Verborus

EN RU Dictionary

Здравствуйте Primary Russian translation

Russian Translation(s) & Details for '{{adynamic}}'

English Word: {{adynamic}}

Key Russian Translations:

  • Здравствуйте [zdrástvujtye] - [Formal, Used when greeting someone in a polite or official context]
  • Привет [pryvyét] - [Informal, Used among friends or in casual settings]

Frequency: High (Common in everyday conversations and formal interactions)

Difficulty: A1 for beginners, as it's one of the first words learned

Pronunciation (Russian):

Здравствуйте: [zdrástvujtye]

Note on Здравствуйте: The stress is on the second syllable; it's a bit challenging for English speakers due to the cluster of consonants.

Привет: [pryvyét]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Greeting in various contexts
Translation(s) & Context:
  • Formal greeting - Used in professional or unfamiliar settings to show respect.
  • Informal greeting - Used with peers or in relaxed environments for a friendly tone.
Usage Examples:
  • Здравствуйте, как у вас дела?

    Hello, how are you? (Formal, inquiring about well-being)

  • Привет, что нового?

    Hi, what's new? (Informal, casual catch-up with a friend)

  • Здравствуйте, я хотел бы задать вопрос.

    Hello, I'd like to ask a question. (Formal, in a business or official context)

  • Привет, давай встретимся позже.

    Hey, let's meet up later. (Informal, planning with acquaintances)

  • Здравствуйте, добрый день!

    Hello, good day! (Formal, as a standard polite opener)

Alternative uses in phrases
Translation(s) & Context:
  • Здравствуйте as part of phone etiquette - Often used when answering calls.
Usage Examples:
  • Здравствуйте, это компания XYZ.

    Hello, this is company XYZ. (Formal, professional phone answering)

  • Привет, я звоню, чтобы подтвердить встречу.

    Hi, I'm calling to confirm the meeting. (Informal, friendly call)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both translations are invariant in most cases, as they are interjections. However, for related words:

For Здравствуйте (from "здравствовать" - to be healthy), it's typically used as is and doesn't inflect in greetings.

For Привет, it's also an interjection and remains unchanged. If considering the root verb "приветствовать" (to greet), it follows standard verb conjugations, but in this context, it's fixed.

Form Example
Base Form (Invariable) Здравствуйте, Привет

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

  • Synonyms: Добрый день (Good day), Здравствуй (less formal than Здравствуйте)
  • Здравствуй is similar to Привет but slightly more neutral; Добрый день is another formal alternative.
  • Antonyms: Прощай (Goodbye), which signals parting rather than greeting.

Related Phrases:

  • Здравствуйте, как поживаете? - A formal way to ask "Hello, how are you?" in polite conversations.
  • Привет, давно не виделись! - Means "Hi, long time no see!" for informal reunions.
  • Добрый вечер, здравствуйте - Translates to "Good evening, hello," used in evening greetings.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, the choice between Здравствуйте and Привет depends on the level of formality; use Здравствуйте in professional or first meetings to avoid rudeness, while Привет is for casual interactions. Unlike English "hello," Russian greetings can vary by time of day (e.g., Добрый день). Always consider the audience to select the appropriate translation for '{{adynamic}}'.

  • Grammar note: These are not inflected, so no changes for gender, number, or case.
  • Context tip: In Russia, greetings often include a follow-up question, making conversations more engaging.

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse formality: for example, using Привет in a formal setting, which might sound too casual. Incorrect: "Привет, господин Иванов" (in a business meeting). Correct: "Здравствуйте, господин Иванов." This error stems from direct translation without considering cultural norms, leading to perceived disrespect.

  • Error: Pronouncing Здравствуйте as [zdras-tvwee-tye] instead of [zdrástvujtye]. Correct pronunciation emphasizes the stress on the second syllable to sound natural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, using formal greetings like Здравствуйте shows respect and is especially important in hierarchical settings, such as with elders or superiors. This reflects the value placed on politeness and social hierarchy in Russian society, differing from more relaxed English-speaking norms.

Related Concepts:

  • Добрый день
  • Добрый вечер
  • Прощай