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 "Привет" and "Алло"; A2 (Elementary) for "Здравствуйте"

Pronunciation (Russian):

Привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

Note on Привет: The stress is on the second syllable. The 'р' sound is rolled slightly.

Здравствуйте: [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe]

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

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Greeting (Informal)

Translation(s) & Context:

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

Usage Examples:

• Привет, как дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Привет, давно не виделись!

  Hey, long time no see!

• Привет, заходи!

  Hi, come on in!

2. Formal Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

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

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, как я могу вам помочь?

  Hello, how can I help you?

• Здравствуйте, приятно познакомиться.

  Hello, nice to meet you.

• Здравствуйте, добро пожаловать!

  Hello, welcome!

3. Telephone Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

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

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 inflect or change form. It remains the same in all contexts.

Здравствуйте: This is a form of the verb "здравствовать" (to wish health) in the imperative mood, 2nd person plural. It does not change based on number or gender but has a singular informal variant "Здравствуй" [zdrɐˈstvuj].

Алло: This is a borrowed interjection and does not inflect or change form.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

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

Antonyms:

• Пока (Means "Goodbye", informal)
• До свидания (Means "Goodbye", formal)

Related Phrases:

• Привет, как дела? - A common informal greeting asking "Hi, how are you?"
• Здравствуйте, добро пожаловать! - A formal welcome phrase meaning "Hello, welcome!"
• Алло, это кто? - A typical phone greeting meaning "Hello, who is this?"

Usage Notes:

• "Привет" is strictly informal and should not be used with strangers, elders, or in professional settings.
• "Здравствуйте" is the safest choice in formal or unfamiliar contexts as it shows respect and politeness.
• "Алло" is exclusively used when answering the phone and should not be used in face-to-face greetings.
• Unlike English "Hello", Russian greetings often depend on the time of day (e.g., "Добрый день" for "Good afternoon").

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Привет" in formal situations.
  Incorrect: Привет, учитель!
  Correct: Здравствуйте, учитель!
  Explanation: "Привет" is too casual for addressing a teacher or someone in a position of authority.
• Error: Using "Алло" in person.
  Incorrect: Алло, как дела? (in person)
  Correct: Привет, как дела?
  Explanation: "Алло" is only for phone conversations.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are often tied to politeness and hierarchy. Using "Здравствуйте" when unsure is a sign of respect, especially when addressing older people or in professional environments. Russians may also greet with a handshake (for men) or a nod, and informal greetings like "Привет" are often accompanied by a smile or wave among friends.

Related Concepts:

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