Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Hello'

English Word: Hello

Key Russian Translations:

• Привет [prʲɪˈvʲet] - [Informal]
• Здравствуйте [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe] - [Formal, Polite]
• Алло [ɐˈlo] - [Informal, 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 complexity

Pronunciation (Russian):

Привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

Note on Привет: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "р" is rolled slightly.

Здравствуйте: [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe]

Note on Здравствуйте: A challenging word for beginners due to the cluster of consonants at the start. Practice breaking it into "zdrast" + "vuyte".

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

• Привет - Used in informal settings among friends or peers.
• Здравствуйте - Used in formal or polite settings, such as addressing strangers, elders, or in professional environments.

Usage Examples:

• Привет, как дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Здравствуйте, можно войти?

  Hello, may I come in?

• Привет, ты дома?

  Hey, are you at home?

• Здравствуйте, я новый сотрудник.

  Hello, I’m the new employee.

2. Answering the Phone

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алло - Exclusively used when answering or speaking on the phone in an informal context.

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:

All translations ("Привет", "Здравствуйте", "Алло") are interjections or fixed greetings in Russian and do not inflect. They remain unchanged regardless of context, number, or grammatical case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• Салют (Informal, less common)
• Добрый день (Formal, means "Good day")

Note: "Добрый день" is more specific to daytime greetings, while "Привет" and "Здравствуйте" are more general.

Antonyms:

• Пока (Informal, means "Bye")
• До свидания (Formal, means "Goodbye")

Related Phrases:

• Привет, как дела? - Means "Hello, how are you?" (common informal greeting)
• Здравствуйте, рад вас видеть! - Means "Hello, nice to see you!" (formal expression)
• Алло, перезвони позже. - Means "Hello, call me back later." (phone context)

Usage Notes:

• "Привет" is strictly informal and should not be used with strangers, elders, or in professional settings. It’s akin to "Hey" in English.
• "Здравствуйте" is the safest choice for formal or unfamiliar situations. It conveys respect and politeness, similar to "Hello" or "Good day" in English.
• "Алло" is only used on the phone and would sound odd in face-to-face greetings.
• Choosing between "Привет" and "Здравствуйте" depends on the relationship and context. When in doubt, opt for the formal "Здравствуйте".

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Привет" in formal settings. For example, saying "Привет" to a teacher or boss.
  Correction: Use "Здравствуйте" instead. Example: "Здравствуйте, как ваши дела?" (Hello, how are you?)
• Error: Using "Алло" in person. For example, greeting someone face-to-face with "Алло".
  Correction: Reserve "Алло" for phone conversations only. Use "Привет" or "Здравствуйте" in person.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are important for showing respect and establishing the tone of a conversation. Using the formal "Здравствуйте" with strangers or in professional settings is a sign of good manners. Russians may also accompany greetings with a handshake (for men) or a nod, especially in formal contexts.

Related Concepts:

• До свидания (Goodbye)
• Пока (Bye, informal)
• Доброе утро (Good morning)