sholom aleichem: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Liturgical, Cultural
Quick answer
What does “sholom aleichem” mean?
A traditional Jewish greeting meaning 'peace be upon you', used when meeting someone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A traditional Jewish greeting meaning 'peace be upon you', used when meeting someone.
A greeting or salutation expressing wishes for peace and well-being; also used as a farewell. The phrase is culturally significant in Judaism and Yiddish-speaking communities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling variations (Shalom, Sholom) are not region-specific. More likely to be encountered in communities with Jewish cultural presence in both regions.
Connotations
Carries strong cultural, religious, and ethnic connotations related to Judaism and Jewish diaspora communities.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general English discourse. Its use is almost exclusively within specific cultural, religious, or historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “sholom aleichem” in a Sentence
[Person1] said 'Sholom aleichem' to [Person2].The greeting 'Sholom aleichem' was exchanged.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological, historical, linguistic, or cultural studies discussing Judaism or Yiddish language.
Everyday
Extremely rare outside of Jewish communities or specific cultural references.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sholom aleichem”
- Misspelling as 'shalom alechem' or 'sholom aleychem'.
- Using it in inappropriate, non-cultural contexts.
- Pronouncing the final 'ch' as /tʃ/ (like 'church') instead of the velar fricative /x/ (like Scottish 'loch').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a Hebrew/Yiddish phrase used as a loan expression in English, primarily within specific cultural or religious discussions.
The correct response is 'aleichem shalom' (upon you be peace).
Both 'Sholom' (Ashkenazi Hebrew/Yiddish influenced) and 'Shalom' (Modern Hebrew) are common transliterations. 'Shalom aleichem' is the most standard spelling.
It is a culturally specific greeting. Using it with non-Jewish people outside of a relevant educational or respectful cultural exchange context may be considered inappropriate or confusing.
A traditional Jewish greeting meaning 'peace be upon you', used when meeting someone.
Sholom aleichem is usually formal, liturgical, cultural in register.
Sholom aleichem: in British English it is pronounced /ʃəˌlɒm əˈleɪ.xɛm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃəˌloʊm əˈleɪ.xɛm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To bid someone sholom aleichem”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'SHOw a LOt of Mutual ALE, I CHEerfully Make a toast' – SHolom ALecIChEm – a friendly greeting.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEACE IS A COVERING/GIFT (peace is something bestowed upon the person being greeted).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'sholom aleichem' most appropriately used?