Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hello'

English Word: hello

Key Russian Translations:

• привет [prʲɪˈvʲet] - [Informal]
• здравствуйте [zdrɐˈstvujtʲɪ] - [Formal/Polite]
• алло [ɐˈlo] - [Used when answering the phone]

Frequency: High

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for "привет" and "алло"; A2 (Elementary) for "здравствуйте"

Pronunciation (Russian):

привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

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

здравствуйте: [zdrɐˈstvujtʲɪ]

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. Greeting someone casually

Translation(s) & Context:

• привет - Used in informal settings, among friends or peers.

Usage Examples:

• Привет, как дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Привет, давно не виделись!

  Hey, long time no see!

• Привет, заходи!

  Hi, come on in!

2. Greeting someone formally or politely

Translation(s) & Context:

• здравствуйте - Used in formal or polite contexts, such as addressing strangers, elders, or in professional settings.

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, как я могу вам помочь?

  Hello, how can I help you?

• Здравствуйте, приятно познакомиться.

  Hello, nice to meet you.

• Здравствуйте, добро пожаловать!

  Hello, welcome!

3. Answering the phone

Translation(s) & Context:

• алло - Specifically used when picking up the phone.

Usage Examples:

• Алло, кто это?

  Hello, who is this?

• Алло, ты меня слышишь?

  Hello, can you hear me?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

привет: This is an interjection and does not inflect. It remains unchanged in all contexts.

здравствуйте: This is the formal imperative form of the verb "здороваться" (to greet). It does not inflect further in greetings, but related forms exist based on the verb's conjugation.

Person	Form (informal greeting verb "здороваться")
1st Singular	здороваться - я здороваюсь
2nd Singular (informal)	здоровайся
2nd Plural/Formal	здравствуйте

алло: This is a borrowed interjection and does not inflect. It is used exclusively when answering the phone.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for привет (informal greeting):

• хай
• здорово

Note: "хай" is very informal and often used among younger people; "здорово" can also mean "great" depending on context.

Synonyms for здравствуйте (formal greeting):

• добрый день (Good day)
• доброе утро (Good morning)

Antonyms: None directly, as greetings do not typically have opposites. However, farewell terms like "до свидания" (goodbye) contrast with greetings.

Related Phrases:

• Привет, как дела? - "Hello, how are you?" (common informal greeting with inquiry)
• Здравствуйте, чем могу помочь? - "Hello, how can I help?" (formal greeting in service contexts)
• Алло, это кто? - "Hello, who is this?" (common phone greeting)

Usage Notes:

• "привет" is strictly informal and should not be used with strangers, elders, or in professional settings unless familiarity is established.
• "здравствуйте" is the safe, default choice for formal or unfamiliar situations. It conveys respect and politeness.
• "алло" is exclusively used for phone conversations 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 contexts.
  Incorrect: Saying "Привет" to a teacher or boss.
  Correct: Use "Здравствуйте" instead.
• Error: Mispronouncing "здравствуйте" by skipping consonants.
  Incorrect: Pronouncing it as [zdravujt].
  Correct: Ensure all consonants are pronounced clearly [zdrɐˈstvujtʲɪ].
• Error: Using "алло" in person.
  Incorrect: Greeting someone face-to-face with "Алло."
  Correct: Reserve "алло" for phone calls only.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are highly context-dependent. Using the appropriate level of formality is crucial to avoid offending someone. "Здравствуйте" literally means "be healthy," reflecting a historical wish for good health in greetings. Russians may also accompany greetings with a handshake (especially in formal settings) or a nod.

Related Concepts:

• до свидания (goodbye)
• добрый день (good day)
• как дела? (how are you?)