Portuguese person Is saying "hey" on the phone is a rude response?

Question

Now as bizarre as this may sound...I was told the other day that I was being rude for answering the phone and saying , "hey,how are you?". Take into note that I am familiar with this person. The person considered rude as they felt that it is much more polite to say hello. I answered explaining that because I know you I approach you in a informal manner. whereas if I didnt know the person I would greet with hello. I mean I am from london but like the french they have word "tu" and "vous" both meaning you but are designated to dif situations.!!! Was I being rude???

This individual is from portugal so and portuguese people put in a response for me!

Answer 1

That's not your problem at all. In future you may also find some problem like that while he speaks. Some formal expressions of one country may be informal or sometimes become rude expressions. It's a matter of understanding and having good knowledge in language and culture.

Some may find Italians very rude for their body expression and some words like Oi while they have conversation with each other, but it's informally normal in Italy.

Oi irritates me but I know it's their language.

Answer 2

I completely understand that you didn't intend to be rude. But your friend is correct.

"Hey" while widely used is not an appropriate greeting for anyone.

Answer 3

No. If you're familiar and friendly with the person it's fine.

Answer 4

Are you sure they are not saying "Ola" .. which sounds like "oy" .. when they answer the phone...

Answer 5

you're right, he's wrong!  In an informal conversation, "hey, how are you" is a perfectly normal american-style greeting.

The portuguese have a bizarre set of arrangements for personal pronouns, formal and informal: "tu" and "o senhor" or "a senhora" - to be formal, you refer to the other person as "the gentleman" or "the lady".  It's so cumbersome that they squash and slur it into a kind of drunken "oshnyu".  But that's another story.

In portuguese you can sometimes say "oi" for "hello".  Now that DOES sound rude.

Answer 6

How did you know it was him when you answered? If his name showed on your display you were within your rights to answer as you did (Oi!, not Hey! though).. If you were only guessing then what would have happened if it was the Queen calling?

Portuguese has many ways of saying 'you'...O senhor or a senhora (very formal); você (formal), tu (informal), vocês (plural).

Boa sorte na proxima vez!

Answer 7

Hi! i was actually born in Brazil and we speak portuguese over there, I think i can understand why he thought it was rude. It's because "HEY" in brazil can be heard as "PSST" here in AMerica. You know how sometimes we down the street and you notice someone and you go "PSST hey u!" yeah like it's kinda like that. But even though i know the language i don't think its a rude thing to say. It's still the same as Hello .. you know? So don't worry its not your fault.. maybe the person you talked to is really into the Portuguese language thing and don't go with slangs.

"Hi" in Portuguese is "Oi" and "Ola" but "Oi" is more slang and "Ola" is more formal.. so it's kinda like he expected you to say "Hello" than just a "Hey" you get me? but yea totally not rude

Answer 8

I disagree with MsManner...

I am from London too, when I was living there I was unsure whether 'hey' was a bit informal, especially in work. But if you know the person and friends then sure why not, I would consider it better than saying hello as It shows you are on a friendlier level and more comfortable around me.

As for it not being appropriate anywhere, then look as far as the Scandinavian countries where Hey (Hej) is considered the formal everyday greeting.

It can be awkward when cultures clash (perhaps) but make a note of it for next time, when the particular person rings but I wouldn't change the way you respond for everyone you know, otherwise your not being you :)

Answer 9

it's totally fine