هلا
halaSaudi, casual
In Saudi Arabia people say هلا (hala) or the warmer يا هلا (ya hala). With elders and in formal settings السلام عليكم (as-salamu alaykum) comes first.
Meaning: greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Arabic | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| هلا | hala | Saudi, casual |
| السلام عليكم | as-salamu alaykum | formal |
| يا هلا | ya hala | Saudi, warm |
هلا والله (hala wallah) answers a greeting and shows pleasure. A visitor is often welcomed with حياك الله (hayyak Allah), "God give you life".
Which one should you use?
يا مرحبا (ya marhaba) is another warm Saudi opener. In the south and west some speakers use أهلين (ahlayn).
When do people say it?
Greetings between men often include a handshake or a nose kiss in traditional areas, while women greet with kisses on the cheek.
Did you know?
- بالغالي (bil-ghali) literally means "to the dear one" and is a friendly Gulf way to greet someone close.
Examples in context
- هلا والله بالغاليhala wallah bil-ghaliWelcome, my dear.
- حياك اللهhayyak AllahWelcome.
- السلام عليكم يا شيخas-salamu alaykum ya sheikhPeace be upon you, sir.
Example conversation
Majed greets his friend Turki at a coffee shop in Riyadh.
- Majedهلا تركيhala TurkiHi Turki.
- Turkiهلا والله، حياك اللهhala wallah, hayyak AllahWelcome, welcome.
- Majedالله يحييكAllah yihayyikGod give you life.
