article_source_include_header_contentsheader_style_contents_placeholder
 

Greeting someone

How do English native speakers greet each other? The following polite phrases and idioms are common in English-speaking cultures:

Phrases

   
 
   
 
Hi / Hello.
 
 
Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening.
 
 
Hey / Hi guys!
 
 
Good to see you.
 
 
Nice to meet you.
 
 
How are you? (American English)/ How do you do? (Britsh English)
 
 
 
 
Americans naturally add "How are you?" to their greeting. However, you need to be aware that this "How are you" is not really a question of one's emotional or physical state but rather a polite phrase. You would never reply "Actually, I am really annoyed and I've had a terrible day.". You'd usually say "Good, how are you?".
Look out, the British say "How do you do?" instead.
You might also be interested in the article Saying goodbye.
 

Learn more ...

Ad

article_source_include_bottom_contents