Greetings in Afghanistan: How to Say Hello

Common greetings in Afghanistan (Dari/Pashto contexts):

• Salaam (sa-LAAM) – Universal "peace" greeting, used anytime.
• Khush aamadeed (KHUSH aa-maa-DEED) – "Welcome," for guests arriving at your home.
• Afghana ba sher (AF-gha-naa ba SHER) – "May Afghanistan be victorious," patriotic greeting.
• Khoda hefez (KHO-daa ha-FEZ) – "May God protect you," used when parting.

Greetings are often accompanied by placing the right hand over the heart as a sign of respect.