Definition of Hello
Quick Meaning of Hello
A polite word you say when you meet or contact someone.
Detailed Definition of Hello
A greeting used to say hi to someone.
How to Pronounce Hello
Stress pattern: Oo (2-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the first syllable: HEL-lo. The 'o' at the end is like 'oh' in 'go'.
Watch out: Some learners pronounce it HAL-loo; correct pronunciation stresses first syllable.
Origin and Etymology of Hello
How to Use Hello in a Sentence
Each example shows “hello” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“Hello! How are you today?”
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“She said hello to her friends at school.”
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“I answered the phone with a friendly hello.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Hello
Common Synonyms for Hello
Smart Synonyms for Hello — When to Use Each
- hi
- more casual and informal, especially with friends
- greetings
- more formal, used in official or polite situations
Common Collocations with Hello
These phrases pair with “hello” in everyday English:
- say hello
- hello there
- hello everyone
- wave and hello
- hello dear
Common Mistakes When Using Hello
Even fluent speakers slip up with “hello”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: Hello are you?
- ✓ Correct: Hello, how are you?
- Why: Hello is an interjection greeting; it must be followed by a comma and then a complete question.
- ✗ Wrong: I said hello to she at the party.
- ✓ Correct: I said hello to her at the party.
- Why: Use object pronoun 'her' after a preposition, not subject pronoun 'she'.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hello
What is the meaning of "Hello"?
A polite word you say when you meet or contact someone.
How do you pronounce "Hello"?
The IPA is /həˈloʊ/. Stress the first syllable: HEL-lo. The 'o' at the end is like 'oh' in 'go'.
What part of speech is "Hello"?
"Hello" is an interjection at A1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Hello"?
Common synonyms include hi, greetings, hey.
How do you use "Hello" in a sentence?
For example: "Hello! How are you today?"