Hey vs. Hi — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023

Hey is a casual greeting often used among friends or in informal settings. Hi is another form of greeting but is more neutral and can be used in both casual and semi-formal situations.

Difference Between Hey and Hi

Key Differences

The word Hey is a greeting that is generally considered informal. It is often used among friends, close acquaintances, or in settings where an informal tone is acceptable. In American culture, "hey" is very common and is frequently used to initiate conversations.

In contrast, Hi is a bit more neutral and versatile. While it can be used informally like "hey," it is also appropriate for semi-formal occasions or when greeting someone for the first time. "Hi" is often considered safer when the level of formality isn't clear.

Hey can also be used to draw someone's attention, especially if you add emphasis or elongate the word. For example, yelling "Hey!" across a room would likely draw attention from multiple people. In such a case, "hey" functions more as an interjection than a greeting.

Hi, however, is less likely to be used to draw attention in the same way. It tends to stick closely to its role as a greeting and is less versatile in its usage compared to "hey." When you say "hi," it is almost universally understood as a simple greeting.

Both Hey and Hi serve the primary function of initiating interaction or acknowledgment. However, "hey" is more likely to be used in American English and is considered more casual. "Hi" offers a middle-ground level of formality and is widely accepted in different social settings around the world.

Comparison Chart

Formality

Informal

Neutral (Casual or Semi-formal)

Versatility

More versatile

Less versatile

Common Usage

Among friends, casual settings

Broadly accepted

Functions

Greeting, drawing attention

Primarily a greeting

Cultural Acceptance

More common in American English

Used to express greeting. See Note at hey.

Hey

Used to express greeting.

Hi

A friendly, informal, casual greeting said upon someone's arrival.

Hi, how are you?

I just dropped by to say “hi”.

Hey

An exclamation to get attention.

(country dancing) A choreographic figure in which three or more dancers weave between one another, passing by left and right shoulder alternately.

Hey

Alternative spelling of he

Hey

High.

Hey

An exclamation of joy, surprise, or encouragement.

Hey

A cry to set dogs on.

Hey

Can express surprise or enthusiasm.

Hey, that's awesome!

Common Curiosities

What does Hi mean?

"Hi" is a neutral greeting that can be used in both casual and semi-formal situations.

Can Hey be used to draw attention?

Yes, "hey" can be used to grab someone's attention, especially when emphasized.

Is Hi accepted globally?

Yes, "hi" is widely accepted and understood globally.

Can I use Hey in a formal setting?

It's generally not recommended to use "hey" in formal settings.

Is Hi versatile like Hey?

"Hi" is less versatile than "hey" and is primarily used as a greeting.

Can Hi be used in business emails?

"Hi" can be used in business emails, especially if the tone is meant to be somewhat casual.

What does Hey mean?

"Hey" is an informal greeting often used among friends or in casual settings.

Which is more formal, Hey or Hi?

"Hi" is considered more formal than "hey."

Can Hey express emotions?

Yes, the tone and emphasis can make "hey" express surprise, curiosity, or enthusiasm.

Is Hi considered informal?

"Hi" is neutral and can be used in both informal and semi-formal settings.

Can Hey and Hi be used interchangeably?

While similar, they are not always interchangeable due to differences in formality and versatility.

Can Hey be elongated for emphasis?

Yes, "hey" can be elongated, like "heyyy," to add emphasis or convey different emotions.

Can I start a professional email with Hey?

It's generally not advisable to start a professional email with "hey" unless you have an informal relationship with the recipient.

What emotion does Hi convey?

"Hi" is neutral and doesn't inherently convey any particular emotion.

Is Hey primarily an American term?

"Hey" is more commonly used in American English but is understood in other English-speaking countries.

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Author Spotlight

Written by

Fiza Rafique

Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.

Edited by

Tayyaba Rehman

Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.