If you learn just one thing in Urdu, make it the greeting. A warm hello opens every door in Pakistani and Urdu-speaking culture. Here are the 8 greetings you'll actually use, with the Urdu script, how to say them, and exactly when each one fits.
1. Assalam-o-Alaikum — the greeting that always works
Assalam-o-Alaikum السلام علیکم means "peace be upon you." This is the safest, warmest way to say hello in Urdu to anyone — young or old, friend or stranger, morning or night. If you remember only one greeting, remember this one.
2. Wa alaikum assalam — how to reply
When someone greets you first, reply with Wa alaikum assalam وعلیکم السلام — "and upon you, peace." It's simply the greeting returned, and it shows you know the rhythm of the culture.
3. Adaab — a graceful, secular hello
Adaab آداب is a respectful, poetic greeting often used in more literary or mixed-culture settings. Pair it with a small nod. It's a lovely, slightly formal way to say hello.
4. Aap kaisay hain? — how are you?
Right after hello, ask Aap kaisay hain? آپ کیسے ہیں؟ — "how are you?" (formal). To a friend you can say Tum kaisay ho? تم کیسے ہو؟
5. Main theek hoon — I'm fine
The natural reply is Main theek hoon میں ٹھیک ہوں — "I am fine." Many people add Alhamdulillah الحمدللہ, "praise be to God."
6. Subh bakhair — good morning
Subh bakhair صبح بخیر means "good morning." It's gentle and a little poetic — perfect for starting the day.
7. Shab bakhair — good night
End the day with Shab bakhair شب بخیر, "good night."
8. Allah Hafiz / Khuda Hafiz — goodbye
To say goodbye, use Allah Hafiz اللہ حافظ or Khuda Hafiz خدا حافظ — "may God protect you." A warm way to part.
Which greeting should a beginner learn first?
Start with Assalam-o-Alaikum and Aap kaisay hain? Together they let you open almost any conversation. Once those feel natural, add "good morning" and "goodbye." Want to drill them until they stick? Play the free Greetings games or work through the Greetings lesson.
🗣️ Roman Urdu mein
Agar aap Urdu mein sirf aik cheez seekhein, to woh salaam ho. Aik garmjoshi bhara salaam har darwaaza khol deta hay. Yeh hain woh 8 salaam jo aap sach mein istemaal karein gay.
Assalam-o-Alaikum — har kisi kay liye, har waqt. Wa alaikum assalam — jawab dene kay liye. Adaab — ba-adab salaam. Aap kaisay hain? — haal poochhnay kay liye. Main theek hoon — jawab. Subh bakhair — good morning. Shab bakhair — good night. Allah Hafiz — khuda hafizi.
Say it out loud with someone who gets it.
Reading greetings is step one. Saying them in a real conversation is where they become yours. Book a free 20-minute call and say your first Assalam-o-Alaikum to me.