Hello in Arabic - 12 Ways to Say Marhaba & As-salamu Alaykum
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُم
"As-salamu Alaykum" - Peace Be Upon You
How to Say Hello in Arabic
Marhaba (Arabic: مَرْحَبَا) is the most common secular greeting, while As-salamu Alaykum (Arabic: السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُم) is the traditional Islamic greeting meaning "peace be upon you."
12 Ways to Say Hello in Arabic
1. As-salamu Alaykum (السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُم)
Meaning: Peace be upon you
Usage: The most important Islamic greeting. Used universally by Muslims worldwide.
2. Marhaba (مَرْحَبَا)
Meaning: Hello / Welcome
Usage: The most common secular greeting in Arabic. Used in all situations.
3. Ahlan (أَهْلاً)
Meaning: Hi / Welcome
Usage: A friendly, casual greeting. Short form of "Ahlan wa Sahlan."
4. Ahlan wa Sahlan (أَهْلاً وَسَهْلاً)
Meaning: Welcome / You are among family
Usage: A warm, hospitable greeting used to welcome guests.
5. Sabah al-Khayr (صَبَاحُ الخَيْر)
Meaning: Good morning
Usage: Used in the morning until around noon. Response: "Sabah an-Noor."
6. Masa' al-Khayr (مَسَاءُ الخَيْر)
Meaning: Good evening
Usage: Used in the afternoon and evening. Response: "Masa' an-Noor."
7. Ahleen (أَهْلَيْن)
Meaning: Hi there / Double welcome
Usage: Very casual, popular in Levantine Arabic.
8. Ya Hala (يَا هَلَا)
Meaning: Hey there! / Welcome!
Usage: Very popular in Gulf countries.
9. Hala (هَلَا)
Meaning: Hi / Hey
Usage: Short, casual greeting common in Gulf Arabic.
10. Kayfa Haluka (كَيْفَ حَالُك)
Meaning: How are you?
Usage: Often used right after a greeting. For females: "Kayfa Haluki."
11. As-Salam (السَّلَام)
Meaning: Peace
Usage: Shortened form of As-salamu Alaykum for casual use.
12. Ahlan Bik (أَهْلاً بِك)
Meaning: Welcome to you
Usage: Personal welcome. For females: "Ahlan Biki."
How to Respond to Arabic Greetings
- Wa Alaykum as-Salam - And upon you peace (response to As-salamu Alaykum)
- Ahlan Fik - Welcome to you (response to Marhaba)
- Sabah an-Noor - Morning of light (response to Sabah al-Khayr)
- Masa' an-Noor - Evening of light (response to Masa' al-Khayr)
Arabic Greetings in Beautiful Calligraphy
Explore "As-salamu Alaykum" written in 21 premium Arabic calligraphy fonts including Thuluth, Naskh, Kufi, Diwani, and more.
Free Hello in Arabic Guide - 12 Expressions - 21 Premium Fonts - Instant Download