Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Hello'

English Word: Hello

Key Russian Translations:

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

Frequency: High

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

Pronunciation (Russian):

Привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

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

Здравствуйте: [zdrɐˈstvujtʲɪ]

Note on Здравствуйте: This word can be challenging due to the cluster of consonants at the beginning. Practice breaking it into parts: "zdrast" + "vuyte".

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

• Привет - Used in informal settings among friends or peers.
• Здравствуйте - Used in formal settings or when addressing multiple people or someone older/respected.

Usage Examples:

• Привет, как дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Здравствуйте, могу я поговорить с Иваном?

  Hello, may I speak with Ivan?

• Привет, ты дома?

  Hey, are you at home?

2. Answering the Phone

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алло - Exclusively used when picking up the phone, neutral in tone.

Usage Examples:

• Алло, кто это?

  Hello, who is this?

• Алло, вы меня слышите?

  Hello, can you hear me?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Привет: This is an interjection and does not change form. It remains invariant regardless of context.

Здравствуйте: This is the formal second-person plural imperative form of the verb "здороваться" (to greet). It does not inflect further in greetings.

Алло: This is an interjection specific to telephone conversations and does not change form.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for Привет:

• Здорово
• Приветик (diminutive, very informal)

Note: "Здорово" is less common and often used among close male friends.

Antonyms: None, as greetings do not typically have direct opposites. However, farewell terms like "Пока" (Bye) could be considered contextually opposite.

Related Phrases:

• Привет всем! - Hello everyone! (Informal greeting to a group)
• Здравствуйте, добрый день! - Hello, good afternoon! (Formal, polite)
• Алло, я по поводу... - Hello, I’m calling about... (Phone context)

Usage Notes:

• "Привет" is the most versatile informal greeting but should not be used with superiors, elders, or in formal settings.
• "Здравствуйте" is a safe choice for formal or unknown contexts. It conveys respect and politeness.
• "Алло" is strictly for telephone conversations and would sound odd if used in person.
• Choosing between "Привет" and "Здравствуйте" depends on the relationship and setting. When in doubt, opt for the formal "Здравствуйте".

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 я могу вам помочь?" (Hello, how can I help you?)
• Error: Mispronouncing "Здравствуйте" by skipping consonants or stressing the wrong syllable.
  Correct Usage: Stress falls on "stvuj". Practice slowly: [zdrɐˈstvujtʲɪ].
• Error: Using "Алло" in face-to-face greetings.
  Correct Usage: Reserve "Алло" for phone calls only.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are significant for establishing tone and respect. Using "Здравствуйте" shows politeness and acknowledgment of hierarchy or unfamiliarity, while "Привет" indicates friendliness and closeness. Russians may also accompany greetings with a handshake (for men) or a nod, especially in formal settings.

Related Concepts:

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