If you’ve ever paused after getting a simple hey and thought, What do I say next?—you’re not alone.
It’s one of those moments where a short word opens a world of options. You want to sound friendly but not awkward, confident but not cold.
You’re likely here searching for the perfect way to respond to that one-word message that can mean so many things.This article has you covered.
Whether you’re chatting with a boss, a friend, or someone you’re getting to know, we’ll give you over 120 ways to reply to hey—formally, casually, idiomatically, and professionally.
The key is choosing a response that fits the tone and relationship. Let’s get right into it.
Formal Ways to Say Hey
In professional or respectful settings, using a more refined response is best. These alternatives can help keep things polite and proper.
- Hello
- Good morning
- Good afternoon
- Good evening
- How do you do
- Greetings
- I hope this message finds you well
- It’s a pleasure to hear from you
- I appreciate your message
- Thank you for reaching out
- I hope all is well with you
- I trust you’re having a good day
- I look forward to our conversation
- It’s great to connect with you
- I hope everything is going smoothly
- Wishing you a pleasant day
- Let’s begin
- How can I help you today
- Allow me to assist you
- I value your time
- I’m here to support you
- Let’s move forward
- Kindly let me know your thoughts
- Let me know how I may be of service
- May I help you with something
- What brings you here today
- I’m available to discuss further
- Looking forward to your reply
- Let’s proceed with the next steps
- Feel free to share more details
- Shall we begin
Informal Ways to Say Hey
When texting friends, family, or someone you’re close to, these casual replies will keep the tone light and relaxed.
- Hey there
- Hi
- Yo
- What’s up
- Sup
- Howdy
- Hey hey
- Hey you
- Hiya
- What’s good
- Wassup
- Long time no see
- How’s it going
- You good
- Heya
- What’s happening
- All good
- Everything chill
- What’s crackin
- Been a minute
- How’ve you been
- Missed ya
- Back at ya
- Look who it is
- Well hello
- Fancy seeing you here
- What’s new
- Talk to me
- You rang
- What’s the vibe
- There you are
Idiomatic Ways to Say Hey
Want your message to sound playful or clever? Idioms and sayings can add personality to your response.
- Speak of the devil
- Look who decided to show up
- The cat’s out of the bag
- Fancy bumping into you
- Long time, no talk
- What winds blew you here
- Thought you forgot about me
- Well, if it isn’t my favorite person
- You’ve got my attention
- Someone’s in a talking mood
- That was unexpected
- So we meet again
- Back from the dead, huh
- Better late than never
- Guess who’s back
- You’re a sight for sore eyes
- Didn’t expect that ping
- The gang’s all here
- Here we go again
- I knew you’d text eventually
- You still alive
- Look who’s still kicking
- Out of the blue
- Is this a ghost sighting
- Did you miss me
- You got time now
- Just when I was thinking of you
- I must be dreaming
- You caught me off guard
- I had a feeling you’d text today
- Took you long enough
Professional Ways to Say Hey
When in meetings, emails, or business chats, these workplace-friendly replies keep things respectful yet approachable.
- Hello, thank you for your message
- Good to hear from you
- I hope you’re doing well
- Let’s get started
- I appreciate you reaching out
- How can I assist you
- Hope your week is going well
- Thank you for checking in
- Let’s touch base
- Let me know how I can help
- I’m here if you need anything
- Great to connect
- Let’s circle back
- Hope all is going smoothly
- Just following up
- I’d be happy to help
- Let’s take the next step
- I’m available for a quick call
- Please share more details
- Looking forward to collaborating
- I’ll get back to you shortly
- Thanks for the update
- I value your input
- Hope everything is on track
- Let’s coordinate
- Let me confirm the details
- Good to be in touch
- Appreciate the check-in
- I’ll take it from here
- Let’s set a time to meet
- Ready when you are
Conclusion
Choosing the right way to respond to hey makes all the difference. From polished replies to playful comebacks, your words can set the mood for the entire conversation. Use formal expressions when respect matters. Go casual with friends. Toss in idioms when you want some flair. Stay sharp in work messages. Practice these and you’ll never be caught off guard again. Texts are tiny—but the impression they leave is lasting.
Emilly Dickson is a renowned Urdu author, researcher, and storyteller known for his insightful take on contemporary social issues. His writing style is simple yet thought-provoking, engaging readers while encouraging them to reflect on deeper themes.
Professionally, he is an academic with a PhD in Urdu Literature and has been involved in teaching for over a decade. His works have been published in various national and international literary journals. Dr. Alvi is also a mentor to aspiring writers and an active participant in literary forums and events.
Selected Works:
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The Screams of Silent Words
-
Travelers of Shadows
-
A Story Stuck on the Lip
