hi

Friendly opening word

Hi is the most common informal greeting among people who know each other or who have a friendly disposition toward each other.

It is also used as a salutation in email.

greeting

hello

Common spoken greeting

heyInformal greeting or summons
howdyInformal rural greeting
yoCasual interjection for attention

sup · what's up · g'day · heya · ahoy · oi · yoo-hoo · hallo · salutations · greetings

formal

greeting

Expression of welcome

salutationExpression of goodwill
welcomeHospitable greeting offered
receptionAct of receiving guests

address · acknowledgment · regards · respects · compliments · introduction · pleasantries · courtesies

multilingual

hola

Spanish salutation

bonjourFrench word for hello
ciaoItalian dual-purpose salutation
shalomHebrew word for peace

namaste · salaam · privet · salut · hallo

casual

buddy

Informal term for companion

palClose trusted companion
matePartner or companion
broSlang for male friend

dude · friend · chum · comrade · fella · man · guy · homie · sis · bud

affectionate

honey

Bees' viscous nectar product

sweetieFond nickname for someone
dearTreasured or costly
darlingBeloved person or pet

love · sweetheart · sunshine · sugar · babe · baby · doll · angel · hun · dearie

Categories

social interactiongreeting, hello, goodbye, bye, sorry
Pleasantriesplease, thank you, thanks, sorry, excuse me
Short Wordsact, a, add, I, bat
courtesiesplease, thank you, thanks, sorry, excuse me
exclamationsoh, yes, no, wow, hey
greetingshello, hey, hola, aloha, greetings

Opposites

greeting vs. parting

Parting utterance

goodbye · farewell · adios · see ya · so long

social engagement vs. dismissal

Dismissive order to leave

go away · leave me alone · buzz off · scram · beat it

Phrases

high schoolUpper secondary institution
high heelsElevated women's shoes
high fiveCongratulatory palm-to-palm gesture
hi thereInformal spoken welcome
high tideMaximum sea level
high hopesStrong optimistic expectations

Family

high, hiya, hie, hied

Familiarity: Top 500
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G