Spanish Phrase

Hello

/həˈloʊ/

Meaning"Hello"

💡

Meaning

'Hello' is the most standard and universal greeting in the English language. It is used to acknowledge someone's presence, start a conversation, or answer a telephone. It is neutral in tone, making it suitable for both formal and informal settings.

🎯

When to use

Use 'Hello' whenever you meet someone, whether they are a stranger, a colleague, or a friend. It is also the standard way to answer a phone call in English-speaking cultures.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Hello

Interjection

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

Stress Pattern

In standard English, the emphasis is typically placed on the second syllable: hel-LO.

🗨In Conversation

Hello! It is nice to meet you.

Hello! Nice to meet you too.

✕Common Mistakes

Hellow, how are you?
The correct spelling ends with a single 'o'. Avoid adding a 'w' at the end.
Halo!
'Halo' refers to a circle of light above a saint's head; the greeting is spelled 'Hello'.

↔Alternatives

Hi
Hi (informal)
Hey
Hey (very casual)
Greetings
Greetings (formal/humorous)

Cultural Tip

In many English-speaking countries, 'Hello' is frequently paired with 'How are you?' or 'How's it going?' as a polite social reflex. In these cases, a short positive response like 'Good, thanks!' is usually expected rather than a long explanation of one's day.