Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Hello'

English Word: Hello

Key Russian Translations:

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

Frequency: High (Widely used in daily communication)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for all translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

Здравствуйте: [ˈzdrastvujtʲe]

Note on Здравствуйте: Stress falls on the first syllable. The cluster of consonants at the beginning can be challenging for non-native speakers; practice slow articulation.

Привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

Note on Привет: Stress on the second syllable. The 'r' is rolled slightly, typical of Russian phonetics.

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Note on Алло: Stress on the second syllable. Used exclusively in telephone conversations.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Greeting (Formal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Здравствуйте - Used in formal or polite settings, such as addressing strangers, elders, or in professional environments.

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, как я могу вам помочь?

  Hello, how can I help you?

• Здравствуйте, приятно с вами познакомиться.

  Hello, nice to meet you.

• Здравствуйте, добро пожаловать в наш офис.

  Hello, welcome to our office.

2. General Greeting (Informal)

Translation(s) & Context:

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

Usage Examples:

• Привет, как дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Привет, давно не виделись!

  Hey, long time no see!

• Привет, заходи, не стесняйся.

  Hi, come in, don’t be shy.

3. Telephone Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алло - Used specifically when answering or making a phone call.

Usage Examples:

• Алло, это Иван?

  Hello, is this Ivan?

• Алло, вы меня слышите?

  Hello, can you hear me?

• Алло, я перезвоню позже.

  Hello, I’ll call back later.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Здравствуйте: This is the formal second-person plural imperative form of the verb "здороваться" (to greet). It does not inflect further and is used as a standalone greeting.

Привет: A noun meaning "greeting." It does not inflect in its use as a greeting but follows standard noun declension in other contexts (e.g., Nominative: Привет, Genitive: Привета).

Declension of Привет (as a noun)

Case	Singular
Nominative	Привет
Genitive	Привета
Dative	Привету
Accusative	Привет
Instrumental	Приветом
Prepositional	Привете

Алло: An interjection used only in telephone contexts. It does not inflect or change form.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for Здравствуйте:

• Добрый день (Good day - Formal, time-specific)
• Доброе утро (Good morning - Formal, time-specific)

Synonyms for Привет:

• Здорово (Hey - Very informal, regional)
• Хай (Hi - Slang, borrowed from English)

Antonyms: None directly applicable, as greetings lack clear opposites. However, farewell terms like "До свидания" (Goodbye) can be considered contextual opposites.

Related Phrases:

• Здравствуйте, как ваши дела? - "Hello, how are you?" (Formal greeting with inquiry)
• Привет, что нового? - "Hi, what’s new?" (Casual greeting with inquiry)
• Алло, кто это? - "Hello, who is this?" (Phone greeting seeking identification)

Usage Notes:

• Choosing between "Здравствуйте" and "Привет" depends on the level of formality and familiarity with the person. Use "Здравствуйте" in professional or unfamiliar settings, and "Привет" with friends or peers.
• "Алло" is strictly for phone conversations and should not be used in face-to-face greetings.
• Russian greetings often carry a cultural expectation of a follow-up question (e.g., "Как дела?" - "How are you?"), especially in formal contexts.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Привет" in formal settings.
  Incorrect: Привет, господин Иванов.
  Correct: Здравствуйте, господин Иванов.
  Explanation: "Привет" is too casual for addressing someone formally or respectfully, such as a teacher or boss.
• Error: Using "Алло" in person.
  Incorrect: Алло, как дела? (in person)
  Correct: Привет, как дела?
  Explanation: "Алло" is exclusively for telephone use and sounds unnatural in face-to-face interactions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are often accompanied by a handshake (among men) or a nod. Using the appropriate level of formality is crucial to show respect, especially with "Здравствуйте" in initial encounters or hierarchical relationships. Russians may also use time-specific greetings like "Добрый день" (Good afternoon) more frequently than a generic "Hello."

Related Concepts:

• До свидания (Goodbye)
• Как дела? (How are you?)
• Добрый день (Good afternoon)