שלמא עלייכו
shlama alaychu
The English phrase "peace be upon you" is translated into Aramaic as שלמא עלייכו (shlama alaychu).
שלמא עלייכו is a formal greeting used to wish peace upon the person or people being addressed.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of שלמא (peace) and עלייכו (upon you/upon you all).
How do you pronounce it?
shlama alaychu
Did you know?
- The word שלמא comes from a root meaning 'to be whole' or 'complete'. Wishing someone 'peace' is effectively wishing that they be made whole and intact.
- Because Aramaic was the lingua franca of the Near East for centuries, versions of this greeting were used by diverse groups including Persians, Jews and early Christians.
- In certain traditional Aramaic contexts, this greeting can also serve as a way to conclude a conversation or say goodbye, not just to start one.
Examples in context
- שלמא עלייכו.shelma alaykho.Peace be upon you.
- שלמא עלייכו, אחים יקרים.shelma alaykho, achim yakarim.Peace be upon you, dear brothers.
Example conversation
Two men meet at a community gathering.
- Yohananשלמא עלייכו, סרגי.Shlama alaykho, Sargi.Peace be upon you, Sargi.
- Sargiשלמא עלייך, יוחנן.Shlama alayk, Yohanan.Peace be upon you, Yohanan.
- Yohananאיך את?Aykh at?How are you?
- Sargiאנה בטוב.Ana b'tov.I am well.
