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 all translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

Привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

Note on Привет: Stress is on the second syllable. The 'r' is rolled slightly.

Здравствуйте: [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe]

Note on Здравствуйте: A complex word for beginners due to the cluster of consonants at the start. Stress is on the second syllable.

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Note on Алло: Stress is on the second syllable. Used exclusively in phone conversations.

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, with strangers, or in professional environments.

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 or calling someone on the phone.

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 speaker.

Здравствуйте: This is the formal second-person plural form of the verb "здравствовать" (to be healthy). It can change to "Здравствуй" [zdrɐˈstvuj] when addressing a single person informally.

Алло: This is an interjection used only in phone conversations and does not inflect.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for Привет/Здравствуйте:

• Салют (Informal, similar to "Hey")
• Добрый день (Formal, means "Good day")

Antonyms:

• Пока (Means "Goodbye")
• До свидания (Formal, means "Goodbye")

Related Phrases:

• Привет, как дела? - "Hello, how are you?" (Common informal greeting)
• Здравствуйте, рад вас видеть! - "Hello, nice to see you!" (Polite greeting)
• Алло, это ты? - "Hello, is that you?" (Used on the phone)

Usage Notes:

• "Привет" is strictly informal and should not be used in formal settings or with people you don't know well.
• "Здравствуйте" is the safest choice when greeting someone in a professional or unfamiliar context. It shows respect.
• "Алло" is exclusively used for phone conversations and would sound odd if used in person.
• Russian greetings often depend on the level of formality and relationship with the person you're addressing. Choosing the wrong form can seem rude or overly distant.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Привет" with a teacher or boss. Correct Usage: Use "Здравствуйте" in formal situations. For example, saying "Привет" to a professor can seem disrespectful, while "Здравствуйте" is appropriate.
• Error: Pronouncing "Здравствуйте" as individual letters rather than a fluid word. Correct Usage: Practice blending the consonants together; it should sound like [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe], not broken into parts.
• Error: Using "Алло" in face-to-face greetings. Correct Usage: Reserve "Алло" for phone calls only.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are often tied to social hierarchy and politeness. Using "Здравствуйте" with someone you don't know well or who is older than you demonstrates respect. Russians may also accompany greetings with a handshake (for men) or a nod, especially in formal settings. Unlike in some English-speaking cultures, casual greetings like "Hey" (translated as "Привет") are reserved for close relationships.

Related Concepts:

• Пока (Goodbye, informal)
• До свидания (Goodbye, formal)
• Доброе утро (Good morning)