hey

hey — exclamation

1. a word you call out when you want someone to look at you or listen to you — depe

1.exclamationA1
Definition

a word you call out when you want someone to look at you or listen to you — depending on your tone and the situation, it can sound neutral, urgent, or rude.

Example

Hey, Otis! Wait for me — I need to ask you something.

used neutrally to call a friend by name

Hey, could you keep your voice down? The baby is asleep.

requesting quiet; can sound impatient if spoken sharply

Common collocations
  • hey + you
  • hey + name
  • hey + there
Synonyms
  • oi

    British/Commonwealth; much ruder and more confrontational

  • yo

    very informal, used among friends; common in US slang

  • excuse me

    polite and neutral; appropriate for strangers and formal contexts

Grammar Patterns

hey + [clause / noun phrase that names the person you are calling]

Usage Note

Tone of voice changes the politeness level greatly. A loud or sharp 'hey' can sound angry or rude, while a softer one can be friendly. This word is very informal and should not be used in formal writing or polite letters.

Common Mistakes

Hey, I am writing to apply for the position.
Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the position.
'hey' is too casual for formal letters or job applications.
Hey, sir, may I help you?
Excuse me, sir, may I help you?
'hey' can sound rude when speaking to someone you do not know in a service setting.

2. a friendly, relaxed way of saying hello to someone you know, used when you meet

2.exclamationA1
Definition

a friendly, relaxed way of saying hello to someone you know, used when you meet them or start a conversation.

Example

Hey, Élise! Long time no see — how was your trip to Japan?

greeting a friend after a long absence

Hey, how is it going? Do you want to grab coffee later?

Common collocations
  • hey + there
  • hey + everyone
  • say hey to [someone]
Synonyms
  • hi

    slightly more neutral than 'hey'; works in semi-formal settings

  • hello

    neutral and polite; appropriate for almost any situation

  • yo

    very informal slang; used mostly among younger speakers

Antonyms
  • goodbye

    the opposite function — ending a conversation instead of starting one

Grammar Patterns

hey + [noun phrase / question / clause]

Usage Note

Use 'hey' only with people you know well — friends, family, or close colleagues. It sounds too casual for a boss, a teacher, or someone you have never met before. 'Hello' or 'hi' are safer choices in those situations.

Common Mistakes

Hey, Professor Chen. May I ask a question?
Hello, Professor Chen. May I ask a question?
'hey' is too informal when addressing a teacher or superior.
Hey, nice to meet you.
Hello, nice to meet you.
'hey' sounds odd when meeting someone for the first time.
Idioms

what the hey!

idiom

Used to show that you are not worried about a possible problem or that you are willing to take a risk.

Mina decided to skip her homework and go out, what the hey!

Brian thought, "What the hey! I'll ask for a raise anyway."