Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| مَرْحَبًا | marḥaban | ||
| سَلَام | salām | ||
| أَهْلًا | ʔahlan | ||
| أهلاً | Egyptian Arabic | ||
| قوة | guwa | /quw.wa/ | Gulf Arabic |
| مَرْحَبَا | marḥaba | Hijazi Arabic | |
| السلام | s-salām | Moroccan Arabic |
The various forms of 'hi' in Arabic range from informal greetings like أَهْلًا and مَرْحَبًا to more colloquial or regional expressions. While مَرْحَبًا is a standard greeting for 'hi', it also carries the connotation of 'welcome'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word سَلَام literally means 'peace'.
Which one should you use?
While مَرْحَبًا is a standard greeting, سَلَام is a more casual, shortened version of the formal religious greeting As-salāmu ʿalaykum.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For informal situations, you can use أَهْلًا, مَرْحَبًا or سَلَام. For a more affectionate touch among friends and family, you might use the colloquial phrase هلا وغلا. If you need to be formal, السلام عليكم translates to 'peace be upon you', صباح الخير means 'good morning' (used before noon), مساء الخير means 'good evening' (used after noon) or أهلا وسهلا can be used to say 'welcome' to guests or visitors.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Gulf region, you may hear the colloquial greeting قوة, which literally means 'strength'. In Hijazi Arabic, مَرْحَبَا is used and in Moroccan Arabic, السلام is used. The form أهلاً is also used in Egyptian Arabic.
How do you pronounce it?
marḥaban
When do people say it?
If someone greets you with أَهْلًا, a common natural response is Ahlan bik to a male or Ahlan biki to a female.
Did you know?
- In Arabic, مَرْحَبًا does not just mean 'hi'. Its root is related to the word for a 'wide space', implying that the guest has found a spacious and welcoming place to stay.
- The greeting أهلا وسهلا is often used as a set pair. The second word سهلا comes from a root meaning 'easy' or 'plain', suggesting the guest's arrival should be effortless.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, a greeting like السلام عليكم is often accompanied by a handshake or a light kiss on the cheek, depending on the gender and relationship of the speakers.
Examples in context
- أهلاً ، هل تعمل هنا؟Hi! Do you work here?This sentence is useful for practicing the greeting أهلاً.Tatoeba #384030 by saeb, translation #54608 by Zifre
- أهلاً بيل ، كيف الأحوال؟Hi, Bill. How are you?Tatoeba #394990 by saeb, translation #30313 by Zifre
- أهلاً كيف حالك؟Hi! How are you?Tatoeba #375543 by saeb, translation #30316 by Zifre
- السلام عليكمHello!
- وعليكم السلامAnd peace be upon you!
- مرحباHi!
- هلا وغلاHi! (with added warmth)
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maryam and Youssef meet at a cafe.
- أحمد Ahmedمَرْحَبًا يا يوسف!Marhaban ya Youssef!Hi, Youssef!
- ليلى Laylaمَرْحَبًا يا مريم، كيف حالكِ؟Marhaban ya Maryam, kayfa haluki?Hi Maryam, how are you?
- أحمد Ahmedأنا بخير، شكرًا لك.Ana bikhayr, shukran lak.I am fine, thank you.
- ليلى Laylaأنا بخير أيضًا.Ana bikhayr aydan.I am fine too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hi” translations and entries قوة, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
