Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Hello'

English Word: Hello

Key Russian Translations:

• Привет [prʲɪˈvʲet] - [Informal]
• Здравствуйте [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe] - [Formal, Polite]
• Алло [ɐˈlo] - [Used when answering the phone]

Frequency: High

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for "Привет" and "Алло"; A2 (Elementary) for "Здравствуйте"

Pronunciation (Russian):

Привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

Note on Привет: The stress is on the second syllable. The 'r' is rolled slightly.

Здравствуйте: [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe]

Note on Здравствуйте: This word can be challenging due to the cluster of consonants at the beginning. Practice breaking it into parts: "zdrast" + "vuyte".

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Greeting (Informal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Привет - Used among friends, family, or in casual settings.

Usage Examples:

• Привет, как дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Привет, давно не виделись!

  Hey, long time no see!

• Привет, заходи!

  Hi, come in!

2. Formal Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

• Здравствуйте - Used in formal or polite contexts, such as with strangers, teachers, or colleagues.

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, я рад вас видеть.

  Hello, I’m glad to see you.

• Здравствуйте, можно войти?

  Hello, may I come in?

• Здравствуйте, как я могу вам помочь?

  Hello, how can I help you?

3. Telephone Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алло - Used exclusively when answering the phone or getting someone’s attention over a call.

Usage Examples:

• Алло, кто это?

  Hello, who is this?

• Алло, ты меня слышишь?

  Hello, can you hear me?

• Алло, это Иван?

  Hello, is this Ivan?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Привет: This is an interjection and does not inflect. It remains unchanged regardless of context or speaker.

Здравствуйте: This is the formal imperative form of the verb "здравствовать" (to wish health). It is used in the second person plural as a sign of respect. Variations include:

Form	Usage
Здравствуй	Informal, singular (used with one person you know well)
Здравствуйте	Formal or plural (used with strangers or groups)

Алло: This is a borrowed word and does not inflect. It remains the same in all contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for Привет:

• Здорово (Informal, regional)
• Салют (Casual, less common)

Synonyms for Здравствуйте:

• Добрый день (Good day, formal)
• Доброе утро (Good morning, formal)

Antonyms: There are no direct antonyms for greetings, but farewell expressions like "До свидания" (Goodbye) can be considered contextual opposites.

Related Phrases:

• Привет, как дела? - "Hello, how are you?" (Common informal greeting)
• Здравствуйте, чем могу помочь? - "Hello, how can I help?" (Formal offer of assistance)
• Алло, это ты? - "Hello, is that you?" (Common phone phrase)

Usage Notes:

• "Привет" is strictly informal and should not be used with people you don’t know or in professional settings.
• "Здравствуйте" is the safest choice when unsure of the formality level, as it shows respect.
• "Алло" is only appropriate for telephone conversations and should not be used in face-to-face greetings.
• Russian greetings often depend on the time of day, so "Добрый день" (Good afternoon) or "Доброе утро" (Good morning) can be used alongside "Здравствуйте".

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Привет" in formal settings. Example: Saying "Привет" to a teacher or boss.
  Correction: Use "Здравствуйте" instead. Explanation: "Привет" is too casual for respectful or professional contexts.
• Error: Using "Алло" in person. Example: Greeting someone with "Алло" face-to-face.
  Correction: Use "Привет" or "Здравствуйте". Explanation: "Алло" is exclusively for phone calls.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are often accompanied by a handshake (for men) or a nod. "Здравствуйте" literally means "Be healthy," reflecting a historical tradition of wishing well-being. Using the appropriate level of formality is crucial, as Russians value respect in communication, especially with elders or authority figures.

Related Concepts:

• До свидания (Goodbye)
• Пока (Bye, informal)
• Добрый день (Good afternoon)