When we learn a language, the first thing we usually pick up are greetings. For example, many wonder how to say hello in English, and the most common answer is “hello“. However, there are many other ways to greet in English, depending on the context, the level of formality, and the region. Knowing these variations not only enriches your vocabulary, but also helps you sound more natural and adapt to different social and professional situations. In this article from FunTalk, we teach you other ways to say hello in English, along with their meanings and usage contexts.
1. Hello
The most universal way to greet in English. It can be used in almost any situation, both formal and informal. It is safe and polite, and is usually the first word taught in English classes.
Example:
— Hello, how are you?
— Hi, I’m good, thanks!
2. Hi
A more informal and common version than “hello”, especially among acquaintances, young people, or in relaxed contexts. Very commonly used in the United States and English-speaking countries in general.
Example:
— Hi, nice to see you again!
3. Hey
“Hey” is even more informal than “hi”. It is frequently used among friends or to get someone’s attention. Although it is not rude, it’s better to avoid it in formal contexts or with people you don’t know well.
Example:
— Hey! What’s up?
4. Howdy
This greeting is typical of the southern United States, especially in states like Texas. It comes from the expression “How do you do?” and has a friendly, country feel.
Example:
— Howdy, partner!
5. Yo
Very informal and associated with youth, urban, or hip-hop culture. It is mainly used among close friends and almost never in formal situations.
Example:
— Yo, man! Long time no see!
6. Hiya / Heya
Informal, friendly expressions typical of British English. They are contractions of “Hi, you” or simply a cute way to say “hi”.
Example:
— Hiya! You alright?
7. Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening
These forms are used in more formal or polite contexts. They are ideal for greeting at work, in interviews, or when addressing older people. The use depends on the time of day.
Example:
— Good morning, Mr. Smith.
— Good afternoon, everyone.
8. What’s up? / Wassup?
A colloquial way to greet, very common among young people. Although it literally means “What’s happening?”, it is also used as a simple “hello” without necessarily expecting a detailed answer.
Example:
— Wassup, dude?
— Not much, just chilling.
9. How’s it going?
Another informal and friendly way to greet, equivalent to “How’s everything?” Very common both in the UK and the US.
Example:
— Hey! How’s it going?
— Pretty good, thanks!
10. Greetings
A more formal or literary way to greet. Sometimes used in emails or presentations, but it is not common in everyday speech.
Example:
— Greetings, ladies and gentlemen.
11. How do you do?
This greeting is extremely formal and somewhat old-fashioned, but can still be heard in certain protocol occasions or among people meeting for the first time in elegant settings.
12. Welcome
Although it is not a greeting per se, “welcome” is used to receive someone, especially if they arrive somewhere for the first time. It denotes hospitality.
Example:
— Welcome to our home!
How to choose the right form?
It all depends on the context. If you are in a job interview, it’s better to opt for “Good morning” or “Hello”. On the other hand, if you greet a friend by text message, “Hey”, “Yo”, or “Hi” might be more appropriate.
It is also important to consider the country and culture. Some expressions are more typical of the United States, others of the United Kingdom or Australia. For example, “Howdy” is very regional, while “Hiya” is very British.
Also, tone and facial expression play an important role. Even the simplest word can sound warm or cold depending on how you say it.
Mastering different ways to greet in English not only improves your fluency, but also allows you to connect better with people, understand cultural contexts better, and express different emotions or levels of closeness. Learning to say “hello” in different ways is actually much more than just vocabulary: it’s the first step to opening doors in a new language.