Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA |
|---|---|
| hoi | /ɦɔi̯/ |
| hé | /ɦeː/ |
In Dutch, 'hey' can be expressed in several ways. Hoi is a standard, informal greeting used to say 'hi' to someone. The form hé is used as an interjection to grab someone's attention, express sudden realization or signal protest and annoyance. You may also encounter the English loanword Hey, which is becoming increasingly popular among younger speakers. For morning greetings among friends, the informal shortened version Goeiemorgen is often used. If you need a neutral way to say 'hey' that works in both formal and informal settings, Hallo is a common choice.
Which one should you use?
While hoi serves as a standard informal greeting similar to 'hi' in English, hé functions more like the English 'hey' used to get someone's attention or to express surprise or annoyance.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Hoi is an informal greeting. Hé is also informal and is used for catching attention or expressing protest. For a more neutral approach that is suitable for both formal and informal situations, use Hallo.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ɦɔi̯/
Did you know?
- The informal greeting hoi might actually be a way to shout to someone on a ship, similar to the English 'ahoy'.
- While hé can signal annoyance, a rising intonation on hé at the end of a sentence can turn it into a tag question similar to 'right?' or 'isn't it?'
- The word hé is versatile enough to signal a sudden moment of realization, much like the English 'oh!' or 'aha!'
Examples in context
- Hé, wacht op mij.Hey, wait for me.This sentence shows the use of hé to get someone's attention.Tatoeba #3671156 by JNQ, translation #3444580 by CK
- Hé, dat is gemeen!Hey, that's mean!This sentence shows the use of hé to express protest or annoyance.Tatoeba #6889726 by Micsmithel, translation #6862738 by Hybrid
- Hoi, wie wil pizza?Hey, who wants pizza?This sentence shows the use of hoi as an informal greeting.Tatoeba #7550435 by MarijnKp, translation #3575402 by CK
- Hoi! Hoe gaat het met je?Hey! How are you doing?
- 49 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas meet in a park.
- EmmaHoi, Lucas!Hi, Lucas!
- LucasHoi Emma, hoe gaat het?Hi Emma, how are you?
- EmmaGoed, dank je.Good, thank you.
- LucasFijn om je te zien.Nice to see you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hey” translations and entries hoi, hé, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hoi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
