Greeting

HELLO AND GOODBYE

When you first meet someone whether it is a person we know or someone we are meeting for the first time, we will normally use a simple sentence as a way of greeting them. A greeting is a friendly way of opening a conversation, or as a way of letting the other person know that we have seen them. There are many way to say hello.
Hi
Hello
Hi there
Hello there
Hey, how are you doing?
Howdy friend (USA)
What’s up?
How’s it going?
Wow, it’s good to see you!

We sometimes use a double greeting, for example:

Hi there, hey how are you doing?
Hello, how have you been?
It’s good to see you, how’s life been treating you?
If you are meeting someone for the first time you can say:
Good to meet you
It’s nice to meet you
I’m pleased to meet you
It’s a pleasure to meet you
These sentences are often used after the other person has been introduced to you

If you are meeting someone you have not seen or heard from for a long time, then you can show real surprise and shock.

Oh my God, it’s you!

Aahh, where have you been?

My goodness, long time no speak (see)

Wow, it’s so good to see you again

Is it really you? When did we last meet?

Wow, as I live and breathe, it’s my best friend from school.
If you are in a hurry there may only be a short time in which to make your greeting.
Hi, sorry I can’t stop
Oh hi there, look I’m a bit pushed for time here’s my phone number, give me a call sometime
Hello there, look I’m on my way to work, maybe catch up with you again soon.
Hey’ I would love to stop and chat, but I really have to dash.
This type of greeting is common these days because we are all in such a big hurry to get some place… fast!
We sometimes use the word “hello” as a way of showing surprise or as a way of expressing a sudden interest in something.
Hello, what’s going on here?
Hello, I did not know he had a girlfriend
Hello, what’s going on over there?
Hello, something is wrong here, he took my money!

Here in the UK, people will often greet each other by talking about the weather.

Hello isn’t it a lovely day?

Hello, what about this terrible weather?

Hello, did you hear the storm last night?

In many countries people will ask about the family.


Hello, how’s the family?
Hello, how’s your wife doing?
Hello, how are the kids?
In China, people will often greet each other by asking if they have eaten their lunch or dinner, or ask them where they are going.

The word “hello” can also be used informally as a way of expressing sarcasm or annoyance.

Hello, did you understand what I said?
Hello, was that too difficult for you to read?
Hello, did you see me waving at you?
Hello, do you not recognize me?
Hello, what time do you call this? You are late