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 (All translations are commonly used in respective contexts)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for all translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

Привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

Note on Привет: The stress falls on the second syllable. The 'r' is rolled slightly, typical of Russian pronunciation.

Здравствуйте: [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe]

Note on Здравствуйте: This word can be challenging for beginners due to the cluster of consonants at the start. Stress is on the second syllable.

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Greeting (Casual)

Translation(s) & Context:

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

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 or polite situations, such as with strangers, teachers, or in professional settings.

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, как я могу вам помочь?

  Hello, how can I help you?

• Здравствуйте, добрый день!

  Hello, good afternoon!

• Здравствуйте, приятно познакомиться.

  Hello, nice to meet you.

3. Telephone Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алло - Exclusively used when answering 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 change form. It remains invariable across contexts.

Здравствуйте: This is the second person plural imperative form of the verb "здравствовать" (to be healthy). It does not inflect further in greetings but can vary in other contexts (e.g., Здравствуй for singular informal).

Алло: This is a borrowed interjection and does not change form in Russian.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for Привет (Informal):

• Здорово
• Хай

Note: "Здорово" is less common and regionally specific, while "Хай" is a slang borrowing from English "Hi."

Synonyms for Здравствуйте (Formal):

• Добрый день
• Доброе утро

Note: These are time-specific greetings ("Good afternoon," "Good morning").

Antonyms: None, as greetings do not typically have direct opposites in Russian.

Related Phrases:

• Привет, как дела? - "Hello, how are you?" (Common informal greeting)
• Здравствуйте, добро пожаловать! - "Hello, welcome!" (Formal welcome)
• Алло, я перезвоню. - "Hello, I’ll call you back." (Phone conversation)

Usage Notes:

• "Привет" is strictly informal and should not be used with strangers or in professional settings unless a casual tone is established.
• "Здравствуйте" is the safe, default choice for formal or unfamiliar situations. It conveys respect and politeness.
• "Алло" is only used when answering the phone and never in face-to-face greetings.
• Unlike English "Hello," Russian greetings often depend on the time of day (e.g., "Добрый день" for afternoon).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Привет" in formal settings. Example: Saying "Привет" to a teacher or boss. Correction: Use "Здравствуйте" instead.
• Error: Using "Алло" in person. Example: Greeting someone face-to-face with "Алло." Correction: Reserve "Алло" for phone calls only.
• Error: Mispronouncing "Здравствуйте" by omitting consonants. Example: Saying "Zdravste." Correction: Practice the full cluster [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are often more formal compared to English-speaking countries. Using "Здравствуйте" with strangers or in professional contexts shows respect. Russians may also accompany greetings with a handshake (among men) or a nod, especially in formal settings. Additionally, greetings often reflect the time of day, unlike the generic "Hello" in English.

Related Concepts:

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