سلام عليكم
salām ʿalaykum
The English phrase 'peace to you' is expressed in Arabic as سلام عليكم (salām ʿalaykum).
This phrase is used as both a greeting when arriving and a parting salutation. It functions as a way to wish peace upon the person being addressed.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of salām (peace) and ʿalaykum (upon you/on you).
How do you pronounce it?
salām ʿalaykum
When do people say it?
The standard response to this greeting is wa-ʿalaykum as-salām, which means 'and peace be upon you'.
Did you know?
- The grammatical structure of ʿalaykum specifically targets a group of people, making it a plural address even if you are speaking to one person as a sign of respect.
- While the phrase is used by Muslims, it is a universal cultural greeting across the Arabic-speaking world and is used by Arabic-speaking Christians and others.
- The phrase is deeply rooted in the Semitic concept of 'salām' meaning not just the absence of war, but a state of total welfare and health.
Examples in context
- Ahmed, ʿalayka al-salām!Ahmed, peace upon you!
- سلام عليكم يا أصدقائي.Salam alaykum ya asdiqa'i.Peace be upon you, my friends.
- دخل الرجل وقال: سلام عليكم.Dakhal al-rajul wa qala: Salam alaykum.The man entered and said: peace to you.
- سلام عليكم جميعاً في هذا المجلس.Salam alaykum jami'an fi hadha al-majlis.Peace be upon you all in this gathering.
Example conversation
Nour and Youssef meet at a cafe.
- نور Nourسلام عليكم يا يوسف.Salam alaykum ya Youssef.Peace be upon you, Youssef.
- يوسف Youssefوعليكم السلام يا نور.Wa alaykum as-salam ya Nour.And upon you be peace, Nour.
- نور Nourكيف حالك اليوم؟Kayfa haluka al-yawm?How are you today?
- يوسف Youssefأنا بخير، شكراً لكِ.Ana bikhayr, shukran laki.I am fine, thank you.
