Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Hello'

English Word: Hello

Key Russian Translations:

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

Frequency: High

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for all translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

Здравствуйте: [ˈzdrastvʊjtʲe]

Note on Здравствуйте: Stress falls on the second syllable. The cluster "здр" can be challenging for beginners; practice it slowly.

Привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

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

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Note on Алло: Stress is on the second syllable. Used exclusively in phone conversations.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Greeting Someone (General)

Translation(s) & Context:

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

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, как дела?

  Hello, how are you? (Formal)

• Привет, ты дома?

  Hey, are you at home? (Informal)

• Здравствуйте, я могу поговорить с Иваном?

  Hello, may I speak with Ivan? (Formal)

• Привет, давно не виделись!

  Hey, long time no see! (Informal)

2. Answering the Phone

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алло - Used specifically when answering or initiating a phone call.

Usage Examples:

• Алло, кто это?

  Hello, who is this?

• Алло, вы меня слышите?

  Hello, can you hear me?

• Алло, это Мария?

  Hello, is this Maria?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Здравствуйте: This is the second-person plural imperative form of the verb "здороваться" (to greet). It does not inflect further and is used as a fixed greeting.

Привет: A noun meaning "greeting." It does not inflect when used as a standalone interjection for "Hello." As a noun, it follows standard masculine noun declension (e.g., Nominative: Привет, Genitive: Привета).

Declension of Привет (as a noun)

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 is used exclusively in phone conversations.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for Здравствуйте/Привет (Greeting):

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

Note: "Добрый день" is more time-specific, often used during the day, while "Здорово" is less common and regionally specific.

Antonyms (Farewell):

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

Related Phrases:

• Здравствуйте, рад вас видеть! - "Hello, nice to see you!" (Formal)
• Привет, как дела? - "Hey, how are you?" (Informal)
• Алло, это кто? - "Hello, who is this?" (Phone context)

Usage Notes:

• Russian greetings are highly context-dependent. Use "Здравствуйте" in formal or respectful situations, such as with strangers or in professional settings. Use "Привет" only with people you know well or in casual settings.
• "Алло" is strictly for phone conversations and would sound odd if used in face-to-face greetings.
• Unlike English "Hello," which is neutral, Russian greetings often carry a tone of formality or familiarity, so choosing the right word is crucial.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Привет" in formal situations. Example of Error: Saying "Привет" to a teacher or boss. Correct Usage: Use "Здравствуйте" instead. Explanation: "Привет" is too casual for formal interactions and may come across as disrespectful.
• Error: Using "Алло" in person. Example of Error: Greeting someone face-to-face with "Алло." Correct Usage: Reserve "Алло" for phone calls only. Explanation: "Алло" is a telephone-specific greeting and is inappropriate in other contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings often reflect social hierarchy and respect. Using "Здравствуйте" (literally "Be healthy") shows politeness and acknowledges the other person’s status, especially with elders or in professional settings. Failing to use the appropriate level of formality can be perceived as rude.

Related Concepts:

• Доброе утро (Good morning)
• Добрый вечер (Good evening)
• До свидания (Goodbye)