ฮัลโหล
hello (on the phone)
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 hello (on the phone)
- 2 hello? (to get attention)、come on!
A casual expression borrowed from “hello,” used mainly when starting a phone conversation or calling for someone’s attention or response.
hello (on the phone)
Used to open a phone or online call, or to check that the other person is connected and listening.
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ฮัลโหล ขอสายคุณสมชายหน่อยค่ะ hanlǒo khɔ̌ɔ sǎay khun sǒmchaay nɔ̀ɔy khà Hello, may I speak to Mr. Somchai, please? ฮัลโหล ขอสายคุณสมชายหน่อยค่ะ details
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ฮัลโหล ได้ยินไหม hanlǒo dây yin mǎy Hello, can you hear me? ฮัลโหล ได้ยินไหม details
hello? (to get attention)、come on!
Used to get someone’s attention or reaction, sometimes with surprise, disbelief, or sarcasm—similar to “hello?” or “come on.”
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ฮัลโหล ฟังอยู่หรือเปล่า hanlǒo faŋ yùu rʉ̌ʉ plàaw Hello? Are you listening? ฮัลโหล ฟังอยู่หรือเปล่า details
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ฮัลโหล นี่ปีไหนแล้ว hanlǒo nîi pii nǎy lɛ́ɛw Hello? What year do you think this is? ฮัลโหล นี่ปีไหนแล้ว details
Learning notes
Explanation
This is a colloquial interjection borrowed from the English word “hello.” Its most common use is at the beginning of a phone call, whether answering or speaking after the other person picks up. It is also natural when checking the audio in an online call. Outside phone calls, it can mean “Hello? Are you listening?” It may also express surprise, disbelief, or sarcasm when reacting to something unreasonable or out of date.
Usage
Common when answering a phone, when the other person has just picked up, or when testing audio on an online call. It is also used casually to demand attention and on social media to emphasize disbelief or exasperation.
Caution
For a normal face-to-face greeting, สวัสดี is generally more appropriate. When said sharply to someone who is not responding, ฮัลโหล can sound impatient or sarcastic. The variant spelling ฮัลโล is also seen.
Differences from similar words
1 hello (on the phone) synonyms
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สวัสดี is the standard polite greeting and works both in person and on the phone. ฮัลโหล is more casual and is especially associated with starting a phone or voice call.
2 hello? (to get attention) synonyms
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เฮ้ is a direct “hey” used simply to attract or stop someone. ฮัลโหล more often checks whether someone is paying attention and can also convey surprise, disbelief, or sarcasm depending on tone.