Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hello'

English Word: hello

Key Russian Translations:

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

Frequency: High (All translations are commonly used)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for привет and алло; A2 (Elementary) for здравствуйте due to pronunciation and formality nuances

Pronunciation (Russian):

привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

Note on привет: The stress is on the second syllable. The 'r' is rolled slightly, typical of Russian phonetics.

здравствуйте: [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe]

Note on здравствуйте: This word can be challenging due to the cluster of consonants at the beginning. Stress falls on the second syllable.

алло: [ɐˈlo]

Note on алло: Stress is on the second syllable, and it mimics the sound of a phone greeting.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Greeting (Casual)

Translation(s) & Context:

• привет - Used among friends, peers, 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 situations, such as addressing strangers, elders, or in professional settings.

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, я хотел бы задать вопрос.

  Hello, I would like to ask a question.

• Здравствуйте, добро пожаловать!

  Hello, welcome!

• Здравствуйте, как я могу вам помочь?

  Hello, how can I help you?

3. Telephone Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

• алло - Specifically used when answering the phone, informal tone.

Usage Examples:

• Алло, кто это?

  Hello, who is this?

• Алло, ты меня слышишь?

  Hello, can you hear me?

• Алло, это Иван?

  Hello, is this Ivan?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

привет: This is an interjection and does not inflect. It remains unchanged regardless of context or grammar.

здравствуйте: This is the imperative form of the verb "здравствовать" (to wish health). It is used in the second person plural as a polite form. Variations include:

Form	Usage	Example
Здравствуй	Informal, singular (addressing one person)	Здравствуй, друг!
Здравствуйте	Formal or plural (addressing multiple people or politely)	Здравствуйте, коллеги!

алло: This is a borrowed interjection and does not inflect. It remains unchanged.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• приветик (very informal, affectionate form of привет)
• добрый день (formal, means "good day")

Note: "приветик" is more playful and used with close friends, while "добрый день" is a time-specific formal greeting.

Antonyms:

• пока (means "bye", informal)
• до свидания (means "goodbye", formal)

Related Phrases:

• Привет, как дела? - A common greeting meaning "Hi, how are you?"
• Здравствуйте, рад вас видеть! - A polite phrase meaning "Hello, nice to see you!"
• Алло, я перезвоню. - A phone phrase meaning "Hello, I’ll call back."

Usage Notes:

• The choice between "привет" and "здравствуйте" depends heavily on the level of formality and the relationship with the person you are addressing. Use "привет" with friends or peers, and "здравствуйте" with strangers, elders, or in professional contexts.
• "алло" is strictly used for phone conversations and should not be used in face-to-face greetings.
• Russians often pair greetings with additional phrases like "как дела?" (how are you?) or "рад вас видеть" (nice to see you) to make the interaction warmer.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "привет" in formal settings. Incorrect: Привет, профессор! Correct: Здравствуйте, профессор! (Explanation: "привет" is too casual for addressing a professor or authority figure.)
• Error: Using "алло" in person. Incorrect: Алло, как дела? (when meeting someone face-to-face). Correct: Привет, как дела? (Explanation: "алло" is only for phone greetings.)
• Error: Mispronouncing "здравствуйте" by skipping consonants. Incorrect pronunciation: [zravstvuj]. Correct pronunciation: [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe]. (Explanation: All consonants should be pronounced, though they blend quickly in natural speech.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are often accompanied by a handshake (especially among men) or a nod. Using the appropriate level of formality is crucial, as it reflects respect and social awareness. "здравствуйте" literally means "be healthy," reflecting a historical tradition of wishing well-being upon meeting someone.

Related Concepts:

• до свидания (goodbye, formal)
• пока (bye, informal)
• добрый день (good day, formal greeting)