Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Hello'

English Word: Hello

Key Russian Translations:

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

Frequency: High (All translations are commonly used in respective contexts)

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

Pronunciation (Russian):

Здравствуйте: [ˈzdrastvujtʲe]

Note on Здравствуйте: The cluster of consonants at the beginning ("zdr") can be tricky for non-native speakers. Practice breaking it into "zdrast" before adding "vujtʲe".

Привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

Note on Привет: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "r" is rolled slightly.

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Greeting (Formal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Здравствуйте - Used in formal settings, when addressing strangers, elders, or in professional environments.

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, как дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Здравствуйте, можно войти?

  Hello, may I come in?

• Здравствуйте, я новый сотрудник.

  Hello, I am the new employee.

2. General Greeting (Informal)

Translation(s) & Context:

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

Usage Examples:

• Привет, ты дома?

  Hey, are you at home?

• Привет, давно не виделись!

  Hi, long time no see!

• Привет, пошли гулять?

  Hey, wanna go for a walk?

3. Telephone Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

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

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 the formal imperative form of the verb "здравствовать" (to be healthy). It does not inflect further as it is used as a fixed greeting.

Привет: A noun meaning "greeting," used as an interjection. It does not change form.

Алло: An interjection borrowed from French, used only in telephony contexts. It does not inflect.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for "Привет" (Informal):

• Здорово
• Хай

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

No direct antonyms exist for greetings like "Hello."

Related Phrases:

• Здравствуйте, добрый день - "Hello, good day" (formal, polite greeting during daytime).
• Привет, как дела? - "Hi, how are you?" (common casual follow-up).
• Алло, я по поводу... - "Hello, I’m calling about..." (common phone conversation starter).

Usage Notes:

• Choosing between "Здравствуйте" and "Привет" depends on the level of formality and familiarity. Use "Здравствуйте" with strangers or in professional settings; use "Привет" with friends or peers.
• "Алло" is strictly for phone conversations and should not be used in face-to-face greetings.
• Russians often pair greetings with follow-up questions like "Как дела?" (How are you?) to show politeness or interest.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Алло" in person instead of on the phone. Example of error: Saying "Алло!" when meeting someone face-to-face. Correct usage: Use "Здравствуйте" or "Привет" in person.
• Error: Mispronouncing "Здравствуйте" by skipping consonants. Example of error: Saying "Zdravte" instead of "Zdravstvujte." Correct usage: Practice the full consonant cluster "zdrast."
• Error: Using "Привет" in formal settings. Example of error: Greeting a teacher with "Привет." Correct usage: Use "Здравствуйте" for respect.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are important for establishing tone and showing respect. Using "Здравствуйте" with someone of higher status or unfamiliarity is a sign of politeness. Russians may also shake hands (especially men) or nod slightly when greeting formally. Informal greetings like "Привет" often come with a smile or wave among close acquaintances.

Related Concepts:

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