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

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

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. Stress falls on the second syllable.

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Greeting (Informal)

Translation(s) & Context:

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

Usage Examples:

• Привет, как дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Привет, давно не виделись!

  Hey, long time no see!

• Привет, заходи!

  Hi, come in!

2. General Greeting (Formal/Polite)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Здравствуйте - Used in formal or polite situations, with strangers, 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!

• Здравствуйте, чем могу помочь?

  Hello, how can I help you?

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 change form. It remains invariant in all contexts.

Здравствуйте: This is the formal second-person plural imperative form of the verb "здравствовать" (to be healthy). It does not change based on gender or number of people addressed.

Алло: This is an interjection used specifically for phone conversations and does not inflect.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for Привет:

• Салют
• Хай

Note: "Салют" is less common and often used humorously or in specific contexts; "Хай" is a slang borrowing from English "Hi".

Synonyms for Здравствуйте:

• Добрый день
• Доброе утро

Note: "Добрый день" (Good afternoon) and "Доброе утро" (Good morning) are time-specific formal greetings.

Antonyms: None directly applicable for greetings like "Hello".

Related Phrases:

• Привет, как дела? - "Hello, how are you?" (Casual inquiry about someone's well-being)
• Здравствуйте, рад вас видеть! - "Hello, nice to see you!" (Polite expression of pleasure in meeting)
• Алло, вы меня слышите? - "Hello, can you hear me?" (Common on phone calls)

Usage Notes:

• "Привет" is strictly informal and should not be used with strangers, elders, or in professional settings.
• "Здравствуйте" is the safest choice for formal or unfamiliar situations. It conveys respect and politeness.
• "Алло" is exclusively used when answering the phone and would sound odd in face-to-face greetings.
• Choosing between "Привет" and "Здравствуйте" depends on the relationship with the person and the context of the interaction.

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. Example of incorrect pronunciation: [zdravujtʲe]. Correct pronunciation: [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe], ensuring all consonants are pronounced.
• Error: Using "Алло" in person. Example of incorrect usage: Greeting someone face-to-face with "Алло". Correct usage: Reserve "Алло" for phone conversations only.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are important for establishing the tone of a conversation. Using "Здравствуйте" shows respect, especially to elders or in formal settings. Russians often pair greetings with a handshake or a nod, particularly in formal contexts. "Привет" is more relaxed and often accompanied by a smile or casual wave among peers.

Related Concepts:

• До свидания (Goodbye)
• Как дела? (How are you?)
• Рад видеть (Nice to see you)