Salom

Salom is a common greeting in Uzbek and Tajik, where it means hello and, more broadly, peace. It is derived from the Arabic salam, meaning peace or safety, and reflects a common linguistic thread across many languages that borrow the term for greetings.

The word traces to Arabic salaam (سلام) and has variants in related languages, including Persian salaam, Turkish selam, and other Central Asian forms such as salom or salām depending on transliteration. The core idea is the wish for peace or well-being.

In everyday speech, people often simply say Salom to greet someone. In more formal or religious contexts, especially in Muslim communities, the longer greeting Assalomu alaykum (or Assalamu alaikum) is used, literally “peace be upon you.” The spelling differs by language and script, but the meaning is consistent.

Salom is widely used in Central Asia and among diasporic communities from that region. It appears in conversation, media, and handwriting as a neutral, friendly greeting suitable for all ages. Some languages also use related forms such as salam or selam.

In addition to its function as a greeting, Salom may appear as a personal name or place name in some communities.