What is hello? Pronunciation and usage in English

hello means . Learn how to pronounce and use hello through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of hello

hellointerjection

/həˈləʊ//hɛˈləʊ/
Definition & pronunciation of hello

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "hello" in English. It's a tricky one for non-native speakers! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and correct pronunciation is:

  • /həˈloʊ/ (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet)

Let's break that down:

  • hə: This is a very short, unstressed vowel sound. It's almost like you're barely saying the 'h'. Think of a gentle breath.
  • ˈloʊ: This is the stressed part of the word.
    • l: Pronounced like the 'l' in "light".
    • oʊ: This is a diphthong – meaning it’s a combination of two vowel sounds that blend together. It sounds roughly like "oh" as in "go."

Here’s a more descriptive explanation:

  1. Start with a very light "h" sound. Don't push it out strongly.
  2. Then, add a short, almost silent "uh" sound like the "a" in "about."
  3. Finally, say "low" – but with that slightly elongated "o" sound (the diphthong).

Tips and common mistakes:

  • Don't overemphasize the "h." It's often dropped in casual conversation.
  • Avoid pronouncing it as "hay-low." That's a very common mistake.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "hello" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. (https://translate.google.com/)
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce hello" on YouTube – you'll find many videos with clear pronunciations.

Resources for Learning IPA:

Would you like me to:

  • Record an example pronunciation?
  • Discuss variations in pronunciation (e.g., in different accents)?

Usage and examples with the word hello in English

Let's break down how to use "hello" in English. It's a super common and versatile word!

1. Basic Usage - The Most Common Way

  • As a greeting when you meet someone: This is the most frequent use. You say "Hello" when you first encounter a person.
    • Example: "Hello! My name is Sarah."
    • Example: "Hello, how are you?"

2. Using "Hello" in Different Situations

  • Answering the phone: You use "Hello?" when someone answers the phone.

    • "Hello? Is this John?"

  • Starting a conversation: You can use "Hello" to begin a conversation, even if you've seen the person before.

    • Example: "Hello, David! It's good to see you."

  • Responding to a greeting: If someone says "Hello" to you, you respond with "Hello" back.

    • Person A: "Hello!"
    • Person B: "Hello!"

  • Online communication (email, chat): “Hello” is perfectly acceptable as a casual greeting.

    • Example: "Hello, team! Just wanted to check in."

3. Variations and Related Phrases

  • Hi: "Hi" is a more informal and casual version of "Hello." You'd use it with friends, family, and people you know well.

    • Example: "Hi, how's it going?"

  • Hello there: This is a slightly more friendly and enthusiastic way to say "Hello."

    • Example: "Hello there! What a beautiful day!"

  • Good morning/afternoon/evening: These are more formal greetings and are used at specific times of the day. "Hello" is a more general greeting that can be used at any time.

  • How are you?: Often used after saying "Hello." It’s a courteous way to show interest in the other person.

    • Example: "Hello, how are you today?"

4. Tone and Body Language

  • Smile: A smile makes your "Hello" even more welcoming.
  • Eye contact: Making eye contact shows that you’re engaged and interested.
  • Voice tone: Your tone of voice should be friendly and pleasant.

Here's a quick summary table:

Situation Word Formality
Meeting someone Hello Neutral
Answering the phone Hello? Neutral
Casual conversation Hi Informal
Enthusiastic greeting Hello there Slightly More Formal
Formal greeting Good morning/etc. Formal

Do you want me to:

  • Give you some example conversations using "Hello"?
  • Explain how "Hello" differs from other greetings like "Hi"?
  • Talk about the nuances of using "Hello" in different cultures?

Synonyms for the word hello

Practice with vocabulary hello

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Upon entering the conference room, she began her presentation with a confident _________ to the attendees.
  2. When you answer the phone, it's customary to say _________ before stating your name or company.
  3. The speaker wished everyone a good morning and extended warm _________ to the international guests.
  4. If you need assistance in the library, simply raise your hand and say, "_________."

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following is an appropriate formal greeting when meeting a new client for the first time? a) Hey there b) What's up? c) Hello d) Yo

  2. When answering a professional phone call, what is an appropriate way to begin the conversation? a) Yo! b) Good morning! c) Hello. d) Speak up!

  3. You encounter an acquaintance in the hallway at work. What casual greetings are suitable? a) Hello b) How are you doing? c) Later! d) Hi e) Hey

  4. Before leaving a business meeting, you want to politely acknowledge everyone present and conclude the session. What would you say? a) Excuse me b) See you later c) Goodbye d) Farewell

  5. You need to politely get the attention of a colleague who is deeply focused on their computer. Which phrases are appropriate? a) Excuse me b) Pardon me c) Listen up! d) Attention!

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Upon arriving, the keynote speaker began his address by acknowledging the audience. (Rewrite using "hello")
  2. She entered the office early and offered a friendly acknowledgement to her colleagues who were already there. (Rewrite using "hello" or a related form)
  3. When you receive a professional call, the first thing you should say is "hello." (Rewrite the sentence, without using "hello")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. hello
  2. hello
  3. greetings
  4. Excuse me

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Hello
  2. b) Good morning!, c) Hello.
  3. a) Hello, b) How are you doing?, d) Hi, e) Hey
  4. b) See you later, c) Goodbye, d) Farewell
  5. a) Excuse me, b) Pardon me

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Upon arriving, the keynote speaker began his address by saying "hello" to the audience.
  2. She entered the office early and greeted her colleagues who were already there with a friendly hello.
  3. When you receive a professional call, the first thing you should say is a polite salutation.

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