What are some examples of informal email salutations that are friendly but professional?

When you write an email, you want to convey your message clearly and politely, but also show some personality and warmth. Depending on the context and the relationship with the recipient, you can use different types of salutations to start your email. In this article, we will explore some examples of informal email salutations that are friendly but professional, and when to use them.

1 Why use informal salutations?

Informal salutations are appropriate when you have a casual or familiar relationship with the person you are emailing, or when you want to create a friendly and relaxed tone. For example, you can use informal salutations when you are emailing a colleague you work closely with, a client you have a good rapport with, or a friend or family member. Informal salutations can also help you build rapport and trust with new contacts, as long as you are respectful and avoid being too casual or slangy.

Add your perspective

Jeferson Almeida

Executive Secretary | Executive Assistance | Agenda Management | Facilities | Family Office | HR | Event and Travel Organization | Customer Experience
Report contribution
Some of the most common informal greetings: Olá [Nome]: Hello [Name]: Oi [Nome]: Hi [Name]: Como vai, [Nome]? How are you, [Name]? Bom dia/tarde/noite, [Nome]: Good morning/afternoon/evening, [Name]: Oi [Nome], espero que seu dia esteja indo bem: Hi [Name], I hope your day is going well: E aí, [Nome]? What's up, [Name]? Saudações, [Nome]: Greetings, [Name]:

Like
Samradni Dahiphale

Ladies Representative at ITERA | Personal Branding | Social Media Manager | Content Creator | Graphic Designer | 2x NPTEL Certified | Python Programmer | C Programmer | Java Learner | Tech Enthusiast |
Report contribution
Using informal salutations in emails can indeed foster a friendly and relaxed tone, especially when communicating with colleagues, clients, or acquaintances with whom you share a close relationship. It can help build rapport and strengthen connections, even with new contacts, when done respectfully. However, it's essential to strike the right balance, avoiding overly casual or slangy language to maintain professionalism. Informal salutations can enhance communication dynamics and contribute to a positive email exchange, promoting trust and rapport in both professional and personal contexts.

Like

2 How to choose an informal salutation?

There is no definitive rule for choosing an informal salutation, but there are some general guidelines you can follow. First, consider the purpose and tone of your email. Is it a simple update, a request, a thank you, or a feedback? Second, consider the level of formality and familiarity you have with the recipient. Is it someone you know well, someone you met once, or someone you have never met? Third, consider the culture and preferences of the recipient. Is it someone from a different country, a different industry, or a different age group? Based on these factors, you can choose an informal salutation that is appropriate and respectful, but also friendly and personal.

Add your perspective

Samradni Dahiphale

Ladies Representative at ITERA | Personal Branding | Social Media Manager | Content Creator | Graphic Designer | 2x NPTEL Certified | Python Programmer | C Programmer | Java Learner | Tech Enthusiast |
Report contribution
Absolutely, considering the purpose, tone, level of formality, familiarity, and cultural context when selecting an informal salutation is key to effective communication. Tailoring your approach based on these factors ensures that your email strikes the right balance between being friendly and respectful. Being mindful of the recipient's preferences and cultural background enhances the chances of your message being well-received. Ultimately, these considerations contribute to building positive relationships and fostering effective communication in both professional and personal contexts.

Like

3 Examples of informal salutations

In different situations, informal salutations such as Hi [Name], Hello [Name], Greetings [Name], and Dear [Name], can be used to show politeness, respect, warmth, enthusiasm, appreciation, admiration, and sincerity. These salutations can be used with people you know well or those you want to impress or surprise. They can also be used with people from different cultures, industries, niches, and fields, as long as you use the correct name and title. Each salutation conveys a unique tone that can help you stand out from the crowd and create meaningful connections.

Add your perspective

Samradni Dahiphale

Ladies Representative at ITERA | Personal Branding | Social Media Manager | Content Creator | Graphic Designer | 2x NPTEL Certified | Python Programmer | C Programmer | Java Learner | Tech Enthusiast |
Report contribution
Absolutely, informal salutations like "Hi [Name]," "Hello [Name]," "Greetings [Name]," and "Dear [Name]" can indeed convey a range of positive emotions and intentions in email communication. They can show politeness, warmth, respect, enthusiasm, appreciation, admiration, and sincerity, depending on the context and relationship with the recipient. Utilizing these salutations appropriately can help you establish meaningful connections and stand out positively. However, it's crucial to ensure correctness in addressing the recipient by their name and title, especially when communicating across different cultures and industries.

Like

4 What to avoid in informal salutations?

When writing emails, informal salutations can help you create a friendly and professional tone. However, there are certain phrases and terms that should be avoided to prevent confusion or offense. Slang or abbreviations, such as Hey, Yo, Sup, or BTW should not be used unless you are very familiar with the recipient. Nicknames or pet names, such as Babe, Honey, Sweetie, or Bro should also be avoided unless you have a close relationship with the recipient. Furthermore, generic or impersonal salutations like To whom it may concern, Dear Sir/Madam, or Greetings should not be used in emails that are not mass emails or newsletters as they may sound cold or spammy.

Add your perspective

5 How to end an informal email?

After choosing an informal salutation that suits your email, you can also select an appropriate sign-off that matches your tone and purpose. For instance, 'Best' is a universal sign-off that can be used in most informal emails. It is friendly and polite, but not too casual or formal. 'Cheers' is a more casual and cheerful sign-off that can be used with people you have a good relationship with. On the other hand, 'Regards' is a more formal and respectful sign-off that can be used with people you have a professional relationship with. Lastly, 'Take care' is a more personal and caring sign-off that can be used with people you have a close or long-term relationship with.

Add your perspective

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Sherry Pollock

Financial Crimes Associate @ Regions Bank | Specializing in Cybersecurity
Report contribution
I try to match the senders use of language. If they open with "Hi there". I will use a greeting similar. The only exception to this when the email is being sent in regard to official business purposes such as legal matters.

Like

What are some examples of informal email salutations that are friendly but professional?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Why use informal salutations?

2 How to choose an informal salutation?

3 Examples of informal salutations

4 What to avoid in informal salutations?

5 How to end an informal email?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Email Etiquette

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Email Etiquette

More relevant reading