Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| uy | /ˈʔuj/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| hoy | /ˈhoj/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| oy | /ˈʔoj/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| huy | /ˈhuj/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| oi | |
| ui | |
| ei |
These terms are used as informal greetings or interjections to call attention to someone or to express a sudden emotion. For example, uy can function as an interjection to express sudden realization or surprise, similar to saying "oh!" or "hey!" in English.
Which one should you use?
While all these forms can mean "hey", hoy is more often used to sharply call someone's attention or to shout at someone. In contrast, uy is generally softer and more conversational, often used to express surprise or to start a casual sentence. Other variations include oy, huy, oi, ui and ei.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
All these forms are informal. Because hoy has a blunt tone, using it to address a stranger or an elder can be perceived as rude or aggressive. For formal greetings, you should use a phrase like Kumusta po kayo? instead of these interjections. For standard informal greetings, you might use Kamusta ka? or the borrowed English greetings Hi! or Hello!
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʔuj/
Did you know?
- The interjection oy is found in many unrelated languages, including Yiddish and Japanese, as a way to express surprise or call out to someone.
- The term uy is often used to start a casual sentence as a social 'bridge' to signal that the speaker is about to share something interesting.
Examples in context
- Uy, ang astig niyan!Hey, that's really neat.This sentence uses uy to express excitement about something neat.Tatoeba #11659587 by qwertzu, translation #3575411 by CK
- Uy, alam ko kung ano ang nararamdaman mo.Hey, I know how you feel.This sentence uses uy to show empathy or realization.Tatoeba #11270339 by qwertzu, translation #3575466 by CK
- Hoy, Tomas, kalimutan mo na ang mga alalahanin mo.Hey, Tom, forget about your worries.This sentence uses hoy to call someone's attention.Tatoeba #1800601 by nonong, translation #36561 by al_ex_an_der
- Kamusta ka? Musta na?Hey, how are you? How have you been?
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends passing each other on a busy street.
- JoseUy, Christina!Hey, Christina!
- ChristinaUy, Jose, kumusta ka?Hey, Jose, how are you?
- JoseAyos lang ako.I'm doing fine.
- ChristinaSige, una na ako.Alright, I'll go ahead.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hey” translations and entries uy, hoy, oy, huy, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hoy, huy, oy, uy, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
