Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Hello'

English Word: Hello

Key Russian Translations:

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

Frequency: High

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for "Привет"; A2 (Elementary) for "Здравствуйте" due to pronunciation

Pronunciation (Russian):

Здравствуйте: [ˈzdrastvʊjtʲe]

Note on Здравствуйте: The cluster of consonants at the beginning can be challenging for non-native speakers. Practice breaking it down as "zdra-stvooy-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. 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 у вас дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Здравствуйте, я хотел бы записаться на приём.

  Hello, I would like to make an appointment.

• Здравствуйте, добро пожаловать!

  Hello, welcome!

2. Casual Greeting (Informal)

Translation(s) & Context:

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

Usage Examples:

• Привет, как дела?

  Hey, how are you?

• Привет, давно не виделись!

  Hi, long time no see!

• Привет, заходи!

  Hey, come in!

3. Phone Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алло - Used specifically when answering the phone, regardless of formality.

Usage Examples:

• Алло, кто это?

  Hello, who is this?

• Алло, я могу поговорить с Иваном?

  Hello, can I speak with Ivan?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

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

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

Алло: This is also an interjection specific to phone conversations and does not inflect.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• Добрый день (Formal, meaning "Good day")
• Здорово (Informal, colloquial greeting)

Note: "Добрый день" is often used as a time-specific formal greeting, while "Здорово" is very casual and regionally specific.

Antonyms:

• До свидания (Goodbye)
• Пока (Informal, meaning "Bye")

Related Phrases:

• Здравствуйте, как поживаете? - Formal way to ask "Hello, how are you?"
• Привет, что нового? - Informal, meaning "Hi, what's new?"
• Алло, вы меня слышите? - Used on the phone, meaning "Hello, can you hear me?"

Usage Notes:

• "Здравствуйте" is the safest choice when greeting someone in a formal or unfamiliar setting. It shows respect and politeness.
• "Привет" should only be used with people you know well or in casual environments to avoid seeming overly familiar.
• "Алло" is strictly for phone conversations and should not be used in face-to-face greetings.
• Russian greetings often depend on the time of day, so alternatives like "Доброе утро" (Good morning) or "Добрый вечер" (Good evening) may be used alongside "Здравствуйте".

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Привет" in formal settings. Example of error: Saying "Привет" to a teacher or boss. Correct usage: Use "Здравствуйте" instead.
• Error: Mispronouncing "Здравствуйте" by omitting consonants. Example of error: Saying "Zdravte" instead of "Zdravstvuyte". Correct usage: Practice the full consonant cluster [zdr].
• Error: Using "Алло" in person. Example of error: Greeting someone face-to-face with "Алло". Correct usage: Reserve "Алло" for phone calls only.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are often accompanied by a handshake (for men) or a nod, especially in formal settings with "Здравствуйте". Russians value politeness in initial interactions, so using the appropriate level of formality is crucial. Additionally, greetings may be paired with inquiries about well-being, reflecting a cultural emphasis on personal connection.

Related Concepts:

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