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 '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. The stress is on the second syllable.

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 situations, such as addressing strangers, elders, or in professional settings.

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, могу я вам помочь?

  Hello, can I help you?

• Здравствуйте, добро пожаловать!

  Hello, welcome!

• Здравствуйте, как вас зовут?

  Hello, what is your name?

3. Telephone Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алло - Used specifically when answering the phone, informal.

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 inflect or change form. It remains the same in all contexts.

Здравствуйте: This is the imperative form of the verb "здравствовать" (to be healthy). It is used in the second person plural as a polite greeting. Variations include:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for Привет:

• Салют
• Хай

Note: "Салют" is less common and often used jokingly; "Хай" is very informal and borrowed from English "Hi."

Synonyms for Здравствуйте:

• Добрый день
• Доброе утро

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

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 about well-being)
• Здравствуйте, рад вас видеть! - "Hello, nice to see you!" (Polite expression of greeting)
• Алло, это кто? - "Hello, who is this?" (Typical phone greeting)

Usage Notes:

• "Привет" is the go-to informal greeting, equivalent to "Hi" or "Hey" in English. Use it with friends or peers.
• "Здравствуйте" is a must in formal or respectful contexts. Using "Привет" with a teacher, boss, or stranger can be seen as rude.
• "Алло" is exclusively for phone conversations. Do not use it in face-to-face greetings.
• Unlike English, Russian greetings often depend on the time of day (e.g., "Доброе утро" for morning), so context matters.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Привет" in formal settings. Wrong: Saying "Привет" to a teacher. Correct: Use "Здравствуйте" instead.
• Error: Mispronouncing "Здравствуйте" by skipping consonants. Wrong: [zdravujtʲe]. Correct: [zdrɐˈstvujtʲe]. Practice the full cluster of sounds.
• Error: Using "Алло" in person. Wrong: Greeting someone face-to-face with "Алло." Correct: Use "Привет" or "Здравствуйте."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are tied to politeness and social hierarchy. Using "Здравствуйте" shows respect, especially to elders or authority figures. Russians may also greet with a handshake (for men) or a nod, and close friends might exchange cheek kisses or hugs. Unlike in some Western cultures, smiling during a greeting is not always expected, especially in formal contexts.

Related Concepts:

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