سلام
salām/sa.ˈlaːm/
salam is the Persian way to say hello.
سلام is the standard way to say hello in Persian. You can also use the colloquial phrase Salam be hamegi to say "Hi to everyone".
What does it mean word for word?
The word سلام literally means peace.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable. It is pronounced as /sa.ˈlaːm/ (salām, salâm).
When do people say it?
When someone says سلام to you, the most common and natural response is to say سلام back.
Did you know?
- In some regions, people might combine salam with the word khasteh nabashid, which literally means 'may you not be tired', as a way of acknowledging someone's hard work.
- The Persian concept of taarof often means that after saying salam, people will engage in an elaborate dance of politeness where they refuse offers multiple times before accepting.
- While سلام means 'peace', in Persian culture, it is often accompanied by a slight nod or a hand placed over the heart to show sincerity.
Examples in context
- سلام، چطوری؟salām, chetori?Hello, how are you?
- من به او سلام کردم.man be u salām kardam.I said hello to him.
- سلام بر شما.salām bar šomā.Greetings to you.
Example conversation
Ali and Sara meet each other on the street.
- علی Aliسلام، سارا!Salam, Sara!Hello, Sara!
- سارا Saraسلام علی، خوشحالم میبینمت.Salam Ali, khoshhalam mibinamet.Hello Ali, I'm glad to see you.
- علی Aliمن هم همینطور.Man ham hamintor.Me too.
- سارا Saraروز خوبی داشته باشی.Rooze khoobi dashte bashi.Have a good day.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry سلام, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
