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 (All translations are commonly used)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for all translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

Здравствуйте: [ˈzdrastvujtʲe]

Note on Здравствуйте: The initial "Здр" cluster can be challenging for non-native speakers. Practice blending the sounds smoothly.

Привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

Note on Привет: The rolled "r" and soft "v" sound are typical in Russian pronunciation.

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Greeting (Formal)

Translation(s) & Context:

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

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, как дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Здравствуйте, я хотел бы задать вопрос.

  Hello, I would like to ask a question.

• Здравствуйте, добро пожаловать!

  Hello, welcome!

2. General Greeting (Informal)

Translation(s) & Context:

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

Usage Examples:

• Привет, как ты?

  Hey, how are you?

• Привет, давай встретимся позже.

  Hi, let's meet up later.

• Привет, что нового?

  Hey, what's new?

3. Phone Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алло - Specifically used when answering the phone, neutral in tone.

Usage Examples:

• Алло, кто это?

  Hello, who is this?

• Алло, я вас слушаю.

  Hello, I'm listening.

• Алло, вы меня слышите?

  Hello, can you hear me?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

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

Привет: A noun meaning "greeting," it does not change form in usage as a salutation. However, as a noun, it follows standard Russian declension for masculine inanimate nouns:

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

Алло: An interjection borrowed from French, it does not inflect and remains unchanged in all contexts.

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 - Very informal, borrowed from English)

Antonyms:

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

Related Phrases:

• Здравствуйте, как поживаете? - "Hello, how are you doing?" (Formal greeting with inquiry)
• Привет, давно не виделись! - "Hey, long time no see!" (Casual reunion phrase)
• Алло, это вы? - "Hello, is that you?" (Phone greeting with identification)

Usage Notes:

• Choosing the right translation: Use "Здравствуйте" for formal or respectful situations, "Привет" for friends or casual encounters, and "Алло" exclusively for phone conversations.
• Tone and context: "Здравствуйте" can sound overly formal if used with close friends, while "Привет" may seem rude in professional settings.
• Time-specific alternatives: In formal settings, Russians often use time-specific greetings like "Добрый день" (Good afternoon) instead of "Здравствуйте" during certain hours.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Привет" in formal contexts.
  Incorrect: Привет, профессор Иванов.
  Correct: Здравствуйте, профессор Иванов.
  Explanation: "Привет" is too casual for addressing a teacher or superior.
• Error: Using "Алло" in face-to-face greetings.
  Incorrect: Алло, как дела? (in person)
  Correct: Привет, как дела?
  Explanation: "Алло" is reserved for phone conversations.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are often accompanied by a handshake (for men) or a nod, especially in formal settings with "Здравствуйте." Using the appropriate level of formality is crucial to show respect. Additionally, "Здравствуйте" literally means "Be healthy," reflecting historical wishes for well-being in greetings.

Related Concepts:

• До свидания (Goodbye - Formal)
• Пока (Bye - Informal)
• Как дела? (How are you?)