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

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 'r' is rolled slightly, typical of Russian pronunciation.

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. Greeting Someone Casually

Translation(s) & Context:

• привет - Used among friends, peers, or 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 or Polite Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

• здравствуйте - Used in formal settings, with strangers, or to show respect.

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, как я могу вам помочь?

  Hello, how can I help you?

• Здравствуйте, приятно познакомиться.

  Hello, nice to meet you.

• Здравствуйте, добро пожаловать!

  Hello, welcome!

3. Answering the Phone

Translation(s) & Context:

• алло - Used specifically when answering a phone call.

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. It remains unchanged regardless of context or grammar.

здравствуйте: This is the second-person plural imperative form of the verb "здороваться" (to greet). It does not change based on number or gender in this greeting context. In less formal settings, the singular form "здравствуй" [zdrɐˈstvuj] can be used when addressing one person.

алло: This is an interjection borrowed from French and does not inflect. It remains unchanged.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for привет:

• здорово (Informal, often used among close friends)
• приветик (Very informal, affectionate diminutive)

Synonyms for здравствуйте:

• добрый день (Formal, means "good day")
• доброе утро (Formal, means "good morning")

Antonyms: None, as greetings like "hello" do not typically have direct opposites. However, "до свидания" (goodbye) could be considered a contextual opposite.

Related Phrases:

• Привет, как дела? - "Hi, how are you?" (Common informal greeting with a follow-up question)
• Здравствуйте, чем могу помочь? - "Hello, how can I help?" (Polite way to offer assistance)
• Алло, ты меня слышишь? - "Hello, can you hear me?" (Common on the phone)

Usage Notes:

• "Привет" is the go-to informal greeting among friends or peers. Avoid using it with strangers or in formal settings as it may come across as disrespectful.
• "Здравствуйте" is the safest choice when unsure of the level of formality. It is universally polite and appropriate for most situations, especially with older people or in professional contexts.
• "Алло" is strictly used when answering the phone. Using it in person would sound odd or out of place.
• Unlike English "hello," Russian greetings often depend on the time of day (e.g., "добрый день" for "good afternoon").

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "привет" in formal situations.
  Incorrect: Привет, профессор Иванов.
  Correct: Здравствуйте, профессор Иванов.
  Explanation: "Привет" is too casual for addressing a professor or someone in a position of authority.
• Error: Mispronouncing "здравствуйте" by skipping consonants.
  Incorrect Pronunciation: [zdras-tuy-te]
  Correct Pronunciation: [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe]
  Explanation: All consonants must be pronounced, even if they are clustered together.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are often tied to politeness and respect for social hierarchy. Using "здравствуйте" shows respect, especially when addressing elders or strangers. Russians may also accompany greetings with a handshake (among men) or a nod, but physical contact like hugging is less common in initial greetings compared to some Western cultures.

Related Concepts:

• до свидания (goodbye)
• добрый день (good afternoon)
• как дела? (how are you?)