Definition and meaning of English word "hey"
hey
/heɪ/
Meaning
interjectionUsed to attract attention, or as an informal greeting or exclamation of surprise.
How to use
The interjection 'hey' is very common in informal spoken English. It can be used as a casual greeting ('Hey, how are you?'), to get someone's attention ('Hey, look at this!'), or to express mild surprise or protest ('Hey, that's not fair!'). It is considered too informal for professional or written communication.
🇬🇧 English
hey
Example
Hey, how are you?
Hey, let's go.
Your personal vocabulary
🦊 Use this word in a live AI conversationSynonyms
Common phrases
- hey there— hey there
- hey you— hey you
- hey now— used to calm someone down or express mild protest
More Colloquial & Slang words
Frequency rank: #1023 in English
Learn them all! 🚀
Master the 1000 most common English words with smart explanations, audio pronunciation, and spaced repetition.
Start Learning For Free →No sign-up required
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "hey" mean?▼
The English word "hey" means "hey" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "hey"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "hey" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "hey"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "Hey, how are you?" (which translates as "hey").
Related reading
Duolingo vs Anki vs Apps: Comparing Language Learning Methods in 2026
An honest comparison of popular language learning approaches: gamified apps, SRS flashcards, textbooks, tutors, and immersion. Pros, cons, and who each is best for.
Read →MethodWhat Is Spaced Repetition? The SM-2 Algorithm Explained Simply
Spaced repetition is the single most effective method for memorizing vocabulary. Learn how the forgetting curve works, how the SM-2 algorithm calculates review intervals, and why 20 minutes a day beats 2 hours of cramming.
Read →