سَلام
salâm
The English phrase 'hi' can be translated into Dari as سَلام (salâm) or دُرود.
Meaning: friendly, informal greeting (intj)
Ways to say it
| Dari | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| سَلام | salâm |
| دُرود | dorud |
سَلام can be used as a standalone greeting or as a prefix to more formal greetings like salâm-alaikum.
What does it mean word for word?
The word سَلام (salâm) literally means 'peace'.
Which one should you use?
While salâm is the most common way to say hi, it is more widely used in both formal and informal settings than the more poetic dorud.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form dorud is a more formal or literary way to say hi compared to the standard salâm.
How do you pronounce it?
salâm
Did you know?
- In many parts of Afghanistan, a greeting is not complete without a slight nod or a hand placed over the heart to show sincerity.
- Using the more poetic دُرود can signal a desire to evoke a sense of national pride or a connection to ancient Persian heritage rather than just being formal.
- In Afghan culture, the way you respond to a 'hi' often involves asking about the person's health and family immediately after, making the greeting an extended ritual.
Examples in context
- سَلام، چطور هستی؟salām, chotor hasti?Hi, how are you?
- سَلام به همه.salām ba hama.Hi to everyone.
- سَلام، خوش آمدی.salām, khosh āmadī.Hi, welcome.
Example conversation
Zaynab meets Ali on a street in Kabul.
- زینب Zaynabسَلام، علی!salām, Ali!Hi, Ali!
- علی Aliسَلام، زینب. چطور هستی؟salām, Zaynab. chotor hasti?Hi, Zaynab. How are you?
- زینب Zaynabمن خوب هستم، تشکر.man khob hastam, tashakor.I am good, thanks.
- علی Aliخیلی خوشحال شدم که تو را دیدم.kheili khosh-hāl shodam ke to rā didam.I am very happy to see you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hi” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
