سلام، چطوری؟
salām, chetori?
The English phrase "hi, how are you?" is translated into Persian as سلام، چطوری؟ (salām, chetori?).
This phrase is a casual greeting used to start a conversation and ask about someone's well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
The word چطوری؟ (chetori) is a contraction. It combines چطور (chetor), which means "how" and the second-person singular suffix -ی (-i), meaning "you are".
Which one should you use?
While سلام، چطوری؟ is the default, you may encounter other variations. Salam, chetor-i? is another informal way to say "Hi, how are you?" Additionally, Salām, khūbī? is an informal way to say "Hello, how are you doing?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
سلام، چطوری؟ is an informal greeting. In formal settings, or when speaking to elders and superiors, you should replace it with the more formal سلام، حال شما چطور است؟ or Salam, hālé shomā chetor ast?, which translates to "Hello, how is your health/condition?"
How do you pronounce it?
salām, chetori?
Did you know?
- In many Iranian social circles, asking چطوری؟ (chetori) can be met with a standardized list of ritualized responses like قربانت (ghorbānat), which literally means 'may I be sacrificed for you'.
- While چطوری؟ (chetori) asks how you are, a common response is مرسی، تو چطوری؟ (mersi, to chetori?), using the French word 'merci' instead of the Persian word for 'thank you'.
- In Persian culture, the greeting سلام (salām) is often accompanied by تعارف (ta'ārof), a complex system of ritual politeness where speakers may decline offers or praise others excessively to show modesty.
Examples in context
- سلام، چطوری؟ خوش آمدی.salām, četori? khosh āmadī.Hi, how are you? Welcome.
- امیر، سلام، چطوری؟Amīr, salām, četori?Amir, hi, how are you?
Example conversation
Two friends meet at a cafe.
- زهرا Zahraسلام، چطوری؟Salam, chetori?Hi, how are you?
- امیر Amirسلام زهرا، من خوبم، تو چطوری؟Salam Zahra, man khoubam, to chetori?Hi Zahra, I'm good, how are you?
- زهرا Zahraمن هم خوبم، ممنون.Man ham khoubam, mamnoun.I'm good too, thanks.
- امیر Amirخوشحالم که تو را دیدم.Khoshhalam ke to ra didam.I'm glad I saw you.
