Welcome to your first lesson in English! In this unit, we will explore the basics of greetings and farewells. These are essential phrases for everyday conversations, and mastering them will help you communicate confidently in English.
Common Greetings
Greetings are used to say “hello” or acknowledge someone when you meet them. Below is a list of common greetings in English:
Formal Greetings
Use these when speaking with people you don’t know well, in professional settings, or when being polite.
| Greeting | Pronunciation Button |
|---|---|
| Hello | A general greeting suitable for any time of day. |
| Good morning | Used from early morning until noon. |
| Good afternoon | Used from noon until evening (around 5 PM). |
| Good evening | Used in the evening after 5 PM. |
Informal Greetings
These are more casual and are typically used with friends, family, or people you know well.
| Greeting | Pronunciation Button |
|---|---|
| Hi | A shorter and friendlier version of “Hello.” |
| Hey | Very informal, often used among close friends. |
| What’s up? | A casual way to ask “How are you?” or “What’s new?” |
| Howdy | A very informal greeting, mostly used in some parts of the United States. |
Common Responses to Greetings
When someone greets you, it’s polite to respond. Here are some common responses:
| Response | Pronunciation Button |
|---|---|
| Hello | A simple and polite response. |
| Hi | A casual response to “Hi” or “Hello.” |
| Good morning/afternoon/evening | Mirror the greeting if someone says “Good morning,” etc. |
| Not much, how about you? | A typical response to “What’s up?” |
Common Farewells
Farewells are used to say “goodbye” when leaving or ending a conversation. Here are some examples:
Formal Farewells
Use these in professional or polite situations.
| Farewell | Pronunciation Button |
|---|---|
| Goodbye | A formal way to say farewell. |
| Have a nice day | Wishing someone a pleasant day ahead. |
| See you soon | Indicates you’ll meet again soon. |
Informal Farewells
These are more casual and used with friends or acquaintances.
| Farewell | Pronunciation Button |
|---|---|
| Bye | Short and friendly. |
| See ya | Very informal; similar to “Bye.” |
| Take care | Expresses concern for the other person’s well-being. |
| Later | Extremely casual; short for “See you later.” |
Practice Games
Tips for Using Greetings and Farewells
- Mirror the other person: If someone says “Good morning,” respond with “Good morning.”
- Be mindful of tone: Formal greetings are safer in professional settings, while informal ones work better with friends.
- Smile and make eye contact: This makes your greeting or farewell feel warmer and more genuine.