Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Hello'

English Word: Hello

Key Russian Translations:

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

Frequency: High (commonly used in daily interactions)

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

Pronunciation (Russian):

Здравствуйте: [ˈzdrastvujtʲe]

Note on Здравствуйте: The cluster of consonants at the beginning can be challenging for non-native speakers. Practice breaking it into "zdra-stvuj-te."

Привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

Note on Привет: The stress is on the second syllable, and the 'r' is rolled slightly.

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Greeting (Formal/Polite)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Здравствуйте - Used in formal or polite settings, such as addressing strangers, elders, or in professional contexts.

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!

2. General Greeting (Informal/Casual)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Привет - Used among friends, peers, 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!

3. Telephone Greeting (Informal)

Translation(s) & Context:

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

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:

Здравствуйте: This is a greeting derived from the verb "здравствовать" (to be healthy). It does not inflect and is used as a standalone expression in the second person plural form for politeness.

Привет: This is a noun meaning "greeting." It does not inflect in this context and is used as a standalone informal greeting.

Алло: This is an interjection borrowed from French ("Allô"). It does not inflect and is exclusively used in telephone conversations.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for Здравствуйте (Formal):

• Добрый день (Good day)
• Доброе утро (Good morning)

Note: "Добрый день" and "Доброе утро" are time-specific greetings, unlike the more general "Здравствуйте."

Synonyms for Привет (Informal):

• Здорово (Hey, cool)
• Хай (Hi, slang)

Antonyms: None, as greetings typically do not have direct antonyms. However, farewell expressions like "До свидания" (Goodbye) contrast with greetings.

Related Phrases:

• Здравствуйте, как ваши дела? - "Hello, how are you?" (Formal)
• Привет, что нового? - "Hi, what's new?" (Informal)
• Алло, это кто говорит? - "Hello, who is speaking?" (Telephone)

Usage Notes:

• "Здравствуйте" is the safest choice when addressing someone you don't know or in a formal setting. It conveys respect and politeness.
• "Привет" should only be used with friends, family, or people of similar age or status to avoid seeming rude.
• "Алло" is strictly for phone conversations and should not be used in face-to-face greetings.
• Unlike English "Hello," which is neutral, Russian greetings are highly context-dependent based on formality and setting.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Привет" in formal settings. Example (Incorrect): Saying "Привет" to a teacher or boss. Correct Usage: Use "Здравствуйте" instead.
• Error: Using "Алло" in person. Example (Incorrect): Greeting someone on the street with "Алло." Correct Usage: Reserve "Алло" for phone calls only.
• Error: Mispronouncing "Здравствуйте" by skipping consonants. Example (Incorrect): Saying "Zdravte." Correct Usage: Pronounce all consonants as "Zdrast-vuj-te."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are an important part of social etiquette. Using the appropriate level of formality shows respect and awareness of social norms. "Здравствуйте" literally means "be healthy," reflecting historical wishes for well-being when greeting someone.

Related Concepts:

• До свидания (Goodbye)
• Как дела? (How are you?)
• Добрый день (Good day)