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 in daily communication)

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

Pronunciation (Russian):

привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

Note on привет: Stress is on the second syllable. The 'р' is rolled slightly, typical in Russian pronunciation.

здравствуйте: [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe]

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

алло: [ɐˈlo]

Note on алло: Stress is on the second syllable, used exclusively in phone conversations.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Casual Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

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

Usage Examples:

• Привет, как дела?

  Hi, 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 with strangers, elders, or in professional settings.

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, я рад вас видеть.

  Hello, I’m glad to see you.

• Здравствуйте, можно войти?

  Hello, may I come in?

• Здравствуйте, у вас есть минутка?

  Hello, do you have a minute?

3. Phone Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

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

Usage Examples:

• Алло, это ты?

  Hello, is that you?

• Алло, я вас слушаю.

  Hello, I’m listening.

• Алло, кто говорит?

  Hello, who’s speaking?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

привет: This is an interjection and does not change form. It remains invariable regardless of context or number of people addressed.

здравствуйте: This is the imperative form of the verb "здравствовать" (to wish health). It is used in the plural form to show respect or address multiple people. For addressing a single person informally, the singular form is "здравствуй" [zdrɐˈstvuj].

алло: This is a loanword and interjection, invariable in form, used only in the context of phone conversations.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for привет (informal greeting):

• здорово
• хай

Note: "здорово" is slightly more colloquial and often used among close friends; "хай" is a modern slang borrowing from English "hi".

Synonyms for здравствуйте (formal greeting):

• добрый день
• доброе утро

Note: These alternatives are time-specific ("добрый день" for afternoon, "доброе утро" for morning).

Antonyms: Not applicable for greetings like "hello", but related farewell terms include:

• пока (informal)
• до свидания (formal)

Related Phrases:

• Привет, как дела? - A common informal greeting meaning "Hi, how are you?"
• Здравствуйте, чем могу помочь? - A polite greeting often used in customer service, meaning "Hello, how can I help you?"
• Алло, вы меня слышите? - Used on the phone, meaning "Hello, can you hear me?"

Usage Notes:

• "привет" is the go-to informal greeting among peers, but avoid using it with strangers or in formal settings as it may seem disrespectful.
• "здравствуйте" is the safest choice when unsure of the formality level or when addressing someone older or in a position of authority.
• "алло" should only be used in phone conversations; using it in person would sound odd and inappropriate.
• Russian greetings often reflect the level of familiarity and respect, so choosing the right term based on context 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.
• Error: Mispronouncing "здравствуйте" by skipping consonants. Example of error: Pronouncing it as "zdravstv". Correct usage: Practice the full cluster [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe] slowly to master it.
• Error: Using "алло" in face-to-face greetings. Example of error: Saying "Алло" when meeting someone in person. Correct usage: Reserve "алло" for phone calls only.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are an important part of social etiquette. Using "здравствуйте" shows respect and politeness, especially when meeting someone for the first time or in a professional setting. Russians often accompany greetings with a handshake (among men) or a nod, and maintaining eye contact is considered a sign of sincerity.

Related Concepts:

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