Saying "Morning!" to strangers
MOR-ning /ˈmɔːnɪŋ/
Informal Polite
What it really means
On quiet streets, in villages, on country walks, and among dog walkers, strangers often greet each other with a simple "Morning!" or a nod. In busy city centres this disappears — nobody greets strangers on Oxford Street. If someone says it to you, just say "Morning!" back; nothing more is expected.
Chinese explanation
在安静的街道、村庄、乡间散步时以及遛狗人之间，陌生人常互道一声"Morning!"（早）或点头致意。在繁忙的市中心则没有这回事——牛津街上没人跟陌生人打招呼。别人对你说时，回一句"Morning!"即可，不需要更多。
Example conversation
A: Morning!
B: Morning! Chilly one today.
A: Certainly is!
A：早！
B：早！今天真冷。
A：可不是嘛！
What you could say back
Related phrases
Go deeper
All Customs & Etiquette
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· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake