Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Hello'

English Word: Hello

Key Russian Translations:

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

Frequency: High (All translations are commonly used in daily communication)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for all translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

Здравствуйте: [ˈzdrastvujtʲe]

Note on Здравствуйте: The cluster of consonants at the beginning can be challenging for non-native speakers. Break it down as "zdrast-voo-ee-tye."

Привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

Note on Привет: The soft 'r' sound and stress on the second syllable are key to sounding natural.

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

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

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, как дела?

  Hello, how are you? (Formal)

• Привет, что нового?

  Hey, what's new? (Informal)

• Здравствуйте, я хотел бы записаться на приём.

  Hello, I would like to make an appointment. (Formal)

• Привет, давай встретимся вечером!

  Hey, let's meet up tonight! (Informal)

2. Answering the Phone

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алло - Specifically used when answering the phone, informal but widely accepted.

Usage Examples:

• Алло, кто это?

  Hello, who is this?

• Алло, я слушаю.

  Hello, I'm listening.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Здравствуйте: This is the formal imperative form of the verb "здравствовать" (to be healthy). It does not inflect further as it is a fixed greeting.

Привет: This is a noun meaning "greeting" or "hello." It does not change form as it is used as an interjection in this context.

Алло: Borrowed from French, this word does not inflect and is used exclusively as a phone greeting.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• Добрый день (Good day - Formal, time-specific)
• Доброе утро (Good morning - Formal, time-specific)
• Здорово (Hey - Informal, regional)

Antonyms:

• До свидания (Goodbye - Formal)
• Пока (Bye - Informal)

Related Phrases:

• Здравствуйте, как поживаете? - "Hello, how are you doing?" (Formal)
• Привет, как жизнь? - "Hey, how's life?" (Informal)
• Алло, вы меня слышите? - "Hello, can you hear me?" (Phone context)

Usage Notes:

• Formality: Choosing between "Здравствуйте" and "Привет" depends on the level of formality and familiarity with the person. Use "Здравствуйте" when in doubt or in professional settings.
• Phone Etiquette: "Алло" is exclusively used for phone conversations and should not be used as a face-to-face greeting.
• Time of Day: While "Hello" in English is neutral, Russians often use time-specific greetings like "Добрый день" (Good afternoon) alongside "Здравствуйте."

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 strictly for phone use and sounds odd in face-to-face interaction.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are often accompanied by a handshake (for men) or a nod. Using the appropriate level of formality is crucial, as it reflects respect and social awareness. "Здравствуйте" literally means "Be healthy," reflecting a historical emphasis on wishing well-being.

Related Concepts:

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