Greetings: Common ways to greet someone in English

Greetings allow us a way to meet and get to know other people. They are deeply ingrained as a social norm, signaling respect, kindness, and awareness. They acknowledge the other person’s presence and create a favorable impression. In addition, greetings help establish a friendly tone, making the recipient feel valued and respected. They create an atmosphere of warmth and inclusion, fostering positive relationships. A proper greeting can also set the stage for positive interaction, whether in emails, letters, or conversations. They communicate professionalism and help avoid misunderstandings.

Formal greetings

• Hello: The most common and versatile, suitable for almost any situation.
• Good morning/afternoon/evening: Polite and time-specific. “Good day” is also used, but less common in America.
  • Good morning – Used before noon, formal or polite. (“Good morning, team!”)
  • Good afternoon – Midday to evening, a bit more formal. (“Good afternoon, sir.”)
  • Good evening – After sunset, polished and courteous. (“Good evening, everyone.”)
  • Good night – Usually a goodbye, not a greeting, said before parting or bedtime. (“Good night, sleep well!”)
• How do you do?: Very formal, often used when meeting someone for the first time.
• It’s a pleasure to meet you/Nice to meet you: Used when meeting someone new.

Informal greetings

• Hi/hey: Casual and friendly. “Hey” is slightly more informal.
• Morning/afternoon/evening: Shortened versions of the formal greetings.
• How’s it going?/How are you doing?: Casual ways to ask how someone is.
• What’s up?/What’s new?: Very informal, often used among friends.
• Long time no see/It’s been a while: Used when you haven’t seen someone in a long time.

Slang greetings

• Hey, bruv!: Short for “brother,” common in British slang or among tight-knit pals. Also, “Hey, bro!” in American English.
• Heyyy: An elongated “Hey” to show enthusiasm.
• Sup: Short for “What’s up?”
• Sup, fam?: A laid-back combo of “what’s up” and “family,” used for close friends or a group.
• Wassup, homie?: A classic, meaning “What’s up, friend?” with a street flair.
• What’s good?: Asking someone what’s up or how they’re doing, with a chill vibe.
• Yo: Very informal, often used among young people.

Regional greetings

• Hey y’all!: “Y’all” is short for “you all,” a warm, inclusive greeting from states like Texas or Georgia but has expanded to much of the US.
• Howdy: Common in the Southern United States.
• G’day: Common in Australia.
• Alright?: Common in the United Kingdom.

Other considerations

Cultural sensitivity: Be aware that some cultures have specific greetings that may differ from those listed above.

Eye contact and a smile: These are important nonverbal cues that accompany greetings.

Handshake: Common in formal situations, but a little less so in informal ones.

Pairing: Pairing greetings with a question like “How are you?” is standard in English—it’s not always a deep ask, just politeness.

Tone: Your tone matters: “Hi” can be cheery or flat, depending on how you say it.

Conclusion

In essence, greetings are the gateway to positive human connection, bridging gaps between strangers and strengthening bonds among friends. They carry the power to convey professionalism, warmth, or casual familiarity, depending on the situation and delivery. By choosing the right greeting and pairing it with mindful nonverbal cues like a smile or a handshake, we can leave a lasting impression and set the stage for productive and harmonious interactions. No matter the style—be it a formal “Good evening” or a laid-back “Sup, fam?”—greetings remind us of the simple yet profound act of recognizing and valuing another person’s presence.

Learn more:

Introductions in English