hello
hello — exclamation
1. a word you say when you meet someone, start a conversation, or begin an email —
a word you say when you meet someone, start a conversation, or begin an email — it is the standard friendly way to greet another person in English.
Kenji smiled and said hello to his new neighbour at the door.
greeting someone when meeting face-to-face
Hello, Mrs. Chen! It is so nice to see you again at the market.
polite greeting with a person's name
The children all shouted hello when their teacher walked into the room.
I just wanted to say a quick hello before the meeting starts at ten.
Hello everyone, thank you for coming to the party tonight!
- hi
more casual than hello; the most common everyday alternative
- hey
very informal; used among friends and people of similar age
- good morning
more formal and time-specific; used in professional or polite settings
- goodbye
hello begins an interaction; goodbye ends one
用法筆記
Common in both formal and informal contexts. It is slightly more formal than 'hi' or 'hey', but less formal than 'good morning' or 'good afternoon.'
常見錯誤
2. a word you say when you pick up a phone call or begin a phone conversation, usua
a word you say when you pick up a phone call or begin a phone conversation, usually followed by identifying yourself or asking who is calling.
Lakan picked up the phone and said, 'Hello, who is calling please?'
phone greeting asking who is calling
Hello, this is the dentist office on Oak Street. How can I help you?
phone greeting identifying your business
The voicemail message just said hello and asked me to leave my name.
Hello, is this the Watanabe residence? I am calling about the delivery.
Nellie answered the call with a cheerful hello before asking who it was.
- hi
occasionally used on the phone but less standard than hello
- good morning
used as a more formal telephone greeting, especially in business
用法筆記
In British English, people often state their phone number or name after hello. In American English, answering with a simple 'Hello?' without identifying yourself is also normal in personal calls.
常見錯誤
3. a word you call out loudly to get someone's notice — for example, to check if an
a word you call out loudly to get someone's notice — for example, to check if anyone is present, to ask for help, or to stop someone who is walking away.
Hello! Is there anybody in the back of the shop working today?
calling out to see if anyone is present
Ziad called out hello to see if anyone was home in the old house.
Hello there! Could you please tell me the way to the train station?
The tour guide said hello to get the group attention before speaking.
Adina knocked on the door and called, 'Hello, is Dr. Park in today?'
用法筆記
Often said with a raised voice. When you do not know the person, adding 'there' ('Hello there!') can make the call sound friendlier and less abrupt.
常見錯誤
4. a word said with a rising tone to point out that someone has just said something
a word said with a rising tone to point out that someone has just said something foolish, made an obvious mistake, or is clearly not focused on what is happening around them.
Lucía said, 'Hello!' when her brother walked straight into the glass door.
said sarcastically when someone makes an obvious mistake
You just dropped your wallet on the floor — hello, are you even awake?
Tendai waved his hand in front of his friend face and said, 'Hello?'
Hello! I have been calling your name for five minutes with no reply.
The teacher snapped her fingers and said, 'Hello, is anyone listening to me?'
用法筆記
The tone of voice is important here — a rising, questioning pitch on 'hello' signals sarcasm or frustration, not a friendly greeting. This sense is common in spoken English but rare in writing except in dialogue.
常見錯誤
5. a word you say when you are pleasantly surprised by something unexpected — such
a word you say when you are pleasantly surprised by something unexpected — such as running into an old friend, discovering something impressive, or seeing a big change.
Well, hello! I did not expect to see you here at the library today.
well hello — expressing surprise at an unexpected meeting
Hello! That cake is twice the size of the one I ordered last week.
Nila opened the box and said, 'Well hello, what a beautiful necklace that is.'
Élise laughed and said, 'Hello! I never knew you could sing like that.'
Hello! Those flowers are absolutely gorgeous — where did you find them?
用法筆記
Often combined with 'well' to form 'Well, hello!' which adds a tone of amused or delighted surprise. The surprise can be positive (admiration) or neutral (unexpected discovery).
常見錯誤
hello — noun
1. an instance of greeting someone, either by speaking the word hello or by making
an instance of greeting someone, either by speaking the word hello or by making a friendly gesture such as a wave or a nod — for example, giving someone a warm hello, or exchanging quick hellos with neighbours.
Christopher gave a warm hello to everyone who walked through the door.
noun: give a hello
The old friends shared a quick hello before the train left the station.
noun: share a quick hello
Eleni sent a cheerful hello in her email to the new team members.
Joshua nodded and said his hellos to the guests at the wedding party.
Nala gave a silent hello by raising her hand from across the busy room.
- greeting
a broader, more formal term for any friendly acknowledgement, not limited to the word hello
- salutation
very formal; used in written correspondence or ceremonial contexts
- goodbye
the leave-taking act that contrasts with the greeting act
用法筆記
The noun form is commonly used in fixed phrases such as 'give a hello', 'say your hellos', 'a quick hello', and 'exchange hellos'. The plural 'hellos' is used when greeting multiple people.