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 all translations

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. General Greeting (Casual)

Translation(s) & Context:

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

Usage Examples:

• Привет, как дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Привет, давно не виделись!

  Hey, long time no see!

• Привет всем!

  Hi everyone!

2. Formal Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

• Здравствуйте - Used in formal situations, with strangers, or to show respect.

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, я рад вас видеть.

  Hello, I’m glad to see you.

• Здравствуйте, можно задать вопрос?

  Hello, may I ask a question?

• Здравствуйте, добро пожаловать!

  Hello, welcome!

3. Telephone Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алло - Exclusively used when answering or calling someone on the phone.

Usage Examples:

• Алло, кто это?

  Hello, who is this?

• Алло, ты меня слышишь?

  Hello, can you hear me?

• Алло, это Иван?

  Hello, is this Ivan?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Привет: This is an interjection and does not inflect. It remains unchanged regardless of context or grammar.

Здравствуйте: This is a polite imperative form of the verb "здравствовать" (to be healthy). It is used in the second person plural as a sign of respect. It does not change based on number or gender.

Алло: This is a loanword used as an interjection specifically for phone conversations. It does not inflect.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for Привет:

• Салют
• Хай

Note: "Салют" is less common and often used playfully; "Хай" is a slang borrowing from English "Hi."

Synonyms for Здравствуйте:

• Добрый день
• Доброе утро

Note: These are time-specific greetings meaning "Good afternoon" and "Good morning," respectively.

Antonyms:

• Пока (Goodbye - informal)
• До свидания (Goodbye - formal)

Related Phrases:

• Привет, как дела? - "Hello, how are you?" (common informal greeting)
• Здравствуйте, чем могу помочь? - "Hello, how can I help you?" (formal, often in service contexts)
• Алло, ты где? - "Hello, where are you?" (used on the phone)

Usage Notes:

• Привет is strictly informal and should not be used with people you don’t know well or in professional settings. It’s equivalent to "Hi" or "Hey" in English.

• Здравствуйте is the safe, polite choice for most situations, especially when addressing strangers, elders, or in formal environments. It translates to "Hello" or "Good day."

• Алло is only used when answering or initiating a phone call. Using it in face-to-face conversation would be inappropriate and confusing.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Привет" in formal settings. For example, saying "Привет" to a teacher or boss.

  Correct Usage: Use "Здравствуйте" instead. Example: "Здравствуйте, как у вас дела?" (Hello, how are you?)

  Explanation: "Привет" is too casual for formal or respectful contexts.

• Error: Using "Алло" in person. For example, greeting someone on the street with "Алло."

  Correct Usage: Reserve "Алло" for phone calls only. Use "Привет" or "Здравствуйте" in person.

  Explanation: "Алло" is a telephone-specific greeting and sounds odd outside that context.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are important for establishing respect and social hierarchy. Using "Здравствуйте" shows politeness and is often expected when addressing someone for the first time or in a professional setting. Russians may also accompany greetings with a handshake (among men) or a nod, especially in formal contexts.

Related Concepts:

• До свидания (Goodbye - formal)
• Пока (Goodbye - informal)
• Добрый день (Good afternoon)