Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Hello'

English Word: Hello

Key Russian Translations:

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

Frequency: High

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for all translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

Привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

Note on Привет: The stress falls on the second syllable. The 'r' is rolled slightly.

Здравствуйте: [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe]

Note on Здравствуйте: This word can be challenging due to the cluster of consonants at the beginning. Stress is on the second syllable.

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!

  Hello, long time no see!

• Привет, заходи!

  Hello, come in!

2. Formal Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

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

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, могу я вам помочь?

  Hello, can I help you?

• Здравствуйте, я рад с вами познакомиться.

  Hello, I’m pleased to meet you.

• Здравствуйте, добро пожаловать!

  Hello, welcome!

3. Telephone Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

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

Usage Examples:

• Алло, кто это?

  Hello, who is this?

• Алло, ты меня слышишь?

  Hello, can you hear me?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

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

Здравствуйте: This is the second person plural imperative form of the verb "здравствовать" (to wish health). It is used formally for both singular and plural addressees. The singular informal form is "Здравствуй" [zdrɐˈstvuj].

Алло: This is an interjection borrowed from French and does not change form. It is used exclusively in telephone conversations.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• Салют (Informal, similar to "Hi")
• Добрый день (Formal, meaning "Good day")

Antonyms:

• До свидания (Meaning "Goodbye")
• Пока (Informal, meaning "Bye")

Related Phrases:

• Привет всем! - "Hello everyone!" (Used to greet a group informally)
• Здравствуйте, как поживаете? - "Hello, how are you?" (Formal greeting with inquiry)
• Алло, это кто? - "Hello, who’s there?" (Common on the phone)

Usage Notes:

• "Привет" is strictly informal and should not be used in formal or professional settings. It’s akin to "Hi" in English.
• "Здравствуйте" is the safe choice when addressing someone you don’t know well or in a formal context. It conveys respect and politeness.
• "Алло" is exclusively used when answering the phone and should not be used as a face-to-face greeting.
• Choosing between these translations depends on the level of formality and the context (e.g., phone vs. in-person).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Привет" in a formal setting. For example, saying "Привет" to a teacher or boss. Correction: Use "Здравствуйте" instead. Example: Incorrect - "Привет, Иван Петрович"; Correct - "Здравствуйте, Иван Петрович".
• Error: Using "Алло" in person. For example, greeting someone on the street with "Алло". Correction: Use "Привет" or "Здравствуйте" depending on formality. Explanation: "Алло" is phone-specific.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are very context-dependent. Using "Здравствуйте" shows respect and is often expected when addressing elders, strangers, or authority figures. Russians may also accompany greetings with a handshake (for men) or a nod, especially in formal settings. Additionally, "Здравствуйте" literally means "Be healthy," reflecting a historical emphasis on wishing well-being.

Related Concepts:

• До свидания (Goodbye)
• Пока (Bye, informal)
• Доброе утро (Good morning)