Beyond "Hello": 5 Casual Ways to Greet a Friend

Have you ever found yourself in that moment? You're walking down the street, and you see a friend you haven't seen in a little while. Your first instinct is to say, "Hello!" But as the word leaves your mouth, it feels a little... stiff. A little too formal. It’s the right word, of course, but it doesn't quite capture the relaxed, happy feeling of seeing a friend.

It's a small moment, but it’s one that a lot of us have experienced. It’s a gentle reminder that to truly sound like yourself in English, it's not always about the grammar or the vocabulary you learn in a textbook. It's about knowing the unspoken rules of conversation. It's about choosing the perfect word for the perfect moment.

This is where the magic of casual English comes in. It's the language of real life, of shared smiles and friendly nods. And today, we're going to start our journey by looking at some of the most common and friendly alternatives to "Hello." Think of this as your guide to feeling more comfortable and confident when you run into someone you know. Let's get started.

1. The Classic: "What's up?" or "'Sup?"

This is one you've probably heard a thousand times in movies and TV shows, and for good reason—it’s everywhere! What's so great about "What's up?" is that it's usually not a real question. It's more of a friendly acknowledgement, a way of saying, "Hey, I see you, friend."

How to use it: You can say this to anyone you know well, from a close friend to a colleague you see every day. It’s perfect for a quick, passing greeting. You might hear it as you’re walking past someone's desk at work or when you're meeting up at the cafe.

How to respond: The typical response is simple and casual. You can say "Not much," "Nothing much," or even just "Hey!" It’s a quick exchange, so you don't need to give a long-winded answer about your day. You can also simply repeat the greeting back to them, "What's up?"

A Coffee Chat Pro-Tip: A super casual version of this is simply "'Sup?" It’s often used with people you're very close with and is a sure sign you're comfortable with each other.

2. The Curious: "How's it going?"

This greeting is a step up from "What's up?" because it shows a little more genuine interest in the person's day. It’s still very casual, but it gives the other person a chance to give a quick update.

How to use it: This works beautifully with friends you're about to sit and chat with, or even with a friend of a friend you've just been introduced to. It’s a friendly way to open up the conversation.

How to respond: The most common responses are "It's going well," "It's good," or just "Good." A polite next step is to say, "How about you?" or "And you?" to return the question.

A Coffee Chat Pro-Tip: While it’s slightly more detailed than "What's up?", it’s still not a request for a detailed life story. A simple answer is all that's needed.

3. The Reunited: "Long time no see!"

Oh, this one is just so warm and happy! You use this phrase when you see someone you haven't seen in a while—whether it's been weeks, months, or even years. It’s a perfectly natural way to express that you’ve missed them and you're happy to see them again.

How to use it: Use this when you run into an old friend unexpectedly. You can use it as you’re walking toward them, or as the first thing you say after hugging or shaking hands.

How to respond: Your response should be just as excited. You can say, "Yeah, it's been a while!" or "I know, right?" It’s a wonderful way to express a shared sense of reunion.

A Coffee Chat Pro-Tip: This phrase actually comes from a historical form of English known as pidgin English, but it has become a completely standard, warm, and friendly idiom. So you can use it confidently with anyone in a casual setting.

4. The Simple Sincerity: "Hey!"

Sometimes, the simplest words are the best. "Hey!" is one of those. It’s more casual and relaxed than "Hi" and is an excellent all-purpose greeting. It works with everyone you know on a friendly basis.

How to use it: This is the perfect greeting for when you see a friend walking on the other side of the street, or when you walk up to a group of friends who are already talking. It's direct, friendly, and non-committal.

How to respond: Usually, just a simple "Hey" back is enough. You might add their name for a little extra warmth, like "Hey, Sarah!"

A Coffee Chat Pro-Tip: The key here is your tone. A cheerful, friendly "Hey!" is a warm greeting. However, a sharp, quick "Hey!" can be used to get someone's attention if they’re not looking at you

5. The Welcoming: "How are you doing?"

This is a classic for a reason! It’s a friendly, polite, and universally understood greeting. It's a great option when you want to show a little more care than a simple "Hey."

How to use it: You can use this with anyone you know, even with a friendly barista or a cashier at a store you frequent. It shows you're open to a brief, friendly exchange.

How to respond: The most common responses are "I'm doing well, thanks," or "I'm good, thanks!" It’s always a nice touch to ask back, "And you?"

A Coffee Chat Pro-Tip: Just like with "How's it going?", the key is to remember this is often a conversational opener. You don't need to give a full, detailed update on your life unless you truly feel like it.

Let's Go for It!

See? That wasn't so intimidating, was it? The most wonderful thing about these greetings is that they're all about connection. They're about making that small moment of seeing a friend feel warm and real. Don't worry about using them perfectly; the goal is to feel more comfortable and just give them a try.

So, the next time you see a friend, I want you to make a promise to yourself. Instead of "Hello," try out one of these new greetings. And hey, I would love to hear how it goes! Come back and tell us in the comments which greeting you tried and how it felt.

Next week, we'll continue our casual English journey and tackle another topic that can make you sound like a true native speaker: contractions! We'll explore why phrases like 'gonna' and 'wanna' are your new best friends. Until then, go out there and have a great chat!