American English: Is "Hello" more formal than "Hi"?

[enthink]

Hello,

Can a native American English speaker (English is your first language) answer this question:

Is "Hello" more formal than "Hi"?

In American movies, I've seen quite a lot of (adult) people who didn't know each other saying "hi" to each other in a formal situation (and they were not rude, they were polite)... Can an American clarify this? Thanks.

[BobK]

'Hello' is more formal, but 'hi' isn't impolite - there are many coarser geetings (for example, you wouldn't say "How are they hangin?" to your prospective new father-in-law the first time you met!)

b

PS I'm not American, but the same applies in British English.

[Ouisch]

Even though "Hi" seems informal, it has become the standard accepted greeting in all situations in AmE. In fact, unless you are answering the telephone (which, in the US, the standard greeting is "Hello?") "hello" in a face-to-face situation seems a bit stilted. You'll find that even at the most formal diplomatic functions in the US, "Hi, how are you?" or "Hi, so nice to meet you" are standard greetings.

[enthink]

Even though "Hi" seems informal, it has become the standard accepted greeting in all situations in AmE. In fact, unless you are answering the telephone (which, in the US, the standard greeting is "Hello?") "hello" in a face-to-face situation seems a bit stilted. You'll find that even at the most formal diplomatic functions in the US, "Hi, how are you?" or "Hi, so nice to meet you" are standard greetings.

That's exactly what I thought. Thank you very much!