Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Hello'

English Word: Hello

Key Russian Translations:

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

Frequency: High (All translations are commonly used)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for all translations

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 as "zdra-stvooy-te".

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. General Greeting (Formal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Здравствуйте - Used in formal or polite settings, such as greeting strangers, elders, or in professional environments.

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, как у вас дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Здравствуйте, я рад вас видеть.

  Hello, I’m glad to see you.

• Здравствуйте, можно войти?

  Hello, may I come in?

2. General Greeting (Informal)

Translation(s) & Context:

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

Usage Examples:

• Привет, как дела?

  Hey, how’s it going?

• Привет, ты свободен сегодня?

  Hi, are you free today?

• Привет, давно не виделись!

  Hey, long time no see!

3. Greeting on the Phone

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алло - Used specifically when answering the phone, regardless of formality.

Usage Examples:

• Алло, кто это?

  Hello, who is this?

• Алло, я могу говорить с Иваном?

  Hello, may I speak to Ivan?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Здравствуйте: This is an interjection and does not inflect. It remains unchanged regardless of context or number of people addressed.

Привет: This is also an interjection and does not inflect. It is used consistently in informal settings.

Алло: Similarly, this term does not inflect and is used exclusively in telephone conversations.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• Добрый день (Formal, means "Good day")
• Здорово (Informal, regional, means "Hey")

Antonyms:

• До свидания (means "Goodbye")
• Пока (Informal, means "Bye")

Related Phrases:

• Здравствуйте, как поживаете? - Formal way to ask "Hello, how are you?"
• Привет, что нового? - Informal way to say "Hi, what’s new?"
• Алло, вы меня слышите? - Common on the phone, means "Hello, can you hear me?"

Usage Notes:

• Choosing between Здравствуйте and Привет depends on the level of formality and your relationship with the person. Use Здравствуйте when in doubt or in professional settings.
• Алло should only be used when answering or speaking on the phone; it is inappropriate for face-to-face greetings.
• Russians often pair greetings with inquiries about well-being (e.g., "Как дела?"), so it’s natural to follow up after saying hello.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using Алло in person. Incorrect: Saying "Алло" when meeting someone face-to-face. Correct: Use Здравствуйте or Привет instead.
• Error: Mispronouncing Здравствуйте by skipping consonants. Incorrect: "Zdravte". Correct: Break it into syllables as "Zdra-stvooy-te".
• Error: Using Привет in formal settings. Incorrect: Greeting a teacher with "Привет". Correct: Use Здравствуйте.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are important for showing respect and establishing rapport. Using the appropriate level of formality (e.g., Здравствуйте for strangers or elders) reflects politeness and cultural awareness. Russians may also greet with a handshake or, among close friends, a hug or cheek kiss depending on the relationship.

Related Concepts:

• До свидания (Goodbye)
• Как дела? (How are you?)
• Доброе утро (Good morning)