Hi, hello, or hey: how do you greet people you know?

I usually use 'hello' for people I don't know, 'hi' for acquaintances, 'hey' for friends and family.

by DamienR

that depends entirely on the person though I would not say HEY -I know it is COOL or IN but I do not like it.
I usually say HI, hello or when walking in the morning, good morning to strangers.

by Finy

Hey Finy, I'll keep that in mind. :P Any reason you don't like 'Hey'? In my opinion, it sounds a bit too boisterous.

"Hey" always sounds like an "ahoy" to me, not really a greeting. It's little bit like yelling, "Oi! You!" at somebody. Hello means hello and good morning/afternoon/evening all convey a pleasant greeting to anyone you meet.

G'day

by Juicylucy

Like 'G'day. How's it going?'

Hi - people I know.
Good morning/afternoon/evening when meeting new people.
Good morning/afternoon/evening to strangers when I'm out walking.

by norma

Perfect :-))

All three in informal situations. Good morning/day/afternoon/evening/night in formal settings.

by Gia

Hey!
with a smile and a few nice words....

With people I am unfamiliar with.... I look them in the eyes and shake their hand, with a slight smile.

by jonaja

hey

by archi

Oh, this one cracked me up because when I thought about it, I realised that due to my *excitable* nature, I can sometimes sound like Mrs Doubtfire, face covered in whipped cream, saying, "Heelllllllloooooooooo", and then have big hugs all round. LOL. I am much more sedate, polite and hand shaking under other circumstances. Bahahahahahahahahaha. No wonder my dogs get so excited when we have visitors!! Gosh, these questions can make you have a look at yourself. I love them!

by Rice

I can just imagine it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=addrYZ6g_Ss Hahaha. :D

Sweet! Such a funny clip. Bless him, we'll miss him :((

I know. I think the memory of that day will always be with me.

Hello to people I don't know usually, but if I am in a cheeky mood I say G'day with a smile.
G'day is also used for people I am close to . Sometimes I respond with Hi, but I don't say Hi if I am the first to speak.

by annfi

Funnily enough, I rarely greet my friends with any of these words. I'm more inclined to say their name and kiss or hug, or both. For people I don't know and are being introduced to, it's usually "nice to meet you".

by helga