How to Say "Hey" in Latin - How To Say Guide

heus

[ˈhɛu̯s]

The Latin word for "hey" is heus.

heus is an informal interjection used as a greeting, equivalent to "hey" or "yo" in English.

Meaning: informal greeting (intj)

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

Because heus is an informal interjection, it is not suitable for formal or respectful address.

As an interjection, heus is indeclinable, meaning it does not change its form based on the gender or number of the person you are addressing.

Ancient Romans did not have a word for 'hello' as a general greeting. Instead, they used specific terms like heus to grab attention or salve to wish someone health.
In Roman comedy, characters often use heus to call someone who is about to walk away or is standing inside a house.
In some contexts, heus could be used to express a mild sense of indignation, similar to how an English speaker says 'Hey!' when someone bumps into them.

Heus mulier, tibi dico.
Hey woman, I'm talking to you.
This sentence shows how to use heus when addressing a woman.
Tatoeba #13744972 by soridsolid, translation #13744973 by soridsolid
Heus puer, adfer huc talos.
Hey boy, bring us the dice.
This sentence shows how to use heus when addressing a boy.
Tatoeba #7336964 by jimkillock, translation #7336965 by jimkillock
Heus tu! Quid in cubiculo meo agis?
Hey! What are you doing in my room?
This sentence shows how to use heus to get someone's attention.
Tatoeba #10663210 by alexmarcelo, translation #2290899 by ichivivi20
Heus! Quomodo vales?
Hey! How are you?
4 more sentences on Tatoeba

Marcus sees Aurelia walking through the market.

Sources

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