Greetings in Passing

It is polite to greet a person you know. However, you don't always have time to stop and have a conversation. Just remember to smile as you say hello. A small wave is also polite. Sometimes you pass the same person a second time on the same day. You can say "hello again" or just smile.

• Slow down to greet someone you know. You don't have to stop what you are doing (walking, working, shopping).
• Say an appropriate form of hello.
• Smile and wave.

Listen and read:

• Hello
• Hi
• Good morning
• Good afternoon
• Good evening*
• Hey, John.
• How's it goin'?**

*Good night is a farewell (goodbye) phrase. It is NOT a greeting to use at night time.
**Native speakers often shorten "going" to "goin" in casual greetings.

Slang greetings in passing

Using slang in a greeting is typical between close friends. Teens often use slang when they greet each other. Certain English speaking countries also have their own popular form of "hello".

Listen and read:

• Howdy
• Hiya
• Whazzup?
• Yo
• G'day (Australia)