Saying Hello
The everyday greeting
In Pakistan, the most common greeting is السلام علیکم (As-salamu alaykum). It crosses generations, contexts, and levels of formality. Learn this one first.
The standard greeting used by Muslims across Pakistan and beyond. Safe to use in any situation, with family, strangers, shopkeepers, or elders.
Always respond this way when someone greets you with السلام علیکم (As-salamu alaykum). Not responding is considered impolite.
A traditional Urdu greeting meaning "I pay my respects." Often used with elders or in formal settings. Usually accompanied by a slight bow or hand gesture.
Borrowed from English and used widely, especially among younger Pakistanis and in urban settings. Completely natural to say.
The Urdu equivalent of a casual "hi." Used between friends and peers. Would feel too familiar with elders or people you don't know well.
What you say when someone arrives at your home or enters your space. Literally means "glad you came." Very warm and hospitable.
How Are You
Asking and answering
After saying hello, the next step is asking how someone is. Urdu has different forms depending on who you're speaking to.
Use آپ (aap) for formal "you." Use it when speaking to elders, people you don't know well, or anyone deserving respect.
The adjective کیسے (kaisay) changes to کیسی (kaisi) when speaking to a woman. This gender agreement is an important feature of Urdu.
تم (tum) is the informal "you." Fine with friends, siblings, or people your own age. Not appropriate for elders.
Same informal "you," تم (tum), with the feminine کیسی (kaisi). The verb also changes: ہیں (hain, formal) becomes ہو (ho, informal).
The standard reply. میں (main) = I, ٹھیک (theek) = fine/okay, ہوں (hoo'n) = am. You can also say بہت اچھا ہوں (bahut achha hoo'n), meaning "I'm very well."
Very commonly said as a response to "how are you?", meaning "I am well, praise God." You'll hear this constantly in Pakistani households.
After saying you're fine, turn it back: اور آپ؟ (aur aap? - formal) or اور تم؟ (aur tum? - informal). Shows you're interested in them.
Time of Day
Morning, evening, night
Urdu has specific greetings for different parts of the day, though السلام علیکم (As-salamu alaykum) always works regardless of the time.
صبح (subh) = morning, بخیر (bakhair) = in good health / safely. Literally "may your morning be well." Warm and polite to say when you see someone first thing.
شام (sham) = evening. Same structure as the morning greeting, just swapping the time word. Used when meeting someone in the evening hours.
شب (shab) = night (a Persian-origin word used in Urdu). Said when parting at the end of the evening, or before going to sleep.
Saying Goodbye
Farewells
How you say goodbye in Urdu depends on who you're talking to and how close you are. All of these are warm and heartfelt.
The most widely used goodbye in Pakistan today. اللہ (Allah) = God, حافظ (Hafiz) = protector/guardian. Said when parting from anyone.
The older form of the same farewell. خدا (khuda) is a Persian/Urdu word for God. Still widely used and understood, especially by older generations.
A warm, friendly farewell, like "see you later" or "till next time." Literally means "we will meet again." Used between friends and family.
A blessing-style farewell said to children or younger people. خوش (khush) = happy, رہو (raho) = stay/remain. Very affectionate and common from elders to younger family.
Quick Reference
All phrases at a glance
Keep this table handy while you practise.
A note on culture
In Pakistani households, السلام علیکم (As-salamu alaykum) is more than just "hello." It's also a prayer. When you walk into a room, you greet everyone in it. When you pick up the phone, you say it before anything else. Missing the greeting is considered rude, not forgetful.
You will also notice that Pakistanis often ask "how are you?" even when passing in the corridor. They don't always expect a long answer. A quick الحمدللہ (Alhamdulillah) or ٹھیک ہوں (theek hoo'n) is perfectly fine. The question is a gesture of warmth, not an invitation for detail.
Practice
Try it yourself
Read each scenario and think about what you would say. Tap "show answer" when you're ready.
What would you say?
Picture yourself in each situation and say the Urdu phrase out loud.
Want to practise with a real teacher?
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