Learn Arabic (Modern Standard): وعليكم السلام، أهلا وسهلا!

This sentence is the standard response to the greeting السلام عليكم (Peace be upon you). By adding و (wa), which means "and", you are returning the greeting by saying "And upon you be peace."

Why is the word order flipped to عليكم السلام (upon you peace)?

In Arabic, the reply to a greeting often mirrors or flips the original phrase. When someone says السلام عليكم (the peace upon you), you reply with وعليكم السلام (and upon you the peace) to clearly show it is a response.

The word عليكم translates to "upon you (plural)". Do I still use it if I am only talking to one person?

Yes! Even though كم (kum) is the plural "you", the phrase وعليكم السلام is a fixed greeting. It is used exactly this way whether you are speaking to one person, a large group, a man, or a woman.

What is the literal meaning of أهلا وسهلا?

It is an ancient, welcoming Arabic idiom. أهلا comes from the word for "family", and سهلا comes from a word for "smooth" or "easy plains". You are essentially telling your guest, "You have come to your own family, and you are treading on easy ground."

Why do the words أهلا and سهلا end with an "an" sound?