G’day! If you’re planning a trip to Australia or simply want to impress an Aussie friend, knowing how to greet someone with a warm “good evening” is a great start. Although Australians generally have a relaxed and casual approach to language, there are both formal and informal ways to say good evening depending on the context. In this guide, we’ll explore the various ways to say good evening in Australian English, including examples and regional variations when necessary.
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Formal Ways to Say Good Evening in Australian
In formal settings, such as business meetings or professional events, Australians prefer using more standard and less colloquial expressions. Here are a few formal ways to greet someone with good evening:
1. “Good Evening”
Using the simple and straightforward phrase “good evening” is the most universally recognized and appropriate way to greet someone in a formal setting.
Example:
Guest: Good evening, Mr. Anderson. It’s a pleasure to meet you.
2. “Good Evening, Sir/Madam”
If you want to add a touch of respect to your greeting, addressing someone as “sir” or “madam” is a polite choice. This is particularly suitable in formal situations where you might not be familiar with the person’s name.
Example:
Receptionist: Good evening, madam. How may I assist you today?
Informal Ways to Say Good Evening in Australian
In casual and everyday situations, Australians often prefer more relaxed and colloquial expressions. Below are some informal ways to greet someone with good evening:
1. “G’day, Mate”
Australians are known for their friendly nature, and “g’day, mate” is a quintessential Australian greeting that can be used throughout the day, including in the evening. The term “mate” is a common way to refer to a friend or acquaintance.
Example:
Friend: G’day, mate! Good evening. How was your day?
2. “Hey, How’s it Goin’?”
This informal greeting is commonly used among friends and acquaintances. It’s a relaxed and casual way to say hello and can be used at any time of the day, including in the evening.
Example:
Colleague: Hey, how’s it goin’? Good evening, by the way.
Regional Variations
Australia is a vast country with diverse regional accents and slang. While the aforementioned greetings are understood throughout the country, there are some regional variations to be aware of:
1. “Eh, Good On Ya”
In some parts of Queensland and New South Wales, especially among older Australians, you might hear the expression “eh, good on ya” as an informal way to say good evening. “Good on ya” is an expression of praise or approval.
Example:
Local: Eh, good on ya! Good evening, mate.
2. “How’s the Serenity?”
This unique greeting stems from the Australian comedy film “The Castle” and is mainly recognized in the state of Victoria. It’s a light-hearted and colloquial way to ask someone how their evening is going.
Example:
Neighbour: How’s the serenity? Great evening for a barbeque, isn’t it?
Remember, these regional variations are not as commonly used as the standard greetings, but they add a touch of local charm and might make you feel more connected to the Aussie culture.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now know how to say good evening in Australian in both formal and informal settings. Whether you prefer the more standard “good evening” or want to dive into the friendlier side with “g’day, mate,” you’ll be able to greet Australians with confidence. Just remember to consider the context and audience when choosing which greeting to use. Now, go ahead and spread some Aussie warmth with your newfound language skills!
