Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Hello'

English Word: Hello

Key Russian Translations:

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

Frequency: High

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

Pronunciation (Russian):

Здравствуйте: [ˈzdrastvujtʲe]

Note on Здравствуйте: Pay attention to the cluster of consonants at the beginning; it can be challenging for non-native speakers. The stress is on the first syllable.

Привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

Note on Привет: The stress is on the second syllable. The 'р' sound is rolled.

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Greeting someone formally or politely

Translation(s) & Context:

• Здравствуйте - Used in formal settings, with strangers, or to show respect (e.g., addressing teachers, officials, or elders).

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, как ваши дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Здравствуйте, я хотел бы задать вопрос.

  Hello, I would like to ask a question.

• Здравствуйте, добро пожаловать!

  Hello, welcome!

2. Greeting someone informally

Translation(s) & Context:

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

Usage Examples:

• Привет, как дела?

  Hey, how are you?

• Привет, давно не виделись!

  Hi, long time no see!

• Привет, заходи!

  Hey, come in!

3. Answering the phone

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алло - Used specifically when answering or making a phone call.

Usage Examples:

• Алло, кто это?

  Hello, who is this?

• Алло, вы меня слышите?

  Hello, can you hear me?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

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

Привет: This is a noun meaning "greeting." It does not change form in usage as a salutation, though it follows standard noun declension if used in other contexts (e.g., Nominative: Привет, Genitive: Привета).

Declension of "Привет" (as a noun)

Case	Singular
Nominative	Привет
Genitive	Привета
Dative	Привету
Accusative	Привет
Instrumental	Приветом
Prepositional	О Привете

Алло: This is a fixed interjection used only in phone conversations. It does not inflect.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "Привет":

• Салют
• Хай

Note: "Салют" and "Хай" are very informal and less common than "Привет."

Antonyms:

• Пока (Goodbye - Informal)
• До свидания (Goodbye - Formal)

Related Phrases:

• Здравствуйте, как поживаете? - "Hello, how are you doing?" (Formal)
• Привет, что нового? - "Hey, what's new?" (Informal)
• Алло, это кто? - "Hello, who is this?" (Phone context)

Usage Notes:

• "Здравствуйте" is the safest choice in formal or unfamiliar situations. Using "Привет" with someone you don't know well can be seen as disrespectful.
• "Алло" is strictly used for phone conversations and would sound odd if used in person.
• Russian greetings are often accompanied by a handshake (formal) or a nod (informal). Eye contact is important in formal greetings.

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 superior. Use "Здравствуйте" to show respect.
• Error: Mispronouncing "Здравствуйте" as [zdravstvujtʲe] with an extra 'v' sound.
  Explanation: The correct pronunciation merges the consonants; listen to native speakers to master the sound cluster.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are an important part of social interaction. "Здравствуйте" literally means "Be healthy," reflecting a historical wish for well-being. Russians may use greetings multiple times a day with the same person, especially in formal settings, to acknowledge their presence.

Related Concepts:

• До свидания (Goodbye - Formal)
• Пока (Goodbye - Informal)
• Доброе утро (Good morning)