שלום — meaning in English: Peace

shalom · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for Peace

אחי

achi

שמו

shemoh

אצל

etzel

כפי

k'fi

שלום

shalom

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Hebrew for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native Hebrew speakers commonly use 'שלום' (shalom) as a greeting when meeting someone, akin to saying 'hello.' It's also used in farewells, similar to 'goodbye.' In more formal contexts, such as during official ceremonies or religious gatherings, 'שלום' may be invoked to express a deeper wish for peace and harmony.

Synonyms & nuances

'שלום' (shalom) is often compared to 'רִוָּה' (rivah), which also means peace but is less commonly used in everyday conversation. While 'shalom' is versatile for greetings and discussions about peace, 'rivah' might be reserved for more poetic or formal contexts, making 'shalom' the go-to choice in casual and formal interactions alike.

Culture

'שלום' (shalom) has deep roots in Hebrew culture and is derived from the root word 'שלם' (shalam), which means 'to be whole or complete.' This word not only signifies peace but also embodies the idea of wholeness and well-being, reflecting a core value in Jewish tradition where peace is considered a divine blessing. Interestingly, 'shalom' appears frequently in religious texts, underscoring its significance in both everyday life and spirituality.

FAQ

Q.What does the Hebrew word 'שלום' mean?

'שלום' (shalom) translates to 'peace' in English. It's a versatile term used in greetings and farewells, symbolizing both a wish for tranquility and a friendly connection.

Q.How do you use 'שלום' in a sentence?

You can use 'שלום' by simply greeting someone with 'שלום!' (Shalom!) when you meet them. To bid farewell, you might say, 'להתראות, שלום!' (Lehitraot, shalom!), which means 'Goodbye, peace!'

Q.Is 'שלום' used in formal situations?

'שלום' is suitable for both informal and formal situations. In formal contexts, it can convey a sincere wish for peace, making it appropriate for ceremonies, religious gatherings, and diplomatic discussions.

Learn hebrew with Maspeak →

1000 frequent Hebrew Words