WordGarden.iohey
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈeɪ/
US
- /ˈheɪ/
Meanings
Interjection
a casual greeting
a call used to get attention or express surprise or protest
Beyond the definition
"Hey!" is one of the first words many of us learn, and we use it in several simple ways. Most often, it is a casual way to get someone's attention, like calling to a friend across the street: "Hey! Over here!" It is also a very common informal greeting, much like "hi" or "hello," especially in relaxed situations. And sometimes the tone changes everything: a sharper "Hey!" can mean "stop," "wait," or "watch out," while a softer or questioning "hey..." can show mild surprise, concern, or annoyance.
"Hey" is an interjection, and it is deeply woven into everyday conversation. It looks simple, but its meaning changes a lot depending on the situation and the speaker's tone. Most often, "hey" works as an informal greeting or a way to get someone's attention. If a friend walks into the room, a cheerful "Hey!" sounds natural. If you want someone to listen, you might say, "Hey, can I ask you something?"
But "hey" is not limited to greetings and requests. Tone changes its meaning very quickly. A sharp "Hey!" can be a warning, a protest, or a way to stop someone: "Hey! Watch it!" or "Hey, that's mine." A softer "hey" can show care or concern, as in "Hey, are you okay?" It can also show mild surprise, disbelief, or annoyance, though in these cases the exact feeling usually comes more from the voice than from the word itself. Sometimes people even use it just to acknowledge someone in passing, with a quick "hey" in the hallway.
Although it is extremely common in spoken English, "hey" is very casual. Because of that, it usually sounds too informal at the start of a formal email or letter. It fits relaxed conversation much better than professional or highly polite communication.
So, from a friendly greeting to a call for attention, a warning, or a small emotional reaction, "hey" covers a wide range of everyday uses. It is a short, flexible word that depends heavily on tone, which is one reason it appears so often in natural spoken English.
Examples
- 1
Simple greeting
Hey, Mia!
- 2
Polite request
Hey, can I ask you something?
- 3
Getting attention
Hey, your phone is ringing.
- 4
Warning
Hey, watch where you're going!
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Complaint
Hey, that's my seat.
- 6
Recognition
Hey, I know you from somewhere.
- 7
Friendly thanks
Hey, thanks for covering my shift yesterday.
- Usage
At the start of a sentence, hey can make the tone sound friendly.
- 8
Calling out
I was walking home when someone shouted, "Hey!"
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- heyinterjection