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Greetings & Introductions in English
Master the art of saying hello and introducing yourself in English. These 25 essential greetings and introductions cover everything from formal meetings to casual hellos — with native audio.
Practice in the LingoSwipe App →Each phrase includes native audio, an English translation, and cultural notes where relevant. Tap any play button to listen.
👋 Basic Greetings
1.
Hello!
Hello! (standard greeting)
Works at any time of day. 'Hi' is more casual; 'hello' works everywhere.
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2.
Good morning!
Good morning! (used until noon)
Common to say to neighbours, shopkeepers, and strangers — especially in British culture.
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3.
Good afternoon!
Good afternoon! (noon to early evening)
Slightly formal — common in shops, offices, and formal phone calls.
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4.
Good night.
Good night. (farewell before bed)
Never a greeting — only a farewell. 'Good evening' is the evening greeting.
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5.
How are you?
How are you? (standard phrase)
Usually a greeting ritual, not a real question. Expected reply: 'Fine, thanks — and you?'
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🙋 Introductions
6.
My name is Sarah.
My name is Sarah.
'I'm Sarah' sounds more natural in everyday conversation. 'My name is' is slightly more formal.
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7.
What's your name?
What is your name?
Contractions make English sound more natural. 'What's' is more common than 'what is' in speech.
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8.
Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you.
British variation: 'Lovely to meet you' — warmer and very common in the UK.
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9.
I'm from the UK.
I'm from the United Kingdom.
British people often specify: 'from England/Scotland/Wales' rather than just 'from the UK'.
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10.
I speak a little English.
I speak a little English.
Native speakers will usually slow down and simplify their language when they hear this.
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👋 Farewells
11.
Goodbye!
Goodbye! (standard farewell)
Everyday British alternatives: 'Bye!', 'Cheers!', 'See you!', 'Take care!'
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12.
See you later!
See you later!
Used even when you won't see the person 'later' — it's a general warm goodbye.
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13.
See you tomorrow!
See you tomorrow!
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14.
Have a great day!
Have a great day!
British variations: 'Have a lovely day!', 'All the best!', 'Cheerio!' (traditional).
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15.
Take care!
Take care!
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🤝 Courtesy Phrases
16.
Please.
Please.
British culture is famous for politeness. Omitting 'please' from a request can seem blunt.
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17.
Thank you!
Thank you!
British: 'Cheers!' is used for both thanks AND as a toast. 'Ta!' is very informal.
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18.
You're welcome!
You're welcome!
British: 'Not at all!', 'Don't mention it!' sound warmer than a plain 'You're welcome.'
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19.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
British people say 'sorry' constantly — even when bumping into inanimate objects!
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20.
Excuse me.
Excuse me.
In Britain, 'excuse me' often replaces 'sorry' when getting attention or passing someone.
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💬 Language Help
21.
Yes.
Yes.
British 'yes' variations: 'Yeah', 'Yep', 'Quite', 'Indeed', 'Absolutely', 'Certainly'.
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22.
No.
No.
British culture often softens 'no' to be polite: 'I'm afraid not', 'Not exactly.'
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23.
I don't understand.
I don't understand.
In British English: 'Pardon?' is more polite than 'What?' when you didn't hear something.
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24.
Could you speak more slowly, please?
Could you speak more slowly, please?
'Could' is more polite than 'can' in requests — a key feature of British English politeness.
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25.
Do you speak English?
Do you speak English?
English has many dialects. British, American, Australian, Indian English all sound different!
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