Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Hello'

English Word: Hello

Key Russian Translations:

• Привет [prʲɪˈvʲet] - [Informal]
• Здравствуйте [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe] - [Formal/Polite]
• Алло [ɐˈlo] - [Used when answering the phone]

Frequency: High

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for all translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

Привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

Note on Привет: The stress is on the second syllable. The 'р' sound is rolled slightly.

Здравствуйте: [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe]

Note on Здравствуйте: This word can be challenging due to the cluster of consonants at the beginning. The stress is on the second syllable.

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Greeting (Casual)

Translation(s) & Context:

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

Usage Examples:

• Привет, как дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Привет, давно не виделись!

  Hey, long time no see!

• Привет, заходи!

  Hi, come in!

2. Formal Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

• Здравствуйте - Used in formal or polite contexts, such as with strangers, teachers, or at work.

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, я хотел бы задать вопрос.

  Hello, I would like to ask a question.

• Здравствуйте, добро пожаловать!

  Hello, welcome!

• Здравствуйте, чем могу помочь?

  Hello, how can I help you?

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, вы меня слышите?

  Hello, can you hear me?

• Алло, это Иван?

  Hello, is this Ivan?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Привет: This is an interjection and does not inflect or change form. It remains the same in all contexts.

Здравствуйте: This is the formal imperative form of the verb "здравствовать" (to be healthy). It is used in the second person plural as a polite greeting and does not change based on number or gender of the speaker/addressee.

Алло: This is a borrowed interjection (from French) used exclusively on the phone. It does not inflect or change form.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for Привет (Informal):

• Салют
• Хай

Note: "Хай" is a very informal, modern borrowing from English "Hi," used mostly by younger people.

Synonyms for Здравствуйте (Formal):

• Добрый день (Good day)
• Доброе утро (Good morning)

Antonyms: None, as greetings typically do not have direct opposites. However, farewell expressions like "Пока" (Bye) or "До свидания" (Goodbye) could be considered contextual opposites.

Related Phrases:

• Привет всем! - "Hello everyone!" (used to greet a group informally)
• Здравствуйте, как поживаете? - "Hello, how are you doing?" (formal greeting with a polite inquiry)
• Алло, я перезвоню. - "Hello, I’ll call you back." (common phone phrase)

Usage Notes:

• "Привет" is the go-to informal greeting, equivalent to "Hi" or "Hey" in English. It should not be used with people you don’t know well or in formal settings.
• "Здравствуйте" is the safest choice for formal or polite situations. It literally means "Be healthy" and shows respect or distance. Use it with strangers, elders, or in professional contexts.
• "Алло" is exclusively for phone conversations and should not be used in face-to-face greetings.
• Choosing between "Привет" and "Здравствуйте" depends on the relationship and setting. When in doubt, opt for the formal "Здравствуйте" to avoid offending someone.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Привет" in formal situations, e.g., greeting a teacher or boss.
  Incorrect: Привет, как дела? (to a teacher)
  Correct: Здравствуйте, как дела?
  Explanation: "Привет" signals familiarity, which can be seen as disrespectful in formal contexts.
• Error: Using "Алло" in person instead of on the phone.
  Incorrect: Алло, как ты? (face-to-face)
  Correct: Привет, как ты?
  Explanation: "Алло" is strictly for phone use and sounds unnatural in direct conversation.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are tied to social hierarchy and politeness. Using "Здравствуйте" with someone you don’t know well or who is older/in a position of authority is a sign of respect. Russians may also accompany greetings with a handshake (for men) or a nod, especially in formal settings. Unlike in some Western cultures, smiling during a formal greeting is not always expected and may even be seen as insincere in certain contexts.

Related Concepts:

• До свидания (Goodbye)
• Пока (Bye, informal)
• Как дела? (How are you?)