сәлем
sälem[sæˈlæm]informal
Hello in Kazakh is сәлем (sälem). Wiktionary also lists сәлеметсіздер (sälemetsizder).
Meaning: greeting (intj)
Ways to say it
| Kazakh | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| сәлем | sälem | [sæˈlæm] (narrow) | informal |
| сәлеметсіздер | sälemetsizder | formal |
The word is used as an interjection to greet people.
Which one should you use?
While сәлеметсіздер is the plural formal greeting, сәлеметсіз бе is the standard formal greeting used when addressing a single person with respect.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The informal form сәлем is used with friends, family or people younger than you. The longer forms are required for elders or strangers. сәлеметсіздер is a formal version used for groups.
How does it change in a sentence?
The informal form сәлем is used with friends, family or people younger than you, whereas the longer forms are required for elders or strangers.
How do you pronounce it?
sälem
Did you know?
- The word сәлем is derived from the Arabic word for 'peace'. This connects the Kazakh greeting to the 'As-salamu alaykum' used across the Muslim world.
- In many traditional Kazakh settings, a verbal 'hello' is often accompanied by a slight bow or placing your right hand over your heart to show sincerity.
- While сәлем is the standard word for 'hello', Kazakh speakers often follow it with a series of questions about the health of the person's parents and children. These are not mere formalities but essential parts of the greeting process.
Examples in context
- Сәлем әлем!Hello world!This example shows the use of сәлем in a common phrase.Tatoeba #11144404 by Bauyrjan, translation #11144401 by Bauyrjan
- Сәлем, әлем!Hello, world!This example shows the use of сәлем with a comma.Tatoeba #7889636 by akoshant, translation #398746 by AlanF_US
- Сәлем!Hello!This example shows a simple use of сәлем.Tatoeba #3552564 by Meruert, translation #373330 by CK
Example conversation
Two friends meet on the street in the morning.
- Азамат AzamatСәлем, Аружан!Salem, Aruzhan!Hello, Aruzhan!
- Аружан AruzhanСәлем, Азамат!Salem, Azamat!Hello, Azamat!
- Азамат AzamatҚалайсың?Qalaysyñ?How are you?
- Аружан AruzhanЖақсы, рахмет.Jaqsy, raxmet.Good, thanks.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations and entries сәлем, сәлеметсіздер, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries сәлем, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
