Formal:
* Good morning/afternoon/evening: This is a polite and respectful greeting, especially when addressing someone you don't know well or in a professional setting.
* Hello: This is a neutral and widely used greeting.
* How do you do? This is a formal greeting often used in more formal settings.
Informal:
* Hi: This is the most common and versatile greeting.
* Hey: This is a more casual greeting, often used among friends or family.
* Howdy: This is a friendly and informal greeting, often used in the Southern United States.
* What's up? This is a casual greeting that implies you're interested in what's going on in the other person's life.
* Yo: This is a very informal greeting, often used among close friends.
In addition to verbal greetings, Americans often use nonverbal gestures such as:
* Waving: This is a common greeting used when someone is at a distance.
* Nodding: This is a simple and quick way to acknowledge someone.
* Smiling: This is a friendly and welcoming gesture.
It's important to note that regional differences can affect how people greet each other. For example, people in the Southern United States might be more likely to use "Howdy" or "Y'all," while people in the Northeast might be more likely to use "Hey" or "What's up?"
Ultimately, the best way to say "hi" in America is to be aware of your surroundings and adjust your greeting accordingly.