Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Hello'

English Word: Hello

Key Russian Translations:

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

Frequency: High (commonly used in daily communication)

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

Pronunciation (Russian):

Здравствуйте: [ˈzdrastvʊjtʲe]

Note on Здравствуйте: The cluster of consonants at the beginning can be challenging for non-native speakers. Practice breaking it down into "zdrast" and "vuyte".

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. Greeting Someone (General)

Translation(s) & Context:

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

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, как у вас дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Привет, ты сегодня свободен?

  Hey, are you free today?

• Здравствуйте, я хотел бы записаться на приём.

  Hello, I would like to make an appointment.

• Привет, давно не виделись!

  Hi, long time no see!

2. Answering the Phone

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алло - Used specifically when answering the phone, informal but widely accepted.

Usage Examples:

• Алло, кто это?

  Hello, who is this?

• Алло, я слушаю.

  Hello, I'm listening.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Здравствуйте: This is the formal imperative form of the verb "здороваться" (to greet). 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 exclusively when answering the phone. It does not inflect.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• Добрый день (Formal, means "Good day")
• Здорово (Informal, colloquial greeting)

Note: "Добрый день" is more time-specific, often used during the day, while "Здорово" is very casual and regional.

Antonyms:

• До свидания (means "Goodbye")

Related Phrases:

• Здравствуйте, как дела? - "Hello, how are you?" (Formal inquiry after greeting)
• Привет, что нового? - "Hi, what's new?" (Informal catch-up phrase)
• Алло, вы меня слышите? - "Hello, can you hear me?" (Used on the phone)

Usage Notes:

• "Здравствуйте" is the safest choice when greeting someone you don't know or in a formal context. It shows respect and politeness.
• "Привет" should only be used with people you are familiar with, as using it in a formal setting can be seen as rude.
• "Алло" is exclusively for phone conversations and should not be used in face-to-face greetings.
• Be mindful of the social context and relationship with the person you are addressing when choosing between these translations.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Привет" in formal situations. For example, greeting a teacher or boss with "Привет" instead of "Здравствуйте". Explanation: This can come across as disrespectful. Always use "Здравствуйте" when unsure of the level of formality.
• Error: Mispronouncing "Здравствуйте" by skipping consonants. For example, saying "Zdravte" instead of "Zdravstvuyte". Explanation: Practice the full word slowly to include all sounds, as omitting parts can make the greeting unclear.
• Error: Using "Алло" in person. For example, saying "Алло" when meeting someone face-to-face. Explanation: "Алло" is strictly for phone use; use "Здравствуйте" or "Привет" in person.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are often accompanied by a handshake (especially in formal settings) or a nod. Using the appropriate level of formality in your greeting, such as "Здравствуйте" for strangers or superiors, is crucial to showing respect. Russians may also use time-specific greetings like "Доброе утро" (Good morning) or "Добрый вечер" (Good evening) alongside or instead of "Здравствуйте".

Related Concepts:

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