"Hi" in British English is generally just "Hi" or "Hello." However, other informal greetings are also common.
British English speakers use a variety of greetings, and the most appropriate choice often depends on the context and the relationship between the speakers. While "Hi" and "Hello" are perfectly acceptable and widely understood, some other common options include:
- Alright? / Alright mate?: (Pronounced "All-right?") This is a very common, informal greeting, especially in casual settings. It's often not a literal question; a simple "Alright" back is a typical response.
- How's it going?: Similar to the American English equivalent.
- How do you do?: This is a more formal greeting, typically used when meeting someone for the first time. It is most often replied to with "How do you do?".
- Morning/Afternoon/Evening: Used depending on the time of day.
Therefore, while "Hi" is understood, depending on the context and who you are speaking to, one of the other above greetings may be more appropriate.
