Hey man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Hey man" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as an informal greeting or to address someone in a casual manner, often among friends or peers. Example: "Hey man, how have you been since we last met?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I also like ARMY STRONG and HEY MAN".

The New York Times

An Owl Hey man, owls are fucking smart.

The New Yorker

JORDAN: Hey, man.

Vice

@prattprattpratt Hey man, my velociraptor will not listen to me.

Huffington Post

Ossu is somewhat similar to saying "hey, man!" or "hey, dude!" in English.

WikiHow

"Hey, man!

The New Yorker

Hey man.

The Guardian - Sport

"Hey, man!" I said.

The New York Times

Hey, man, know what?

The New Yorker

"Hey, man," Rosenworcel said.

The New Yorker

Hey, man, we can".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience and adjust your greeting accordingly. If you're unsure about the appropriate level of formality, err on the side of being more formal.

Common error

Avoid using "Hey man" in formal emails, presentations, or when addressing superiors. Opt for more professional greetings like "Hello" or "Good morning/afternoon".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Hey man" functions primarily as an interjection, used to initiate a conversation or to greet someone in an informal manner. Ludwig AI confirms its role as a casual greeting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Hey man" is a very common, informal greeting primarily used in casual contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While acceptable in informal settings, it's best to avoid "Hey man" in formal or professional environments where a more respectful tone is needed. Consider alternatives like "hello there" or "hi there" for more neutral scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hey dude

A very close synonym for "Hey man", maintaining the same level of informality.

Hey buddy

A bit more friendly and personal than "Hey man".

What's up dude

Similar level of informality, but with a stronger emphasis on the other person.

How's it going buddy

Warmer and more personal, implying a closer relationship.

Yo bro

Very informal and familiar, often used among close male friends.

How's it hanging

An informal greeting, inquiring about the person's well-being.

Hi there

Simple and widely applicable greeting.

What's cracking

A more playful and slang-oriented greeting.

Hello there

A general greeting suitable for various situations.

Greetings

A slightly more formal and old-fashioned greeting.

FAQs

How can I use "Hey man" in a sentence?

"Hey man" is typically used as a casual greeting. For example, "Hey man, how's it going?" or "Hey man, good to see you!"

What's a more formal alternative to "Hey man"?

In formal settings, you could use greetings like "Hello", "Good morning", or "Good afternoon". These are more appropriate for professional environments.

When is it inappropriate to use "Hey man"?

It's generally inappropriate to use "Hey man" in formal situations, such as addressing superiors, in business meetings, or in academic settings. It may also be unsuitable when speaking to someone you don't know well.

What are some other informal greetings similar to "Hey man"?

Similar informal greetings include "hey dude", "hey buddy", or "what's up". The best choice depends on your relationship with the person you're greeting.