interjection
hey
hay
interjection
1
An informal way to greet someone or get their attention.
""Hey, over here!" she shouted across the platform."
"Hey, have you got a minute?"
2
Used to express surprise, protest, or mild reprimand.
"Hey, that's not fair!"
How to Use Hey
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA casual word for saying hi or making someone notice you.
When to use it
Very informal — fine with friends and family, but not for formal writing or addressing strangers politely.
Word Forms
heyed past tense, heys plural, Heys plural, heys singular
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"_____, over here!" she shouted across the platform.
Etymology
From Middle English "hey"/"hei," an ancient exclamation found in a similar form across many unrelated languages — likely just a natural sound people make to call attention.