le'kulam kan.Hello to everyone here.
Example conversation
Noam and Rotem meet at a cafe.
- נועם Noamשָׁלוֹם, רוטם!Shalom, Rotem!Hello, Rotem!
- רוטם Rotemהיי נועם, נעים לראות אותך.Hi Noam, naim lir'ot otcha.Hi Noam, it's nice to see you.
- נועם Noamגם אני שמח לראות אותך.Gam ani sameach lir'ot otach.I am also happy to see you.
- רוטם Rotemבוא נשב.Bo neshev.Let's sit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
