Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Hello'

English Word: Hello

Key Russian Translations:

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

Frequency: High (commonly used in daily communication)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for "Привет"; A2 (Elementary) for "Здравствуйте" due to pronunciation; A1 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-stvuy-te."

Привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

Note on Привет: The soft "р" sound requires a slight roll of the tongue, which may be unfamiliar to English speakers.

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

• Здравствуйте - Used in formal or polite situations, such as addressing strangers, elders, or in professional settings.
• Привет - Used in informal settings among friends, family, or peers.

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, как у вас дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Привет, давно не виделись!

  Hey, long time no see!

• Здравствуйте, могу я поговорить с Иваном?

  Hello, may I speak with Ivan?

2. Answering the Phone

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алло - Used exclusively when answering or making phone calls.

Usage Examples:

• Алло, кто это?

  Hello, who is this?

• Алло, вы меня слышите?

  Hello, can you hear me?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Здравствуйте: This is the formal second-person plural imperative form of the verb "здороваться" (to greet). It does not inflect further as it is a fixed greeting.

Привет: This is a noun meaning "greeting" or "hi," used as an interjection. It does not inflect in this context.

Алло: This is a borrowed interjection from French ("allô") and does not inflect in Russian.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• Добрый день (Good day - formal, time-specific)
• Здорово (Hey - very informal, regional)

Antonyms:

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

Related Phrases:

• Здравствуйте, рад вас видеть! - "Hello, nice to see you!" (formal greeting with warmth)
• Привет, как дела? - "Hi, how are you?" (casual inquiry)
• Алло, это кто? - "Hello, who is this?" (phone context)

Usage Notes:

• Formality: Choosing between "Здравствуйте" and "Привет" depends on the level of formality and familiarity with the person. Use "Здравствуйте" when in doubt or in professional settings.
• Phone Etiquette: "Алло" is exclusively for phone conversations and should not be used in face-to-face greetings.
• Time Sensitivity: While "Hello" in English is neutral, Russian greetings like "Добрый день" (Good day) may be more appropriate at certain times of the day.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Привет" in formal settings. Incorrect: "Привет" to a teacher or boss. Correct: Use "Здравствуйте" instead.
• Error: Mispronouncing "Здравствуйте" by skipping consonants. Incorrect: [zdravujtʲe]. Correct: [ˈzdrastvujtʲe], ensuring the "st" cluster is pronounced.
• Error: Using "Алло" in person. Incorrect: Saying "Алло" when meeting someone face-to-face. Correct: Reserve "Алло" for phone calls only.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are often accompanied by a handshake (among men) or a nod. "Здравствуйте" reflects respect and politeness, which are highly valued in initial interactions. Using "Привет" too early in a relationship may come across as overly familiar or disrespectful.

Related Concepts:

• Доброе утро (Good morning)
• Добрый вечер (Good evening)
• До свидания (Goodbye)