Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Hello'

English Word: Hello

Key Russian Translations:

• Здравствуйте [ˈzdrastvʊjtʲe] - [Formal, Polite]
• Привет [prʲɪˈvʲet] - [Informal]
• Алло [ɐˈlo] - [Informal, 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 complexity

Pronunciation (Russian):

Здравствуйте: [ˈzdrastvʊjtʲe]

Note on Здравствуйте: The cluster of consonants at the beginning ("здр") can be challenging for non-native speakers. Practice slowly to ensure clarity.

Привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

Note on Привет: The stress is on the second syllable, and the "р" sound is rolled slightly.

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Greeting (Formal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Здравствуйте - Used in formal settings, when addressing strangers, elders, or in professional environments.

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, как дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Здравствуйте, я хотел бы записаться на приём.

  Hello, I would like to make an appointment.

• Здравствуйте, добро пожаловать!

  Hello, welcome!

2. General Greeting (Informal)

Translation(s) & Context:

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

Usage Examples:

• Привет, ты дома?

  Hey, are you home?

• Привет, давно не виделись!

  Hi, long time no see!

• Привет, как прошёл твой день?

  Hey, how was your day?

3. Answering the Phone

Translation(s) & Context:

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

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:

Здравствуйте: This is an imperative form of the verb "здравствовать" (to be healthy). It does not inflect as it is a fixed greeting.

Привет: This is a noun meaning "greeting." It does not change form in usage as a standalone interjection.

Алло: Borrowed from French ("allô"), this word is invariable and does not inflect in Russian.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for Здравствуйте (Formal):

• Добрый день (Good day)
• Доброе утро (Good morning)
• Добрый вечер (Good evening)

Note: These synonyms are time-specific, unlike "Здравствуйте," which is neutral.

Synonyms for Привет (Informal):

• Здорово (Hey, cool)
• Хай (Hi, borrowed from English)

Antonyms: None, as greetings do not typically have direct opposites. However, farewell terms like "До свидания" (Goodbye) could be considered contextual opposites.

Related Phrases:

• Здравствуйте, как поживаете? - "Hello, how are you doing?" (Formal inquiry after greeting)
• Привет, что нового? - "Hi, what's new?" (Casual check-in)
• Алло, перезвони мне. - "Hello, call me back." (Phone context)

Usage Notes:

• "Здравствуйте" is the safest choice when unsure of the formality level, as it conveys respect and politeness.
• "Привет" should only be used with people you know well or in informal settings to avoid seeming rude.
• "Алло" is strictly for phone conversations and would sound odd if used face-to-face.
• In Russian, greetings are often accompanied by inquiries about well-being, especially in formal contexts.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Привет" in formal settings. Example (Incorrect): Saying "Привет" to a teacher or boss. Correct: Use "Здравствуйте" instead. Explanation: "Привет" is too casual for respectful interactions.
• Error: Mispronouncing "Здравствуйте" by skipping consonants. Example (Incorrect): Saying "Zdravte." Correct: Pronounce all consonants as [ˈzdrastvʊjtʲe]. Explanation: Omitting sounds makes the word unrecognizable.
• Error: Using "Алло" in person. Example (Incorrect): Greeting someone on the street with "Алло." Correct: Use "Привет" or "Здравствуйте." Explanation: "Алло" is phone-specific.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are significant for establishing rapport. "Здравствуйте" literally means "be healthy," reflecting a historical wish for well-being. Russians often expect a response to a greeting, especially in formal settings, so be prepared to reply with a similar greeting or inquiry.

Related Concepts:

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