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' is rolled slightly.

Здравствуйте: [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe]

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

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

• Привет - Used in informal settings, among friends or peers.
• Здравствуйте - Used in formal or polite settings, when addressing strangers, elders, or in professional contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Привет, как дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Здравствуйте, можно с вами поговорить?

  Hello, may I speak with you?

• Привет, ты дома?

  Hey, are you at home?

2. Answering the Phone

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алло - Exclusively used when answering or making a phone call.

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 the same regardless of context or number of people addressed.

Здравствуйте: This is the formal second-person plural imperative form of the verb "здороваться" (to greet). It does not inflect further in greetings but can vary in informal contexts (e.g., "Здравствуй" for singular informal).

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

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

Antonyms:

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

Related Phrases:

• Привет, как дела? - A common informal greeting meaning "Hello, how are you?"
• Здравствуйте, рад вас видеть! - A formal greeting meaning "Hello, nice to see you!"
• Алло, это кто? - A phone greeting meaning "Hello, who is this?"

Usage Notes:

• Choose "Привет" for casual, informal situations with friends, family, or peers of similar age or status.
• Use "Здравствуйте" when addressing someone in a formal or respectful context, such as teachers, strangers, or in professional settings.
• "Алло" is strictly for phone conversations and should not be used in face-to-face greetings.
• Be mindful of the level of formality in Russian culture, as using the wrong greeting can be seen as impolite.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Привет" in formal situations. For example, saying "Привет" to a teacher or boss.

  Correction: Use "Здравствуйте" instead. Incorrect: "Привет, Иван Петрович!" Correct: "Здравствуйте, Иван Петрович!"

• Error: Using "Алло" in person. For example, greeting someone on the street with "Алло."

  Correction: Reserve "Алло" for phone calls. Use "Привет" or "Здравствуйте" in person.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are highly context-dependent. Using the appropriate level of formality shows respect and understanding of social norms. "Здравствуйте" literally means "Be healthy," reflecting a historical tradition of wishing good health upon meeting someone.

Related Concepts:

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