A1 high_frequency_chunk

Hello

🇬🇧 UK /["/həˈləʊ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/həˈləʊ/"]/

Meaning of Hello

used as a greeting when you meet somebody, in an email, when you answer the phone or when you want to attract somebody’s attention

In simple words: A word used to greet someone.

Hello in a sentence

• Hello John, how are you?
• Hello, is there anybody there?
• **Say hello** to Liz for me.
• They exchanged hellos *(= said hello to each other)* and forced smiles.
• Hello, hello, what's going on here?
• Hello? You didn't really mean that, did you?
• I'm like, ‘Hello! Did you even listen?’

How to use Hello

Use 'hello' in most situations when greeting someone. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Avoid using in very formal settings where a greeting like 'good afternoon' might be more appropriate.

Grammar pattern

standalone greeting

Memory hint

Think of 'hello' as a friendly wave or a bright sun shining, welcoming people.

Related words

Collocations with Hello

• say hello
• hello there
• hello everyone
• hello friend
• hello world

Synonyms for Hello

• hi
• hey
• greetings
• howdy
• salutations

Opposites of Hello

• goodbye
• farewell

Common mistakes with Hello

• Using 'hello' in overly formal situations.
• Confusing 'hello' with 'hi' for informal contexts.
• Not varying the greeting based on time of day.

Frequently asked questions about Hello

What does Hello mean?

A word used to greet someone.

What is the definition of Hello?

used as a greeting when you meet somebody, in an email, when you answer the phone or when you want to attract somebody’s attention

How do you use Hello in a sentence?

Hello John, how are you?

Can you give another example of Hello?

Hello, is there anybody there?

What are synonyms for Hello?

Common alternatives include hi, hey, greetings, howdy, salutations.

What is the opposite of Hello?

Opposite meanings include goodbye, farewell.

What words go with Hello?

It commonly pairs with say hello, hello there, hello everyone, hello friend, hello world.

What are common mistakes when using Hello?

Using 'hello' in overly formal situations. Confusing 'hello' with 'hi' for informal contexts. Not varying the greeting based on time of day.

How do you pronounce Hello?

US: /["/həˈləʊ/"]/, UK: /["/həˈləʊ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Hello?

Use 'hello' in most situations when greeting someone. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Avoid using in very formal settings where a greeting like 'good afternoon' might be more appropriate.

What CEFR level is Hello?

"Hello" is at A1 level on the CEFR scale.