سلام
salâmeveryday, Persian
In Persian, the language of Persia and modern Iran, "hello" is سلام (salâm). A more formal or literary option is درود (dorud).
Meaning: greeting (interjection)
Ways to say it
| Persian | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| سلام | salâm | everyday, Persian |
| درود | dorud | formal, literary |
سلام (salâm) works with everyone, from friends to shopkeepers. People often follow it with حال شما چطور است (hâl-e shomâ chetor ast) to ask how someone is.
Which one should you use?
درود (dorud) is seen in writing, speeches and greetings with a polished feel. It has an older Persian flavor, while سلام (salâm) comes from Arabic.
When do people say it?
The name Persia was used abroad for Iran until 1935. In Iran the language has long been called فارسی (fârsi).
Did you know?
- The word درود (dorud) is of native Persian origin, while سلام (salâm) was borrowed from Arabic.
Examples in context
- سلام، حال شما چطور استsalâm, hâl-e shomâ chetor astHello, how are you?
- سلام علیsalâm AliHello Ali
- درود بر شماdorud bar shomâGreetings to you
Example conversation
Sara greets her neighbor Reza in a Tehran apartment building.
- سارا Saraسلام آقای رضاsalâm âghâ-ye RezâHello Mr. Reza
- Rezaسلام سارا خانمsalâm Sârâ khânomHello Ms. Sara
- سارا Saraخوب هستیدkhub hastidAre you well
