Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Hello'

English Word: Hello

Key Russian Translations:

• Здравствуйте [ˈzdrastvujtʲe] - [Formal, Polite]
• Привет [prʲɪˈvʲet] - [Informal]
• Алло [ɐˈlo] - [Used when answering the phone]

Frequency: High

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for "Привет"; A2 (Elementary) for "Здравствуйте"; A1 (Beginner) for "Алло"

Pronunciation (Russian):

Здравствуйте: [ˈzdrastvujtʲe]

Note on Здравствуйте: The cluster of consonants at the beginning can be challenging for non-native speakers. Break it down as "zdra-stvooy-tye".

Привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

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

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Greeting

Translation(s) & Context:

• Здравствуйте - Used in formal or polite settings, such as addressing strangers, elders, or in professional environments.
• Привет - Used in informal settings among friends, peers, or family.

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, как у вас дела?

  Hello, how are you doing?

• Привет, давно не виделись!

  Hey, long time no see!

• Здравствуйте, могу я поговорить с Иваном?

  Hello, may I speak with Ivan?

2. Answering the Phone

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алло - Exclusively used when picking up the phone, regardless of formality.

Usage Examples:

• Алло, кто это?

  Hello, who is this?

• Алло, вы меня слышите?

  Hello, can you hear me?

Russian Forms/Inflections:

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

Привет: A noun meaning "greeting," it does not change form as it is used as an interjection in this context.

Алло: An interjection borrowed from French, it does not inflect or change form.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for Здравствуйте (Formal Greeting):

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

Synonyms for Привет (Informal Greeting):

• Здорово (Hey)
• Хай (Hi, slang)

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

Related Phrases:

• Здравствуйте, рад вас видеть! - Hello, nice to see you!
• Привет, как дела? - Hey, how are you?
• Алло, это кто? - Hello, who’s there?

Usage Notes:

• "Здравствуйте" is the safest choice when unsure of the level of formality. It conveys respect and politeness.
• "Привет" should only be used with people you know well or in casual settings, as it can seem overly familiar otherwise.
• "Алло" is strictly for telephone conversations and should not be used in face-to-face greetings.
• Unlike English "Hello," Russian greetings often depend on the time of day (e.g., "Добрый день" for afternoon).

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Привет" in formal settings. For example, saying "Привет" to a teacher or boss. Correct Usage: Use "Здравствуйте" instead. Example: Incorrect: "Привет, Иван Петрович!" Correct: "Здравствуйте, Иван Петрович!"
• Error: Using "Алло" in person. For example, greeting someone face-to-face with "Алло." Correct Usage: Reserve "Алло" for phone calls only.
• Error: Mispronouncing "Здравствуйте" by skipping consonants. Correct Usage: Practice the full pronunciation [ˈzdrastvujtʲe].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are often accompanied by a handshake (for men) or a nod. "Здравствуйте" literally means "be healthy," reflecting a traditional wish for well-being. Using the appropriate level of formality is crucial, as Russians value respect and hierarchy in communication.

Related Concepts:

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