A simple “Hey” can lead to a great conversation, a new friendship, or even a meaningful connection. But when someone sends only one word, many people are unsure how to respond check more here : 150+ Best Roast My Sister Jokes (Funny & Savage)
Should you reply with “Hey” back? Should you add a joke? Should you ask a question? The right response depends on who sent it, your relationship with that person, and the type of conversation you want to create.
A good reply to “Hey” should feel natural, show your personality, and encourage the other person to continue talking. Whether you are responding to a crush, friend, dating match, coworker, or stranger, the right words can turn a simple greeting into an interesting conversation.
What Does “Hey” Mean in a Text or Chat?
“Hey” is one of the most common conversation starters people use in texting. It is casual, friendly, and often used when someone wants to open a conversation without making things complicated.
However, the meaning behind “Hey” can depend on the situation and the person sending it.
Someone might say “Hey” because they:
- Want to start a conversation
- Are interested in getting to know you
- Want your attention
- Are checking if you are available
- Do not know how to start the conversation
For example, a “Hey” from your best friend is probably just a casual greeting, while a “Hey” from someone you like may be a way of showing interest.
Instead of focusing only on the word, consider the context, timing, and relationship. Your reply should match the situation.
How to Respond to “Hey” Without Making the Conversation Awkward
Many conversations become boring because people send the same simple reply they received. While replying “Hey” back is acceptable, it often creates a dead-end conversation.
A better response adds something that gives the other person a reason to reply. You can ask a question, add humor, show curiosity, or make the conversation more personal.
Add a Hook Instead of Just Saying “Hey”
A conversation needs something that keeps it moving. Instead of replying with only “Hey,” add a small question or interesting comment.
Examples:
- “Hey! How’s your day going?”
- “Hey! What’s something good that happened today?”
- “Hey 😊 What are you up to?”
- “Hey! How have you been?”
These simple replies make it easier for the other person to continue the conversation.
Match Their Energy and Communication Style
Your response should fit the relationship and the person you are talking to.
A playful reply may work with someone you like, while a polite and professional response is better for work-related conversations.
Examples:
- Friend: “Hey! What’s up?”
- Crush: “Hey 😊 How’s your day been?”
- Coworker: “Hey, hope you’re doing well.”
Matching their communication style makes your reply feel more natural.
Keep Your Reply Short but Interesting
You do not need a perfect or complicated answer. Sometimes a short message with personality works better than a long explanation.
The goal is to create interest and make the other person want to respond.
Best Replies to “Hey” to Keep the Conversation Going
A good reply can turn a basic greeting into a fun and engaging conversation. The best response depends on your personality, your relationship with the person, and the mood you want to create.
Funny Replies to “Hey”
Humor can make your response memorable and help break the awkwardness of a first message.
Examples:
- “Hey! Is this your official conversation starter?”
- “Hey! I was expecting something dramatic, but this works.”
- “Hey! Congratulations, you successfully started a conversation.”
- “Hey! That’s a powerful one-word message.”
- “Hey! Should I guess why you’re here?”
- “Hey! I have a feeling there’s a story behind this.”
- “Hey! Is this the beginning of an interesting conversation?”
- “Hey! I’ll accept this greeting, but I need a better story.”
- “Hey! Rate your day from 1 to 10.”
- “Hey! You made it this far, now tell me something interesting.”
Flirty Replies to “Hey”
If you are interested in someone, a slightly flirty response can create a fun and attractive conversation without being too obvious.
Examples:
- “Hey 😊 I was wondering when you’d message me.”
- “Hey! Is this your way of getting my attention?”
- “Hey 😊 What made you decide to text me?”
- “Hey! I have a feeling this conversation could be fun.”
- “Hey! Tell me something interesting about yourself.”
- “Hey, I’m glad you stopped by.”
- “Hey 😊 What’s something that always makes you smile?”
- “Hey! Should I be excited about this message?”
- “Hey! I’m curious, what’s your story?”
- “Hey 😊 Let’s see where this conversation goes.”
Cute Replies to “Hey”
Cute replies are perfect when you want to sound friendly, warm, and approachable.
Examples:
- “Hey 😊 Hope you’re having a great day.”
- “Hey! Nice hearing from you.”
- “Hey there! How have you been?”
- “Hey 😊 What’s making you smile today?”
- “Hey! Glad you messaged.”
- “Hey! How’s everything going?”
- “Hey 😊 Tell me about your day.”
- “Hey! Sending positive vibes your way.”
- “Hey there, hope your day is going well.”
- “Hey! What’s new with you?”
Playful Replies to “Hey”
Playful responses add personality and help create a relaxed conversation.
Examples:
- “Hey! That’s a mysterious way to start a conversation.”
- “Hey! I feel like there’s a hidden story here.”
- “Hey! Should I guess what you want to talk about?”
- “Hey! You have my attention.”
- “Hey! What adventure are we starting today?”
- “Hey! Surprise me.”
- “Hey! What’s the plan?”
- “Hey! I’m listening.”
- “Hey! Tell me something I don’t know.”
- “Hey! Let’s make this conversation interesting.”
Confident Replies to “Hey”
Confident replies show personality and make the conversation feel more engaging.
Examples:
- “Hey! Tell me something interesting about you.”
- “Hey! What’s something I wouldn’t expect?”
- “Hey! Let’s skip boring questions. How’s life?”
- “Hey! What has been the best part of your week?”
- “Hey! What’s something you’re excited about?”
- “Hey! What should I know about you?”
- “Hey! Let’s start with a good question.”
- “Hey! What’s your story?”
- “Hey! What’s something you love talking about?”
- “Hey! Good to hear from you.”
Short and Simple Replies to “Hey”
Sometimes a simple response is enough, especially when you want to keep things casual.
Examples:
- “Hey! How are you?”
- “Hey! What’s up?”
- “Hey 😊 How’s it going?”
- “Hey there!”
- “Hey! How’s your day?”
- “Hey, nice to hear from you.”
- “Hey! Everything good?”
- “Hey 😊 What’s new?”
- “Hey! How have you been?”
- “Hey! What are you doing?”
Sarcastic Replies to “Hey”
A little sarcasm can make your reply more entertaining, especially when you already know the person or the conversation has a playful vibe. However, use sarcastic responses carefully because they may not work well with everyone.
Examples:
- “Hey! Wow, what an impressive opening line.”
- “Hey! I can tell you spent a lot of time thinking about that message.”
- “Hey! Finally, a message that changed everything.”
- “Hey! One word? I’m impressed by the creativity.”
- “Hey! Is that all you’ve got?”
- “Hey! I was expecting a full speech, but this is fine.”
- “Hey! Bold move starting with just one word.”
- “Hey! Your keyboard must be tired after typing that.”
- “Hey! I appreciate the effort.”
- “Hey! Straight to the point, I see.”
Sarcasm works best when there is already some comfort between two people. If you are talking to someone new, a friendly or playful response is usually a better choice.
Respectful Replies to “Hey”
A respectful reply is ideal when you want to sound polite, friendly, and approachable. These responses work well for acquaintances, new connections, or situations where you want to maintain a positive tone.
Examples:
- “Hey! Nice to hear from you. How are you doing?”
- “Hello! Hope you’re having a good day.”
- “Hey! Thanks for reaching out. How can I help?”
- “Hi! Hope everything is going well.”
- “Hey there! It’s nice hearing from you.”
- “Hello! How has your day been?”
- “Hey! I hope you’re doing well.”
- “Hi! What’s new with you?”
- “Hey! Good to hear from you. How have things been?”
- “Hello! Feel free to tell me what’s on your mind.”
Professional Replies to “Hey”
When someone says “Hey” in a professional setting, your response should remain polite and clear. The goal is to keep the conversation productive while still sounding friendly.
Examples:
- “Hey! Hope you’re doing well. How can I assist you?”
- “Hi! Good to hear from you. What can I help with?”
- “Hello! Hope your day is going well.”
- “Hey! Thanks for reaching out. How may I help?”
- “Hi! Let me know how I can support you.”
- “Hey! Nice connecting with you. What’s on your mind?”
- “Hello! I’d be happy to discuss this with you.”
- “Hey! Hope everything is going smoothly.”
- “Hi! What can I do for you today?”
- “Hello! Looking forward to hearing from you.”
Curious Conversation-Starter Replies to “Hey”
If you want to avoid boring small talk, ask something that encourages the other person to share more. Curiosity is one of the easiest ways to create a deeper conversation.
Examples:
- “Hey! What’s something exciting happening in your life?”
- “Hey! What’s the best thing that happened today?”
- “Hey! What are you currently obsessed with?”
- “Hey! What’s something you enjoy doing in your free time?”
- “Hey! If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?”
- “Hey! What’s one interesting fact about you?”
- “Hey! What’s been making you happy lately?”
- “Hey! What’s something you’re looking forward to?”
- “Hey! What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?”
- “Hey! Tell me something random about yourself.”
How to Respond to “Hey” From Different People
The best reply to “Hey” changes depending on who sent the message. A response that works with your crush may not be suitable for a coworker or a stranger.
Understanding the situation helps you choose a reply that feels natural and appropriate.
How to Respond to “Hey” From a Guy
When a guy texts “Hey,” your response depends on your interest level and the type of relationship you want to build.
If you like him, you can be friendly, playful, or slightly flirty. If you are unsure, keep it casual and see where the conversation goes.
Examples:
- “Hey 😊 How’s your day going?”
- “Hey! What made you message me?”
- “Hey! Nice hearing from you.”
- “Hey, what are you up to today?”
- “Hey 😊 Tell me something interesting.”
- “Hey! How have you been?”
- “Hey! I was wondering how you were doing.”
- “Hey! What’s new with you?”
- “Hey, glad you reached out.”
- “Hey! So, how’s life treating you?”
How to Respond to “Hey” From a Girl
When a girl sends “Hey,” a good response should show confidence while keeping the conversation comfortable.
Avoid sending a boring reply that ends the conversation. Instead, add a question or something that shows interest.
Examples:
- “Hey! How’s your day been?”
- “Hey 😊 What’s something fun you did today?”
- “Hey! Nice to hear from you.”
- “Hey! What’s the story behind this message?”
- “Hey! How are things going?”
- “Hey 😊 What’s making your day better?”
- “Hey! Tell me something interesting.”
- “Hey! What are you currently enjoying?”
- “Hey! Good to hear from you.”
- “Hey! How have you been lately?”
How to Respond to “Hey” From Your Crush
When your crush says “Hey,” it is normal to feel pressure to send the perfect reply. However, a natural and confident response usually works better than trying too hard.
The goal is to show interest while keeping the conversation relaxed.
Examples:
- “Hey 😊 I’m happy you messaged.”
- “Hey! How’s your day going?”
- “Hey! I was hoping we’d talk today.”
- “Hey 😊 What’s something good that happened today?”
- “Hey! How have you been?”
- “Hey! Tell me something interesting about your day.”
- “Hey 😊 What are you up to?”
- “Hey! Nice hearing from you.”
- “Hey! What’s been keeping you busy?”
- “Hey! I’m curious, how’s your week going?”
How to Respond to “Hey” From a Stranger
When someone you do not know sends “Hey,” your response should depend on whether you want to continue the conversation.
A simple, polite reply is enough if you are open to talking. If the message feels uncomfortable, you do not have to respond.
Examples:
- “Hey! How can I help?”
- “Hi, hope you’re doing well.”
- “Hey! Do we know each other?”
- “Hello! What’s up?”
- “Hey! How did you find me?”
- “Hi! What can I do for you?”
- “Hey there, how’s your day going?”
- “Hello! Nice to meet you.”
- “Hey! What would you like to talk about?”
- “Hi! Hope everything is good.”
Best Replies to “Hey” on Dating Apps
Dating apps are one of the most common places where people receive simple messages like “Hey.” While a basic greeting is not necessarily bad, your response can decide whether the conversation becomes interesting or quickly disappears.
The best dating app replies are usually a mix of confidence, curiosity, and personality. Instead of only answering the greeting, try to create an opening that encourages a real conversation.
Replies to “Hey” on Tinder
Tinder conversations often start with short messages, so a creative reply can help you stand out. A good response should feel natural while showing that you are interested.
Examples:
- “Hey! What made you swipe right?”
- “Hey 😊 Tell me something interesting about yourself.”
- “Hey! What’s your perfect weekend like?”
- “Hey! Quick question: coffee, adventure, or staying home?”
- “Hey! What’s something that always makes you laugh?”
- “Hey 😊 What’s the best thing about your week so far?”
- “Hey! Let’s skip the boring questions. What’s something you love?”
- “Hey! What’s one place you want to visit someday?”
- “Hey! I have a feeling you have a good story to tell.”
- “Hey! What’s something people usually get wrong about you?”
Replies to “Hey” on Bumble
Bumble conversations often need a little extra effort because the first message can determine whether the conversation continues. A friendly and engaging reply can make the chat feel easier.
Examples:
- “Hey! Glad we matched 😊 How’s your day going?”
- “Hey! What’s something fun you’ve done recently?”
- “Hey! What’s your favorite way to spend a free day?”
- “Hey! Tell me one random fact about yourself.”
- “Hey 😊 What’s currently making you happy?”
- “Hey! What’s something you’re excited about lately?”
- “Hey! Let’s start with an interesting question. What’s your biggest passion?”
- “Hey! What’s your go-to conversation topic?”
- “Hey! What’s something you could talk about for hours?”
- “Hey 😊 What brought you here today?”
Replies to “Hey” on Hinge
Hinge is usually more focused on meaningful conversations, so your response can go beyond basic small talk. Try to create a connection by asking about interests, opinions, or experiences.
Examples:
- “Hey! I noticed your profile. What’s something you’re passionate about?”
- “Hey 😊 What’s something that made you smile recently?”
- “Hey! What’s one thing I should know about you?”
- “Hey! What’s your idea of a perfect day?”
- “Hey! What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?”
- “Hey 😊 What’s something you’re currently learning?”
- “Hey! What’s a hobby you could never give up?”
- “Hey! What’s your favorite way to relax?”
- “Hey! What’s something on your bucket list?”
- “Hey! What’s a small thing that makes your day better?”
Situation-Based Responses to “Hey”
Not every “Hey” message needs the same response. Your reply should depend on your feelings, the situation, and what you want from the conversation.
When You Like the Person
If you are interested in someone, your reply can show excitement without appearing too eager. Keep it friendly, confident, and open.
Examples:
- “Hey 😊 I’m glad you messaged.”
- “Hey! How’s your day going?”
- “Hey! Nice hearing from you.”
- “Hey 😊 What have you been up to?”
- “Hey! I was hoping we’d talk.”
- “Hey! Tell me something good about your day.”
- “Hey! How’s everything with you?”
- “Hey 😊 What’s new?”
- “Hey! What’s been the highlight of your week?”
- “Hey! I’m happy to hear from you.”
When You Want to Be Friendly but Not Flirty
Sometimes you want to keep things polite and casual without giving romantic signals. A simple and warm response works well.
Examples:
- “Hey! Hope you’re doing well.”
- “Hey! How’s everything going?”
- “Hi! What’s up?”
- “Hey! How has your day been?”
- “Hey there! Nice hearing from you.”
- “Hi! What are you up to?”
- “Hey! Hope you’re having a good day.”
- “Hello! How can I help?”
- “Hey! What’s new with you?”
- “Hi! Good to hear from you.”
When You Are Not Interested
If someone messages you and you do not want to continue the conversation, you can respond politely or choose not to engage.
Examples:
- “Hey, hope you’re doing well. I don’t think I’m the right person to chat with.”
- “Hi! Thanks for reaching out. I wish you the best.”
- “Hey! I appreciate the message, but I’m not interested.”
- “Hello! Hope you have a great day.”
- “Hey, thanks for saying hello.”
You do not need to feel pressured to continue conversations that make you uncomfortable.
When Someone Only Says “Hey” Repeatedly
If someone keeps sending only “Hey” without adding anything to the conversation, you can encourage them to put in more effort.
Examples:
- “Hey! What’s on your mind?”
- “Hey! Tell me something more than just hey.”
- “Hey 😊 How can I help you today?”
- “Hey! Starting with the basics, I see.”
- “Hey! What would you like to talk about?”
A conversation works best when both people contribute. A good connection usually comes from shared effort, not one person carrying the entire chat.
Best Conversation Starters After Saying “Hey”
A strong reply does not only answer the greeting; it creates a path for the next message. Asking the right questions can turn a simple conversation into something more meaningful.
Questions That Create Better Conversations
Open-ended questions encourage people to share more about themselves.
Examples:
- “What’s something exciting happening in your life right now?”
- “What’s the best part of your week so far?”
- “What’s something you enjoy doing in your free time?”
- “What’s one thing you are looking forward to?”
- “What’s something that always makes you happy?”
- “What’s a hobby you wish you had more time for?”
- “What’s one place you would love to visit?”
- “What’s something you recently learned?”
- “What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?”
- “What’s something people should know about you?”
Fun Icebreakers to Avoid Dry Chats
When a conversation feels quiet, fun questions can make things easier and more enjoyable.
Examples:
- “Quick question: coffee or tea?”
- “What’s your most random talent?”
- “If you could travel anywhere today, where would you go?”
- “What’s a movie you can watch again and again?”
- “What’s the funniest thing that happened to you recently?”
- “Would you rather explore the ocean or space?”
- “What’s your dream vacation?”
- “What’s one food you could never give up?”
- “What’s a small thing that makes you happy?”
- “What’s your current favorite song?”
Common Mistakes When Responding to “Hey”
Even though “Hey” seems like a simple message, your reply can influence how the conversation develops. Many people accidentally make conversations boring or uncomfortable because they respond without thinking about the situation.
Avoiding a few common mistakes can help you create better and more natural conversations.
Only Replying With “Hey”
Replying with only “Hey” is not wrong, but it often puts the responsibility of continuing the conversation back on the other person.
For example:
Person: Hey
You: Hey
Now both people are waiting for someone else to say something interesting.
A better approach is adding a small question or comment:
- “Hey! How’s your day going?”
- “Hey! What have you been up to?”
- “Hey 😊 What’s something good that happened today?”
A small addition can make the conversation feel more welcoming.
Trying Too Hard to Be Funny
Humor can make conversations better, but forcing jokes can have the opposite effect. Not everyone understands the same type of humor, especially when you are talking for the first time.
Instead of trying to impress someone with a complicated joke, keep your humor natural and easy.
For example:
Good:
- “Hey! Starting with the classic one-word opener, I see.”
Too much:
- A long joke that feels like a performance.
The best conversations usually happen when you are comfortable being yourself.
Sending Too Many Messages
When someone says “Hey,” it is tempting to send a long reply to keep the conversation alive. However, a huge message can feel overwhelming, especially at the beginning.
Keep your first response simple and give the other person room to participate.
Instead of:
“Hey! I’m so happy you messaged me. I was actually thinking about how conversations start and how difficult it can be to find interesting people…”
Try:
“Hey 😊 How’s your day going?”
Simple messages often create better conversations.
Ignoring the Context
The same reply does not work for every situation. A message that works with a crush may not be suitable for a coworker or a new professional contact.
Before replying, consider:
- Who sent the message?
- Why might they be contacting you?
- What type of relationship do you have?
- What tone should you use?
A thoughtful reply feels more natural than a copied response.
The Psychology Behind a Good “Hey” Reply
A simple greeting may look small, but the way you respond can influence how someone feels about continuing the conversation.
A good reply usually creates three things: comfort, curiosity, and connection.
Creating Curiosity
People naturally enjoy conversations that make them want to know more. A question or interesting comment encourages the other person to respond.
For example:
Instead of:
- “Hey”
Try:
- “Hey! What’s something interesting about your day?”
The second message creates curiosity and gives the person something to answer.
Building Emotional Connection
People enjoy conversations where they feel noticed and valued. A thoughtful reply shows that you are interested in more than just exchanging messages.
Examples:
- “Hey! How have things been going for you lately?”
- “Hey 😊 What’s been making you happy recently?”
These questions invite more personal conversations.
Matching Conversation Energy
Good communication often comes from matching the other person’s style. If someone is casual, a relaxed response works well. If someone is more professional, a respectful tone is better.
The goal is not to copy their message but to create a comfortable balance.
What Makes a Good Reply to “Hey”?
A strong response does not need to be complicated. The best replies usually have a few simple qualities that make conversations easier.
It Feels Natural
A good reply should sound like something you would actually say. Avoid using lines that feel fake or forced.
People usually respond better to genuine communication than perfect wording.
It Encourages a Response
A conversation needs both people to participate. Questions and open-ended messages make it easier for someone to answer.
Examples:
- “Hey! How’s your week going?”
- “Hey! What are you currently enjoying?”
It Shows Personality
Your personality is what makes a conversation memorable. Whether you are funny, curious, friendly, or confident, let your natural style come through.
A simple “Hey 😊 How’s your day?” can sometimes work better than an overly clever response.
It Matches the Relationship
The best response depends on who you are talking to.
For example:
- Friend: “Hey! What’s up?”
- Crush: “Hey 😊 How’s your day been?”
- Coworker: “Hey! Hope you’re doing well.”
Choosing the right tone helps the conversation feel comfortable.
Conclusion
Knowing how to respond to “Hey” does not require a perfect line or a clever trick. The best replies are usually simple, natural, and connected to the situation.
Whether you want to sound funny, flirty, friendly, or professional, the key is to add personality and give the other person a reason to continue talking.
A small message like “Hey” can become the start of a great conversation when you respond with confidence, curiosity, and genuine interest.
FAQs
What should I reply to Hey?
The best reply to “Hey” depends on who sent the message and the type of conversation you want. A simple response like “Hey! How’s your day going?” works well for most situations. If you want to sound more playful, you can say, “Hey! What’s up?” or “Hey 😊 What brings you here?”
What do I say after saying “hey”?
After saying “Hey,” you can continue the conversation by asking an open-ended question or sharing something interesting. For example, you can say, “Hey! How have you been?” or “Hey! What’s something good that happened today?”
How do you respond to a text that says “hey”?
A good response to a “Hey” text should match the situation. For a friend, you can keep it casual with “Hey! What’s up?” For someone you like, try something warmer like “Hey 😊 How’s your day going?” For a professional contact, a polite reply works better.
How can I flirt in response to Hey?
To flirt when someone says “Hey,” keep your reply confident, friendly, and slightly playful. You can try responses like:
- “Hey 😊 I was wondering when you’d text me.”
- “Hey! Is this your way of getting my attention?”
- “Hey! What made you decide to say hello?”
A good flirty reply should feel natural instead of overly dramatic.
Is saying “hey” flirty?
Saying “Hey” by itself is usually not automatically flirty. It is simply a casual greeting. However, the meaning can change depending on the person, timing, previous conversations, and the relationship between two people.
For example, “Hey 😊” from someone interested in you may feel more personal than a simple “Hey” from a stranger.
Can I reply yes to “hey”?
You can reply “yes,” but it usually does not make sense unless the person asked a question before saying “Hey.” A better response would be something that keeps the conversation moving, such as “Hey! What’s up?” or “Hey! How are you?”
What is a flirty way to say “hey”?
A flirty “Hey” usually includes warmth, curiosity, or playful energy. Examples:
- “Hey you 😊”
- “Hey stranger, how have you been?”
- “Hey! I was hoping you’d message.”
- “Hey 😊 What’s the best thing about your day so far?”
The best flirty messages feel genuine and match your relationship with the person.
How to respond to a woman saying “hey”?
When a woman says “Hey,” respond with confidence and interest without making the conversation feel forced. You can say:
- “Hey! How’s your day going?”
- “Hey 😊 What are you up to?”
- “Hey! Nice hearing from you.”
- “Hey! Tell me something interesting about your day.”
A friendly question helps create a natural conversation.
When a man texts you hey?
When a man texts “Hey,” it can mean different things depending on the situation. He may want to start a conversation, get your attention, or simply say hello. The best response depends on whether you are interested, want to stay friendly, or prefer to keep things casual.
Examples:
- Interested: “Hey 😊 How’s your day going?”
- Friendly: “Hey! What’s up?”
- Curious: “Hey! What made you message me?”
How do you respond to someone saying “hey”?
You can respond in many ways depending on your relationship with the person. A simple “Hey! How are you?” is always a safe choice, while a funny, flirty, or curious reply can create a more engaging conversation.
What does “hey” mean in texting?
In texting, “Hey” is usually a casual way to start a conversation. It can mean someone wants to talk, check in, get your attention, or begin a friendly interaction. The exact meaning depends on the person sending it and the situation.
Is Hey You flirty from a guy on Reddit?
“Hey you” can sometimes feel more personal or playful than a regular “Hey” because it directly addresses the person. However, whether it is flirty depends on the context, the relationship, and the person’s communication style.
A guy saying “Hey you 😊” may be trying to sound playful or show interest, but it is not always a sign of flirting. Looking at the overall conversation is usually more helpful than focusing on one phrase.