Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Hello'

English Word: Hello

Key Russian Translations:

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

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

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for all translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

Здравствуйте: [ˈzdrastvujtʲe]

Note on Здравствуйте: The cluster of consonants at the beginning can be challenging for non-native speakers. Practice breaking it into 'zdra-stvuy-te'.

Привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

Note on Привет: The stress is on the second syllable, and the 'р' 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, peers, or family.

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, как у вас дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Привет, ты дома?

  Hey, are you at home?

• Здравствуйте, я хотел бы записаться на приём.

  Hello, I would like to make an appointment.

2. Answering the Phone

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алло - Used exclusively when answering or speaking on the phone.

Usage Examples:

• Алло, кто это?

  Hello, who is this?

• Алло, вы меня слышите?

  Hello, can you hear me?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

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

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

Алло: This is a loanword used as an interjection in phone conversations and does not inflect.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for Здравствуйте:

• Добрый день (Good day - Formal, time-specific)
• Доброе утро (Good morning - Formal, time-specific)

Synonyms for Привет:

• Здорово (Hey - Very informal, often among close friends)

Antonyms: None, as greetings typically do not have direct opposites. However, farewell expressions like "До свидания" (Goodbye) contrast functionally.

Related Phrases:

• Здравствуйте, приятно познакомиться - Hello, nice to meet you (Formal greeting when meeting someone).
• Привет, как дела? - Hey, how are you? (Casual check-in with friends).
• Алло, это ты? - Hello, is that you? (Common phone greeting to confirm identity).

Usage Notes:

• Formality: Choosing between "Здравствуйте" and "Привет" is crucial based on the social context. Using "Привет" with a superior or stranger can be seen as disrespectful.
• Phone Etiquette: "Алло" is strictly used for phone conversations and would sound odd in face-to-face greetings.
• Time-Specific Greetings: While "Здравствуйте" is universal, Russians often use time-specific greetings like "Добрый день" (Good afternoon) in formal settings.

Common Errors:

• Mixing Formality: English speakers often use "Привет" in formal settings due to its simplicity. Incorrect: Saying "Привет" to a teacher. Correct: Use "Здравствуйте".
• Mispronunciation of Здравствуйте: Beginners often skip consonants or misplace stress. Incorrect: [zdravstvujtʲe]. Correct: [ˈzdrastvujtʲe].
• Using Алло in Person: Saying "Алло" face-to-face is incorrect. It’s only for phone calls.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are highly context-dependent. Formal greetings like "Здравствуйте" reflect respect for hierarchy and social norms, while informal ones like "Привет" signal closeness. Russians may also accompany greetings with a handshake (formal) or a hug/kiss on the cheek (informal, among close friends or family).

Related Concepts:

• До свидания (Goodbye)
• Как дела? (How are you?)
• Спасибо (Thank you)