how do you say hello in arabic

The most common way to say hello in Arabic is:

• السلام عليكم
  Transliteration: as-salāmu ʿalaykum
  Meaning: “Peace be upon you.”

A very common, simple “hi/hello” is:

• مرحبًا
  Transliteration: marḥaban (often said as marhaba)
  Meaning: “Hello” or “Welcome.”

Both are widely used across Arabic-speaking countries, with السلام عليكم more formal and religious, and مرحبًا a neutral everyday greeting.