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 very commonly used)

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. Practice breaking it into 'zdrast-vuj-te'.

Привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

Note on Привет: The stress is on the second syllable, and the 'r' is rolled slightly.

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Greeting Someone (General)

Translation(s) & Context:

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

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, как у вас дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Привет, ты дома?

  Hey, are you at home?

• Здравствуйте, я могу поговорить с Иваном?

  Hello, may I speak with Ivan?

2. Answering the Phone

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алло - Exclusively used when answering or speaking on the phone, neutral in formality.

Usage Examples:

• Алло, кто это?

  Hello, who is this?

• 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 and is used as a fixed greeting.

Привет: A noun meaning "greeting," used as an interjection. It does not inflect in this context.

Алло: An interjection borrowed from French, used exclusively in phone conversations. It does not inflect.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• Добрый день (Formal, "Good day")
• Здорово (Informal, regional, "Hey")

Note: "Добрый день" is slightly more specific to daytime, while "Здорово" is less common and regional.

Antonyms:

• До свидания ("Goodbye")
• Пока ("Bye," informal)

Related Phrases:

• Привет, как дела? - "Hey, how are you?" (Common informal greeting with inquiry)
• Здравствуйте, рад вас видеть! - "Hello, nice to see you!" (Polite expression of pleasure in meeting)
• Алло, я перезвоню. - "Hello, I’ll call back." (Common phone phrase)

Usage Notes:

• Formality: Choosing between "Здравствуйте" and "Привет" depends on the relationship and setting. Use "Здравствуйте" when in doubt or in formal contexts to avoid seeming impolite.
• Phone Usage: "Алло" is only used on the phone and never in face-to-face greetings.
• Time of Day: While "Hello" in English is neutral to time, Russians often use time-specific greetings like "Доброе утро" (Good morning) or "Добрый вечер" (Good evening) instead of "Здравствуйте" in certain contexts.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Привет" in formal situations.
  Incorrect: Привет, господин Иванов! (Hey, Mr. Ivanov!)
  Correct: Здравствуйте, господин Иванов! (Hello, Mr. Ivanov!)
  Explanation: "Привет" is too casual for addressing someone formally or respectfully.
• Error: Using "Алло" in person.
  Incorrect: Алло, как дела? (Hello, how are you? - in person)
  Correct: Привет, как дела? (Hey, how are you?)
  Explanation: "Алло" is strictly 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, as it reflects respect and social awareness. Additionally, Russians may use more specific greetings based on the time of day, which can feel more personal than the generic "Hello."

Related Concepts:

• Доброе утро (Good morning)
• Добрый день (Good afternoon)
• До свидания (Goodbye)