Expanding your vocabulary with other ways to say hello in English can make your greetings more engaging and suitable for various contexts. Here are 25 alternatives to “hello” in English, including when to use them in formal or informal settings.
Table of Contents
Hi
“Hi” is a common and casual way to greet someone. It is informal and widely used among friends and acquaintances.
Example sentences with “Hi”:
- “Hi, how are you doing?”
- “Hi, it’s great to see you again!”
Hey
“Hey” is an informal greeting often used among friends. It conveys a sense of familiarity and casualness.
Example sentences with “Hey”:
- “Hey, what’s up?”
- “Hey, long time no see!”
Good Morning
“Good morning” is a formal or semi-formal greeting used in the morning. It is appropriate in both personal and professional contexts.
Example sentences with “Good Morning”:
- “Good morning, Mr. Smith.”
- “Good morning, everyone!”
Good Afternoon
“Good afternoon” is a formal or semi-formal greeting used in the afternoon. It is suitable for both personal and professional settings.
Example sentences with “Good Afternoon”:
- “Good afternoon, how can I help you?”
- “Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.”
Good Evening
“Good evening” is a formal or semi-formal greeting used in the evening. It is appropriate in both social and professional environments.
Example sentences with “Good Evening”:
- “Good evening, Dr. Brown.”
- “Good evening, and welcome to our event.”
Greetings
“Greetings” is a formal way to say hello. It is often used in official or ceremonial contexts.
Example sentences with “Greetings”:
- “Greetings, honored guests.”
- “Greetings, I am pleased to meet you.”
Howdy
“Howdy” is an informal greeting commonly used in the Southern United States. It is casual and friendly.
Example sentences with “Howdy”:
- “Howdy, partner!”
- “Howdy, how’s it going?”
What’s Up
“What’s up” is an informal greeting used among friends and peers. It is casual and often implies a relaxed, conversational tone.
Example sentences with “What’s Up”:
- “What’s up, man?”
- “Hey, what’s up?”
Hey There
“Hey there” is an informal and friendly greeting. It is casual and can be used with friends or acquaintances.
Example sentences with “Hey There”:
- “Hey there, how have you been?”
- “Hey there, nice to see you!”
Yo
“Yo” is a very informal greeting often used among younger people. It is casual and typically used in urban slang.
Example sentences with “Yo”:
- “Yo, what’s happening?”
- “Yo, how’s it going?”
Salutations
“Salutations” is a formal and somewhat old-fashioned way to greet someone. It is rarely used in everyday conversation but may appear in literary contexts.
Example sentences with “Salutations”:
- “Salutations, my friend.”
- “Salutations, esteemed colleagues.”
Hiya
“Hiya” is an informal and friendly greeting. It is casual and often used in British English.
Example sentences with “Hiya”:
- “Hiya, how are things?”
- “Hiya, what’s new?”
How’s it going?
“How’s it going?” is an informal way to ask someone how they are doing. It’s commonly used among friends and acquaintances.
Example sentences with “How’s it going?”:
- “Hey, how’s it going?”
- “Hi, how’s it going today?”
How are you?
“How are you?” is a versatile greeting that can be used in both formal and informal settings. It’s a polite way to inquire about someone’s well-being.
Example sentences with “How are you?”:
- “Good morning, Mr. Lee. How are you?”
- “Hey, how are you?”
How have you been?
“How have you been?” is an informal greeting often used when you haven’t seen someone in a while.
Example sentences with “How have you been?”:
- “Hi, Sarah! How have you been?”
- “Hello, John! How have you been?”
What’s new?
“What’s new?” is an informal greeting used to ask if there have been any recent developments in someone’s life.
Example sentences with “What’s new?”:
- “Hey, what’s new with you?”
- “Hi, what’s new since we last met?”
Good Day
“Good day” is a slightly formal greeting that can be used throughout the day. It is polite and somewhat old-fashioned.
Example sentences with “Good Day”:
- “Good day, sir. How may I assist you?”
- “Good day to you, madam.”
How do you do?
“How do you do?” is a very formal greeting used mainly in British English. It is often used when meeting someone for the first time.
Example sentences with “How do you do?”:
- “How do you do? I’m Mr. White.”
- “How do you do, Mrs. Green?”
What’s happening?
“What’s happening?” is an informal greeting used to ask about current events or activities.
Example sentences with “What’s happening?”:
- “Hey, what’s happening?”
- “What’s happening, buddy?”
All right?
“All right?” is an informal British greeting similar to “How are you?” It is often used among friends.
Example sentences with “All right?”:
- “All right, mate?”
- “Hey, all right?”
Nice to see you
“Nice to see you” is a polite and friendly greeting used when meeting someone you know.
Example sentences with “Nice to see you”:
- “Hi, Tom! Nice to see you.”
- “Nice to see you again, Jane.”
Long time no see
“Long time no see” is an informal greeting used when you haven’t seen someone in a while.
Example sentences with “Long time no see”:
- “Hey, long time no see!”
- “Long time no see, old friend.”
Welcome
“Welcome” is a formal or semi-formal greeting used to greet someone arriving at a place.
Example sentences with “Welcome”:
- “Welcome to our home.”
- “Welcome to the conference.”
What’s good?
“What’s good?” is an informal greeting similar to “What’s up?” It is often used among younger people.
Example sentences with “What’s good?”:
- “Hey, what’s good?”
- “What’s good, man?”
How’s everything?
“How’s everything?” is an informal greeting used to inquire about someone’s general well-being.
Example sentences with “How’s everything?”:
- “Hi, how’s everything with you?”
- “Hey, how’s everything going?”
Expanding your vocabulary with these alternatives to “hello” will help you greet others more dynamically and appropriately in different contexts. Practice using these greetings in your daily conversations to enhance your English skills.
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