Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Hello'

English Word: Hello

Key Russian Translations:

• Привет [prʲɪˈvʲet] - [Informal]
• Здравствуйте [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe] - [Formal, Polite]
• Алло [ɐˈlo] - [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: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'r' is rolled slightly, typical of Russian pronunciation.

Здравствуйте: [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe]

Note on Здравствуйте: This word can be challenging due to the cluster of consonants at the beginning. Practice breaking it into syllables: "zdra-stvuy-te".

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Greeting (Casual)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Привет - Used among friends, family, or in informal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Привет, как дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Привет, давно не виделись!

  Hey, long time no see!

• Привет всем!

  Hi everyone!

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, may I help you?

• Здравствуйте, Иван Петрович!

  Hello, Ivan Petrovich!

• Здравствуйте, добро пожаловать!

  Hello, welcome!

3. Telephone Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алло - Used exclusively when answering or initiating a phone call.

Usage Examples:

• Алло, кто это?

  Hello, who is this?

• Алло, вы меня слышите?

  Hello, can you hear me?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Привет: This is an interjection and does not inflect. It remains unchanged regardless of context or number of people addressed.

Здравствуйте: This is the second person plural imperative form of the verb "здороваться" (to greet). It is used for both singular and plural formal greetings. For singular informal, use "Здравствуй" [zdrɐˈstvuj].

Алло: This is an interjection borrowed from French and does not inflect. It is used only in the context of phone conversations.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for Привет:

• Салют
• Хай

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

Synonyms for Здравствуйте:

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

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

Related Phrases:

• Привет, как дела? - "Hello, how are you?" (Common informal greeting with inquiry)
• Здравствуйте, рад вас видеть! - "Hello, nice to see you!" (Formal expression of pleasure in meeting)
• Алло, это кто? - "Hello, who is this?" (Standard phone greeting)

Usage Notes:

• "Привет" is the most versatile informal greeting but should not be used in formal settings or with people of higher status (e.g., teachers, bosses) unless familiarity is established.
• "Здравствуйте" is the safest choice for formal or unfamiliar contexts. It conveys respect and politeness.
• "Алло" is restricted to phone conversations and should not be used in face-to-face greetings.
• Choosing between "Привет" and "Здравствуйте" depends on the relationship and context. When in doubt, opt for the more formal "Здравствуйте".

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Привет" in formal situations.
  Incorrect: Привет, профессор!
  Correct: Здравствуйте, профессор!
  Explanation: "Привет" is too casual for addressing a professor or authority figure unless a close relationship exists.
• Error: Using "Алло" in person.
  Incorrect: Алло, как дела? (in person)
  Correct: Привет, как дела?
  Explanation: "Алло" is only for phone calls; using it face-to-face sounds unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are significant for establishing tone and respect. "Здравствуйте" literally means "Be healthy," reflecting a historical wish for well-being. Russians often greet everyone in a room individually, especially in formal settings, rather than a general "Hello" to the group. Ignoring this can be seen as impolite.

Related Concepts:

• До свидания (Goodbye)
• Как дела? (How are you?)
• Рад видеть (Nice to see you)