hallo
/ɦɑˈloː/
To say hello in Dutch, the default form is hallo. It is also spelled goeiedag or goededag. Wiktionary also lists hoi and hai.
Meaning: greeting (intj)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hallo | /ɦɑˈloː/ | |
| hoi | /ɦɔi̯/ | |
| hai | ||
| dag | /dɑx/ | informal |
| goeiedag | /ɣu.jə.ˈdɑx/ | alternative form |
| goededag | /ɣudə ˈdɑx/ | alternative form |
| goedendag | /ɣu.də(n)ˈdɑx/ /ɣu.jəˈdɑx/ |
|
| goeiendag | formal |
The word hallo is a general and commonly used greeting in formal and informal settings. For a very casual greeting among friends, you can use hai, which is similar to the English 'hi'.
What does it mean word for word?
The form goedendag is a compound of goed (good) and dag (day).
Which one should you use?
While hallo is a standard greeting, hoi is more informal and casual. The word dag literally means 'day', but it is used as a common informal greeting or farewell, similar to 'hi' or 'bye'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For informal settings, you can use hoi, which is the most widely used informal greeting in Dutch, hai or dag. The form goeiendag is used in formal contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɦɑˈloː/
Did you know?
- The casual greeting hoi might have started as a joyful exclamation or a call to a ship, much like the English 'ahoy'.
- In the Netherlands, the greeting hoi is often accompanied by a single wave or a nod rather than the three-kiss cheek greeting used in some other European cultures.
- Depending on the region, the pronunciation of goeiedag can vary, with some speakers blending the sounds to make it sound more like 'goy-edag'.
Examples in context
- Hoi, ik ben Tom.Hello, I'm Tom.This example shows how to introduce yourself using hoi.Tatoeba #9776132 by Raizin, translation #5758404 by CM
- Hoi, ik ben Nancy.Hello, I am Nancy.Tatoeba #416151 by Dorenda, translation #242649 by CP
- Hoi, hoe gaat het?Hello, how are you?This example shows how to ask how someone is doing using hoi.Tatoeba #481239 by Dorenda, translation #138868 by CK
- Hallo, ik ben blij u te ontmoeten.Hello, I'm pleased to meet you.
- 131 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sophie and Daan meet at a cafe.
- SophieHallo, Daan!Hello, Daan!
- DaanHallo, Sophie. Hoe gaat het?Hello, Sophie. How are you?
- SophieGoed, dank je.Good, thank you.
- DaanDat is fijn om te horen.That is good to hear.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations and entries hallo, hoi, dag, goeiedag, goededag, goedendag, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dag, hallo, hoi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
