Hello & goodbye

Hello & goodbye

In this lesson, you learn common greetings and farewells in English. You also learn when to use more formal words and more friendly words.

Common greetings

Hello is a common greeting for many situations. Hi is more friendly and informal. We also use Good morning, Good afternoon, and Good evening at different times of day.

Hello, Anna.

Good morning, Mr Brown.

Starting a conversation

After hello, people often say How are you? This is a polite opener. A common answer is I'm fine, thanks.

Hi, Tom. How are you?

I'm fine, thanks.

Introductions

When you meet someone, you can say Hello, I'm Emma or Hi, I'm Ben. Use Hello in more neutral or polite situations, and Hi with friends or in relaxed situations.

Hello, I'm Maria.

Hi, I'm Jack.

Saying goodbye

Goodbye is a full, clear farewell. Bye is shorter and more informal. See you is friendly and means you expect to meet again.

Goodbye, Ms Lee.

Bye, Sam. See you!