السلام علیکم
assalamu alaikumstandard, Muslim greeting
The usual way to say hello in Pakistan is السلام علیکم (assalamu alaikum), "peace be upon you". The short form is سلام (salaam), and the answer is وعلیکم السلام (walaikum assalam). It is also called آداب (adaab) and ہیلو (hello).
Meaning: greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Pakistan | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| السلام علیکم | assalamu alaikum | standard, Muslim greeting |
| سلام | salaam | short, casual |
| آداب | adaab | formal, courtly |
| ہیلو | hello | casual, English loan |
ہیلو (hello) is common on the phone and with young people. آداب (adaab) is a gentle, courtly greeting, more at home among older Urdu speakers and in poetry events.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Pakistanis say السلام علیکم (assalamu alaikum) to nearly everyone, from shopkeepers to guests. Non-Muslim Pakistanis may use other greetings, such as ست سری اکال (sat sri akal) among Sikhs.
How do you pronounce it?
It is said quickly as "assalaam-o-alaikum", with the stress on the second syllable لام.
Did you know?
- Someone who greets with السلام علیکم (assalamu alaikum) is expected to get a reply, and answering is considered an obligation in Islamic teaching.
Examples in context
- السلام علیکم، آپ کیسے ہیں؟assalamu alaikum, aap kaise hain?Hello, how are you?
- سلام، کیا حال ہے؟salaam, kya haal hai?Hi, how are you?
- ہیلو، کون بول رہا ہے؟hello, kaun bol raha hai?Hello, who is speaking?
Example conversation
A shopper enters a small shop in Rawalpindi and greets the owner.
- Gahakالسلام علیکم، بھائی۔assalamu alaikum, bhai.Hello, brother.
- Dukandarوعلیکم السلام، جی فرمائیے۔walaikum assalam, ji farmaiye.Hello, how can I help?
- Gahakمجھے چائے کی پتی چاہیے۔mujhe chai ki patti chahiye.I need some tea leaves.
