Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Hello'

English Word: Hello

Key Russian Translations:

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

Frequency: High (All translations are commonly used)

Difficulty: A1 (Beginner) for all translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

Здравствуйте: [ˈzdrastvʊjtʲe]

Note on Здравствуйте: Stress falls on the second syllable. The cluster "здр" can be tricky for beginners; pronounce it as a quick "zdr".

Привет: [prʲɪˈvʲet]

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

Алло: [ɐˈlo]

Note on Алло: Stress on the second syllable. Used almost exclusively for phone conversations.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. General Greeting (Formal/Polite)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Здравствуйте - Used in formal settings, with strangers, or to show respect (e.g., greeting a teacher, boss, or elder).

Usage Examples:

• Здравствуйте, как у вас дела?

  Hello, how are you?

• Здравствуйте, я рад вас видеть!

  Hello, I’m glad to see you!

• Здравствуйте, можно задать вопрос?

  Hello, may I ask a question?

2. General Greeting (Informal/Casual)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Привет - Used among friends, peers, or in casual settings.

Usage Examples:

• Привет, как дела?

  Hey, how’s it going?

• Привет, давно не виделись!

  Hi, long time no see!

• Привет, пойдём гулять?

  Hey, want to go for a walk?

3. Greeting on the Phone

Translation(s) & Context:

• Алло - Used specifically when answering or making a phone call.

Usage Examples:

• Алло, это Иван?

  Hello, is this Ivan?

• Алло, вы меня слышите?

  Hello, can you hear me?

• Алло, я перезвоню позже.

  Hello, I’ll call back later.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

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

Привет: A noun meaning "greeting." It does not inflect when used as a standalone greeting. As a noun, it follows standard masculine noun declension rules:

Case	Singular
Nominative	Привет
Genitive	Привета
Dative	Привету
Accusative	Привет
Instrumental	Приветом
Prepositional	Привете

Алло: An interjection borrowed from French ("allô"). It does not inflect and is used only in the context of phone conversations.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• Здравия желаю (Formal, military context)
• Добрый день (Formal, "Good day")
• Хай (Informal, slang for "Hi")

Note: "Добрый день" is more time-specific (used during the day), while "Здравствуйте" is neutral. "Хай" is very casual and trendy among younger speakers.

Antonyms:

• До свидания (Goodbye)
• Пока (Bye, informal)

Related Phrases:

• Здравствуйте, чем могу помочь? - "Hello, how can I help you?" (Formal, often in customer service)
• Привет, как жизнь? - "Hey, how’s life?" (Informal, casual conversation starter)
• Алло, кто говорит? - "Hello, who’s speaking?" (Used on the phone)

Usage Notes:

• Choosing between "Здравствуйте" and "Привет" depends on the level of formality and familiarity. Use "Здравствуйте" with strangers, elders, or in professional settings. Use "Привет" with friends or peers.
• "Алло" is strictly for phone conversations and would sound odd if used in person.
• Russian greetings often carry a cultural expectation of a follow-up question like "Как дела?" (How are you?). Ignoring this can seem impolite.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Привет" in formal settings. For example, saying "Привет" to a teacher or boss.
  Correct Usage: Use "Здравствуйте" instead.
  Incorrect Example: Привет, Иван Петрович! (Hi, Ivan Petrovich!)
  Correct Example: Здравствуйте, Иван Петрович! (Hello, Ivan Petrovich!)
• Error: Using "Алло" in face-to-face greetings.
  Correct Usage: Reserve "Алло" for phone calls only. Use "Здравствуйте" or "Привет" in person.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, greetings are often accompanied by a handshake (for men) or a nod. "Здравствуйте" literally means "Be healthy," reflecting historical roots in wishing well-being. Russians value politeness in initial interactions, so erring on the side of formality with "Здравствуйте" is advisable when unsure.

Related Concepts:

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