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Zoltankr Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

American English: Hello and Hi

Hello,

When should I use "Hello" and when should I use "Hi". What is the difference between the two?

Also, I would like to write a letter to someone I meet for the first time. Do I need to use "Hello" or "Hi"?

Any suggestion appreciated. Thank you!
  

Top answer

"Hi" is more informal - more casual - than "Hello", but both are fairly informal. You usually use "Hi" with your friends and "Hello" with people you may meet 'out in the world'. More formally, "Good morning" or "Good afternoon" are used.

— CalifJim

  • "Hi" is more informal - more casual - than "Hello", but both are fairly informal.
  • You usually use "Hi" with your friends and "Hello" with people you may meet 'out in the world'.
  • More formally, "Good morning" or "Good afternoon" are used.
  • For a business letter, you can't use either "Hi" or "Hello"; you need something like "Dear Sir".
  • For a friendly letter, you will have to judge for yourself whether the situation is only somewhat casual ( Hello ) or very casual and friendly ( Hi ).
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3 Answers
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"Hi" is more informal - more casual - than "Hello", but both are fairly informal.

You usually use "Hi" with your friends and "Hello" with people you may meet 'out in the world'.

More formally, "Good morning" or "Good afternoon" are used.

For a business letter, you can't use either "Hi" or "Hello"; you need something like "Dear Sir".

For a friendly letter, you wi
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Thank you. I have no idea what "casual" and "informal" means. English is my 3rd language.
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zoltankr"casual" and "informal"
Surely you have a dictionary! These terms are used to describe ordinary, everyday conversation. Nothing like a presidential speech or a ceremony to crown a king!

CJ
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