How to Pronounce Hello

To pronounce "hello", say HELL-o — 2 syllables, IPA /həˈləʊ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

hello

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

Record yourself saying hello, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

2

Syllables

5

Letters

/həˈləʊ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “hello”

"hello" has 2 syllables: hell-o. It rhymes with apropos and show, if that helps it stick.

What does hello mean?

noun

  1. "Hello!" or an equivalent greeting.

verb

  1. To greet with "hello".

interjection

  1. A greeting (salutation) said when meeting someone or acknowledging someone’s arrival or presence.

    “Hello, everyone.”

  2. A greeting used when answering the telephone.

    “Hello? How may I help you?”

Synonyms

greeting

Antonyms

byegoodbye

Words that rhyme with hello

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

aproposshowflowfallowalthoughlowbestowglowafterglowthrowgrottobeau

Related words

hihow-do-you-dohowdyhulloafternoonahaahoyallo

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "hello"?▾

"Hello" has 2 syllables: hell · o.

What is the IPA transcription of "hello"?▾

The IPA transcription of "hello" is /həˈləʊ/.

What does "hello" mean?▾

Hello: "Hello!" or an equivalent greeting.

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