hi

HY

meaning in plain English

A short way to say hello or get someone's attention.

Picture a waving hand shouting 'hi!' like a friendly flag to get someone's attention.

for example

I didn't even get a simple hi from him.

You’re walking down the street and spot a friend—no time for a long chat, so you just call out 'hi' to wave them over. It’s the verbal equivalent of a quick nod, a tiny burst of sound that says 'I see you' without needing a full conversation.