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 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. The stress is on the second syllable.

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

• Привет - Used in casual, informal settings among friends or peers.
• Здравствуйте - Used in formal or polite situations, such as addressing strangers, elders, or in professional settings.

Usage Examples:

• Привет, как дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Здравствуйте, можно с вами поговорить?

  Hello, may I speak with you?

• Привет, давно не виделись!

  Hello, long time no see!

2. Answering the Phone

Translation(s) & Context:

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

Usage Examples:

• Алло, кто это?

  Hello, who is this?

• Алло, я слушаю.

  Hello, I'm listening.

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 the polite imperative form of the verb "здравствовать" (to be healthy). It is used in the plural form to show respect, even when addressing a single person. In informal settings or when addressing one person familiarly, it can change to "Здравствуй" [zdrɐˈstvuj].

Алло: This is a borrowed word (from French) used as an interjection. It does not inflect or change form.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for Привет:

• Салют
• Хай

Note: "Салют" is less common and often used playfully; "Хай" is a slang term borrowed from English "Hi."

Synonyms for Здравствуйте:

• Добрый день
• Доброе утро

Note: These synonyms are time-specific greetings meaning "Good afternoon" and "Good morning," respectively.

Antonyms: None, as greetings do not typically have direct antonyms. However, "До свидания" (Goodbye) can be considered a contextual opposite.

Related Phrases:

• Привет всем! - "Hello everyone!" (used to greet a group informally)
• Здравствуйте, рад вас видеть! - "Hello, nice to see you!" (formal greeting with added warmth)
• Алло, ты меня слышишь? - "Hello, can you hear me?" (common on the phone)

Usage Notes:

• "Привет" is strictly informal and should not be used in formal or professional settings. It implies familiarity.
• "Здравствуйте" is the safe choice when unsure of the level of formality. It shows respect and politeness.
• "Алло" is exclusively used for phone conversations and would sound odd in face-to-face greetings.
• Russian greetings are often accompanied by a handshake (in formal settings) or no physical contact (informally), unlike some cultures where cheek kisses are common.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Привет" in formal contexts, e.g., greeting a teacher or boss.
  Correct Usage: Use "Здравствуйте" instead.
  Example of Error: "Привет, Иван Петрович!" (incorrect for a formal setting).
  Correct: "Здравствуйте, Иван Петрович!"
• Error: Mispronouncing "Здравствуйте" by skipping consonants.
  Correct Usage: Practice the full cluster [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are important for establishing the tone of a conversation. Using the appropriate level of formality ("Привет" vs. "Здравствуйте") reflects respect and social awareness. Russians may also use time-specific greetings like "Добрый день" (Good afternoon) instead of a generic "Hello" during certain parts of the day.

Related Concepts:

• До свидания (Goodbye)
• Добрый день (Good afternoon)
• Как дела? (How are you?)