Greetings

20 phrases · English with romanization, English and audio

  1. Hello!

    Hi! / Hey!

    Usage

    The most basic English greeting, usable at any time of day

    Grammar Note

    "Hello" is neutral to formal. "Hi" is casual; "Hey" is very informal

  2. Good morning!

    Usage

    Used in the morning until around noon. "Morning!" is a common casual shortening

    Grammar Note

    Paired with "Good afternoon" (midday–evening) and "Good evening" (after dusk)

  3. How are you?

    How's it going? / How are you doing?

    Usage

    A standard follow-up to a greeting. The typical reply is "I'm fine, thanks"

    Grammar Note

    Used more as a greeting than a genuine inquiry; the stock reply is "Fine, thanks"

  4. Nice to meet you.

    Pleased to meet you. / Great to meet you.

    Usage

    Said when meeting someone for the first time, often accompanied by a handshake

    Grammar Note

    The reply is "Nice to meet you, too." "Pleased to meet you" is more formal

  5. Goodbye! See you later.

    Bye! / Take care! / See you!

    Usage

    Farewell phrase; "See you later" implies you expect to meet again soon

    Grammar Note

    "Goodbye" is formal; "Bye", "See ya", "Catch you later" are progressively casual

  6. Thank you very much.

    Thanks a lot. / Many thanks.

    Usage

    A warm, emphatic expression of gratitude; stronger than plain "Thank you"

    Grammar Note

    "Thanks" is casual; "I really appreciate it" is a more formal alternative

  7. You're welcome.

    No problem. / My pleasure. / Don't mention it.

    Usage

    The standard response to "Thank you"; used across all levels of formality

    Grammar Note

    "No problem" / "Sure" are casual; "My pleasure" suits formal or service contexts

  8. Excuse me.

    Pardon me. / Sorry to bother you.

    Usage

    Used to get someone's attention, pass through a crowd, or make a minor apology

    Grammar Note

    Intonation varies with the situation: say it clearly and politely to get attention, and more softly for a minor apology

  9. I'm sorry.

    I apologize. / Forgive me. / My apologies.

    Usage

    A standard apology suitable for minor mistakes through more serious situations

    Grammar Note

    "I'm so sorry" is more emphatic. "I apologize" is formal. "My bad" is very casual

  10. Good night!

    Sleep well! / Sweet dreams!

    Usage

    Said when parting at night or before sleep; "Good evening" is for the early evening

    Grammar Note

    "Good night" is a farewell; to greet someone at night, use "Good evening"

  11. Where is the toilet?

    Where is the toilet/bathroom?

    Usage

    One of the most practically useful travel phrases — usable anywhere

    Grammar Note

    "Toilet" is common in British English; "restroom" or "bathroom" is preferred in American English

  12. I can't speak English.

    I can't speak English

    Usage

    Useful for monolingual travelers or when seeking assistance in another language

    Grammar Note

    "Can't speak" expresses inability. "Don't speak" is also correct but "can't" sounds more helpless

  13. I'll come again

    Usage

    Said on leaving a shop to signal you'll return

  14. I had a great time

    Usage

    At parting, especially to someone who showed you around

  15. Thanks, see you

    Usage

    A casual goodbye once you're on friendly terms

  16. Sleep well.

    Usage

    An alternative bedtime phrase to "Good night!", said just before sleep

  17. I'm heading out.

    I'm heading out

    Usage

    Said when leaving your lodging for a while

  18. I'm back.

    I'm back

    Usage

    Said upon returning to your lodging

  19. I'll be going now.

    I'll be going now

    Usage

    A polite phrase for excusing yourself when leaving before others

  20. Don't mention it.

    You're welcome

    Usage

    An alternative to "You're welcome." for replying to thanks

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