How to Say Hello in Arabic | A Friendly Guide to Arabic Greetings (2025-26)

Last updated: November 15, 2025 at 2:16 pm by ramzanseo23@gmail.com

Arabic greetings are warm, expressive, and filled with culture, so if you’re wondering how to say hello in Arabic, you’re in the right place. 

This guide is written just for you—simple, clear, and full of examples you can start using right away. 

Arabic has many ways to greet someone depending on time, respect, and closeness. 

By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what to say, how to pronounce it, and when to use each greeting confidently. 

Let’s make your first Arabic conversation feel natural and easy 😊.

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The Most Common Arabic Greeting

1. “السلام عليكم” (As-salāmu ʿalaykum)

Pronunciation: ah-sah-LA-moo ah-LAY-kum
Meaning: “Peace be upon you.”

This is the universal, polite greeting used across the Arabic-speaking world. It sounds formal, but you can use it in almost any situation—meeting someone new, entering a shop, greeting elders, or starting a conversation online.

Response:
“وعليكم السلام” (Wa ʿalaykum as-salām)
Pronunciation: wah-ah-LAY-kum ahs-sah-LAAM
Meaning “And peace be upon you, too.”

Cultural note:
This greeting carries warmth and respect. It’s not tied to a specific religion—many people use it simply because it’s part of daily speech.

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Casual and Friendly Ways to Say Hello

2. “مرحبا” (Marḥaba)

Pronunciation: MAR-ha-bah
Meaning: A simple “Hello!”

Used in casual conversations, texts, and social settings. It gives the same feeling as saying “Hey!” or “Hi!” in English.

3. “أهلاً” (Ahlan)

Pronunciation: AH-lan
A light, warm greeting perfect for friends and people your age.

Even friendlier version:
“أهلاً وسهلاً” (Ahlan wa sahlan)
Means “Welcome!” and shows kindness or hospitality.

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Time Based Greetings

4. “صباح الخير” (Ṣabāḥ al-khayr) | Good morning

Pronunciation: sah-BAH al-khayr
Response: “صباح النور” (Ṣabāḥ an-noor) – “Morning of light.”

5. “مساء الخير” (Masā’ al-khayr) | Good evening

Pronunciation: mah-SAA al-khayr
Response: “مساء النور” (Masā’ an-noor) – “Evening of light.”

These greetings are polite and commonly used in workplaces, shops, and formal conversations.

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How to Ask “How Are You?” After Saying Hello

Just like in English, greetings often continue with a follow-up question.

Useful follow up phrases:

• “كيف حالك؟” (Kayfa ḥāluka/ḥāluki?) – How are you?
  
  • ḥāluka for males
    
  • ḥāluki for females
    
  • Pronunciation: KAY-fa HAA-loo-ka / KAY-fa HAA-loo-kee
    
• “شو الأخبار؟” (Shu al-akhbār?) – What’s up? (Levantine dialect)
  Pronunciation: shoo al-akh-BAR
  
• “كيفك؟” (Keefak/Keefik?) – How’s it going? (Colloquial, friendly)
  
  • Keefak for males
    
  • Keefik for females
    

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Other Cool Ways to Greet People in Arabic

6. “يَاهلا” (Ya Hala)

A warm, enthusiastic “Hey there!” often used among close friends.

7. “مرحبتين” (Marḥabtain)

Literally “two hellos”—a fun, friendly greeting used in the Gulf region.

8. “أهلاً يا صديقي / صديقتي” (Ahlan ya ṣadīq/ṣadīqati)

Means “Hello my friend.”
Perfect when you want a warm, friendly connection 😊.

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Mini Vocabulary Table

Arabic Phrase	Pronunciation	Meaning	Usage
السلام عليكم	as-salāmu ʿalaykum	Peace be upon you	Universal & polite
مرحبا	marḥaba	Hello	Casual
أهلاً	ahlan	Hi	Friendly
صباح الخير	ṣabāḥ al-khayr	Good morning	Formal & polite
مساء الخير	masā’ al-khayr	Good evening	Anytime evening
كيف حالك؟	kayfa ḥāluka/ḥāluki	How are you?	After greeting

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When to Use Formal vs Informal Arabic Greetings

Use formal greetings when:

• Talking to elders
  
• Meeting someone for the first time
  
• In a store, office, or professional setting
  
• Greeting a group
  

Use informal greetings when:

• Talking to friends
  
• Texting or chatting online
  
• Speaking with children
  
• In relaxed, casual situations
  

Tip: When in doubt, start formal. Arabs appreciate respect, and you can switch to casual later.

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Saying Goodbye After Your Hello

Here are some friendly ways to end a conversation:

• “مع السلامة” (Maʿa as-salāmah) – Goodbye
  
• “أراك لاحقاً” (Arāk lāḥiqan) – See you later
  
• “في أمان الله” (Fī amān Allāh) – “In God’s protection,” a warm farewell
  
• “باي” (Bye) – Yes, many people also say “Bye” casually!
  

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Conclusion

Learning how to say hello in Arabic opens the door to a warm and beautiful culture. Start with the basics like as-salāmu ʿalaykum or marḥaba, then try casual or time-based greetings as you feel more confident. Keep practicing, greet people with a smile, and let each conversation bring you closer to mastering the language. You’ve already taken the first step—now keep going! 🌟