Everybody knows 'hello' and 'goodbye' in English. They are the first words you learn. But what other common ways of greeting people are there in the UK? And which ones do native speakers really use? Let's look at some alternatives

To a close friend

Hi, Hey
What's up?
Greetings!
How is everything?
How's life?
How's your family?
Hey, what's happening?
How are you doing? (we would normally say 'doing' here, not 'going')
Long time no see
It's been a long time
Alright?
You alright, mate?
Yeah I'm alright, what about you?

In a more formal situation, to somebody who you don't know that well

Good morning / afternoon / evening
'How do you do' is quite old-fashioned and formal
How are you?
Nice to meet you.
Pleased to meet you.
Great to meet you.
It's a pleasure to meet you.