Portuguese Phrase

Hello

/həˈloʊ/

Meaning"Hello"

💡

Meaning

'Hello' is the primary greeting in the English language, used to acknowledge someone or initiate a conversation. It is a versatile term that fits nearly any social situation, from business meetings to casual encounters. Its simplicity makes it the cornerstone of English communication for learners at all levels.

🎯

When to use

Use 'Hello' when greeting someone in person, starting a telephone conversation, or initiating a written message. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts at any time of day.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Hello

Interjection

'Hello' functions as an interjection, which is a word used to express a greeting or an exclamation.

Stress

In standard English, the primary stress is placed on the second syllable: hel-LO.

🗨In Conversation

Hello! It is nice to meet you.

Hello! Nice to meet you too.

✕Common Mistakes

Hello, how you?
In English, you must include the verb 'are' to form the question 'How are you?'
I say hello for him.
Use the preposition 'to' when directing a greeting to someone, as in 'I said hello to him.'

↔Alternatives

Hi
Hi (Informal)
Hey
Hey (Very informal)
Good morning
Good morning (Formal morning greeting)

Cultural Tip

In most English-speaking countries, 'Hello' is often a 'phatic' greeting, meaning it is used to perform a social function rather than convey information. It is frequently paired with 'How are you?', which serves as a polite gesture rather than a literal request for health status. Additionally, 'Hello' is the universal standard for answering a phone call.