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 |
While most forms function as greetings, some can also be used to say goodbye.
What does it mean word for word?
The formal greeting goedendag is a compound of goed, meaning good and dag, meaning day, literally translating to 'good day'.
Which one should you use?
hallo is a neutral greeting suitable for almost any situation. In contrast, hoi is strictly informal and most commonly used among friends, family or peers. The form hai is a very casual, short greeting similar to the English 'hi'. While dag literally means 'day', it is frequently used as a casual greeting or a way to say goodbye.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
hallo is neutral. The forms hoi, hai and dag are informal. The form goeiendag is formal. Note that goededag and goeiendag are alternative spellings of goedendag.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Flanders, hoi is a commonly used informal greeting. Similarly, dag is a common and straightforward way to say hello in Flemish.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɦɑˈloː/
Did you know?
- The neutral greeting hallo is actually a loanword borrowed from the English 'hello' or 'halloo'.
- In the Netherlands, the word dag is often repeated as dag dag when saying goodbye to someone, making it sound more affectionate.
- Dutch people may use hoi combined with a small wave or a nod, but using hoi while shaking hands is generally seen as too informal.
Examples in context
- Hoi, ik ben Tom.Hello, I'm Tom.This sentence is useful for introducing oneself using the form 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 sentence is useful for asking how someone is doing using the form hoi.Tatoeba #481239 by Dorenda, translation #138868 by CK
- 131 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Levi and Julia meet on a street in Amsterdam.
- LeviHallo, Julia!Hello, Julia!
- JuliaHallo, Levi. Hoe gaat het?Hello, Levi. How are you?
- LeviGoed, dank je wel.Good, thank you.
- JuliaDat 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.
