Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Hello'

English Word: Hello

Key Russian Translations:

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

Frequency: High (All variants are commonly used)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for "Привет"; A2 (Elementary) for "Здравствуйте" due to pronunciation; A1 for "Алло"

Pronunciation (Russian):

Здравствуйте: [ˈzdrastvujtʲe]

Note on Здравствуйте: The cluster of consonants at the beginning can be challenging for non-native speakers. Break it down as "zdra-stvooy-tye."

Привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

Note on Привет: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "r" is rolled slightly.

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Greeting Someone (General)

Translation(s) & Context:

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

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, как у вас дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Привет, ты дома?

  Hey, are you at home?

• Здравствуйте, я могу говорить с Иваном?

  Hello, may I speak with Ivan?

• Привет, давно не виделись!

  Hi, long time no see!

2. Answering the Phone

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алло - Specifically used when picking up the phone, neutral in tone.

Usage Examples:

• Алло, кто это?

  Hello, who is this?

• Алло, я вас слушаю.

  Hello, I'm listening.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Здравствуйте: This is the formal imperative form of the verb "здравствовать" (to be healthy). It does not inflect further as it is used as a fixed greeting.

Привет: A noun meaning "greeting" or "hi." It does not change form as it is used as an interjection in this context.

Алло: An interjection borrowed from French, invariant in form with no inflections.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• Здравия желаю (Very formal, often military)
• Добрый день (Formal, means "Good day")
• Хай (Slang, informal, borrowed from English "Hi")

Note: "Добрый день" is time-specific (used during the day), while "Привет" is more versatile.

Antonyms:

• До свидания (Goodbye)
• Пока (Informal goodbye)

Related Phrases:

• Привет, как дела? - "Hi, how are you?" (Common informal greeting)
• Здравствуйте, рад вас видеть! - "Hello, nice to see you!" (Formal expression of pleasure in meeting)
• Алло, вы меня слышите? - "Hello, can you hear me?" (Used on the phone)

Usage Notes:

• "Здравствуйте" is the safest choice when unsure of the level of formality, as it shows respect. Avoid using "Привет" with strangers or in professional settings.
• "Алло" is exclusively used for phone conversations and should not be used in face-to-face greetings.
• Russians often pair greetings with follow-up questions like "Как дела?" (How are you?) in both formal and informal contexts.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Привет" in formal settings.
  Incorrect: Привет, профессор Иванов.
  Correct: Здравствуйте, профессор Иванов.
  Explanation: "Привет" is too casual for addressing a professor or authority figure.
• Error: Mispronouncing "Здравствуйте" by skipping consonants.
  Incorrect Pronunciation: [zdravstvuj].
  Correct Pronunciation: [ˈzdrastvujtʲe].
  Explanation: All consonants must be pronounced distinctly.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are often accompanied by a handshake (among men) or a nod. "Здравствуйте" literally means "be healthy," reflecting a historical wish for well-being. Using the appropriate level of formality is crucial in Russian communication to avoid seeming rude or overly familiar.

Related Concepts:

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