What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of al-salām (the peace) and ʿalaykum (upon you/plural).
Which one should you use?
السلام عليكم and Al-salāmu ʿalaykum are both formal ways to express this sentiment. Salam is an informal alternative used to convey the same meaning.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Al-salāmu ʿalaykum is commonly used in the Gulf countries, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form السلام عليكم uses a plural ending. To address a single person, the ending changes from -kum to -ka for a male or -ki for a female.
How do you pronounce it?
as-salāmu ʕalaykum (6 syllables)
When do people say it?
While widely used by Muslims, this is also a standard greeting used by Arabic-speaking Christians. When someone greets you with السلام عليكم, the standard response is وعليكم السلام (and upon you be peace).
Did you know?
- The phrase السلام عليكم is a cognate of the Hebrew greeting שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם ('shalóm aleikhém').
- The root س ل م found in السلام is the same root used for the word 'Muslim' and the word for 'surrender'.
- Even though the plural form -kum is used, it is common to address a single person this way as a sign of respect or to include the angels accompanying them.
Examples in context
- السلام عليكم يا أخي.as-salāmu ʿalaykum yā akhī.Peace be with you, my brother.
- السلام عليكم أيها الضيوف.as-salāmu ʿalaykum ayyuhā aḍ-ḍuyūf.Peace be with you, guests.
- السلام عليكم جميعاً.as-salāmu ʿalaykum jamīʿan.Peace be with you all.
Example conversation
Layla and Omar meet at the entrance of a community center.
- ليلى Laylaالسلام عليكم يا عمر.as-salāmu ʿalaykum yā ʿumar.Peace be with you, Omar.
- عمر Omarوعليكم السلام يا ليلى.wa ʿalaykum as-salām yā laylā.And peace be with you, Layla.
- ليلى Laylaكيف حالك اليوم؟kayfa ḥāluka al-yawm?How are you today?
- عمر Omarأنا بخير، شكراً لكِ.anā bikhayr, shukran laki.I am fine, thank you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry السلام عليكم, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries السلام عليكم, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Thank you so much for your helpful and insightful information. I work with several Arabic speaking people from various countries and backgrounds, so it is helpful for me to read about the variations of sayings. I would like to learn more about the language of Arabic and which one would be best to learn.
Thank you! Start with Modern Standard Arabic, which everyone understands, then pick up the dialect you hear most at work. Egyptian is a safe bet thanks to its films and songs.