hi

/haɪ/

a casual greeting

Hi, how are you?

A friendly way to greet someone informally

informal

a short, informal way to say hello

Hi there! Nice to see you.

A friendly greeting to someone you know

Hi, can I help you?

A polite way to greet a customer or stranger

Commonly used in text messages and casual conversations

Collocations

hi therea slightly more formal greetinghi everyonea greeting to a group of people

Use 'hi' with friends and family, but 'hello' in professional settings

Shortened form of 'hello', which may come from the phrase 'hallo' or 'holla' used to get attention

Used in informal settings; 'hello' is more formal

English Dictionary