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 (commonly used in daily conversations)

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: [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 (Informal)

Translation(s) & Context:

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

Usage Examples:

• Привет, как дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Привет, давно не виделись!

  Hey, long time no see!

• Привет всем!

  Hello everyone!

2. Formal Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

• Здравствуйте - Used in formal or polite contexts, 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!

3. Telephone Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алло - Used specifically when answering the phone.

Usage Examples:

• Алло, кто это?

  Hello, who is this?

• Алло, я вас слушаю.

  Hello, I’m listening.

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 "здороваться" (to greet). It is used in the second person plural as a sign of respect. For informal singular, it changes to "Здравствуй" [zdrɐˈstvuj].

Form	Usage	Pronunciation
Здравствуйте	Formal/Plural	[zdrɐˈstvujtʲe]
Здравствуй	Informal/Singular	[zdrɐˈstvuj]

Алло: This is an interjection used only in telephone conversations and does not inflect.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• Салют (Informal, similar to "Hi")
• Добрый день (Formal, means "Good day")

Note: "Добрый день" is more specific to daytime greetings, while "Привет" and "Здравствуйте" are more general.

Antonyms:

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

Related Phrases:

• Привет, как дела? - "Hello, how are you?" (common informal greeting)
• Здравствуйте, чем могу помочь? - "Hello, how can I help you?" (formal, often in service contexts)
• Алло, вы меня слышите? - "Hello, can you hear me?" (used on the phone)

Usage Notes:

• "Привет" is the most common informal greeting, equivalent to "Hi" or "Hey" in English. It should not be used in formal situations.
• "Здравствуйте" is the safest choice when addressing someone you don’t know or in professional settings. It conveys respect and politeness.
• "Алло" is strictly for phone conversations and would sound odd if used 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 settings. Example of incorrect usage: Saying "Привет" to a teacher or boss. Correct usage: Use "Здравствуйте" instead.
• Error: Mispronouncing "Здравствуйте" by skipping consonants. Incorrect: [zdravujtʲe]. Correct: [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe]. Make sure to pronounce the "ст" cluster.
• Error: Using "Алло" in person. Incorrect: Saying "Алло" when meeting someone face-to-face. Correct: Use "Привет" or "Здравствуйте."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are important for establishing rapport. Using the appropriate level of formality ("Привет" for friends, "Здравствуйте" for strangers or formal settings) reflects respect and social awareness. Additionally, Russians often accompany greetings with a handshake (for men) or a nod, especially in formal contexts.

Related Concepts:

• До свидания (Goodbye)
• Пока (Bye, informal)
• Доброе утро (Good morning)