hello

Everyday

1. A word you say when you meet someone or answer the phone. tree →
2. A word to get someone's attention: «Hello? Is anyone there?» tree →
3. Said when you are surprised (old-fashioned, UK): «Hello, what's this?» tree →
4. A noun: a greeting: «Say hello to your mum». tree →

In the lessons

In manners lessons: greet people with hello, look at them and smile; answer the phone «Hello» but do not give your name or address to callers you don't know. In stories a «hello» starts a meeting between characters. Phrases: say hello, hello there, say hello to someone for me, wave hello, hello again.

Examples

• Hello, Mrs Brown! tree →
• Say hello to your grandma for me. tree →
• She waved hello from the bus. tree →
• «Hello? Who's calling?» tree →
• Hello? Is anybody home? tree →
• He said a quick hello and ran off. tree →
• It's polite to say hello when you come into a room. tree →
• Don't tell a caller you don't know that you're home alone. tree →
• “Hello!” replied the Tin Woodman calmly. tree →

Note

Also spelled «hullo» or «hallo» (older UK). Informal: hi, hey (US, Australia: «g'day»). Plural noun: hellos. Opposite: goodbye.