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 (all translations are commonly used)

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

Pronunciation (Russian):

Привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

Note on Привет: The stress is on the second syllable. The "р" sound 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 "zdrast" and "vuyte".

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

• Привет - Used informally among friends, peers, or family.
• Здравствуйте - Used in formal settings, with strangers, or to show respect.

Usage Examples:

• Привет, как дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Здравствуйте, можно войти?

  Hello, may I come in?

• Привет, давно не виделись!

  Hello, long time no see!

2. Answering the Phone

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алло - Exclusively used when answering or calling someone on the phone.

Usage Examples:

• Алло, кто это?

  Hello, who is this?

• Алло, вы меня слышите?

  Hello, can you hear me?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Привет: This is an interjection and does not inflect. It remains unchanged in all contexts.

Здравствуйте: This is the second-person plural imperative form of the verb "здравствовать" (to be healthy). It does not change based on number or gender in greetings. In informal contexts, it can be shortened to "Здравствуй" [zdrɐˈstvuj] when addressing a single person.

Алло: This is a loanword and interjection, and it does not inflect.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for Привет:

• Салют (Informal, less common)
• Хай (Slang, borrowed from English "Hi")

Synonyms for Здравствуйте:

• Добрый день (Formal, means "Good day")
• Доброе утро (Formal, means "Good morning")

Note: Synonyms vary by formality and time of day. "Добрый день" is often used as a formal alternative to "Здравствуйте" during the day.

Antonyms: None, as greetings typically do not have direct opposites. However, "Прощай" (Goodbye) can be considered a contextual opposite.

Related Phrases:

• Привет всем! - "Hello everyone!" (used to greet a group informally)
• Здравствуйте, как поживаете? - "Hello, how are you?" (formal inquiry after greeting)
• Алло, это кто? - "Hello, who is this?" (common phone greeting)

Usage Notes:

• "Привет" is strictly informal and should not be used with authority figures, elders, or in professional settings unless familiarity is established.
• "Здравствуйте" is the safest choice in formal or unfamiliar situations. It conveys respect and politeness.
• "Алло" is restricted to telephone conversations and should not be used as a face-to-face greeting.
• Russians often pair greetings with inquiries like "Как дела?" (How are you?) in informal settings or "Как поживаете?" in formal ones.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Привет" in formal contexts. For example, greeting a teacher or boss with "Привет" instead of "Здравствуйте".
  Correction: Always use "Здравствуйте" when unsure of the formality level.
• Error: Mispronouncing "Здравствуйте" as "Zdravstvuy" without softening the "т" sound.
  Correction: Practice the soft "тʲ" sound to say [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe] correctly.
• Error: Using "Алло" in person. For example, saying "Алло" when meeting someone face-to-face.
  Correction: Reserve "Алло" for phone calls only.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are often accompanied by a handshake (among men) or a nod. "Здравствуйте" literally means "Be healthy," reflecting a historical wish for well-being. Russians value politeness in greetings, especially with strangers or in formal settings, so choosing the appropriate level of formality is crucial.

Related Concepts:

• Прощание (Farewell/Goodbye)
• Как дела? (How are you?)
• Добрый день (Good day)