Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Hello'

English Word: Hello

Key Russian Translations:

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

Frequency: High (commonly used in daily communication)

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

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. The stress is on the second syllable, and the "v" sound is soft.

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Greeting (Casual)

Translation(s) & Context:

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

Usage Examples:

• Привет, как дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Привет, давно не виделись!

  Hey, long time no see!

• Привет, заходи!

  Hi, come in!

2. Formal Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

• Здравствуйте - Used in formal situations, with strangers, or to show respect.

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, я хотел бы задать вопрос.

  Hello, I would like to ask a question.

• Здравствуйте, добро пожаловать!

  Hello, welcome!

• Здравствуйте, как я могу вам помочь?

  Hello, how can I help you?

3. Phone Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алло - Exclusively used when answering or making a phone call.

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:

The Russian words for "Hello" do not inflect as they are interjections or greetings. Their forms remain unchanged regardless of context, gender, or number. However, note the following:

• Привет: Invariable, always used as is.
• Здравствуйте: This is the plural/polite form. The singular form is "Здравствуй" [zdrɐˈstvuj], used when addressing one person informally (less common in modern usage).
• Алло: Invariable, used only in phone conversations.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• Салют (Informal, less common)
• Добрый день (Formal, means "Good day")

Note: "Добрый день" is more specific to daytime greetings, while "Привет" and "Здравствуйте" are more general.

Antonyms:

• Пока (Means "Bye" or "See you")
• До свидания (Formal, means "Goodbye")

Related Phrases:

• Привет, как дела? - "Hello, how are you?" (Common informal greeting)
• Здравствуйте, рад вас видеть! - "Hello, nice to see you!" (Polite expression)
• Алло, это кто? - "Hello, who is this?" (Standard phone greeting)

Usage Notes:

• Choose between "Привет" and "Здравствуйте" based on the level of formality. Use "Привет" with friends or peers, and "Здравствуйте" with strangers, elders, or in professional settings.
• "Алло" is strictly for phone conversations and should not be used in face-to-face interactions.
• Russians often combine greetings with follow-up phrases like "Как дела?" (How are you?) or "Рад видеть!" (Nice to see you!).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Алло" in person. Example: Saying "Алло!" when meeting someone face-to-face. Correction: Use "Привет" or "Здравствуйте" instead. "Алло" is phone-specific.
• Error: Mispronouncing "Здравствуйте" by skipping consonants. Example: Saying [zdravujti] instead of [zdrɐˈstvujtʲɪ]. Correction: Practice the full cluster of consonants at the start.
• Error: Using "Привет" in formal settings. Example: Greeting a teacher with "Привет". Correction: Use "Здравствуйте" to show respect.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are important for establishing rapport. Using the appropriate level of formality (e.g., "Здравствуйте" for strangers or authority figures) demonstrates respect. Russians may also shake hands or offer a slight nod when greeting, especially in formal contexts.

Related Concepts:

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